The clue "Many job fair attendees: Abbr." suggests an abbreviation. "SRS" stands for "Seniors," referring to college seniors who often attend job fairs as they prepare to enter the workforce. The abbreviation aligns with the clue's context of employment and career opportunities.
4"We're done, folks!"THATSAWRAP??????????✨ See Why
The clue "We're done, folks!" is in quotation marks, signaling a spoken phrase commonly used to indicate completion. "That's a wrap" is a popular expression in film or production settings to mark the end of filming or work. It fits the clue perfectly as a casual declaration of being finished.
14Draws fromTAPS????✨ See Why
The answer "TAPS" fits the clue "Draws from" because "tap" means to draw liquid from a source, such as a keg or a tree (e.g., maple syrup). It also metaphorically means to draw resources or ideas from something, fitting the clue's versatile meaning.
16One with sound judgment?AUDIOPHILE??????????✨ See Why
The clue "One with sound judgment?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. An "audiophile" is someone passionate about high-quality sound systems and audio. The pun lies in "sound judgment," as it hints at both making good decisions about sound quality and the literal focus on "sound."
17God for whom Wednesday is namedODIN????✨ See Why
The Norse god Odin is the namesake of Wednesday. The name derives from "Woden's Day," with "Woden" being an alternate form of Odin. Odin was a chief deity in Norse mythology, making him the fitting answer for this clue.
18Capsules that can track health infoSMARTPILLS??????????✨ See Why
The answer "SMARTPILLS" fits because these are advanced capsules equipped with tiny sensors or technology to collect and transmit health data, like medication intake or bodily conditions. The wordplay in "Capsules" hints at pill form, and "track health info" aligns with the technology's purpose.
19Number of countries whose names both start and end with "A"NINE????✨ See Why
The answer is NINE because there are exactly nine countries whose official English names start and end with the letter "A." These countries are: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, and Austria. The clue asks for the specific count, which is nine.
20"Truth is …"TOBEHONEST??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Truth is …" uses quotation marks, signaling a spoken phrase. "To be honest" is a common conversational expression that introduces honesty or truthfulness, perfectly matching the intent of the clue. The phrasing makes this a clear and straightforward fit for the answer.
21Alpine croonerYODELER???????✨ See Why
The clue "Alpine crooner" refers to someone known for a style of singing associated with the Alps—yodeling. Yodelers perform by rapidly switching between high and low vocal registers, a hallmark of traditional Alpine music. Hence, a "crooner" from the Alpine region would be a YODELER.
23"Ich bin ___ Berliner"EIN???✨ See Why
The clue includes "Ich bin," which is German for "I am." This signals the answer is in German. "Ich bin ein Berliner" is a famous phrase from John F. Kennedy's speech in Berlin, meaning "I am a Berliner." Thus, the answer is EIN, the German word for "a."
24Went out for a bitDOZED?????✨ See Why
The clue "Went out for a bit" uses wordplay. "Went out" can metaphorically mean losing consciousness briefly, like falling asleep. "For a bit" indicates a short duration. Together, this points to "DOZED," which means briefly falling asleep or nodding off.
25Animal resting placeBARNYARD????????✨ See Why
The clue "Animal resting place" fits with BARNYARD because a barnyard is an area near a barn where farm animals like cows, chickens, and pigs are kept, fed, and rest. It directly aligns with the idea of a place where animals live and relax on a farm.
30Like a basketball court's three-point lineARCED?????✨ See Why
The three-point line on a basketball court isn't straight; it follows a curved shape, forming part of an arc around the hoop. The word ARCED describes something shaped like an arc, making it the perfect answer for this clue.
31Short-distance driverVALET?????✨ See Why
The clue "Short-distance driver" signals a pun or wordplay. A valet is someone who drives vehicles short distances, like in parking lots or garages, to park or retrieve cars for guests. Thus, "driver" here refers to their role in moving cars briefly.
32Scolding wordBAD???✨ See Why
The answer "BAD" fits the clue "Scolding word" because it is a common, simple word often used to admonish or criticize someone's behavior, especially in a scolding tone. It reflects disapproval, making it a fitting and straightforward solution for the clue.
33Tells on, with "out"RATS????✨ See Why
The answer "RATS" works because the phrase "rats out" is an informal way to say "tells on" or reveals someone's wrongdoing, often betraying them. In this context, "rats" refers to someone who acts as an informant or snitch.
34Useful acquaintancesINS???✨ See Why
The clue "Useful acquaintances" hints at people who offer connections or influence. "INS" is short for "insiders" or "having an in," referring to contacts or connections that can be advantageous in certain situations—a clever, condensed representation of the concept!
35Big acronym in purifying filtersHEPA????✨ See Why
HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, a type of filter commonly used in air purifiers. These filters are designed to trap tiny particles like dust, pollen, and allergens, making them key in "purifying filters." The clue references the "big acronym" as HEPA is widely recognized in filtration technology.
36"Yo te ___"AMO???✨ See Why
The clue "Yo te ___" is in Spanish, meaning "I love you." The missing word is "amo," which translates to "I love" in Spanish, completing the phrase "Yo te amo" (I love you). The answer fits the language context of the clue.
37Hinduism's "king of fruits"MANGO?????✨ See Why
In Hinduism, the mango is considered the "king of fruits" due to its cultural, religious, and spiritual significance. It is often associated with prosperity, fertility, and divine offerings, commonly used in rituals and festivals. This status aligns with the clue's reference. Hence, the answer is MANGO.
39Permit to passLETBY?????✨ See Why
The answer "LETBY" works because "Permit to pass" can be rephrased as "let pass by." When you permit someone to pass, you "let by" or allow them through. The wordplay simplifies "Permit to pass" into LETBY as a concise, single-word solution.
40Pool and darts, oftenBARGAMES????????✨ See Why
The clue "Pool and darts, often" refers to activities commonly played in bars or pubs. Both pool and darts are popular pastimes or recreational games found in such social settings. Therefore, the collective term "BARGAMES" accurately describes them. It connects their context to the location where they are played.
42Cruz known as the "Queen of Salsa"CELIA?????✨ See Why
Celia Cruz, often called the "Queen of Salsa," was a legendary Cuban singer known for her powerful voice and immense influence on Latin music. The clue directly refers to her fame and title, making "CELIA" the correct answer.
43Emmy-winning actress Edebiri of "The Bear"AYO???✨ See Why
The answer is AYO because Ayo Edebiri is an Emmy-winning actress known for her role in the TV series The Bear. The clue directly references her surname "Edebiri" and her connection to the show, making "Ayo" the correct solution.
441940s Chinese revolutionariesMAOISTS???????✨ See Why
The answer is MAOISTS because the clue refers to revolutionaries from 1940s China, a period marked by the rise of Mao Zedong and his followers in the Communist Party during the Chinese Civil War. Maoists were revolutionaries advocating Mao's ideology, leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
46He's taken!MARRIEDMAN??????????✨ See Why
The phrase "He's taken!" suggests a relationship status. A "taken" man is commonly understood to be someone who is in a committed relationship, and a "MARRIED MAN" fits this description perfectly as he is definitively taken by marriage. The wordplay reflects his tied commitment.
51WayPATH????✨ See Why
"Way" and "path" are synonymous, as both refer to a route or course one can take to reach a destination. This straightforward clue relies on their shared meaning without requiring additional wordplay or context. Hence, "PATH" is a fitting solution for "Way."
52"Seems fishy to me"IDONTBUYIT??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Seems fishy to me" suggests skepticism or disbelief. The phrase "I DON'T BUY IT" is commonly used to express doubt or mistrust about something suspicious, aligning with the tone of the clue. The quotation marks signal a spoken phrase, making this the correct solution.
53QualifiedABLE????✨ See Why
The word "Qualified" can mean "competent" or "capable," which aligns with the definition of "ABLE." Someone who is qualified for a task is able (i.e., capable) of performing it, making ABLE a fitting synonym and the solution to this clue.
54Focus group?CAMERACREW??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Focus group?" ends with a question mark, indicating wordplay. A "camera crew" is a group of people responsible for focusing and capturing footage with a camera. The pun lies in the double meaning of "Focus," referring both to the act of focusing a camera and the group behind it.
55A buck or twoDEER????✨ See Why
The clue "A buck or two" signals wordplay. A "buck" is a male deer, and "two" hints at pluralization. Thus, "DEER" fits as both singular (a buck) and plural (two or more). It plays on the double meaning of "buck."
56Listless lookEMPTYSTARE??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Listless look" describes a gaze lacking focus, energy, or emotion. "Empty" conveys the lack of substance or engagement, and "stare" describes the fixed, often absent-minded look. Together, "EMPTY STARE" perfectly matches the idea of a blank, listless expression.
57Wanders around a terminal, for short?TSA???✨ See Why
The clue “Wanders around a terminal, for short?” uses wordplay. "Wanders" hints at patrolling or movement, and "for short" signals an abbreviation. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) personnel are known for patrolling and ensuring security at airport terminals. Hence, TSA fits perfectly with this pun-intended clue.
Down
1Insensitive to human feelingSTONY?????✨ See Why
The answer "STONY" fits because it metaphorically describes insensitivity; a "stony" demeanor implies being hard, cold, or unfeeling, similar to the emotionless quality of actual stones. This aligns with "Insensitive to human feeling" as the clue, highlighting a lack of warmth or empathy.
2Air play?RADIODRAMA??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Air play?" ends with a question mark, indicating a pun or wordplay. "Air" refers to being broadcasted on the radio, and "play" suggests a dramatic performance. Together, this points to "RADIODRAMA," which is a play performed and aired on the radio, fitting the clever hint perfectly.
3Public relations pro, informallySPINDOCTOR??????????✨ See Why
The term "SPINDOCTOR" is a colloquial way to describe a public relations professional who skillfully "spins" stories or events to present them in a favorable light. It's an informal, yet widely recognized phrase, perfectly matching the clue's description of a PR pro, informally.
4TASTED??????✨ See Why
The clue "Tried a bit of" refers to sampling or testing something in a small quantity. "TASTED" fits perfectly because it means taking a small sample, often of food or drink, to try it. The phrase directly aligns with the definition of "TASTED."
5"The most engaging cowardice," per Robert FrostHUMOR?????✨ See Why
Robert Frost's quote suggests HUMOR is a "cowardice" because it can be a way to avoid direct confrontation or serious engagement with issues, but it's "engaging" because it disarms others and connects people. Humor often diffuses tension, making it a subtle and clever form of deflection.
6Not much hair creamADAB????✨ See Why
The answer "ADAB" is a playful wordplay clue. "Not much hair cream" suggests a small amount. Phonetically, "A dab" refers to a small application, often used for creams like hair cream. By combining the word "A" and "dab," you get the answer: ADAB.
7It goes bald over timeTIRE????✨ See Why
The clue "It goes bald over time" is a pun. Tires have tread patterns, which wear down over time with use, becoming smooth or "bald." This process is often described as a tire "going bald." Hence, the answer is TIRE.
8"Deal with it!"SOTHERE???????✨ See Why
The answer "SOTHERE" fits the clue "Deal with it!" because it conveys a defiant, dismissive tone typically said when someone stands their ground or challenges another to accept something as is. Quotes in the clue signal it's a spoken phrase, perfectly matching this conversational retort.
9SelectAPPOINT???????✨ See Why
The clue "Select" directly relates to the verb "APPOINT," which means to choose or designate someone for a specific task, role, or position—synonymous with "select." The direct link between "select" (choose) and "APPOINT" makes it the perfect fit for the solution.
10Stable callWHINNY??????✨ See Why
The clue "Stable call" hints at a sound made by an animal commonly found in a stable. A "whinny" is the characteristic call or neigh of a horse, making it the appropriate answer. The word "call" signals it's an audible sound, aligning perfectly with "whinny."
11Rankle, with "up"RILE????✨ See Why
The clue "Rankle, with 'up'" uses "up" to suggest an intensifier or a connection to a phrase. "Rile up" is a common expression meaning to irritate or annoy—similar to "rankle," which means to cause irritation or resentment. Hence, the answer is RILE.
12Tell-___ (exposing accounts)ALLS????✨ See Why
The phrase "Tell-ALLS" refers to revealing comprehensive and often scandalous accounts, typically in books or stories exposing details. The blank in "Tell-___" is completed by "ALLS" to form this common term for such exposing narratives. The clue directly defines the concept of revealing full accounts.
13Persistent interrupter, sayPEST????✨ See Why
The clue "Persistent interrupter, say" suggests someone or something annoying and intrusive. "Say" indicates a loose definition matching the general idea. A "PEST" is a common term for someone bothersome or persistently disruptive, perfectly fitting the description of a "Persistent interrupter."
15Some causes for blessingsSNEEZES???????✨ See Why
The clue "Some causes for blessings" uses wordplay. When someone sneezes, it's customary to receive blessings like "Bless you!" or "Gesundheit." The plural "causes" matches the plural "sneezes," making SNEEZES the fitting answer.
22Was second to noneLED???✨ See Why
The answer "LED" fits the clue "Was second to none" because to "lead" (past tense: LED) means to be at the forefront or in the top position, literally being second to none. It cleverly describes leading or being unmatched in context.
25Hairstyle for Violet in "Peanuts"BANGS?????✨ See Why
In the comic strip "Peanuts," Violet's hairstyle prominently features bangs, which are the fringe of hair that falls across her forehead. The clue directly references her characteristic hairstyle, making "BANGS" the accurate and straightforward answer.
26It's followed by an extra pointALSO????✨ See Why
The clue “It’s followed by an extra point” is wordplay. After stating a fact or idea, you might add an "extra point"—another thought or detail—using the word "ALSO." It emphasizes an additional point or contribution in a statement. Thus, "ALSO" fits perfectly.
27"You lost! Pay up!"ABETISABET??????????✨ See Why
The clue "You lost! Pay up!" is a playful phrase indicating defeat and the need to honor a debt. The answer, "ABET IS A BET," is a pun. Breaking it down: "A BET IS A BET," a common phrase meaning one must honor their wager, fitting the context of losing and paying up.
28Wars of words?RAPBATTLES??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Wars of words?" uses wordplay—a pun. RAPBATTLES fits as it refers to competitive verbal exchanges in rap music where participants "battle" with creative insults, wordplay, and rhymes. It’s a literal "war" of words, aligning perfectly with the clever phrasing of the clue.
29Time for actionDDAY????✨ See Why
The answer "DDAY" refers to the famous military operation on June 6, 1944, during WWII, when Allied forces launched a massive invasion on Normandy. It’s often associated with a pivotal "time for action," symbolizing a critical moment with great preparation and decisive execution, fitting the clue perfectly.
30Palestinian, e.g.ARAB????✨ See Why
The clue "Palestinian, e.g." refers to a broader ethnic group rather than a specific nationality. Palestinians are part of the Arab ethnic group, which includes people across the Middle East and North Africa. "E.g." signals an example, making ARAB the fitting answer as Palestinians are an example of Arabs.
31Bougainvillea, for oneVINE????✨ See Why
The answer is VINE because a bougainvillea is a type of climbing plant that grows like a vine. Its long, trailing stems are characteristic of vines, and it is often used for decorative purposes as it climbs walls or trellises. This matches the clue directly.
35Feature of many hospital roofsHELIPAD???????✨ See Why
The answer "HELIPAD" fits because many hospitals include helipads on their roofs to accommodate helicopters for emergency medical transport. This feature enables quick patient transfers in critical situations, making it a prominent rooftop component in hospital design.
37Request following some failed attemptsMAYITRY???????✨ See Why
The clue "Request following some failed attempts" suggests a phrase often said after trying multiple times. "May I try?" is a polite request to attempt again after failing. The play on words captures the persistence in asking for another chance, making MAYITRY the solution.
38Tiny shape-shiftersAMOEBAS???????✨ See Why
The answer "AMOEBAS" fits the clue "Tiny shape-shifters" because amoebas are microscopic, single-celled organisms known for their ability to constantly change shape. They achieve this by extending and retracting parts of their cell membranes, a characteristic process called pseudopodia, making them literal "shape-shifters" in the microscopic world.
39Passionate, domineering sort, it's saidLEO???✨ See Why
The answer "LEO" refers to the zodiac sign associated with individuals said to be passionate and domineering. Astrology often attributes traits like leadership, boldness, and intensity to Leos, making this a fitting description. The phrase "it's said" hints at astrological stereotypes rather than definitive traits.
41Deep redGARNET??????✨ See Why
The solution "GARNET" refers to a gemstone known for its deep red color, aligning perfectly with the clue "Deep red." Garnets are classically associated with a rich, crimson hue, making it a precise and straightforward fit for this description.
42"What's stopping us?"CANTWE??????✨ See Why
The clue "What's stopping us?" is in quotes, signaling a conversational synonym. "Can't we?" is a rhetorical question expressing frustration or a challenge, implying something stops shared action. The contracted phrase "CANTWE" fits perfectly as a conversational response to the clue.
44Hermann ___, champion skier known as "The Herminator"MAIER?????✨ See Why
The answer is MAIER because Hermann Maier is a renowned Austrian alpine skier nicknamed "The Herminator" for his dominance and resilience in the sport. He won multiple World Cup titles and Olympic medals, solidifying his status as one of skiing's greatest athletes.
45Princess twin of He-ManSHERA?????✨ See Why
SHERA is the correct answer because She-Ra, the protagonist of the animated series She-Ra: Princess of Power, is the twin sister of He-Man, both hailing from the Masters of the Universe franchise. She-Ra is a princess with magical powers, tying directly to the "Princess twin" clue.
46Cat's scan?MICE????✨ See Why
The question mark in "Cat's scan?" signals wordplay. Cats are known for chasing mice, so "scan" playfully refers to how a cat would carefully watch or 'scan' for mice as potential prey. Thus, MICE is the appropriate pun-based answer.
47Actor DeVine of "Pitch Perfect"ADAM????✨ See Why
The answer is ADAM because Adam DeVine is a well-known actor and comedian who starred in the "Pitch Perfect" movie series. The clue directly references his last name, confirming him as the solution. This straightforward, factual clue points to his full name.
48Easy winROMP????✨ See Why
The term "ROMP" refers to an easy, carefree victory, often used to describe situations where success is achieved with little difficulty. In this case, "Easy win" matches perfectly with ROMP, conveying the idea of a lighthearted or overwhelming triumph without struggle.
49One might be full of tearsDUCT????✨ See Why
The answer "DUCT" refers to a tear duct, which is a passage in the body that carries tears from the eye to the nasal cavity. The clue plays on the idea of being "full of tears," which aligns with the literal function of a tear duct.
50Woman's name that becomes another woman's name if you interchange its second and fourth lettersMYRA????✨ See Why
The answer is MYRA because when you interchange its second letter, "Y," with its fourth letter, "A," it becomes "MARY," another woman's name. This wordplay clue relies on swapping letters to transform one name into another.
This Friday puzzle by Adrian Johnson strikes a balance between challenge and accessibility, making it a satisfying solve. The symmetrical grid is particularly elegant, and the fill is fresh with lively long answers like "SMART PILLS", "CAMERA CREW", and "MARRIED MAN". Clever wordplay clues, such as "One with sound judgment?" for "AUDIOPHILE", add to the enjoyment. Pop culture references, from Celia Cruz to Ayo Edebiri, feel modern and well-placed. While still tough, this puzzle avoids overly obscure trivia, making it an enjoyable and rewarding Friday solve without being overly punishing.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Modes
Alternate between black (pen) and gray (pencil) letters.
Letter Colors
Black: Default pen mode.
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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.
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Clear: Resets the entire puzzle.
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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.
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