Aug 18 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
-
1A
Tennis champ Monica ___
SELES
Monica Seles is a famous tennis player known for her powerful playing style. She won several Grand Slam titles during her career, making her one of the top champions in the sport. The clue specifically mentions "Tennis champ," which directly points to her achievements in tennis. Therefore, the answer "SELES" fits perfectly.
-
6A
Meryl ___ of "Devil Wears Prada"
STREEP
Meryl Streep is a famous actress known for her role in the movie "The Devil Wears Prada." In the film, she plays Miranda Priestly, a powerful fashion magazine editor. Her performance received critical acclaim and showcased her talent. That's why "Streep" is the correct answer to the crossword clue.
-
7A
Group of artists with unique style, in music
GHARANA
A "gharana" is a term used in Indian classical music to describe a specific school or style of music that has its own unique characteristics. Each gharana has its own techniques, traditions, and interpretations, which makes it distinct from others. This word perfectly fits the clue as it refers to a group of artists who share a common musical style. Thus, "gharana" captures the essence of a unique artistic group in music.
-
8A
___ borealis
AURORA
The term "aurora borealis" refers to the natural light display seen in the northern skies, often called the Northern Lights. The word "aurora" means dawn in Latin, which fits well with the idea of bright lights appearing in the night sky. This answer matches the crossword clue perfectly, as it completes the phrase. Additionally, "aurora" is commonly associated with beautiful, colorful lights, making it a well-known term.
-
9A
Like Amitabh Bachchan's role in "Mohabbatein"
STERN
In "Mohabbatein," Amitabh Bachchan plays a strict headmaster named Narayan Shankar. He is known for his stern demeanor and firm rules about love and discipline. His character represents authority and tradition, which contrasts with the younger characters who seek to break free from those constraints. This serious attitude makes "stern" a fitting description of his role in the film.
Down
-
1D
Fixed gaze
STARE
The word "stare" means to look at something for a long time without blinking. This matches the clue "fixed gaze," as a stare is a type of gaze that is steady and focused. When someone stares, they are not just glancing; they are looking intently. Therefore, "stare" is a perfect fit for the clue.
-
2D
“404: Page Not Found,” e.g.
ERROR
The answer "ERROR" fits the clue "404: Page Not Found" because a 404 error is a common message displayed when a webpage cannot be found. It indicates that the server could not locate the requested page. In this context, "ERROR" captures the essence of the problem users face when they encounter a 404 message. Thus, it is a perfect match for the clue.
-
3D
Pick up from school?
LEARN
The clue "Pick up from school?" can be interpreted in a clever way. When you "pick up" knowledge or skills, you are learning. So, "learn" fits because it relates to what happens at school. In this context, the clue plays with the idea of picking up information instead of just physically picking someone up.
-
4D
"___ meena deeka..."
EENA
The phrase "___ meena deeka" is a popular line from the children's song "Meena Kumari." The missing word is "EENA," which completes the phrase. This song is well-known in various cultures and often used in games and activities. Therefore, "EENA" fits perfectly as the answer to the crossword clue.
-
5D
Taj hotel amenity
SPA
The Taj hotel is known for its luxury and relaxation offerings. A spa is a common amenity at high-end hotels, providing guests with services like massages and facials. Staying at a Taj hotel often means enjoying a peaceful spa experience. This makes "SPA" a perfect answer for the clue about a Taj hotel amenity.
-
6D
Close or closed but not closer
SHUT
The word "shut" means to close something, like a door or a window. It fits the clue because "close" and "shut" are synonyms. The phrase "but not closer" suggests that "shut" does not imply being closer, just being in a closed state. Therefore, "shut" perfectly matches the clue given.
-
7D
Biscuit : Cookie :: Petrol : ___
GAS
The relationship in the clue shows that a biscuit is a type of cookie, just as petrol is a type of gas. In many places, petrol is commonly referred to as gas, especially in the United States. Both pairs represent a broader category and a specific example within that category. Therefore, "gas" is the correct answer that completes the analogy.