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The Atlantic Crossword Answers & Hints - Solve Today's Grid

Across

  • The answer "BAH" fits "Cry of derision" because it’s an expression used to convey disdain, disbelief, or dismissiveness. The clue uses quotation marks, signaling a vocalized reaction. "Bah" is commonly associated with scoffing or mocking rejection, aligning perfectly with the tone of derision mentioned in the clue.

  • The clue "Intro course?" with a question mark suggests wordplay. "Intro course" can be interpreted as a starter course in a meal. APPS is short for appetizers, which are typically served as introductory dishes. The pun ties "Intro course" to this dining term.

  • The clue "September 28, for Michaelmas" refers to the day before Michaelmas, which is observed on September 29. The word "Eve" is commonly used to describe the day or evening before an event or holiday, making "EVE" the correct solution.

  • The answer is TOOL because a plane is a woodworking tool used to smooth or shape wood surfaces. The clue refers to "plane" as a type of instrument rather than an aircraft, making TOOL the correct solution.

  • The phrase "Grind the gears of" is a figurative expression meaning to annoy, irritate, or frustrate someone. The word "VEX" directly means to bother or irritate, making it a suitable synonym and the perfect match for the clue.

  • The answer "TORO" refers to the fatty belly of tuna, a prized ingredient in Japanese cuisine. In omakase, a chef-curated sushi experience, TORO is often featured because of its rich flavor and luxurious texture, making it a notable protein in such meals.

  • The Maghreb is a region in North Africa, including countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Its name derives from the Arabic word "al-Maghrib," meaning "the west" or "the place where the sun sets," reflecting its geographic position west of the Arab world.

  • The clue "Croatia's capital" is straightforward, asking for the name of the capital city of Croatia. The capital of Croatia is Zagreb, making it the correct answer. Zagreb is the largest city in the country and serves as its political, economic, and cultural hub.

  • "Grind the gears of" is a figurative phrase meaning to annoy or frustrate someone, much like the unpleasant grinding of mechanical gears when something goes wrong. This aligns perfectly with "IRRITATE," which means to provoke discomfort or annoyance, making it an apt solution for the clue.

  • The clue uses wordplay and a pun. A "PIANO BAR" is a type of business where a pianist performs, and the "keys" (piano keys) are literally locked inside the piano. The clever twist is on "keys" as both musical and physical objects being secured.

  • The answer "SAM" refers to Sam Reich, the host and CEO of the popular game show Game Changer, which airs on the online platform CollegeHumor's streaming service, Dropout. The clue directly points to his role, making SAM the correct solution.

  • The answer "PYRE" fits because Guy Fawkes Night, celebrated on November 5th in the UK, involves bonfires to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. A pyre is a combustible heap, often used for burning, making it a central fixture in these celebrations featuring bonfires.

Down

  • The clue "Drink, cutesily" hints at a shortened, playful form of the word "beverage." "Cutesily" suggests a casual or affectionate term, and "Bev" is a common, informal abbreviation for "beverage," fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The phrase "gratia plena" (Latin for "full of grace") originates from the Catholic prayer "Hail Mary," recited in Latin as Ave Maria, gratia plena. Thus, the words preceding gratia plena in this prayer are "Ave Maria," making it the correct answer.

  • In the I Ching, an ancient Chinese divination text, a "hexagram" is a six-lined figure made up of six horizontal lines, either broken or unbroken. These represent different yin/yang combinations and are used for interpretation and guidance, aligning perfectly with the clue's description.

  • The phrase "Above all others" suggests ranking or position that is superior or highest. "AT THE TOP" directly conveys being in the highest position, literally or figuratively, perfectly matching the clue's meaning. It implies being the best, highest, or most elevated among others.

  • The clue "Cry me a river!" is a sarcastic remark often used to mock someone complaining excessively or seeking pity. The answer, POORBABY, embodies that condescension, as it’s a dismissive phrase used to belittle someone’s grievances, matching the tone and wordplay of the clue.

  • Pumice is a type of volcanic rock known for its light, porous texture. The clue "Pumice feature" refers to this characteristic. A "pore" is a small opening on a surface, which matches the defining feature of pumice—its many tiny pores. Hence, the answer is PORE.

  • The clue uses wordplay with "picking up" to suggest cleanliness or tidiness. A "slob" is someone messy or untidy, whose "business" (personal habits or surroundings) clearly isn't centered on "picking up" or cleaning. The pun makes "slob" a perfect fit.

  • The clue "It may be sheepish" is playful, using wordplay to describe a shy or embarrassed expression. A "sheepish grin" is a common phrase referring to a smile that conveys embarrassment, shyness, or self-consciousness, perfectly fitting the tone of the clue. Thus, the answer is GRIN.

  • The clue "Closes with teeth" uses wordplay. A zipper has "teeth" (the interlocking metal or plastic pieces), and when you close it, it "zips" shut. Thus, the answer is ZIPS, as it describes the action of closing using a zipper’s teeth.

  • The answer is TAR because tar pits, like the famous La Brea Tar Pits, have preserved remains of animals, including mammoths, for thousands of years. The tar's sticky, viscous nature trapped the animals, preventing decay and enabling fossilization, thus preserving their remains over millennia.

  • The phrase "Look ___ ye leap" refers to the proverb "Look ere ye leap," where "ere" is an old-fashioned word meaning "before." It emphasizes caution, advising one to think or examine carefully before taking action. Hence, "ERE" fits perfectly as the solution.

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Thursday’s Atlantic crossword offers a mix of wordplay, cultural references, and specialty knowledge, making it a satisfying midweek challenge. Clues range from culinary terms like TORO and punny entries like PIANOBAR, to geography (MAGHREB) and Latin prayers (AVEMARIA). Short, expressive entries such as BAH and idiomatic phrases like ATTHETOP add playful variety. The puzzle balances clever misdirection with straightforward knowledge, rewarding solvers who enjoy lateral thinking, pop culture, and a touch of erudition in a compact format.

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