Feb 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
Theneer : Tamil :: ___ : English
TEA
“Theneer” is the Tamil word for tea. The English word is also “tea,” so the answer is TEA.
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4A
Muscle cramp
SPASM
A spasm is a sudden, involuntary tightening of a muscle. That’s what happens during a muscle cramp.
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6A
Last capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom, now a UNESCO heritage site in Karnataka
HAMPI
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, including in its final years. Its historic ruins in Karnataka are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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7A
Topple
UPEND
To upend something is to turn it over or make it fall. So UPEND fits the clue “topple.”
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8A
Tiny amount
TAD
A “tad” means a small amount. For example, “Add a tad of salt” means add just a little.
Down
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1D
Domesticated, as an elephant
TAMED
An elephant that has been domesticated has been trained to live and work with people. “Tamed” means trained in this way, so it fits the clue.
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2D
Good place to watch plays?
ESPN
ESPN is a good place to watch sports plays. The clue uses “plays” to mean actions in a game, not stage performances.
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3D
Surrounded by
AMID
“Amid” means among or in the middle of something. If you are amid a crowd, you are surrounded by people.
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4D
Close, as a door
SHUT
“Shut” means to close something, such as a door. You can shut a door by moving it into the closed position.
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5D
Daddy
PAPA
“Papa” is another word for “Daddy.” It’s a familiar name for a father.