Question before someone checks for bugs? - The Atlantic Crossword Clue

The clue "Mark as important, maybe" uses wordplay. To "star" something, like starring an email or document, is a way to mark it as important or noteworthy. This aligns with the figurative action described in the clue, making "STAR" the apt answer.

The answer "GLOWS" works for "Exudes happiness" because "glow" metaphorically describes how someone radiates joy or positivity. A person who is truly happy often appears luminous or shining, capturing the imagery of "glowing" with happiness. This aligns with the clue's description of outwardly expressing delight or contentment.

The clue "Sounds from a pound" includes a playful pun. "Pound" refers to a kennel or animal shelter, and "sounds" hints at dog noises. Dogs often bark or "arf," making ARFS (a plural form of the sound) the correct answer.

The clue is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "Ain't gonna happen, under any circumstances!" is an emphatic, colloquial way to reject something completely. The answer, "NO WAY, NO HOW," is an informal and exaggerated phrase expressing absolute refusal, perfectly matching the tone and meaning of the clue.

The answer is "WALK" because "moonwalk" refers to the famous dance move popularized by Michael Jackson, and "sleepwalk" describes walking while asleep. Both "moon-" and "sleep-" can logically and commonly precede "walk" to form these compound words.

The answer is ACAI because the açaí berry is commonly served in smoothie bowls or açaí bowls, a popular dish filled with blended açaí pulp and toppings like granola or fruit. It directly matches the clue "Berry in a bowl," referring to its common culinary use.

The answer is GODDESS because Nike is the Greek goddess of victory in mythology. This clue uses a veiled capital, referring to "Nike" not as the shoe brand but as the mythological figure, making GODDESS the correct solution.

The phrase "____ gentle reader" is a formal salutation often used in literature or period dramas like Bridgerton. The word "DEAREST" fits as it is a customary term of endearment in such contexts, aligning with the show's historical and romantic tone.

The answer is ASH because Ash Ketchum is the main protagonist in the Pokémon series. His name is a play on the phrase "catch 'em" (as in catching Pokémon), and he is a well-known character in the franchise, making ASH the correct solution.

The clue "One who might give your best friend a shot?" uses wordplay—"best friend" refers to a dog (man's best friend). A VET TECH (veterinary technician) is someone who assists vets and often administers shots or vaccines to animals, making it the fitting answer.

The clue "Course" can refer to a route, direction, or way taken, much like a "path" one might follow. Both "course" and "path" signify a progression or track, making PATH the correct answer in this context.

The clue "Expresses satisfaction, maybe" uses the word "maybe" to indicate a possible, nonverbal expression of contentment. Cats often "purr" as a sign of happiness or satisfaction, fitting the definition perfectly. The plural "PURRS" aligns with "expresses" in the clue, making it the correct answer.

The clue "Get into a cast?" has a pun signaled by the question mark. "Cast" can refer to a group of actors in a play or movie. To "get into" this group, one would "ACT," as acting is the requirement to be part of a cast.

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands in the southernmost part of the U.S. BOCA refers to Boca Raton, a city on Florida's southeastern coast, located geographically north of the Keys. The clue references its relative position in Florida.

The answer is SALLIE because it refers to Sallie Mae, a well-known U.S. company specializing in student loans and financial assistance for education. "First name" hints at the company's nickname, Sallie, making it a fitting solution.

The answer "RAE" completes the name of the British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, known for hits like "Put Your Records On." The clue refers to her full name, making "RAE" the correct fill-in for the blank. It’s a straightforward, fact-based clue about a well-known artist.

The answer "LOT" refers to a parking lot, a common location for tailgating before events like sports games or concerts. Tailgating involves gathering around vehicles, typically in parking areas, for food, drinks, and socializing before the main event, making "LOT" a fitting solution.

The answer "TOSTADA" fits because it is a traditional Mexican dish, like a tlayuda, that involves a crispy, flat tortilla base typically topped with beans, meats, vegetables, and other ingredients. Both are flat, versatile, and share similar preparation styles, making them comparable dishes.

The "Freedom Trash Can" was a symbolic act during the 1968 feminist protest at the Miss America pageant. Protesters discarded items representing female oppression, like bras, which were seen as symbols of societal expectations about women’s appearances, making BRA the fitting answer to this clue.

The answer is ELI because "The Book of Eli" is a 2010 postapocalyptic film starring Denzel Washington, where he plays a drifter protecting a sacred book. The clue directly references the movie title, making "ELI" the correct solution.

The answer "ATTUNE" fits because to "harmonize" means to bring into agreement or alignment. "ATTUNE" specifically refers to adjusting or aligning something (like emotions or sounds) to be in harmony or sync, making it a direct synonym for the clue.

The phrase "Just what the doctor ordered, for short" points to a common abbreviation. Doctors often prescribe medications, so "what the doctor ordered" refers to meds or medicines. The clue specifies "for short," confirming the answer is the abbreviation "MEDS." This succinctly aligns with the clue's meaning.

"UNO" is the solution because it refers to the card game "UNO," where players announce "UNO" when they are down to their last card. The clue’s phrasing suggests an exclamation specifically associated with a card game, matching this gameplay rule.

The clue "Swiss green" refers to Swiss chard, a leafy green vegetable commonly used in cooking. The "Swiss" indicates its association with the name, and "green" points to its color and type as a vegetable, making CHARD the perfect fit.

"Stag do" is British slang for a bachelor party, often attended by male friends of the groom. "LADS" is a casual term for young men, commonly used in British English. Thus, "LADS" fits as the group likely present at a stag do.

The clue uses wordplay with "pickup" (a truck) and "picked up" (acquired). A pickup truck can be "picked up" or obtained through a leasing agreement, hence the answer "ONLEASE." The question mark signals a pun or playful rephrasing.

In the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, judges score each dunk on a scale of 1 to 10 based on skill, creativity, and execution. A "high score" is the maximum possible score for a single judge – 10. Therefore, TEN is the correct answer.

The answer is ROSETTA. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, known as the "Godmother of Rock and Roll," was a pioneering musician whose gospel and electric guitar style strongly influenced early rock. Her contributions shaped the genre, making her a legendary figure linked to this title in music history.

The clue "Oh baby!" in quotes suggests a spoken, expressive phrase. "HOTDAMN" fits as it's an exclamation of amazement or excitement, matching the tone and energy of "Oh baby!" It's a playful, informal reaction often used to express enthusiasm, aligning perfectly with the clue.

The answer is ADHD because Vyvanse and Strattera are medications commonly prescribed to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This condition affects focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity, aligning directly with the clue's description of a treatable condition.

The answer is SUPERMARIO because it is a popular video game franchise by Nintendo. The games within the franchise include titles like Super Mario World, Super Mario Odyssey, and Super Mario Galaxy, directly referencing the "World, Odyssey, and Galaxy varieties" in the clue.

In this context, "FLOG" means to sell aggressively or shamelessly, often used informally. The word aligns with "Peddle shamelessly" as both suggest forceful or relentless selling, sometimes with little regard for subtlety or finesse.

The clue "You and me both, sister" is enclosed in quotes, indicating a conversational phrase or expression. "I CAN RELATE" is a fitting response someone might use to affirm understanding or shared experience, matching the informal tone and meaning of the clue perfectly.

The clue’s pun references the French Revolution, during which many were guillotined, losing their heads. "Tête" is French for "head," aligning with the wordplay involving the French term and historical context. The question mark signals the playful nature of the clue.

The answer "TENSE" fits the clue because the atmosphere before a verdict is often filled with apprehension and high emotions, creating tension or stress. "TENSE" aptly describes this uneasy, suspenseful state, aligning perfectly with the clue’s implication of a charged and anxious environment.

The answer is ABEL because, in the Bible (Genesis 4), Abel is described as a shepherd who tended to flocks. He is one of the first two sons of Adam and Eve and offered the best portions of his flock as a sacrifice to God, distinguishing him as a Biblical shepherd.