Plodd's Puzzling P's Trivia Quiz

Answer: Prickle

The word porcupine is Latin for "quill pig". Native to Asia, Africa and the Americas, porcupines are large rodents with dangerously sharp quills used as protection against predators. The quills on some species can reach 12 inches in length.

Answer: Pop

To "pop one's clogs" is an idiom which means "to die". It is believed that the word "pop" is slang for pawn, and for people who were short of cash, they would take items from their household to a pawn shop in exchange for money. The last thing they would pawn would be their clogs as these were essential for everyday living.

Answer: Padua

Padua is a historical city in northern Italy, close to Venice and Treviso. With its stunningly beautiful architecture, the city is filled with churches, statues and an 800 year old university. The city was used by Shakespeare as a setting for "The Taming of the Shrew".

Answer: Pachymeter

A pachymeter is a medical device used to measure the thickness of the cornea, or a thin covering such as a membrane or tissue. The measurements are recorded by ultrasound and can be used to determine screening prior to surgery, or as an added diagnosis for those with potential glaucoma.

Answer: The Pretenders

The Pretenders were a British/American rock group with Chrissie Hynde as the lead singer. "Brass in Pocket" was their first number one hit single in the UK, and the song also reached number 14 in the USA. Other hits by the group included "Don't Get Me Wrong" (1986) and "I'll Stand By You" (1994).

Answer: Pandora

In Greek mythology, legend says that Pandora was the first woman made out of clay. The gods gave her a several gifts in blessing, and she opened one such gift after her marriage, a jar commonly known as Pandora's box, which released evil spirits into the world. The last spirit to be release was called Hope.

Answer: Peter Graves

Peter Graves was an American actor made famous for his role as Jim Phelps, the director of IMF (Impossible Missions Force). The character was reprised in the 1996 film by actor Jon Voight. Graves has also been seen in several film roles including "Airplane!" (1980) and "Men in Black II" (2002).

Answer: Paddle

The oarsman supports a paddle by holding it with both hands, and this is used to propel his/her canoe or kayak through the water. It is not to be confused with an oar which is a paddling device fixed and supported by a boat. Paddles are normally made of fibre glass or wood.

Answer: Peninsular

The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company was formed in 1822, initially as a shipping line between England and the countries of Portugal and Spain on the Iberian Peninsula. Since then, their cruise liners have visited different countries throughout the world, with ships that have included the Canberra and the 2011-built Adonia.

Answer: Wear it

A paletot was a short overcoat worn by young women and children, first used during the 1820s to replace the longer cloak which was favoured by the older generation. It was a roomy garment, later with a slit on each side to fit over the fashionable crinolines of the times.