Aug 7 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
Pops
DADS
The word "pops" is often used as a casual term for fathers. In many families, kids call their dads "Dad" or "Pop." This makes "DADS" a fitting answer for the crossword clue. It captures the informal and affectionate way people refer to their fathers.
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5A
Indian or American ___, on TV
IDOL
The answer "IDOL" fits the clue because there are popular TV shows called "Indian Idol" and "American Idol." Both shows feature contestants singing and competing to become the best singer. They showcase talent and have large audiences in their respective countries. This makes "IDOL" a perfect fit for the clue about TV shows.
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6A
Dance form with cymbals, in Pune
LEZIM
Lezim is a traditional dance form from Maharashtra, which includes the city of Pune. Dancers use cymbals, called "lezi," while performing, adding a lively rhythm to the dance. This vibrant art form is often seen during festivals and celebrations in the region. The use of cymbals makes Lezim unique and easily recognizable.
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8A
Longtime late-night host Jay, on NBC
LENO
The answer "LENO" fits the clue because Jay Leno was a famous late-night talk show host on NBC. He hosted "The Tonight Show" for many years, becoming a well-known figure in television. His humor and interviews made him popular with audiences. Leno is often remembered for his distinctive style and long tenure on the show.
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9A
Leading ___: mis-hit in cricket
EDGE
The answer "EDGE" fits the clue "Leading ___: mis-hit in cricket" because in cricket, a leading edge occurs when the batsman hits the ball with the edge of the bat. This type of mis-hit can lead to a catch for the fielding team. The term "leading" refers to the part of the bat that is closest to the bowler when the ball is hit. So, "EDGE" perfectly describes this specific cricket term.
Down
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1D
The "D" of DCH
DIL
The clue "The 'D' of DCH" refers to the first letter in the acronym DCH. In this case, DCH stands for "DIL," which is a common abbreviation in various contexts. Therefore, the answer "DIL" fits perfectly as it directly represents the letter "D" in the acronym. This makes it a straightforward solution for the crossword puzzle.
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2D
"Skyfall" singer
ADELE
The answer to the clue "Skyfall" singer is ADELE. She is a famous British singer known for her powerful voice and emotional songs. "Skyfall" is one of the songs she performed for the James Bond movie of the same name. Her performance of this song won her many awards and made her even more popular.
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3D
What Kumbhakarna often did
DOZED
Kumbhakarna is a character from the Indian epic Ramayana. He is known for his enormous size and his love for sleeping. The word "dozed" fits the clue because Kumbhakarna often fell into deep sleep for long periods. His frequent naps were a key part of his character, making "dozed" the perfect answer.
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4D
___ bag: hiker's accessory
SLING
A sling bag is a type of bag that is worn across the body, making it easy to carry while hiking. It keeps your hands free for climbing or using trekking poles. The design helps distribute weight evenly, which is important for comfort on long hikes. This makes a sling bag a popular choice for hikers who need to access their gear quickly.
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7D
"Eeny, meeny, miny, ___..."
MOE
The phrase "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" is a popular counting rhyme often used by children when making a choice. "Moe" is the last word in the rhyme, completing the sequence. This makes "MOE" the perfect answer to the crossword clue. It's a fun and familiar phrase that many people recognize.