NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The answer is LOBS because in tennis, a "lob" is a type of shot that arcs high over the opponent, often used to clear them when they're at the net. The word "arcing" in the clue directly describes the high, curved trajectory of a lob shot.

The term "Farmland unit" refers to a standard measure of land area, particularly for agricultural purposes. An ACRE is a widely recognized unit of land measurement commonly used in farming and real estate, equivalent to 43,560 square feet. Thus, ACRE aptly answers the clue.

SCAT is the correct answer because it refers to a vocal improvisation technique in jazz where singers use nonsensical syllables instead of lyrics. These improvised syllables mimic instrument sounds, making "Jazz singer's improvised syllables" a direct description of SCAT. It’s a central element of jazz vocal performances.

The Japanese flag, known as "Nisshōki" or "Hinomaru," features a red circle in the center. This circle symbolizes the sun, reflecting Japan's nickname as the "Land of the Rising Sun." Thus, SUN is the correct answer, representing the cultural and symbolic meaning of the flag's design.

The clue, "Can I take your ___?" (server's question), reflects a common phrase spoken by a server in a restaurant when asking a customer what they would like to eat or drink. The word that completes this question is "ORDER," as it directly relates to the process of ordering food or beverages.

The clue "Brunch or lunch" refers to types of occasions where food is consumed. Both brunch and lunch are forms of a MEAL, making MEAL the correct answer. It is a generic term that encompasses these specific eating events. There’s no wordplay or special indicator here—just straightforward logic!

The phrase "All's well that ends well" is a famous proverb and the title of a Shakespeare play. The clue "___ well that ends well!" directly references this saying, so the missing word is "ALLS," completing the phrase.

The verb "lay" requires a direct object (e.g., "Lay the book down"), while "lie" is intransitive, meaning "to recline" (e.g., "Lie down"). Grammatically, "Lie, Lady, Lie" would be correct since no object follows. Hence, LIE fits as the corrected word in the title.

The answer is "TAXMAN" because it is the title of a Beatles song from their 1966 album Revolver. The lyrics reference taxation, with the specific line in the clue humorously highlighting the theme of taxes and the government's share, perfectly aligning with the song's subject.

The clue "Touch or taste" refers to two of the five senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. Both touch and taste are examples of human senses, making SENSE the correct answer as it encompasses these abilities. The clue directly points to this broader category.

The clue "Source of extra sweetness" points to something that enhances sweetness beyond what's naturally present. ADDED SUGAR is a common term for sugar intentionally introduced to foods or drinks to make them sweeter, making it a straightforward and fitting answer to the clue.

The word "Stead" means "place" or "position," often used in phrases like "in someone's stead." "Lieu" is a synonym for "place," commonly seen in "in lieu of," meaning "instead of." Thus, "Lieu" is the correct answer for this clue.

In the U.S., a president's time in office is divided into terms, with each term lasting four years. Hence, "Four years, for a president" directly corresponds to a TERM. This aligns with how the presidency's duration is officially structured.

The answer is YENTL because it is a 1983 musical film directed by, co-written by, and starring Barbra Streisand. It tells the story of a young Jewish woman disguising herself as a man to study Talmudic law, making it a perfect match for the clue.

The clue "Sept. preceder" asks for what comes directly before September in a sequence, like months of the year. "Sept." is the abbreviation for September, so its preceder is August, which is abbreviated as "AUG." The abbreviation in the clue signals the answer is also abbreviated.

The clue "Loosened, as a knot" directly hints at the act of reversing or undoing a tied knot. "Undid" is the past tense of "undo," which means to untie or loosen something, making it the perfect fit for the clue.

The clue "Nitpicker" refers to someone overly concerned with minor details or rules. A PEDANT is exactly that—a person who insists on precision and correctness, often to an unnecessary or annoying degree. This fits the subtle meaning behind "Nitpicker" as someone overly focused on trivialities.

The word "SCORN" is a synonym for "contempt," as both describe a feeling of disdain or a lack of respect towards someone or something. This straightforward clue directly seeks a word that matches the meaning without any additional wordplay or nuance.

The PALEO diet is named after the Paleolithic era, when early humans lived as hunters and gatherers. It emphasizes consuming foods available during that time, like meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, while avoiding processed foods, grains, and dairy. The clue reflects this historic inspiration.

The clue hints at not dressing appropriately for a formal event like a gala. "UNDERDRESS" means wearing attire that is too casual or informal for the occasion, such as showing up in a T-shirt when formal wear is expected. Hence, UNDERDRESS perfectly fits.

The answer is WARHOL because Andy Warhol, a prominent figure in the Pop Art movement, famously created artwork featuring Campbell’s soup cans. These works are iconic representations of everyday consumer culture, making him the "noted painter of soup cans" in the clue.

The clue "Go until" suggests a phrase indicating a stopping point or limit. "END AT" fits as it means to proceed or continue until a specific point where it stops, aligning perfectly with the clue's phrasing and intent.

An AGENT is a professional who represents authors, helping them pitch their work to publishers and negotiate book deals. The clue's simplicity directly points to this key role in the publishing industry. AGENTs are crucial intermediaries for authors seeking publication opportunities.

The clue "Stereotypical bookworms" plays on the common stereotype that bookworms are socially awkward or overly studious individuals, often called "NERDS." The answer connects to this image of people who are highly intellectual or deeply engrossed in learning, fitting the stereotype humorously.

The clue "Affirmative" directly refers to a positive response or agreement. In conversational or formal language, the word "YES" represents an affirmation, making it the perfect solution for this straightforward clue. The absence of additional hints or wordplay supports this simple, clear answer.

The phrase "fill 'er up" is commonly used at gas stations when asking to fill a vehicle's fuel tank. "Gas" is short for gasoline, the standard fuel for most vehicles, making it the fitting answer to this clue.

The clue "Alternative to bottled" refers to how drinks, especially beer, are served. An alternative to being packaged in bottles is being "ON TAP," meaning directly dispensed from a keg or tap system. This drink-serving method contrasts with pre-bottling, making "ONTAP" the accurate answer.

The clue "Mosque toppers" refers to the distinctive architectural feature often found on mosques. DOMES are rounded structures commonly seen atop mosques, symbolizing the heavens. This answer directly describes the physical element that "tops" many mosques, making it a fitting solution.

The clue refers to an art form involving "tiles in fancy styles" arranged to create intricate designs or images—this describes a MOSAIC. The parenthetical adds wordplay, as mosaics can "produce smiles" with their beauty and artistic appeal.

The clue "Gives stars to, say" hints at the act of assigning a rating, often represented by stars (e.g., 5 stars for excellent). The phrase "say" signals an example or interpretation. "RATES" fits as it means evaluating or assigning stars (ratings) to something, like movies or restaurants.

The phrase "wise owl" is a common association, stemming from ancient myths and literature where owls symbolize wisdom and knowledge. Their thoughtful demeanor and nocturnal observation often enhance this perception. The clue puts "Wise" in quotes, hinting at this well-known phrase, making OWL the fitting answer.

The answer "VOLTS" refers to the Chevrolet Volt, a well-known hybrid car model. The clue uses "Hybrid Chevys" to hint at the plural form, indicating more than one Volt. The pun-like nature of the clue (hybrid = part-electric) ties to the electric component of the Volt.

The pattern XXX-XX-XXXX matches the formatting of U.S. Social Security Numbers (SSNs). The clue’s use of "Strings" refers to sequences of numbers, and "in brief" indicates an abbreviation is needed. Thus, "SSNS" (short for Social Security Numbers) is the correct answer.

The phrase "___ shalt not ..." alludes to the archaic, biblical language used in the Ten Commandments. "Thou" is the old-fashioned pronoun for "you," used in religious or authoritative contexts. Thus, "Thou shalt not" aligns perfectly with the phrasing of this well-known commandment structure.

ODES is the answer because odes are a form of lyrical poetry often written to honor or pay tribute to a person, object, or concept. The clue "Poetic tributes" directly references this poetic form, making ODES the correct solution.

The answer "RITE" fits because it refers to a formal or ceremonial act, often with established traditions or rituals, such as a wedding or religious service. The clue "Formal ceremony" directly defines this term, making it a straightforward and fitting match for the answer.

The clue "Boy's name … or how you might describe 17-, 34-, 42- or 59-Across?" uses wordplay. Each themed answer likely ends in "and Y," creating a pun on "Andy," a boy’s name. This double meaning ties both to the name and the structure of the answers.

The answer "PDAS" stands for Personal Digital Assistants, which were handheld devices used for tasks like scheduling, note-taking, and contacts before smartphones. "In brief" signifies an abbreviation, aligning perfectly with "PDAS" as a shortened term for these early technology predecessors to smartphones.

ESSO is the solution because it is a major fuel and service station brand that operates in Canada, directly competing with Petro-Canada. Originally the phonetic pronunciation of "S.O." (Standard Oil), ESSO is a recognized global oil company and a natural rival in the Canadian market.

The Knicks and Clippers are professional basketball teams. "Org." refers to the organization that oversees them, which is the National Basketball Association (NBA). The NBA is the governing body for these teams, making it the correct answer.

AAA is the solution because it refers to a specific type of small battery commonly used in compact electronic devices, such as small toys, remote controls, and flashlights. Its size and power make it ideal for those applications, matching the clue's reference to "small toys."