July 21 clues & answers
Every clue of this Indian mini crossword by Mangesh Ghogre, with the answer and, where it helps, how the wordplay works. Solve it yourself first: the puzzle is open to subscribers.
Across
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1A
Baba : Marathi :: ___ : Urdu
ABBA
In Marathi, "Baba" means father or an affectionate term for an elder man. Similarly, in Urdu, "Abba" is also used to mean father. Both words show how different languages have similar terms for family relationships. This makes "Abba" the perfect answer for the crossword clue.
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5A
What many kids do in a car/train passing a tunnel
SCREAM
Many kids love to scream when they pass through a tunnel in a car or train. The dark tunnel creates excitement and makes it feel like a fun adventure. It's a way for them to express their joy and thrill as they enter and exit the tunnel. This playful reaction is a common memory for many families on road trips or train rides.
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7A
Sushi go-with
WASABI
Wasabi is a spicy green paste often served with sushi. It adds a strong flavor that complements the taste of raw fish. Many people enjoy mixing it with soy sauce for dipping sushi. This makes wasabi a perfect "go-with" for sushi dishes.
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8A
Straightened, as hair
IRONED
The answer "IRONED" fits the clue "Straightened, as hair" because it describes the process of using a flat iron to make hair smooth and straight. Just like ironing clothes removes wrinkles, using a hair iron helps straighten out curls or waves in hair. Both actions involve applying heat to achieve a sleek appearance. Therefore, "IRONED" is a perfect match for the clue.
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9A
___ wear, at a departmental store
MENS
The answer "MENS" fits the clue because it refers to men's clothing, which is commonly found in a departmental store. Departmental stores often have sections dedicated to different types of wear, and "mens wear" specifically targets male customers. This term is well-known and widely used in retail, making it a perfect match for the crossword clue.
Down
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1D
Crime involving a fire
ARSON
Arson is the crime of deliberately setting fire to property. It can cause a lot of damage and put lives at risk. This makes it a serious offense in many places. The word "arson" directly relates to the clue about a crime involving fire.
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2D
Spill the ___: reveal
BEANS
The phrase "spill the beans" means to reveal a secret or share information that was meant to be kept hidden. The word "spill" suggests accidentally letting something out, while "beans" represents the information itself. This expression is often used when someone shares news or secrets they weren't supposed to disclose. Therefore, "beans" is the perfect answer for the crossword clue.
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3D
Honey substitute?
BABE
The answer "BABE" fits the clue "Honey substitute" because "babe" can be a term of endearment, similar to how honey is often used affectionately. People might refer to their loved ones as "babe," just like they might sweeten their words with honey. Additionally, both honey and the term "babe" evoke warmth and sweetness in relationships. This playful connection makes "babe" a clever answer to the clue.
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4D
Surrounded by
AMID
The word "amid" means to be in the middle of or surrounded by something. When you say something is amid a group, it means it is located within that group. This makes "amid" a perfect fit for the clue "surrounded by." It captures the idea of being enclosed or encircled by other things.
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5D
Ironman activity
SWIM
An Ironman triathlon includes three main activities: swimming, biking, and running. The first part of the race is always a swim in open water. This makes "swim" the perfect answer for the clue "Ironman activity." It highlights the essential skill needed to compete in this challenging event.
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6D
The "C" of ICU
CARE
The "C" in ICU stands for "Care." ICU stands for Intensive Care Unit, which is a special part of a hospital where patients receive close attention and treatment. The focus in this unit is on providing the best care possible for very sick patients. Therefore, "CARE" is the perfect answer for this crossword clue.