May 8 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
BJP politician Amit ___
SHAH
The crossword clue refers to a well-known politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India. Amit Shah is a prominent leader in the party and has held important positions, including the Home Minister. His last name, "Shah," fits perfectly in the crossword puzzle. This makes "SHAH" the correct answer to the clue.
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5A
Social reformer Savitribai ___
PHULE
Savitribai Phule was a prominent social reformer in India during the 19th century. She worked hard to improve education for girls and fought against caste discrimination. Her efforts helped empower women and promote social equality. Phule's legacy continues to inspire many people today.
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6A
Supreme Court aides
CLERKS
The answer "CLERKS" fits the clue "Supreme Court aides" because clerks assist the justices in their work. They help with research, draft opinions, and manage case files. Each Supreme Court justice typically has several clerks who support them throughout the court's proceedings. This role is crucial for the efficient functioning of the court.
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7A
Largest artery in the human body
AORTA
The largest artery in the human body is called the aorta. It carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta is essential for delivering the blood that helps our organs and tissues function properly. Its size and importance make it a key part of the circulatory system.
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8A
Type of extras, in cricket
BYES
In cricket, "byes" are a type of extra run scored when the ball passes the batsman without hitting the bat or body. If the ball goes past the wicketkeeper and the batsmen run, they can earn these runs. Byes are different from runs scored off the bat, making them a unique part of the game. This is why "byes" fits the crossword clue about types of extras in cricket.
Down
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1D
"The Jungle Book" tiger ____ Khan
SHERE
The answer to the crossword clue is "Shere." In "The Jungle Book," Shere Khan is the main tiger character. He is known for being fierce and cunning as he hunts for Mowgli, the story's human boy. The name "Shere Khan" is iconic and easily recognized by fans of the story.
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2D
Shoots in the foot
HURTS
The phrase "shoots in the foot" is often used to describe actions that cause self-harm or problems for oneself. The word "hurts" fits this idea perfectly, as it means to cause pain or damage. When someone makes a mistake that negatively affects themselves, they are essentially hurting their own situation. Therefore, "hurts" is a fitting answer to the crossword clue.
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3D
"Kuch Kuch Hota Hai..." singer Yagnik
ALKA
The answer to the crossword clue is "ALKA." Alka Yagnik is a famous Indian playback singer known for her work in Bollywood films. She sang the popular song "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," which is from the movie of the same name. Her voice and talent made her one of the leading singers in the industry during the 1990s and 2000s.
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4D
"For ____ a jolly good fellow..."
HES
The answer "HES" fits the clue because it completes the famous song lyric "For he's a jolly good fellow." This phrase is often sung to celebrate someone, especially at parties or gatherings. The word "he's" is a contraction of "he is," which matches the clue perfectly. Overall, "HES" is a clever way to represent the song's joyful sentiment.
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5D
Clever tactic
PLOY
The word "ploy" refers to a clever plan or tactic used to achieve a specific goal. It often involves tricking or outsmarting someone. This makes it a perfect fit for the clue "clever tactic," as both words imply a strategic approach to a situation. Overall, "ploy" captures the essence of using cleverness to gain an advantage.
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6D
Its business is picking up?
CAB
The answer "CAB" fits the clue "Its business is picking up" because a cab, or taxi, picks up passengers. When people need a ride, they call a cab, which means its business is busy and increasing. The phrase "picking up" cleverly refers to both the act of getting passengers and the idea of growing demand for taxi services. Overall, it's a fun play on words!