July 26 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
Home to billions
ASIA
Asia is the largest continent in the world, covering about 30% of the Earth's land area. It is home to over 4 billion people, making it the most populous continent. Countries like China and India have the highest populations globally, contributing to the billions living in Asia. This makes Asia the right answer for the clue "Home to billions."
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5A
Magic ___: prop for Harry Potter
WAND
The answer to the crossword clue is "WAND." In the Harry Potter series, wands are magical tools used by wizards and witches to cast spells. Each wand is unique and plays an important role in the story. Without their wands, the characters would struggle to perform magic.
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6A
Exposes, as tattoo
BARES
The word "bares" means to reveal or uncover something. In the context of a tattoo, when someone "bares" their skin, they are showing the tattoo that is usually hidden. This makes "bares" a perfect fit for the clue "Exposes, as tattoo." It captures the idea of revealing something that may not always be visible.
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7A
To-and-fro
TRIP
The word "trip" can mean to move back and forth, which fits the clue "to-and-fro." It also refers to a journey, often involving movement in different directions. Additionally, "trip" can describe a quick, back-and-forth motion, like how you might move when you are walking. This makes it a good match for the clue provided.
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8A
East coast : NY :: ___ coast : SFO
WEST
The clue compares two locations: New York (NY) on the East Coast and San Francisco (SFO) on the West Coast. Just as New York is on the east side of the United States, San Francisco is located on the west side. Therefore, the answer "WEST" fits perfectly, as it describes the direction of the coast where San Francisco is found. This creates a clear relationship between the two pairs of locations.
Down
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1D
Well-informed
AWARE
The word "aware" means having knowledge or understanding about something. When someone is well-informed, they are aware of important facts and details. Being aware helps people make better decisions and stay updated. Therefore, "aware" is a perfect match for the clue "well-informed."
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2D
Fall-collection pieces?
SARIS
The answer "SARIS" fits the clue "Fall-collection pieces" because saris are traditional garments often worn in India and other South Asian countries. In the context of fashion, a "fall collection" refers to clothing styles that are popular in the autumn season. Saris can be made from heavier fabrics and come in rich, warm colors that are perfect for fall. Thus, they can be considered stylish pieces in a fall wardrobe.
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3D
One with fat finger, perhaps
INEPT
The answer "INEPT" fits the clue "One with fat finger, perhaps" because it describes someone who is clumsy or awkward. A person with fat fingers might struggle to type or handle small objects, leading to mistakes. This clumsiness can be seen as a lack of skill or ability, which aligns with the meaning of "inept." Thus, it highlights the idea of being uncoordinated or ineffective in certain tasks.
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4D
What you dont see when solving MG Minis
ADS
When solving MG Minis, you often focus on the puzzles and clues in front of you. However, what you don't see are the advertisements, or "ads," that may be hidden in the background. These ads can influence your thoughts and distract you from the main task. So, the answer "ADS" fits perfectly as something you overlook while solving.
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6D
"Oh, forgot 2 mention ...", in text
BTW
The clue "Oh, forgot 2 mention ..." suggests that something important was left out of a conversation. The abbreviation "BTW" stands for "by the way," which is often used when adding extra information. It fits perfectly because it indicates that the speaker is introducing a new point they previously overlooked. Using "BTW" helps keep the conversation casual and friendly.