Reader's Digest Australia Dec/Jan 2025

DARREN RIGBY (DOMI-NOPE). EMILY GOODMAN (A LENDING HAND). FRASER SIMPSON (SET FREE) Set Free Easy Place an A, B or C in each empty cell of this grid such that no three consecutive cells in any horizontal, vertical or diagonal line contain a set of identical letters (such as B-B-B) or a set of three different letters (such as C-A-B). Can you ensure a set-free grid? For answers, turn to page 149 . For more Brain Games, go to rd.com/braingames . Domi-nope MEdiuM This grid is made up entirely of dominoes that look like the model shown below—except for one. Can you find it? A Lending Hand Easy Looking at the hands below, which card belongs where the question mark is? C A B C A A reader ’ s digest 146 December 2025/January 2026 1. countenance n. ('kown-tuh-nuhns) A noble rank B facial expression C unwritten rule 2. odious adj. ('oh-dee-uhs) A horrible B musical C scented 3. proviso n. (pruh-'vigh-zoh) A umbrella B condition C suitor 4. impute v. (im-'pyoot) A critique B chalk up C refuse English novelist Jane Austen would have turned 250 on Dec. 16. We’re celebrating her enduring mix of social satire and romance by quizzing you on vocab from her books, like Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice . Make suitable matches, then turn the page to see if there’s a happy ending. 9. vex v. (veks) A aggravate B break a vow C curse 10. repartee n. (reh-puhr-'tee) A muslin gown B witty conversation C annual ball 11. lassitude n. ('lass-uh-tood) A snobbery B caution C fatigue 12. scrupulous adj. ('skroo-pyuh-luhs) A thorough B sociable C mysterious 13. obtrude v. (uhb-'trood) A persuade B object C impose 14. dint n. (dint) A power B footpath C buckle 15. hale adj. (hayl) A wealthy B healthy C stealthy 5. pert adj. (puhrt) A young B sassy C gruff 6. copse n. (kahps) A undergarment B country road C group of trees 7. pallid adj. ('pal-uhd) A loveless B penniless C colorless 8. hauteur n. (haw-'tuhr) A impostor B haughtiness C small carriage BY Sarah Chassé readersdigest.com.au     147 Brain Games WORD POWER