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NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

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Across

  • The clue "___ Ever" references a colloquial phrase, and the quotation marks suggest a spoken contraction. "DIDJA" is a casual contraction of "Did you," matching the informal tone of Elvis Presley's songs like "DIDJA Ever" featured in the movie G.I. Blues. The clue directly hints at the song title.

  • The past tense of "tread" is "trod," which means to step, walk, or trample on something. The clue "Stepped (on)" directly defines this action, with "on" emphasizing contact, making TROD the accurate answer.

  • The clue "Hits up on Slack, say" uses "Slack" as a hint for instant messaging (IMs), a major feature of the platform. "Hits up" implies contacting or messaging someone. Hence, the abbreviation "IMS" (Instant Messages) is the correct answer.

  • The clue ends with "one," indicating a singular object. The eggplant is widely recognized as a commonly used emoji, often representing more than just the vegetable itself due to its playful and symbolic use in digital communication.

  • The clue "Contents of some shots" refers to "sera," which are components of blood plasma used in medical or laboratory shots (injections) like vaccines or diagnostic tests. "Shots" cleverly hints at medical injections, and "contents" points to the liquid used in them.

  • The clue "Sandwich in a soft tortilla" describes a food item where ingredients are wrapped in a tortilla, forming a "sandwich" alternative. The word "WRAP" directly refers to this type of preparation, where the tortilla "wraps" the fillings, making WRAP the perfect solution.

  • In music theory, a "minor third" is the interval between two notes, spanning three half steps. From D to F is an example of this interval, as it consists of three half steps (D → D# → E → F). Thus, the answer is MINORTHIRD.

  • The answer "HAJI" refers to a Muslim pilgrim who has completed the Hajj, the annual Islamic trek to Mecca, fulfilling a central religious duty. "Certain trekker" cleverly alludes to this specific type of pilgrim, tying the clue to this pilgrimage.

  • The phrase "Cleverly understanding" hints at being perceptive or catching on to something. "Onto" is used to convey that one has grasped or is aware of a situation, often implying intuition or cleverness, matching the sense of the clue.

  • The clue "50 on a table" references the periodic table of elements, where the element with atomic number 50 is tin (chemical symbol Sn). This is a science-based clue about the periodic table, and TIN is the correct answer.

  • The Wright brothers, pioneers of aviation, lived in Dayton, Ohio, where they developed and tested their early flying machines. While their first flight occurred in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Dayton is famously their home and where much of their groundbreaking work was conducted, making it the correct answer here.

  • The clue "Bun contents" refers to a type of hairstyle, specifically a bun, where hair is gathered and twisted into a rounded shape. The "contents" of a bun in this context are HAIR, making this a play on words rather than food-related.

  • The answer is OYSTERS because po' boys, traditional New Orleans sandwiches, often feature fried seafood as their main ingredient. Oysters are a classic and popular choice for filling a po' boy, making them a "frequent filler." This aligns with the clue's focus on common ingredients for this dish.

  • The answer "MOSHPIT" fits because it describes the chaotic area near a stage where fans engage in frenetic, high-energy dancing, often involving pushing and jumping, especially at punk, rock, or metal concerts. The clue directly conveys the wild, intense energy typical of such an environment.

  • The clue "Not so hot" suggests something unexciting or lackluster. "BLAH" is a slang term describing a dull, uninspiring, or mediocre state, perfectly capturing the "not so hot" sentiment. It focuses on mood or quality rather than temperature.

  • "Stan" is a hit song by rapper Eminem, released in 2000, which tells a gripping story of an obsessed fan. The clue refers to the artist of this iconic track, making EMINEM the correct solution.

  • The clue "Not feel so hot" describes feeling unwell or sick. The word "AIL" means to suffer or feel poorly, matching the definition. Additionally, "feel so hot" metaphorically implies good health or vitality, so "not feel so hot" aligns with the idea of ailment or discomfort.

  • The answer "ELIS" refers to the students and alumni of Yale University, often called "Elis" after Yale's benefactor, Elihu Yale. The "Bulldogs" is Yale's mascot, so "Yale Bulldogs, by another name" cleverly connects to this nickname for Yale affiliates.

  • The clue "Alert" and the answer "WARN" are linked by their shared meaning. To alert someone is to make them aware of danger or a situation, which aligns with "warn," meaning to caution or give notice. Both words involve notifying others of potential issues or risks.

  • The answer "MELEE" fits "Serious mix-up" as it refers to a chaotic, confusing, or disorganized fight or situation. A melee often involves disorder and tangled activity, perfectly aligning with the idea of a “serious mix-up.”

  • In numismatics (coin collecting), coins are graded based on their condition. "FINE" is a common grade, meaning the coin shows moderate wear with clear details. The clue references this specific term, making "FINE" the correct answer for "Numismatic rating."

  • The answer SNES stands for Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the console on which "Donkey Kong Country" was originally released in 1994. "For short" in the clue indicates the abbreviated form, and SNES is the widely recognized shorthand for this classic gaming system.

  • The clue "Munchkin" refers to a small or diminutive being, often playful or magical, much like an elf. An elf, typically depicted as small and mischievous in folklore or fantasy, aligns with this description, making "ELF" the fitting answer.

  • The answer "EFFECT" works because it pairs naturally with both "sound" and "side" in common phrases. "Sound effect" refers to auditory enhancements in media, and "side effect" refers to secondary outcomes, often from medications or actions. The clue prompts thinking of terms combining with both words.

  • The answer "IDES" refers to the 15th day of certain months in the Roman calendar, such as March, May, July, and October—it’s most famously associated with the "Ides of March." In the context of a clue involving 1/13 or 2/13, it hints at a midpoint date significance.

  • The clue "Exotic pet store offerings" refers to animals that are not commonly kept as pets. IGUANAS, which are tropical lizards often kept as exotic pets, fit perfectly. They are popular in pet stores specializing in unique, non-traditional animals, making "IGUANAS" an apt solution.

  • The clue "Writer's starting point" refers to the initial framework or plan a writer creates before drafting. An OUTLINE serves as that blueprint, organizing ideas, structure, or plot details. It is often the first step in beginning a writing project, making it the perfect fit for the clue.

  • The answer, AGRA, is correct because it is home to the Taj Mahal, one of India's most famous tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in Uttar Pradesh, AGRA is a prime travel destination in India, making it a fitting solution to the clue "Indian tourist site."

  • The answer is STEVEO because Steve-O is a well-known stunt performer and entertainer from the TV show and movie series Jackass. He is famous for performing outrageous and risky stunts, making him directly associated with the show referenced in the clue.

  • The clue "Some OT enders" refers to overtimes (OT) in sports, specifically games that are decided by field goals (FGs). "FGs" are common ways to end overtime periods in sports like football, making it the apt solution here.

  • The answer "COMA" fits the clue "It may be induced" because a coma can be medically induced, often to protect the brain after trauma or during surgery. The word "may" indicates possibility, aligning with the fact that inducing a coma is a deliberate, controlled medical action.

  • Jean-Luc Godard was a pivotal figure in French cinema, particularly the New Wave movement. "Cine" is derived from "cinéma," the French word for film or movie-making, which was his field. The answer reflects his iconic contributions to the art of filmmaking.

  • SEERSUCKER fits as the answer because it’s a lightweight, textured cotton fabric traditionally associated with preppy, summery styles like those seen in classic Ivy League attire—think blazers, pants, or suits. Its distinct puckered stripes exude a timeless, preppy charm, making it a perfect fit for this clue.

  • The clue "Powerful server" is a clever double entendre. "Server" can refer to both someone serving (like in tennis) and technology (like a computer). ACER is a well-known tech brand producing powerful computers/servers, making it the fitting answer through this wordplay.

  • The clue "Competitive poker?" uses wordplay, indicated by the question mark. Here, "poker" refers to something that pokes—not the card game. An ÉPÉE is a type of sword used in fencing, a competitive sport where participants "poke" their opponents to score points, fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The clue "Warrant" suggests something deserved or justified. "Merit" fits as it means being worthy of something or deserving it, which aligns with "warrant" as justification or grounds for something. Both words share the idea of earning or being entitled to something through worth or value.

  • The answer is RAT because Remy is the main character in Pixar's film Ratatouille, and he is a rat with a passion for cooking. The clue references his species directly.

  • The phrase "slip (into)" suggests a smooth, gentle transition, which aligns with the word "EASE." To "ease into" something means to gradually or effortlessly move into it, perfectly matching the clue's intent. It's a straightforward synonym for the action described.

  • The answer is PEARS because they are a type of fruit often cooked by poaching, which involves gently simmering them in liquid, such as wine or syrup, to enhance their flavor. The clue refers to this culinary technique, making PEARS the correct match.

Down

  • The answer "DEMO" refers to a demonstration recording created by musicians to showcase their work and talent. Artists often use demos to present their potential to record labels, aiming to secure a contract. The clue cleverly hints at this step in the music industry process.

  • The clue "Sure, you can include me" is written as a spoken phrase, indicated by the quotes. The answer "IMIN" mirrors how one might verbally agree to be included in something. It’s conversational and directly matches the phrasing of the clue.

  • The clue "___ ask!" in quotes indicates it's a spoken phrase. "Don't ask!" is a common expression used to suggest avoiding a topic or situation, often implying it's unpleasant or complicated. This matches the conversational tone and intent of the clue, making DONT the correct answer.

  • The original phrase is LONG JOHN SILVER, but "LONG" is removed. To compensate, the letters in "JOHN" are doubled—J becomes JJ, O becomes OO, H becomes HH, and N becomes NN—creating JJOOHHNNSILVER instead.

  • The answer, AIR, works because "air" can poetically refer to a melody or tune, often in classical or lyrical contexts. This usage stems from musical terminology where an "air" represents a simple, melodious composition, aligning perfectly with the clue "Tune."

  • The clue signals wordplay. A "modern-day cannon" refers to a T-shirt cannon often seen at events, which launches T-shirts (the "ammo") into crowds for fun. Hence, the answer "TSHIRT" fits as the projectile used by this type of "cannon."

  • The answer "REIN" fits because a rein, used to guide or control a horse, is literally something you hold in your hand—it may "be a handful." The clue also plays on the figurative idea of something being a lot to handle, hinting wordplay.

  • Bobby Orr is a legendary ice hockey player who played for the Boston Bruins, famously revolutionizing the defenseman role. Known simply as "Bruins' Bobby," Orr is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history. The answer "ORR" refers to his last name.

  • This clue plays on DADDY LONG LEGS, the common name for certain types of spiders and insects. The trick follows the same pattern: "LONG" is removed, and instead of writing "LEGS" normally, each letter in "LEGS" is doubled—L becomes LL, E becomes EE, G becomes GG, and S becomes SS. This transformation makes it look strange at first, but if you recognize "DADDY" and the scrambled final part, you can piece together that "LONG" was taken out and LEGS was exaggerated.

  • The clue "Steamed" suggests anger or irritation, as in the phrase "steaming mad." IRATE directly means angry or furious, making it the perfect fit for this clue. The wordplay connects "steamed" as both a metaphor for anger and the definition of IRATE.

  • In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby served in World War I and rose to the rank of Major in the U.S. Army. This rank is explicitly mentioned in the novel, making MAJOR the accurate answer for the military rank he achieved.

  • The clue "Quick trips by car" uses wordplay. "Spins" can describe brief, casual drives often taken for enjoyment or a short errand, as in "going for a spin." The term “spin” metaphorically aligns with the idea of a quick, lighthearted trip in a car.

  • This is a play on the classic joke punchline "Why the long face?" which is often used when a horse walks into a bar. The trick here is that "LONG" is removed, and the word "FACE" is distorted by doubling its first two letters—F becomes FF, A becomes AA, C becomes CC and E becomes EE. If you spot "WHY THE...FACE" but something looks off, noticing the doubled letters helps reveal that "LONG" was taken out and "FACE" was manipulated.

  • The expected phrase is LONG TIME NO SEE, but LONG is removed. TIME is adjusted instead—T becomes TT, I becomes II, M becomes MM, and E becomes EE—giving us TTIIMMEENOSEE.

  • The clue "___ last resort" calls for a phrase or word fitting the blank. The answer "ASA" completes the phrase "as a last resort," a common expression meaning a final option when others have failed. This is a straightforward phrase completion, with no extra wordplay involved.

  • Donkey Kong is a classic video game character who is a gorilla, which is a type of ape. The clue uses "e.g." (for example) to suggest a broader category to which Donkey Kong belongs. Since gorillas are apes, the answer is APE.

  • The OBIE Awards, established in 1956, honor excellence in off-Broadway theater. The clue refers to this long-standing theatrical recognition. The specificity of the date ("since 1956") directly ties to when the OBIE Awards were introduced, making OBIE the correct answer.

  • The answer "MEWS" fits because it describes the soft, high-pitched sounds kittens make when they cry. "Mew" is an onomatopoeic word that mimics the sound. The plural "mews" aligns with the clue's plural "cries." This is a direct and straightforward clue-answer pairing.

  • OMAN is a member of the Arab League, an organization of Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa. As a recognized sovereign state within this political and economic bloc, OMAN fits the clue perfectly. It’s a direct reference to its status as part of the League.

  • The word "Engender" means to produce, create, or bring about something. "SIRE" aligns as its answer because it refers to a male parent, specifically one who begets or engenders offspring, typically in the context of animals or royalty. Thus, "SIRE" aptly fits the clue.

  • The answer is ALF because Paul Fusco voiced the title character in the 1980s sitcom "ALF," which stands for "Alien Life Form." ALF was a wisecracking alien from the planet Melmac, and Fusco also operated the puppet for the character.

  • The answer "LIEN" fits because a lien is a legal claim or hold on property, typically used by creditors or banks to secure a loan or debt. This makes it a "concern" for a bank, as they rely on liens to recover funds if debts go unpaid.

  • The answer "INCA" refers to the civilization of people who lived in the Andes region of South America, specifically Peru, which serves as the cultural and historical backdrop for Disney's "The Emperor's New Groove." The story and design heavily draw from Incan culture and architecture.

  • The answer "SETS" refers to the physical locations designed for filming TV shows. "Cheers" and "Friends" were filmed on production sets built to replicate a bar and a coffee shop respectively. The clue identifies these iconic fictional spaces, linking them to their on-screen environments.

  • The clue "Who ___?" suggests a conversational phrase completion. "Who else?" is a common rhetorical expression used to imply no other person or alternative is expected or considered. The blank naturally completes to "ELSE," fitting the idiomatic phrasing perfectly.

  • The clue "Pelt" has a double meaning. A "pelt" refers to the skin or hide of an animal, typically covered in fur. Therefore, FUR is the correct answer as it relates directly to this definition of "pelt." It's a straightforward synonym!

  • The clue "Fall to 0% battery" uses wordplay. When a device's battery reaches 0%, it "dies," ceasing to function. The word "DIE" aligns perfectly with this metaphorical usage, as it describes the endpoint of the device's operational life.

  • The clue "For sure!" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "I AGREE" is a fitting response or affirmation someone might say aloud to express certainty or strong agreement, making it the correct answer to convey the sentiment of "For sure!".

  • The answer is OSCAR because Oscar Isaac is a well-known actor who starred as Duke Leto Atreides in the 2021 film adaptation of Dune. The clue directly references his last name, Isaac, making this a straightforward identification of the actor.

  • The clue refers to the "seat" or administrative center of Oneida County, New York. UTICA is the county seat of Oneida County, making it the correct answer. In geographical and administrative terms, this aligns perfectly with the clue's straightforward reference.

  • The answer "TENET" fits because a tenet is a principle, belief, or ideology that forms a foundational part of a larger doctrine or system of thought. Doctrines are often built upon multiple tenets, making "Part of a doctrine" a perfect clue for this solution.

  • The clue "Charges" directly refers to fees, which are payments required for services or privileges. For example, legal services or event admissions often involve charges, commonly called fees. This straightforward synonym explains why FEES fits the clue perfectly.

  • The answer is OKRA because it's a vegetable commonly served as a fried side dish, especially in Southern U.S. cuisine. When breaded and fried, okra becomes a crispy and flavorful accompaniment, fitting the description of a "commonly fried" side dish in the clue.

  • The answer is MEIR because Golda Meir was the Prime Minister of Israel during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. As a prominent leader at the time, she played a critical role in managing Israel's response to the conflict, which makes her the fitting solution for this clue.

  • The answer "ARTS" fits the clue because artworks (like paintings, films, or literature) can have dark themes or elements (e.g., macabre or somber) or be graphic in nature (visually detailed or vivid). This clue refers to the broad creative spectrum of the arts.

  • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers the Acid Rain Program, established under the 1990 Clean Air Act to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) emissions, the primary causes of acid rain. As the clue references this specific program, EPA is the clear solution.

  • The clue "One who looks at slides?" is a pun. An "UMP," or umpire, watches "slides" during a baseball game, such as when players slide into bases. The question mark signals this wordplay, connecting the literal sliding action to the umpire's role in observing and making calls on such plays.

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This Wednesday puzzle plays a fun trick on solvers, using a Thursday-like gimmick that requires some clever deduction. Four long Down answers appear strangely elongated at first glance—JJOOHHNNSILVER, TTIIMMEENOSEE, DADDYLLEEGGSS, and WHYTHEFFAACCEE. The trick is realizing that each double letter should be read as a single letter, revealing familiar phrases: LONG JOHN SILVER, LONG TIME NO SEE, DADDY LONG LEGS, and WHY THE LONG FACE. The hidden theme is "LONG" phrases, which ties into the gimmick itself. A tricky but rewarding solve that keeps you on your toes—perfect for seasoned solvers who enjoy a challenge!

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