A fresh challenge awaits enthusiasts of word puzzles with the latest edition of our quick crossword series. The captivating brainteasers span across 25 unique clues, offering a mix of straightforward fills and cryptic hints to engage solvers of all skill levels.
Across Clues
The puzzle kicks off with a subtle start at 1 across, asking for a four-letter word that describes a gentle flow. At 3 across, enthusiasts must think of a small hand-held telescope, linked to “The Amber ___,” that spans eight letters.
Fans of modern gadgets will appreciate 9 across, which seeks a seven-letter term for portable computers. Music lovers might find 10 across intriguing, as it references a five-letter dance connected to Lou Bega’s “___ No.5.”
More anatomical knowledge is needed for 11 across, which involves a five-letter anagram clue focusing on a small U-shaped neck bone. Seafood fans have their challenge at 12 across with a six-letter query on a large flatfish.
Troublemakers can relate to the expression sought at 14 across (8-5 letters), while a forward-looking geopolitical question appears at 17 across, noting Mark Carney’s role as a “PM” in 2025, answerable with a six-letter response.
19 and 22 across explore dual-meaning words related to life, fire, or body, and house, lies, or wash, each requiring a five-letter input. Fans of sports find their challenge at 23 across, searching for the connection to a London football team with a question about “___ bun,” needing seven letters.
A daring action is contemplated at 24 across with a 4,4 pattern, and musicians might excel at 25 across, which hints at a four-letter instrument similar to a harp.
Down Clues
Venturing down, clue 1 down references a US state with a theatrical link symbolized by an exclamation mark, requiring an eight-letter term. Classic film buffs tackle 2 down, needing the name of the youngest Marx brother in five letters.
Moving to more physical activities, 4 down looks for a three-part term (4,3,6) tied to a memorable children’s party game, followed by a contest-oriented clue at 5 down, relating to a competitor in digital games with a five-letter answer.
6 down tests knowledge of wrestling with a seven-letter term for a specific move, while 7 down challenges with a four-letter word to describe a slovenly or lazy person. More creatively puzzling is 8 down’s quest for a six-letter term for a “thingamy.”
Higher education achievement takes the spotlight at 13 down, with an eight-letter word describing someone with a degree. Seasickness surfaces at 15 down, challenging solvers to find a seven-letter description for queasiness on water.
Enticement is key at 16 down, asking for a six-letter term for anything attractive. 18 down employs an anagram with a five-letter result to describe something bitter and sour. 20 down delves into the technical, focusing on a five-letter analysis of precious metal purity.
Finally, 21 down presents a four-letter clue about maintaining buoyancy, to complete this crossword’s intricate web of words.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.