What might be caught Red-handed? - NYT The Crossword Clue

PILAF is a fragrant rice dish commonly cooked with spices, broth, and often mixed with vegetables, nuts, or meat. The clue specifies "Fragrant," highlighting the aromatic spices typically associated with pilaf, such as cinnamon, cardamom, or cumin, making it the fitting answer.

The clue "Day and night" refers to something happening continuously or at any time. The phrase "AT ALL HOURS" fits perfectly as it means "constantly" or "at any time of the day or night," making it a clear match for the clue's meaning.

The clue "Must I spell it out further?" is phrased as if someone is frustratedly explaining something obvious. The response "DON'T YOU SEE" fits this tone perfectly, as it’s a rhetorical phrase used to emphasize understanding or clarity, matching the conversational and slightly exasperated context of the clue.

The clue "Turf" refers to grassy ground or land, often used in landscaping or gardening. "SOD" is a layer of grass and soil held together by roots, commonly used for creating or repairing lawns, making it a perfect match for the definition.

The answer is OCCULT because practices associated with pentacles often refer to mysticism or magical traditions, which fall under the realm of the occult. The occult pertains to secret or supernatural knowledge, aligning with the mystical symbolism of pentacles in tarot or esoteric practices.

FRAIL is a synonym for "enfeebled," as both describe a state of weakness or fragility, often related to physical, emotional, or structural strength. The clue uses a straightforward definition, making FRAIL the appropriate answer due to its close meaning to enfeebled.

FINS is the solution because they are a key piece of scuba diving gear, worn on the feet to help divers propel themselves efficiently through the water. The word "Some" in the clue suggests a part of scuba equipment, and FINS are essential for swimming underwater.

The clue "OMG, I didn't need to know that!" is conversational and implies an oversharing or excessive detail scenario. TMI stands for "Too Much Information," a common abbreviation used when someone shares more than is necessary or desired, perfectly matching the sentiment of the clue.

The clue references a tagline from the 2023 "Barbie" movie. The line "She's everything. ___ just Ken" highlights the contrast between Barbie's significance and Ken's simpler role. The missing word "HES" completes the line as "He's just Ken," fitting the context of the movie's playful tone.

EDM stands for Electronic Dance Music, a genre characterized by electronic beats and synthesized sounds. It’s a popular choice played at raves, which are energetic dance parties. The clue specifies "for short," signaling an abbreviation, matching EDM perfectly as the shortened form of the genre's name.

Grace Hopper was a pioneering computer scientist who contributed to early programming languages and the development of compilers. She is also notable for coining the term "debugging." In recognition of her legacy, Yale University named Grace Hopper College in her honor. Hence, the answer is GRACEHOPPER.

The answer "RAJA" fits the clue "Asian royal" because "Raja" is a title commonly used for monarchs or rulers in South and Southeast Asia, particularly in India and surrounding countries. It directly translates to "king" or "ruler," perfectly aligning with the term "royal."

The clue "Don't worry about me" is a conversational phrase signaling a spoken response. "I'm OK" (or IMOK) is a common phrase people use to reassure someone that they are fine, matching the tone and context of the clue. It's short, casual, and fits the puzzle format.

The answer "DARE" fits "Have the audacity" because to "dare" means to have the courage or boldness to do something risky or audacious. It directly relates to the idea of displaying audacity or bravery in challenging situations.

The clue "Colleen" refers to an Irish term for a girl or young woman. "Lass" is a word with a similar meaning, commonly used in Scotland and Ireland to refer to a young woman, making it the fitting answer to this clue.

The word "BITTERSWEET" describes something as both pleasant (sweet) and painful or sad (bitter) simultaneously, reflecting emotional complexity. For example, saying goodbye to a meaningful experience or person can evoke mixed emotions—happiness for the memories and sadness for the loss—hence it fits the clue perfectly.

The answer is BEALE because James Baldwin's novel "If Beale Street Could Talk" is a significant work that explores love and injustice. Beale Street, referenced in the title, symbolizes the Black experience in America, even though the street itself is located in Memphis. The blank in the clue is filled with "Beale."

The answer is RAYE because she is a British singer-songwriter who goes by her mononym, "RAYE." In 2023, she was featured in the hit song "Prada," making her name a direct match for the clue’s description of a one-named singer associated with this track.

The clue "What one might subscribe to" plays on the idea of subscribing to a belief, ideology, or philosophy, often ending in "-ism" (e.g., feminism, capitalism). The suffix "ISM" represents those ideologies or systems of thought, making it the fitting answer here.

The phrase "I'll let that ___ …" implies letting something go or not making an issue of it. The answer, SLIDE, completes the phrase "I'll let that slide," which is a common expression meaning to overlook or forgive a minor mistake or action.

The phrase "ONE AND DONE" refers to something that happens only once, aligning perfectly with "Not to be repeated." It conveys finality, commonly used in contexts like tasks, sports, or events completed in one attempt without repetition. Thus, it fits the clue's meaning literally and idiomatically.

The clue "Seeking comment?" is a play on words. It refers to the children's game hide-and-seek, where "Ready or not, here I come!" is called out to start seeking. The phrase "Ready or not" cleverly fits both the wordplay and the idea of seeking (in this case, a playful comment).

The answer is EYRE because the quote is from Jane Eyre, the title heroine of Charlotte Brontë's novel. This line reflects Jane's independent spirit and defiance, embodying her assertiveness in the face of societal restrictions, aligning her with the quoted statement. Hence, the title heroine is Jane EYRE.

TOFU is a common protein option in stir-fry dishes. Made from soybeans, it’s plant-based, versatile, and absorbs flavors well, making it popular in vegetarian and vegan meals. The clue directly asks for a stir-fry protein, and tofu is a classic, straightforward ingredient fitting this description.

The phrase “This, too, shall pass” reflects something temporary or transitional. Similarly, a PHASE is a stage or period of change that is temporary and will pass. The answer aligns with the clue's meaning, emphasizing impermanence and progression.

The clue "Squeeze" suggests compacting or pressing something tightly. "Cram" aligns with this definition as it means to force something into a small space or to stuff tightly, which involves applying pressure or "squeezing" to fit more into an area. It’s a literal match.

The clue "Not yet final, in brief" hints at an abbreviated form of a phrase meaning "to be determined." TBA stands for "To Be Announced," indicating something that's not finalized but will be decided or announced later. The "in brief" confirms the answer is an abbreviation.

The clue includes "en España," signaling the answer is in Spanish. There have been six (SEIS) kings of Spain named Felipe, from Felipe I to the current Felipe VI. Thus, "SEIS" (Spanish for "six") is the correct answer.

The clue "Position at a food company?" involves wordplay, hinted by the question mark. A "TASTER" is someone who samples food for quality or flavor, a role often tied to food companies. The pun lies in interpreting "position" not just as a job title but as the act of tasting food.

The clue "Throng" refers to a large group or crowd of people. The word "HORDE" aligns perfectly as it means a large, unruly group or multitude, often used to describe a swarm or mob. Thus, HORDE is the apt solution for this straightforward synonym-based clue.

The answer "SUITS" refers to formal business attire typically worn by executives and professionals in a boardroom setting. It also metaphorically represents corporate individuals or decision-makers, often called "suits" in business jargon, making it a fitting term for a "Boardroom group."

The clue "Mail" leads to "SHIP" as a solution because "ship" is a verb meaning to send or deliver something, such as mail or packages. The wordplay here connects mailing with the act of shipping, making "SHIP" a fitting answer.

The answer "LANA" refers to Lana Lang, a recurring character in the Superman universe and one of Superboy's notable romantic interests in his youth. Clueing Superboy specifically signifies the period when Clark Kent was younger, making Lana Lang his crush during that time.

The solution "EVES" refers to the nights before holidays, such as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, which are commonly seen as the lead-ins or precursors to the holidays themselves. The clue uses "Holiday lead-ins" to hint at the days immediately preceding these festive occasions.

The clue "Entice" directly relates to the word "BAIT" as both involve luring or tempting something or someone. "Bait" is commonly used to attract targets, such as in fishing or persuasion, making it a fitting synonym for "entice" in this context.

The answer "ADA" refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This federal antidiscrimination legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment, public accommodations, transportation, and more, ensuring equal rights and accessibility.

The answer "HAW" refers to haw flakes, a fruity Chinese snack made from the Chinese hawthorn fruit. These are thin, sweet, and tangy discs commonly found in Asian markets, aligning perfectly with the clue's description of a "fruity Chinese snack."

The answer "ERA" fits the clue "Long period" because an era refers to a significant, prolonged period of time, often characterized by distinct events, developments, or themes in history or culture. It directly aligns with the definition of a long span of time.

The clue "What a boat shouldn't do" refers to the instability of a boat. "TIP" means to overturn or lean to one side, which is undesirable for a boat as it risks capsizing. The answer plays on the idea of maintaining balance and safety while afloat.