The clue "Résumé spots that might need some explaining?" uses wordplay. On résumés, gaps refer to unexplained periods of inactivity or unemployment between jobs, which may need justification during job applications.
5GETOUT??????✨ See Why
The clue "Scram, already!" is in quotation marks, signaling a spoken command. "Scram" is an informal way of telling someone to leave immediately, and "GET OUT" is a direct, synonymous phrase often used in the same context, making it the perfect solution.
7ENVELOP???????✨ See Why
The word "Surround" means to enclose or cover completely, which matches the definition of "ENVELOP." As a verb, "envelop" specifically conveys the act of surrounding or wrapping something entirely, making it a precise solution for the clue.
9ANTS????✨ See Why
The clue "Workers who never call in sick?" is a playful pun. ANTS are known for their tireless, cooperative work ethic in colonies and don't "call in sick" like humans might. The question mark signals the pun, likening ants to flawless workers.
10AWAY????✨ See Why
The answer is AWAY because AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) featured an "away message," a status update users could set to indicate they were unavailable or not at their computer. The phrase fits the blank, aligning with the clue asking for an AIM-specific feature.
12CEL???✨ See Why
The clue “Still of Pluto?” plays on the word "still" meaning an image or frame. Pluto, a cartoon character, appears in animated films made of cels—transparent sheets used for hand-drawn animation. Thus, "Still of Pluto?" refers to a single animation frame of Pluto, or a CEL.
13ARE???✨ See Why
The clue "Is for a group?" uses wordplay with the verb "is." While "is" refers to singular subjects, "are" is its plural counterpart, making it correct for a group.
14TREX????✨ See Why
The clue refers to the Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex), a well-known dinosaur famous for its disproportionately large head and very small arms. The pun ("big head and little arms") humorously highlights these features, making TREX the correct answer.
16ABIT????✨ See Why
The clue "Not much at all" suggests a small or minimal amount. "A bit" is a common phrase used to indicate a tiny or negligible quantity, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning. Hence, ABIT is the correct answer.
17IMEANIT???????✨ See Why
The clue "You've gotta believe me!" suggests a spoken, emphatic phrase. "I MEAN IT" conveys insistence and sincerity, matching the tone of the clue. The informal, direct nature aligns perfectly with the phrase someone might use to emphasize their honesty.
19CANITRY???????✨ See Why
The clue "Mind if I see that?" implies a conversational, informal phrase. "CAN I TRY?" is a natural spoken response when asking to test or examine something. Its phrasing matches the clue's tone, making "CANITRY" the perfect fit.
20NAMED?????✨ See Why
The clue "Handled?" with a question mark suggests a pun or wordplay. "Handled" can mean being assigned a name or label, as in being given a "handle" (a nickname or title). Thus, "NAMED" fits as it refers to assigning a name or handle.
Down
1GENTLEMAN?????????✨ See Why
"Gentleman" is a 2026 single by Towabird, the stage name of Hong Kong-born British indie-pop singer and guitarist Towa Bird. The track showcased her signature guitar-driven alternative rock sound, earning widespread critical acclaim following her prominent festival performances that year.
2ATVS????✨ See Why
The answer ATVS stands for "All-Terrain Vehicles." These are lightweight, motorized vehicles designed to handle sand, making them ideal for beach-patrol units. Their mobility and ability to traverse various terrains, like sandy beaches, allow lifeguards or patrol teams to respond quickly in emergencies.
3POE???✨ See Why
The quote "We loved with a love that was more than love" is from Edgar Allan Poe’s poem "Annabel Lee." Poe, a renowned 19th-century writer, is known for his romantic and melancholic works. Therefore, the correct answer to this clue is POE.
4SULA????✨ See Why
The answer is SULA because it is a novel by Toni Morrison, published in 1973. It is a bildungsroman (a coming-of-age story) that explores the lives, friendship, and moral struggles of two Black women, Sula and Nel, as they grow up in a small Ohio community.
5GENERIC???????✨ See Why
The clue "Off-brand" refers to something that is not a specific, well-known brand. "Generic" products are often sold as non-branded or alternatives to name-brand items, directly matching the idea of "off-brand." This fits perfectly as the solution.
6TOWABIRD????????✨ See Why
The answer TOWABIRD refers to British singer-songwriter and guitarist Towa Bird, who gained recognition and built her following by sharing music and performances on TikTok. Known for her unique sound and guitar skills, TikTok was a key platform in launching her music career.
8PARITY??????✨ See Why
The clue suggests something a salary audit might uncover as absent. "Parity" means equality, often in pay or treatment. A salary audit could reveal a lack of parity, such as unequal pay between employees or groups, making "PARITY" the fitting solution.
9ACT???✨ See Why
The clue "Be a Clue player?" with a question mark signals wordplay. It hints at "acting" as a participant in the game Clue, a role-playing activity. By interpreting "player" as someone performing or pretending, the answer "ACT" aligns perfectly, referencing performance or pretending, i.e., acting.
11YET???✨ See Why
The answer "YET" fits the clue "Until now" because "yet" is commonly used to mean "up to this point in time" or "so far," perfectly aligning with the phrase "until now" in usage and meaning.
15XENA????✨ See Why
The answer is XENA because Xena, the Warrior Princess, is the protagonist of the TV series "Xena: Warrior Princess." She is famously known for wielding a chakram, a circular, bladed weapon, making it her iconic trademark as a hero.
16ANTE????✨ See Why
The clue uses wordplay. "Ante" is a term from poker, referring to the mandatory fee or stake players pay before cards are dealt ("before a deal can be made"). The question mark signals a pun, referencing both the literal fee in poker and a figurative "deal."
18AIM???✨ See Why
The clue "What you take before you shoot your shot" uses wordplay. Before "shooting your shot" (whether literally in sports or metaphorically like seizing an opportunity), you first "take aim" to focus or direct your efforts. "AIM" captures this preparatory step perfectly, making it the solution.
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