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Cherubic archer - NYT The Crossword Clue
Across
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The clue "Do a spit take?" with a question mark signals wordplay. "Spit" refers to saliva, and "take" can suggest action. A "SWAB" is used to "take" a saliva sample, often for medical or forensic purposes. Thus, SWAB cleverly fits as the pun-based answer.
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The clue refers to a sea creature, CRAB, whose name surprisingly doesn't rhyme with the answer to 1-Across. This highlights an intentional quirk in pronunciation. 1-Across is "swab," which visually appears it should rhyme with "crab," but due to English phonetics, it doesn't perfectly align. Hence the "weirdly."
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The answer "GASX" is correct because Gas-X is a well-known over-the-counter medication specifically designed to relieve bloating caused by excess gas in the digestive system. The clue directly references a brand name associated with bloating relief, making GASX a fitting solution.
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The clue "I've made a huge mistake!" is in quotes, signaling it's a spoken exclamation. "OHNO" is a common, concise expression of regret or realization of a mistake, perfectly conveying the sentiment of the clue in casual conversation.
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HORA is the solution because it refers to a traditional Jewish circle dance often performed at weddings. During the Hora, newlyweds are lifted on chairs while guests dance around them, celebrating their union. This joyful custom is a hallmark of Jewish wedding festivities.
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The clue "Spin instructor?" uses a pun. "Spin" refers to the way public relations (PR) professionals skillfully "spin" stories or information to present them positively. A "PR GURU" is an expert in public relations, effectively making them a "spin instructor" in a figurative sense.
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This clue plays on the jewelry fad that changed color based on temperature or “mood.” The shaded O’s in MOOD look like tiny rings—round and enclosed—making “rings” a literal visual within the word.
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AREPAS is the answer because these are traditional Colombian cakes made from cornmeal, dating back to pre-Columbian times. They are a staple of Colombian and Venezuelan cuisine, originating from Indigenous peoples. The term "cakes" here refers to their flat, round shape, like patties, rather than sweet baked goods.
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The answer is MANIAC because it is a hit song from the "Flashdance" soundtrack, released in 1983. Michael Sembello performed the energetic track, which became a chart-topping single. Its title aligns with the theme of intense passion and dancing frenzy depicted in the film and soundtrack.
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The answer is IAN because it's a common man's name (e.g., Ian McKellen), and it's also a suffix used in adjectives and nouns indicating origin or relation, such as "Canadian" or "historian." The dual role of "Ian" aligns perfectly with the clue's wordplay.
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The phrase "Storm center" refers to the calm area in the middle of a hurricane, which is called the "eye." It contrasts with the surrounding intense storm activity, making "EYE" the perfect answer due to its central, calm position within the storm.
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“Heroes’ journeys” refer to narrative arcs in storytelling, but here the shaded C’s in CHARACTER echo the shape of an arc themselves, cleverly turning the clue into a visual pun.
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The phrase "___ in comparison" implies something that seems less significant or impressive when compared to something else. The word "PALE" fits perfectly, as the expression "pale in comparison" is commonly used to describe something diminished or overshadowed in contrast to another.
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The clue "Starter starter?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. "Starter" refers to the beginning of something, and the prefix "NON-" commonly precedes words to mean "not" or negate them. It's often the "starter" of words like "nonstarter," fitting the pun-like nature of the clue.
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The answer is ALUMNA because Barnard College is a women's liberal arts college, so its graduates are typically female. The term "alumna" specifically refers to a female graduate, making it the correct choice for the clue. The "e.g." indicates one example of such a graduate.
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EMI is the solution because it refers to Electric and Musical Industries, a prominent British record label founded in 1931. It was one of the most influential music companies for decades, signing legendary artists like The Beatles and Pink Floyd, fitting the "long-running" description in the clue.
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The clue “Canine that bites” is a play on words. "Canine" refers to a type of tooth (specifically the pointed ones) and "bites" hints at the function of a tooth. Therefore, the answer is TOOTH, as it aligns with both the pun and literal meaning of the clue.
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The answer is NOOMI because Noomi Rapace is the Swedish actress who portrayed Lisbeth Salander in the 2009 Swedish adaptation of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," based on Stieg Larsson's novel. Her first name closely matches the clue for identifying her.
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Scatter plot visuals often include trend lines or curves, and here, the shaded S’s mimic the sinuous, curved shape you’d expect to see in such a statistical graph.
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The clue "Not hot or cool" relates to trends or social perception. "Hot" or "cool" are terms used to describe something fashionable or trendy. The opposite of that is "UNHIP," meaning not trendy, fashionable, or stylish. It fits both the literal and contextual meanings.
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The answer "STOOP" fits because to "debase oneself" means to lower one's dignity or morals. Similarly, "stoop" means to lower oneself physically or metaphorically, often implying a compromise of principles or dignity. Thus, the word aligns perfectly with the concept of self-debasement.
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The clue plays on the contraction of the name "Arianna," where dropping "-anna" leaves "Ari." Hence, "Ari" becomes the nickname that omits the latter part of the name, fitting the clue perfectly.
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The answer "STRING" fits because detectives often use string to physically connect pieces of evidence, such as photos or notes, on a corkboard to visualize connections between clues in an investigation.
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The answer "ERR" fits the clue "Go wrong" as the verb "err" means to make a mistake or be incorrect, which aligns perfectly with the concept of going wrong or deviating from what is correct. It's a direct and simple definition match.
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The clue "Pot leaves?" includes a pun indicated by the question mark. Here, "pot" refers to a teapot, and "leaves" cleverly hints at tea leaves, which are used to brew tea. Thus, the answer is TEAS, referring to beverages made from those leaves.
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In this entry, the shaded I’s are straight vertical lines, which quite literally “divide” the word DIVIDINGLINES down the middle. It’s a clean, geometric nod to the clue.
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The suffix -ese is used to denote languages, nationalities, or things related to a place. When added to "legal," it creates "legalese," which refers to the specialized, often complex language used in legal documents or discourse. Thus, "ESE" is the correct answer.
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The clue "Star sign?" includes a pun, signaled by the question mark. In this case, "CUE" refers to a sign or signal given to a performer or "star" (like an actor or musician) to start or continue their action. It's clever wordplay!
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The clue "Come on, help me out" is a conversational phrase suggesting a plea for assistance or support. The answer, BEAPAL, fits as it directly translates to being a friend or ally—someone who you’d ask for help or support in casual speech.
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The clue "Exposed" suggests vulnerability or being in danger. "At risk" directly conveys a state of being exposed to danger, harm, or threat. The answer aligns perfectly as it captures the meaning of exposure in the context of jeopardy or peril.
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The answer "ALLELBOWS" is a playful take on the phrase "all elbows," often used to describe someone who is awkwardly lanky or clumsy. The shaded L’s stick out at angles within the word like sharp, protruding elbows, making this a spot-on visual metaphor.
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The answer "LESMIS" refers to Les Misérables, the famous musical where the song "I Dreamed a Dream" is performed. "Familiarly" in the clue indicates a shortened or colloquial form, and "LESMIS" is the widely recognized abbreviation for the title.
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The answer "REAL" fits the clue "Genuine" because both words are synonyms. Something "genuine" is authentic or true, and "real" directly conveys the same meaning of being authentic, not fake or artificial. The clue involves straightforward synonym-based reasoning with no additional wordplay.
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The clue "Where to get a shelf off the shelf?" uses wordplay and a pun. IKEA is a famous furniture store where you can purchase shelves (and other furniture) that are often self-serve or "off the shelf," aligning perfectly with the clue's phrasing and intended humor.
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The clue "Breather" suggests a pause or break, often used to catch one’s breath. REST aligns perfectly, as it means taking a break or pausing, providing a "breather" from activity or exertion. The straightforward nature of the clue matches the simplicity of the answer.
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The answer "SEXT" is a playful double entendre. "Blue" can refer to something risqué or suggestive, and "note" hints at a message. A "sext" is a suggestive or risqué text message, fitting the pun in the clue.
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The answer "NEST" fits because a nest snugly accommodates its contents, like birds or eggs. The clue "Fit snugly (in)" metaphorically describes how something or someone comfortably settles into a space, much like how a nest securely holds its inhabitants. This creates a clear and fitting match.
Down
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The answer "SOMM" refers to the 2010s documentary trilogy that follows candidates training intensely to pass the Master Sommelier exam—a notoriously challenging wine certification. "SOMM" is short for "sommelier," a wine expert, perfectly aligning the clue with the content of the films.
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The clue "Hold your horses!" is in quotes, indicating a spoken expression. "Hold your horses" is a phrase used to tell someone to slow down or stop. Similarly, "WHOA" is an exclamation used to command someone or something (like horses) to halt, making it the perfect fit.
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The clue "Ghost writer?" features a pun indicated by the question mark. "Ghost" implies anonymity, and a writer who's anonymous might be credited as "ANON," a common abbreviation for "anonymous." Thus, ANON fits as someone who metaphorically "ghostwrites" without revealing their identity.
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A "bodice" is the close-fitting upper part of a dress that covers the torso, typically above the waist. This answer fits the clue directly, as it designates the specific tailored section of a garment known for its snug fit.
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The clue "Some Mexican Americans" refers to CHICANOS, a term specifically used to describe people of Mexican descent living in the United States, often emphasizing cultural identity and heritage. The word directly aligns with the clue's description of a subset of Mexican Americans.
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The answer is RON because it refers to Ron Howard, a well-known actor and director. He gained fame as a child actor in "The Andy Griffith Show" and later directed successful films like "Apollo 13" and "A Beautiful Mind." His dual role as actor and director fits the clue perfectly.
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The answer "ARG" is the abbreviation for Argentina, the country where Los Glaciares National Park is located. This UNESCO World Heritage site features majestic glaciers and is in the southern Patagonian region of Argentina, making "ARG" the correct shorthand for the clue.
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The answer is BASIC because it commonly pairs with both "cable" (as in basic cable, a standard television package) and "training" (as in basic training, the introductory instruction in military or other fields). Both terms use "basic" to signify something fundamental or standard.
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The clue "Sound from an annoyed samoyed" describes a nonverbal noise made by a dog when irritated. Samoyeds, a breed of dog, might growl when annoyed, and "GRR" represents this growling sound. The quotation marks in the clue hint that the answer imitates a sound rather than a descriptive word.
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The clue "Time of one's life" refers to a general period or stage in a person's existence. The word "AGE" denotes both a specific time in life and a broader phase, aligning perfectly as the answer. It's a straightforward connection to the clue's intent.
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The clue "Starbursts?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. "Starbursts" refers to massive stellar explosions, also known as supernovae. The playful phrasing hints at the scientific term for these literal "bursts" of stars, making SUPERNOVAE (the plural of supernova) the fitting answer.
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The answer is XRAYCAMERA because it is a specific piece of equipment used in a dentist's office to take X-ray images. These images help dentists detect issues like cavities or bone problems, making it an essential tool in dental diagnostics. The clue directly points to such specialized equipment.
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The answer "PANEL" fits because a panel refers to a group of experts or specialists assembled to discuss or deliberate on a specific topic, matching the clue's meaning. It succinctly captures the idea of an "Assembly of experts" in a single word.
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The word "Manipulates" can mean to handle or control something, often for one's benefit, which aligns with the definition of "USES." To use something is to employ it for a purpose, which can involve deliberate handling or manipulation in various contexts.
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The answer is "RAH" because when it is doubled ("RAH RAH"), it mimics enthusiastic cheering, commonly associated with zealous or spirited support, like in sports or pep rallies. This phrase conveys excitement and zeal, aligning perfectly with the clue's description.
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This clue plays on how we read phrases. “One-time connection” isn’t about relationships or tech; it refers to the phrase “at a time.” Read as a chunk, ATA suddenly makes sense.
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The clue "Australian hoppers, for short" refers to kangaroos, which are native to Australia and known for hopping as their primary form of movement. The abbreviation "ROOS" is a shortened form of "kangaroos," making it the fitting answer to this clue.
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The clue "Nay sayers" refers to people who oppose or reject something (saying "nay"). "ANTIS" is short for "antagonists" or those who are against something, fitting the clue as those who express disagreement or opposition. The plural form matches "sayers."
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The answer "RUNUP" refers to the period or events leading up to something significant, often serving as preparation or buildup to a main event. Collectively, these moments are anticipatory, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.
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The answer "AMOR" refers to the Roman counterpart of Cupid, the god of love, often depicted as a cherubic (childlike) archer. "Amor" means "love" in Latin, aligning with the figure's role in mythology. The clue suggests this connection to the cherubic archer delivering love’s arrow.
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PERU is the answer because potatoes were first domesticated over 7,000 years ago in the Andes mountains, particularly in modern-day Peru. This South American country is considered the birthplace of the potato, making it the "country where potatoes originated."
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The clue "Preach!" in quotes signals a spoken exclamation. "Amen, Sister!" is a lively phrase often used to express strong agreement or encouragement during a passionate speech or sermon, akin to "Preach it!" The pun and tone fit perfectly, leading to the answer AMENSISTER.
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The clue "Playful poetry" hints at a light, humorous style of verse. "Light verse" refers to poetry intended to entertain or amuse with wit or cleverness, aligning perfectly with the playful tone suggested by the clue. This makes LIGHTVERSE the fitting solution.
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The answer "TEPID" perfectly aligns with the clue "Lukewarm" because both terms describe a state of mild or moderate warmth. Synonymously, "tepid" refers to something that is neither hot nor cold, making it an exact match for the clue. It's a straightforward definition-based clue.
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The clue "Stay there!" with a punning exclamation point suggests a place where one can literally "stay." A hotel is a common establishment where people stay temporarily during travel, making it the fitting solution for this clue.
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The answer is ISIS because she is a well-known Egyptian goddess, worshipped for her magic and motherhood. Her name is "reduplicative," meaning it repeats the "IS" syllable. This aligns with the clue's description of an Egyptian deity with a name featuring repetition.
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The answer is RIRI, the reduplicative nickname of pop icon Rihanna. "Reduplicative" indicates repetition in the name (Ri-Ri). Rihanna is widely recognized by this nickname in pop culture, making it a fitting solution for the clue.
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The answer is NORI because it is the name of the dried edible seaweed traditionally used in Japanese cuisine, particularly as a wrap for sushi like rolls (maki). It’s a common and essential ingredient associated directly with sushi preparation, perfectly fitting the clue "Sushi seaweed."
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The answer "CORNBELT" refers to a region in the Midwestern United States known for intensive corn farming due to its fertile soil and suitable climate. "Swath" suggests a large, continuous area, which aligns with the expansive agricultural region called the Corn Belt.
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The answer is NICKS because Stevie Nicks is a prominent vocalist and member of the famous band Fleetwood Mac. As the clue specifically references "Fleetwood Mac vocalist Stevie," it directly points to her last name, NICKS, which is well known in music history.
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In Disney's "The Lion King," the iconic stampede scene involves herds of wildebeests, which are also known as gnus. The creature causing the stampede that tragically leads to Mufasa's fall is the gnu, making it the correct answer to this clue.
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The answer "TSABIN" refers to the bins provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airport security checkpoints. Travelers place personal items like shoes, belts, and electronics in these bins before walking through the screening scanner. "TSA" reflects the organization, and "BIN" specifies the container.
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The clue "You're on!" in quotes suggests a spoken phrase. "DEAL" fits because it's a casual way to confirm an agreement or acceptance, as in "It's a deal." This aligns with how one might respond when agreeing to a challenge or proposal, implying "You're on!"
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The answer "GEARS" fits the clue "Settings on a bike" because a bike's gears allow riders to adjust the difficulty of pedaling depending on terrain. These adjustable "settings" help manage speed and effort, making "GEARS" a direct and logical solution for this clue.
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The answer "EEL" fits because ospreys are fish-eating birds that hunt in bodies of water. Eels, being aquatic animals and resembling fish, are a common potential prey for ospreys due to their habitat and size. The clue directly ties to the osprey's diet and hunting behavior.
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The clue "Give the finger?" ends in a question mark, signaling wordplay. Here, it humorously refers to a light touch or jab made with a finger, which is the action of a "POKE." The pun conveys the playful interpretation of "giving" something with your finger.
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The clue "Floors" is a pun indicated by the lack of a literal context and the plural usage. "Floors" can also mean astonishes or overwhelms someone emotionally. The answer "AWES" aligns with this meaning, as it conveys a sense of overwhelming amazement or astonishment.
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The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized exam for law school applicants. The clue uses irony and wordplay—though "score can't be argued" implies objectivity, the irony is that prospective lawyers, trained in argument, take this test. The pun matches LSAT perfectly.
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The clue "Quick chats?" uses a question mark to indicate wordplay. "IMS" stands for Instant Messages, which are a form of brief, rapid online communication or "quick chats." The abbreviation fits perfectly as a clever pun for the clue.
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The quote by Alice Roosevelt Longworth is a witty remark suggesting that if someone has negative comments, they are welcome to "SIT" nearby and share the gossip. "Sit" completes the phrase, implying proximity for gossip-sharing, aligning with the humor and intent of the quote.
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The answer "LEE" refers to Greta Lee, an actress known for her role as Nora in the critically acclaimed 2023 film Past Lives. The clue identifies her by name and the movie she starred in. Recognizing her fame and this specific role helps connect the name to the solution.
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The answer "LAX" corresponds to "Hardly stringent" because "lax" means relaxed, lenient, or not strict—essentially the opposite of stringent, which implies strictness or severity. This clue plays on contrasting definitions, making "LAX" a concise and fitting solution.
Today’s Game Difficulty
Hard
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Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 4-letter answer to the Cherubic archer clue? Don’t worry—Lady Puzzle Pro is here to help! Whether you need the answer right away, want to reveal it letter by letter, or just can’t figure out a tricky clue, we’ve got you. You can even solve the whole Crossword puzzle of the day right here!
Cherubic archer Answer Explained
The answer is AMOR.
If you picture a cherubic, winged little archer, your mind might go to Cupid, and you'd be right, but only partially. AMOR is the Latin word for love, and also a poetic or classical way to refer to Cupid in various Romance languages and literary traditions. This clue leans into mythological and linguistic knowledge. It’s a great example of how crosswords often blend cultural references with wordplay.
Now that you've cracked the 28D Cherubic archer clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s Mini Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry—we've got you covered. Explore more NYT Crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the NYT The Mini, Connections, or Strands.
Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights
This puzzle plays a fun trick on solvers—it looks intricate and layered, but the theme is actually quite straightforward once it clicks. That disconnect makes it feel harder than a typical Wednesday. The shaded letters aren’t hidden words or wordplay requiring interpretation; they’re simply visual references. MOOD RINGS has two O’s that resemble rings, CHARACTER ARCS has curved C’s, DIVIDING LINES features I’s that split the word apart. It’s elegant in its simplicity, but that elegance can be easy to miss at first. The misdirection invites overthinking, making the “aha” moment all the more satisfying when the true pattern emerges.
Here’s what caught our attention today:
- Spin instructor?
- Actress Rapace of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
- Pot leaves?
- Certain blue note
- Sound from an annoyed samoyed
- Starbursts?
- Bit of equipment in a dentist's office
- One-time connection
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