April 15 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
Field-plowing site
FARM
A farm is a piece of land used for growing crops and raising animals. Farmers plow the fields on their farms to prepare the soil for planting. This makes "farm" a perfect answer to the clue "Field-plowing site." It directly relates to the activity of plowing and the location where it happens.
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5A
Piece of mind?
IDEA
The clue "Piece of mind?" plays on the phrase "peace of mind," which means feeling calm and secure. An "idea" can be considered a piece of thought or mental content. When you have a good idea, it can bring you peace and clarity. Thus, "idea" cleverly fits as a play on words related to the clue.
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6A
River setting for Kumbh Mela
GANGA
The Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu festival that takes place at the confluence of sacred rivers. One of the main rivers where this event is held is the Ganga, also known as the Ganges. The Ganga is considered holy in Hinduism, and many people come to bathe in its waters during the festival. This connection makes "Ganga" the perfect answer for the crossword clue about the river setting for Kumbh Mela.
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8A
Mother's brother, in Nagpur
MAMA
In Nagpur, as well as in many parts of India, the word "Mama" is commonly used to refer to a mother's brother, or maternal uncle. This term is part of the local culture and language. It highlights the close family ties and the special role that uncles play in Indian families. Therefore, "Mama" is the perfect answer to the crossword clue.
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9A
Noted one was given at an Oscar ceremony
SLAP
The answer "SLAP" fits the clue because it refers to the famous incident at the Oscars where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. This moment became widely talked about and is often referred to as a "noted" event from the ceremony. The word "slap" also describes the action that took place, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Down
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1D
Anjeer, in English
FIG
Anjeer is the Hindi word for fig. Figs are sweet fruits that are often eaten fresh or dried. They are known for their unique texture and flavor. In English, the word for this delicious fruit is indeed "fig."
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2D
___ apple: throat feature
ADAMS
The answer "ADAMS" fits the clue because it refers to the "Adam's apple," which is a noticeable feature in the throat. The Adam's apple is more prominent in men and is part of the larynx. It helps protect the vocal cords and plays a role in producing sound. This term is commonly used to describe this specific part of the throat.
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3D
Kidney-related
RENAL
The word "renal" refers to anything related to the kidneys. In medical terms, it is often used to describe conditions, functions, or diseases involving the kidneys. Since the clue specifically mentions "kidney-related," "renal" is the perfect fit. It shows a clear connection to the organ and its functions in the body.
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4D
What lava is before an eruption
MAGMA
Magma is the molten rock found beneath the Earth's surface. Before a volcanic eruption, this hot liquid rock is stored underground. When pressure builds up, magma can rise to the surface and erupt as lava. Therefore, magma is what lava is called before it escapes from the volcano.
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7D
Arvind Kejriwal's party (abbr.)
AAP
Arvind Kejriwal is the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, often abbreviated as AAP. This political party was founded in 2012 in India and focuses on issues like anti-corruption and good governance. The abbreviation AAP is commonly used in news articles and discussions about Indian politics. Therefore, it fits perfectly as the answer to the crossword clue.