The clue "Fans flip for it" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Fans" refers to sports enthusiasts, and "flip" cleverly hints at turning pages. Sports fans often eagerly flip to the SPORTSPAGE in newspapers to catch up on their favorite teams and players, making it the fitting answer.
11Deflection techniqueWHATABOUTISM????????????✨ See Why
The answer "WHATABOUTISM" fits the clue "Deflection technique" because it describes a rhetorical strategy where someone deflects criticism or an issue by shifting focus to unrelated matters, often starting with "What about...?" It’s commonly used to evade accountability, aligning perfectly with the idea of deflection.
13Iconic accessory worn by 1-DownDEERSTALKERCAP??????????????✨ See Why
The answer "DEERSTALKERCAP" refers to the distinctive hat famously associated with Sherlock Holmes, the answer to 1-Down. Though Holmes never explicitly wore it in Arthur Conan Doyle's stories, it became an iconic symbol of the detective through illustrations and adaptations. Hence, it's his "iconic accessory."
15Acts human, proverbiallyERRS????✨ See Why
The phrase "To err is human" is a well-known proverb that highlights making mistakes as a natural part of being human. The clue "Acts human, proverbially" directly ties to this idea, making ERRS (meaning to make mistakes) the suitable answer.
16Medical containerVIAL????✨ See Why
The answer "VIAL" fits because it is a small container often used in medical settings to hold medications, vaccines, or other liquids. The clue directly refers to a "Medical container," making "VIAL" an accurate and straightforward solution based on its usage in healthcare.
17Infamous bushranger KellyNED???✨ See Why
NED is the solution because Ned Kelly was a notorious Australian bushranger known for his outlaw activities in the 19th century. He became a legendary figure in Australian history, famous for his confrontations with authorities and his iconic homemade armor during his final stand.
19Hand-drawn frameCEL???✨ See Why
The answer "CEL" refers to a single frame of hand-drawn animation, commonly seen in traditional animation. Artists would draw each frame, or "celluloid" (abbreviated as CEL), by hand to create motion when played in sequence. Thus, "hand-drawn frame" directly describes this process in animation.
20Posthumous titleSAINT?????✨ See Why
The answer is SAINT because being canonized as a saint in many religious traditions, particularly in Roman Catholicism, typically occurs after a person's death. The use of "Posthumous" in the clue directly points to a title or honor bestowed after someone has passed away.
22Far from floor-reachingMINI????✨ See Why
The clue "Far from floor-reaching" hints at something short in length. A "MINI" (like a mini skirt or mini dress) is a short garment that does not reach the floor. The word "MINI" also generally describes something small or shortened, fitting the clue’s description perfectly.
23One for the books, in brief?CFO???✨ See Why
The answer "CFO" (Chief Financial Officer) fits the clue "One for the books, in brief?" due to wordplay. A CFO is responsible for a company's finances, often referred to as "the books," and the phrase "in brief" hints at an abbreviation. Hence, CFO is "one for the books."
24HurtSTUNG?????✨ See Why
The answer "STUNG" fits "Hurt" because being stung, such as by a bee or wasp, causes physical pain or emotional distress, both of which can be described as "hurt." It’s a succinct, direct interpretation of the clue with no wordplay involved.
25Feature of English, but not ChineseTENSE?????✨ See Why
The answer is TENSE because English verbs indicate time through tense (e.g., past, present, future). In contrast, Chinese does not use verb tense to show time; instead, it relies on context, particles, or time markers like "yesterday" or "tomorrow" to clarify timing. This contrast explains the solution.
26Narrative threadARC???✨ See Why
The term "ARC" refers to a storyline or progression in a narrative, commonly used in literature, television, or film. A narrative "thread" represents the overarching path or development within a story, making "ARC" the perfect fit for this clue.
27Classic red rubber dog toyKONG????✨ See Why
The answer "KONG" refers to the popular and durable dog toy brand, known for its classic red, rubber, snowman-shaped design. These toys are widely recognized as "KONG toys," making this a direct and fitting solution for the clue "Classic red rubber dog toy."
28Get lostBEATIT??????✨ See Why
The phrase "Get lost" in quotes signals it’s slang or a spoken command. "Beat it" is a common informal way to tell someone to leave or go away—essentially "get lost," making BEATIT the correct answer.
29ManageEKEOUT??????✨ See Why
"EKE OUT" means to manage or just barely get by, often with difficulty. It fits the clue "Manage" as it represents the act of making something last or achieving something with limited resources or effort, aligning with the intended meaning.
31Call to a crewLANDHO??????✨ See Why
The phrase "LAND HO!" is a traditional maritime call used by sailors or a crew when spotting land after a long time at sea. The answer fits the clue perfectly, as it’s a direct call or announcement to a ship's crew signaling land in sight.
32Letter-shaped apparelTSHIRT??????✨ See Why
The answer "TSHIRT" fits the clue "Letter-shaped apparel" because a T-shirt resembles the shape of the letter "T" when laid flat, with the horizontal sleeves forming the top bar and the vertical body forming the stem. It's a clever wordplay referencing both the name and the garment's shape.
33Unit cost?RENT????✨ See Why
The clue "Unit cost?" with the question mark suggests wordplay. "Unit" can refer to a rental property, such as an apartment unit, and "cost" hints at the price paid for it. The cost of renting such a unit is called "RENT," making it the fitting answer.
34Tree creature of fictionENT???✨ See Why
The answer "ENT" refers to the tree-like creatures from J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth fantasy world, featured in The Lord of the Rings. Ents are fictional beings resembling trees, with the capacity for movement and speech, thus fitting the clue "Tree creature of fiction."
36WantingSHORT?????✨ See Why
The answer SHORT fits "Wanting" as both can mean "lacking" or "insufficient." For example, if something is "short" of something, it is "wanting" or deficient in that aspect. This aligns with their shared meaning in this context.
37Singles, saySONGS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Singles, say" refers to a type of music release. "Singles" are individual songs released separately from an album, making "SONGS" a fitting answer. The word "say" in the clue indicates a definition by example, linking singles to songs in the music context.
38Juilliard offering, in briefMFA???✨ See Why
The clue "Juilliard offering, in brief" refers to a program available at Juilliard, a prestigious performing arts school. MFA stands for "Master of Fine Arts," a graduate degree offered for advanced studies in the arts, including theater, music, and dance, which aligns with Juilliard's specialties.
39+ or – POLE????✨ See Why
The clue "+ or –" refers to the positive (+) and negative (–) ends of a magnet or an electric charge. These ends are called "poles," leading to the answer POLE. This plays on the association of these symbols with magnetism or electricity.
40CompromisesBENDS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Compromises" hints at flexibility or yielding to reach agreement. BENDS works as it metaphorically describes how one "bends" or adjusts their stance to find common ground, aligning with the notion of compromising in both physical and figurative senses.
41Birth control optionIUD???✨ See Why
The clue "Birth control option" directly refers to methods of preventing pregnancy. An IUD, or intrauterine device, is a widely used and effective form of birth control, making it a perfect fit for the clue. It’s a small device placed in the uterus to prevent conception.
42Simple operationSUM???✨ See Why
The clue "Simple operation" refers to a basic mathematical calculation. A "sum" specifically involves adding numbers, which is one of the simplest operations in arithmetic. Thus, "SUM" is the correct and logical answer for this straightforward clue.
43Jenkins known as "The First Lady of Children's Music"ELLA????✨ See Why
The answer is ELLA because it refers to Ella Jenkins, a renowned American folk musician and songwriter frequently called "The First Lady of Children's Music." She is celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to children's music through her performances, recordings, and educational approach.
44Kind of vaccineMRNA????✨ See Why
The answer is MRNA because mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines, like those for COVID-19, use genetic instructions to trigger an immune response. This innovative vaccine type introduces mRNA sequences to produce antigens, teaching the body to fight specific viruses. It's a modern kind of vaccine, fitting the straightforward clue.
45SesquipedaliaTENDOLLARWORDS??????????????✨ See Why
The clue "Sesquipedalia" refers to long, complex, or fancy words—literally meaning "a foot and a half long" in Latin. This playfully hints at "TEN DOLLAR WORDS," a term for overly elaborate or pretentious language, fitting perfectly as the answer.
50Some celebrity memorabiliaSIGNEDPHOTOS????????????✨ See Why
The clue "Some celebrity memorabilia" refers to items often associated with famous individuals that fans collect. "Signed photos" fit perfectly, as they are autographed pictures of celebrities, a highly common and cherished form of memorabilia. The plural "photos" aligns with "some," indicating multiple items.
51Current from currentsHYDROPOWER??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Current from currents" uses wordplay. "Current" hints at electricity or flow, and "currents" refer to water flows. HYDROPOWER is electricity generated from moving water (water currents). The pun ties the two meanings of "current" (electrical and water) seamlessly, making HYDROPOWER the fitting answer.
Down
1Guinness's second-most-portrayed literary character in film, after DraculaSHERLOCKHOLMES??????????????✨ See Why
SHERLOCK HOLMES is the solution because he is a globally iconic fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, frequently adapted into films. According to Guinness World Records, he is the second-most-portrayed literary character in cinema history, following Dracula, reflecting his immense cultural and cinematic impact.
2Target scoresPARS????✨ See Why
In golf, "pars" are the standard number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole. The clue "Target scores" refers to these ideal scores golfers aim to achieve on each hole, making PARS the correct answer.
3They start with coin tosses, in briefOTS???✨ See Why
The answer "OTS" stands for "Overtimes," which often begin with a coin toss in sports like football to determine possession. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating an abbreviated answer, perfectly fitting OTS as shorthand for overtimes.
4Singer in the family?RAT???✨ See Why
The clue "Singer in the family?" uses wordplay with the question mark indicating a pun or twist. Here, "Singer" refers to someone who reveals secrets or "rats out" family members. So, a "RAT" is someone who tells on others, fitting the playful pun in the clue.
5Schedule inits.TBA???✨ See Why
The clue "Schedule inits." refers to commonly seen abbreviations related to scheduling. "TBA" stands for "To Be Announced," a phrase often used when specific details, such as time or date, are yet to be determined on a schedule. The abbreviation fits perfectly with "inits."
6What are you doing?SOLVING???????✨ See Why
The clue "What are you doing?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. It humorously refers to the solver's current activity: working on the crossword itself. The answer "SOLVING" directly describes what you're doing right now—solving the puzzle! Perfect wordplay for a meta moment.
7First trimester woe, informallyPUKING??????✨ See Why
The clue "First trimester woe, informally" hints at a common pregnancy symptom in casual terms. During the first trimester, morning sickness often causes nausea and vomiting, informally referred to as "puking." The term matches the informal tone of the clue, making PUKING the solution.
8BotheredATEAT?????✨ See Why
The answer "ATEAT" fits the clue "Bothered" as it reflects being "eaten at" by worry or annoyance. "Ate at" is a common phrase used to describe something persistently troubling or bothering someone, making it a perfect match for the clue.
9Part of some superhero namesGIRL????✨ See Why
The answer is GIRL because many superhero names include "Girl" as part of their identity, often to signify a younger or female version of a hero. Examples include "Supergirl" or "Batgirl," making it a fitting solution to the clue "Part of some superhero names."
10What's left of F1ESC???✨ See Why
The clue "What's left of F1" plays on the layout of a standard computer keyboard. On most keyboards, the "Esc" (Escape) key is located directly to the left of the "F1" key. Hence, the answer is "ESC." This is a pun based on position, not racing.
11"Sorry, that's the last one"WEREFRESHOUT????????????✨ See Why
The clue "Sorry, that's the last one" is a phrase often spoken when something is out of stock or unavailable. The answer, WEREFRESHOUT, matches this context—it’s a colloquial way of saying, "We're fresh out," indicating there is no more left, which fits perfectly.
12One asked "to change his ways," per a 1988 hitMANINTHEMIRROR??????????????✨ See Why
The answer "MANINTHEMIRROR" refers to Michael Jackson's 1988 hit song "Man in the Mirror." In the song, the narrator reflects on his own need for change to improve the world, metaphorically addressing the man in the mirror—himself—to "change his ways." The clue quotes the song's theme directly.
13Label that first signed the Rolling StonesDECCA?????✨ See Why
The answer is DECCA because Decca Records, a British record label, was the first label to sign the Rolling Stones in 1963. This aligns with the clue's reference to the band's early career, connecting Decca's historical significance to the Rolling Stones' rise in music.
14Sources of retirement incomePENSIONFUNDS????????????✨ See Why
The clue "Sources of retirement income" refers to financial resources commonly used in retirement. PENSIONFUNDS are specific accounts or pools of money accumulated over a career, often by employers or individuals, to provide income after retirement. They directly align with the concept of "sources" for retirement funding in this context.
18Paleolithic, for exampleDIET????✨ See Why
The Paleolithic era is characterized by the lifestyle of early humans, including their specific diet of hunted animals and gathered plants. Thus, "Paleolithic, for example" clues the answer "DIET," referring to the distinct eating habits associated with this era.
20Strong draftSTOUT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Strong draft" is a play on words. "Draft" can refer to beer on tap, and "stout" is a type of strong, dark beer. The word "strong" directly aligns with the robust flavor profile of stout beers, making STOUT the ideal answer.
21Hilda or Zelda, to Sabrina the Teenage WitchAUNT????✨ See Why
In the TV series Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Hilda and Zelda are Sabrina Spellman's paternal aunts. The clue directly references this familial relationship, making AUNT the correct answer.
22Beverage that begins with a bee?MEAD????✨ See Why
The clue plays on the word "bee" as it refers to honey, a key ingredient in MEAD, which is a fermented beverage made from honey. The question mark signals wordplay, hinting at a playful interpretation rather than a literal "B" start. Thus, MEAD is the witty solution.
24Hybrid sportswearSKORT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Hybrid sportswear?" with a question mark hints at a blend of clothing styles. A SKORT is a hybrid garment combining a skirt's appearance with shorts' functionality, making it a perfect answer for this play on words. It’s both stylish and practical, matching the clue’s intent.
25Gear that's a homophone of 25-AcrossTENTS?????✨ See Why
The answer "TENTS" is gear used for camping or outdoor activities. It is a homophone of 25-Across, "TENSE," as both are pronounced the same despite different meanings. The clue cleverly uses the homophone connection to link the two words.
28Fringe : British English :: ___ : American EnglishBANGS?????✨ See Why
In British English, "fringe" refers to the hair that hangs over the forehead. In American English, this hairstyle is called "bangs." The clue suggests a linguistic comparison, where "fringe" in British usage corresponds to "bangs" in American usage.
30Snakes were famously driven from it, in legendEIRE????✨ See Why
The answer "EIRE" refers to Ireland, whose name in Irish is Éire. According to legend, St. Patrick famously drove all snakes out of Ireland. This myth symbolizes the banishment of pagan practices, as snakes are often used metaphorically. Hence, "EIRE" fits the clue.
31ImpartLEND????✨ See Why
The clue "Impart" means to give or provide something. "LEND" fits because it means to give temporarily, often implying imparting assistance, attention, or an object, aligning perfectly with the definition of "impart" in a general sense.
32There are nine in a shot glass: Abbr.TSPS????✨ See Why
The clue "There are nine in a shot glass: Abbr." refers to teaspoons (TSPS). A standard shot glass holds 1.5 fluid ounces, and since there are 6 teaspoons in 1 fluid ounce, 1.5 ounces equals 9 teaspoons. TSPS is the common abbreviation for teaspoons.
33World's highest-paid athlete in 2024RONALDO???????✨ See Why
Cristiano Ronaldo, a globally renowned soccer star, is one of the highest-paid athletes due to his lucrative salary with Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia) and endorsement deals. Reports in late 2023 highlighted his record-breaking earnings, making him a top contender for 2024's highest-paid athlete.
35Cues for applauseTADAS?????✨ See Why
The answer "TADAS" represents the sound or gesture, like a theatrical flourish, performers often make to signal completion or success, prompting applause from the audience. As the clue uses "Cues," it aligns with this celebratory action frequently associated with garnering applause or acknowledgment.
37One side of a dealSELLER??????✨ See Why
The clue "One side of a deal" refers to a transaction, where there are typically two parties involved: a buyer and a seller. The "seller" represents one party or "side" that offers goods or services in the deal, making it the fitting answer.
40Lightheaded?BLOND?????✨ See Why
The clue "Lightheaded?" ends with a question mark, indicating wordplay. "Light" refers to the pale coloration, and "headed" suggests hair on the head. Together, "Lightheaded?" cleverly hints at someone with light-colored hair—hence, BLOND is the answer.
43High-strungEDGY????✨ See Why
The term "High-strung" describes someone who is tense, nervous, or easily agitated—all qualities associated with being EDGY. EDGY captures this sense of heightened emotion or unease, making it a fitting match for the clue.
44Bit of dustMOTE????✨ See Why
The word "MOTE" refers to a very small particle or speck, often of dust. The clue "Bit of dust" succinctly describes this meaning, as "bit" suggests something tiny and "dust" aligns with what a mote typically is—a minuscule fragment often floating in the air.
46Major inits. in biomedical researchNIH???✨ See Why
NIH stands for the National Institutes of Health, a major U.S. government agency responsible for biomedical and public health research. The clue specifies "Major inits." (abbreviation) in this field, directly pointing to the NIH, which leads and funds significant medical advances worldwide.
47Clock, e.g.APP???✨ See Why
The clue "Clock, e.g." refers to an example of a digital application you might use on a smartphone or device. A "clock" is commonly available as an "APP" (short for application) for setting alarms, checking time, or timers, making "APP" the fitting answer.
48Corinthian characterRHO???✨ See Why
The clue "Corinthian character" refers to a Greek letter, tying to Corinth, an ancient Greek city. RHO (Ρ/ρ) is the 17th letter of the Greek alphabet. "Character" here cleverly points to a letter or symbol, making RHO the fitting answer.
49"Neat!"WOW???✨ See Why
The clue "Neat!" in quotes signals it represents a spoken reaction or exclamation. "WOW" is often used to express amazement, enthusiasm, or approval, aligning perfectly with the enthusiastic tone of "Neat!" as a reaction. It's a fitting match for the positive sentiment implied.
Sam Berriman’s debut Saturday puzzle impresses with its symmetric grid, creative cluing, and a mix of challenge and wit. Standouts include the clever “Deflection technique” (WHATABOUTISM) and “Sesquipedalia” (TENDOLLARWORDS). Pop culture references like “Guinness’s second-most-portrayed literary character” (SHERLOCKHOLMES) and nods to science with “Kind of vaccine” (MRNA) add variety. The grid features smooth long entries like SIGNEDPHOTOS and PENSIONFUNDS alongside fun misdirects like “Lightheaded?” (BLOND). With 10 unique answers, sharp wordplay, and a well-structured layout, this puzzle is a strong debut that balances difficulty with entertainment.
Today's Tricky Wordplay
Here's what caught our attention today:
NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know
You can enjoy the New York Times Crossword puzzle in various formats:
Mobile Apps: Available in The New York Times Games app (iOS and Android) and the Play tab of the New York Times News app.
Print: Access the daily Crossword by subscribing to Home Delivery or purchasing a copy of The New York Times newspaper at your local newsstand.
NYT Crossword Themes and Titles
The difficulty of the NYT Crossword evolves throughout the week, and a big part of that progression comes from its use of themes and titles.
Themes
Monday to Wednesday: These puzzles almost always have a theme, with several long answers connected by a common thread. Many include a “revealer” clue—a final answer that explains the theme’s pattern.
Thursday: Still themed, but often with an added twist. Expect trickier mechanics like rebus squares (where multiple letters fit in one box) or unconventional entry rules.
Friday & Saturday: These puzzles are themeless, relying instead on clever wordplay and more challenging vocabulary. Without a theme as a guide, the difficulty increases.
Sunday: The largest puzzle of the week is always themed, and its title offers a hint about the underlying concept.
Titles
Sunday puzzles always have a title that helps solvers identify the theme.
Monday through Saturday puzzles generally don’t have official titles.
While these patterns hold most of the time, creativity and playfulness are at the heart of crossword construction—so expect occasional surprises!
NYT Crossword Puzzle Availability
Online and All Access Subscribers: Daily puzzles are available the evening before their print release.
Weekday and Saturday Puzzles: Available at 10 p.m. EST the previous day.
Sunday Puzzles: Available at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
Notifications: Enable push notifications in the Games app settings to receive alerts when new puzzles are available.
How To Play
Fill the white squares with letters to form words or phrases that cross each other by solving clues in the Across and Down columns. The puzzles increase in difficulty from Monday to Saturday, with the Sunday puzzle being similar in difficulty to Wednesday or Thursday but larger in size.
Completion and Feedback
Successful Completion: A congratulatory message and music play when the puzzle is correctly solved. If no message appears, there might be an error in the filled squares.
Stars for Completion
Gold Stars: Awarded for puzzles solved consecutively before midnight EST without using Check or Reveal.
Blue Stars: Given for puzzles solved after midnight EST, with a skipped day, or using Check or Reveal.
Keyboard Shortcuts
For computer users, the following shortcuts can enhance gameplay:
Arrow Keys: Navigate in the puzzle.
Spacebar: Clear the current square and advance, toggle between Across and Down.
Backspace/Delete: Remove a letter or word.
Tab: Jump to the next clue.
Shift + Tab: Jump to the previous clue.
Escape: Enter Rebus mode.
App Customization Options
Cursor Movement: Customize cursor settings in the Puzzle Settings menu. Options include skipping filled squares, jumping to the first blank, or the next clue.
Secondary Keyboard: For symbols and numbers, switch by selecting the More button.
Adjust Puzzle Size: Zoom in with a pinch gesture or toggle Clue View.
Modes
Alternate between black (pen) and gray (pencil) letters.
Letter Colors
Black: Default pen mode.
Gray: Pencil mode.
Blue: Letters confirmed with Check.
Timer and Special Elements
Timer: Track your solving time. Pause and resume as needed, or hide the timer in the settings.
Rebus Elements: Enter letters, numbers, or symbols in a single square as part of the puzzle’s challenge or hint.
NYT Crossword Help
The New York Times provides various resources to aid in solving puzzles and improving solving skills.
In-Game Help
Information Icon ("i"): Flashing icon indicates available puzzle hint.
Lifesaver Icon: Offers options to check or reveal a square, an answer, or the entire puzzle.
Clear: Resets the entire puzzle.
Reveal: Displays correct letters for selected square, answer, or entire puzzle.
Check: Validates a square, word, or the entire puzzle; Autocheck option available.
Note: Using Reveal or Check resets the Crossword Streak.
Lady Puzzle Pro Help
Besides this page, meant to help you unblock or finish a puzzle we published a comprehensive guide on how to read the NYT Crossword Clues, which includes mini hints to assist you with both the NYT crosswords and the NYT Mini puzzle solving.
More Features
Statistics: Track Progress: View puzzle stats.
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Access Archives: Download and play past puzzles offline for continued enjoyment and practice.