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Traffic blockages - The Atlantic Crossword Clue
Across
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The answer is "FOR" because it can sound like the number "four" when spoken aloud. This clue uses wordplay with the question mark signaling a pun: the homophone connection between "FOR" (a preposition) and "four" (a number).
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The word "noodge" means someone who pesters or annoys persistently, often by nagging. The clue "Act the noodge" directly refers to this behavior, making "NAG" (to pester or complain repeatedly) the perfect match as it captures the essence of acting like a noodge.
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The clue "Yeah, sounds fun" is in quotes, signaling a conversational or informal phrase. "I'm in" (IMIN) is a casual way of expressing agreement or enthusiasm to join something enjoyable, matching the tone of the clue perfectly.
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EVA is the solution because it is the first name of the fictional Victor mentioned in the clue. Crossword constructors often create clues referencing fictional or plausible future scenarios, as with "2025's Sorry, Baby," pointing to a made-up writer/director, Eva Victor.
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The clue "Beat ferociously" uses wordplay. "Beat" can mean to move fast or compete intensely, which aligns with "RACE." Additionally, "ferociously" intensifies this idea, as racing can involve an intense effort or speed to win, fitting the metaphorical sense of "beating" in a fierce competition or chase.
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The answer "WIZ" refers to G-Wiz, the official mascot of the NBA's Washington Wizards. The clue uses "G-___" to hint at the mascot's name, with "Wiz" being short for "Wizards." This is a sports-specific reference to the team's branding.
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The answer is THE CHASE because Mark Labbett, nicknamed "The Beast," is a key figure on this trivia game show. Contestants face off against expert quizzers ("Chasers") in a battle of knowledge. "The Beast" is his persona due to his intelligence and imposing presence on the show.
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The clue "Exploited a security weakness, maybe" points to a term related to breaking into systems by exploiting vulnerabilities. "HACKED" commonly describes unauthorized access to systems by taking advantage of their weaknesses, fitting both the definition and the "maybe" aspect, allowing for interpretation flexibility.
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The answer SNARLUPS fits because "snarl-ups" is a term for situations where traffic becomes tangled or obstructed, creating blockages. The plural form aligns with "blockages" in the clue, and the hyphenated word reflects the jammed, chaotic nature of the problem. It's a direct but somewhat playful term.
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The answer "SKULLET" combines "skull" (indicating a shaved or bald front) and "mullet" (known for its "long-in-the-back" style). This humorous term describes the unique haircut. The clue’s specificity about the style and reference to FKA twigs adopting it aligns with this creative hairstyle name.
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The answer is EBATES because it was a well-known cash-back rewards company that allowed users to earn money back on purchases. Rakuten, a global e-commerce giant, acquired EBATES in 2014, rebranding it under its name while keeping its cash-back model intact, making the clue historically accurate.
Down
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"FIRTHS" is the solution because it refers to narrow inlets of the sea, often at the estuary of a river, particularly in Scotland. Estuaries are transitional zones between river environments and maritime areas, aligning with the definition of "firths." This matches the clue precisely.
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The answer "OMAHANS" refers to residents of Omaha, Nebraska, where the famous Boys Town organization, a community and charity for at-risk youth, is located. Since Boys Town is based in Omaha, its residents can be referred to as Omahans.
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The answer "RICECAKE" fits because a rice cake is a light, airy snack, often considered low in calories due to its simple composition of puffed rice. The clue directly describes the food's characteristics, making "RICECAKE" the logical solution.
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The term "NEW ADULT" refers to a literary genre targeting readers aged 18–29. It focuses on themes like transitioning to adulthood, often covering issues such as college, careers, and relationships. The age range and themes perfectly align with the clue's description of the audience.
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The slogan "We Try Harder" was famously used by AVIS, a car rental company, in a 1962 ad campaign emphasizing their commitment to better service as the second-largest rental company. This marketing phrase makes AVIS the fitting solution to the clue.
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The answer "GAZE" fits because when your gaze (or stare) is fixed on something, it can be hard to "break" or look away. The clue uses wordplay, with "fixed" referring to intense focus and "hard to break" describing unwavering attention.
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The clue "Aid in undoing knots, maybe?" uses wordplay. "Knots" metaphorically refers to muscle tension, which can be relieved by a NECKRUB. The "maybe" hints at an indirect or alternative method, and a neck rub fits as a plausible way to alleviate tension or "knots."
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The clue "Super" hints at a slang term for "very" or "extremely." In slang, "hella" is commonly used in this context, especially in casual speech (e.g., "That's hella cool!"). Thus, "Super" aligns with the expressive, informal "hella."
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The clue ___wee hints at a playful or informal term. "Peewee" is a common term meaning something small or insignificant, with "pee" filling the blank to complete the word. The clue relies on recognizing this everyday term as the solution.
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The clue "Parts of a grid system, maybe: abbr." hints at a commonly abbreviated term related to grid layouts. STS stands for "streets," which are part of urban grid systems used in city planning. The abbreviation "abbr." in the clue indicates the answer should be shortened, aligning with "STS."
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Solving today’s The Atlantic Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 8-letter answer to the Traffic blockages clue? Don’t worry, Lady Puzzle Pro has you covered! Whether you want the answer right away, revealed letter by letter, or this wordplay seems too puzzling, keep reading for the explanation.
Traffic blockages Answer Explained
The answer is SNARLUPS.
Here, “traffic blockages” sounds straightforward, but the phrasing hints at something idiomatic. Think of when traffic gets jammed: cars stop, lines back up, everything’s tangled. We often say there’s a “snarl-up,” especially in British English, where the term describes a messy tangle of vehicles or even general confusion. The plural “blockages” signals we need a plural form: SNARLUPS. It’s not a word you see every day in American usage, which makes it trickier, but the clue’s imagery (traffic stuck and snarled) points directly toward it once you think literally.
Now that you've cracked the 15A Traffic blockages clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s The Atlantic Crossword Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry, we've got you covered. Explore more The Atlantic Crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the Bracket City, Stacks, or NYT The Daily Crossword.
Today’s The Atlantic Crossword Highlights
This Thursday Atlantic crossword leans contemporary, blending fresh cultural references with clever linguistic turns. A recent hairstyle trend, a buzzy 2025 film figure, and a British-flavored traffic term push it beyond typical weekday ease. The grid’s tone feels informal yet precise, with slang, business history, and media trivia sitting comfortably beside poetic phrasing. It’s a puzzle that rewards awareness of both current culture and nuanced language — brisk, witty, and slightly edgier than a standard midweek solve.
Here’s what caught our attention today:
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