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Shortest among the top 25 most common U.S. surnames - NYT The Crossword Clue

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Across

  • The answer is SHOP because a shop, particularly a woodworking or carpentry shop, is a workplace where cutting, sanding, and shaping wood produce sawdust as a common byproduct. This aligns directly with the clue’s description of a sawdust-prone workplace.

  • The phrase "offered up gossip" ties to "DISHED" because "dish" is slang for sharing juicy information or gossip. To "dish" something is to spill the details, often in a gossipy way, making "DISHED" a perfect past tense match for the clue's context.

  • The clue "Close one, for short" refers to someone very emotionally close, like a "best friend." The abbreviation "BFF" stands for "Best Friends Forever," which fits both the idea of a close relationship and the "for short" part of the clue, indicating an abbreviation.

  • EAVES are the overhanging edges of a roof that extend beyond a house's walls. This overhang can cast shade onto areas below, such as a patio, especially when the sun is directly overhead, making EAVE a fitting solution for the clue.

  • The answer is IMPALA because it is an African animal with horns. Its name is one letter away from "impale," which references what its sharp horns might do.

  • The answer "ERA" stands for the Equal Rights Amendment, a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution aiming to guarantee equal legal rights regardless of sex. It has been long championed by the National Organization for Women (NOW) as part of their advocacy for gender equality.

  • This clue is a themer and the solution "TIEDNONOHIRTS" is a playful twist on "tie-dye T-shirts," a type of apparel known for its vibrant, colorful patterns. TIED(NO)(NO)HIRTS turns into TIEDYESHIRTS when the two “NO”s are mentally combined and flipped to form “YES.”

  • LOX is the solution because it’s a traditional topping paired with a bagel and schmear (cream cheese). LOX refers to thinly sliced, cured salmon, which is a classic and popular addition to this combination in delis and breakfast menus. The clue points directly to this well-known pairing.

  • The answer "ARRID" fits the clue "Longtime deodorant brand" as ARRID is a well-known and established deodorant brand first introduced in 1935. Its long history and consistent presence in the market align perfectly with the descriptor "longtime" in the clue.

  • The phrase "Crazy about" means to be deeply interested or infatuated with something, which aligns with the informal usage of "into" (e.g., "She's really into music"). Thus, "INTO" is the perfect synonym and solution for the clue.

  • The clue "Number on a clothing tag" refers to the numerical or letter designation that indicates the garment's dimensions or fit. This is commonly known as the clothing's SIZE (e.g., Small, Medium, Large, or numbered sizes like 8 or 10), making SIZE the correct and fitting answer.

  • The answer "ESP" stands for "extrasensory perception," which refers to the ability to perceive information beyond the natural senses, such as telepathy or clairvoyance. The clue's phrasing "Unnatural sight, in brief" points to this paranormal phenomenon and hints it's abbreviated ("in brief").

  • The answer "TOPS" works for "Outperforms" because "tops" can mean exceeding or surpassing something or someone, which aligns with the definition of outperforming. For example, when one "tops" another, they achieve a better result or rank above them. It's a straightforward synonym.

  • This clue is a themer. Replace the double “NO” with “YES” and you get RYESEED (a 'certain grain source'), a clever transformation of a simple compound word using the rebus trick.

  • The clue "What might bring down the house?" uses wordplay, as indicated by the question mark. While "bring down the house" typically means causing great laughter or applause, here it's a pun. ARSON, the criminal act of intentionally setting fire, literally "brings down" a house by destroying it.

  • TOTO is the dog in The Wizard of Oz, a male character famously portrayed by a female Cairn Terrier named Terry. This matches the clue's focus on a gender mismatch for a well-known male film character. TOTO is iconic in film history, making this the correct answer.

  • The clue refers to the famous Alou brothers: Felipe, Matty, and Jesús, who were major league baseball players. Together, they are well-known in baseball history, making "ALOU" their shared last name and the solution to this clue.

  • A "capo" is a device clamped onto the neck of a guitar to shorten the strings, raising their pitch. It’s an accessory commonly used by guitarists to play in different keys without changing finger positions, making it a perfect fit for "Accessory for a guitar neck."

  • The clue "Thingamajigs" is an informal term for unspecified objects or things, which aligns directly with the word "ITEMS." "Items" is a broad, generic term to describe objects, fitting the casual and non-specific nature of "thingamajigs."

  • This clue is the theme revealer hinting at a linguistic concept: double negatives can express a positive idea. DOUBLENEGATIVES hints at the rebus trick in four Across entries: each contains (NO)(NO) in the grid, which must be read as YES to make sense of the Across answer—turning a double negative into a positive. For example, TIED(NO)(NO)HIRTS becomes TIEDYESHIRTS. However, in the Down crossings, the rebus squares still read as NO, preserving their original meaning and ensuring the downs work independently. A smart twist on language and logic!

  • The clue "In conclusion …" implies a phrase used to wrap up or summarize a thought. The answer, ANDSO, is commonly used in speech or writing to indicate a concluding statement or result. It fits perfectly as a natural way to signal the end of a discussion.

  • The clue "Darn it!" includes a pun, indicated by the exclamation mark. "Darn" can mean to mend or repair, but it also refers to a "tear" (a rip or hole) that needs fixing. Thus, the answer is "TEAR," which aligns with the wordplay of the clue.

  • The clue "Tilt" suggests a synonym for the word, meaning to incline or slant. "Lean" fits as it describes the act or state of being angled or tilted, aligning perfectly with the clue. It's a straightforward definition-based answer.

  • A flue is the passage in a chimney that directs smoke and gases from a fire out of a building. It is an integral "chimney part" specifically designed for ventilation, making it the precise match for this straightforward clue.

  • The clue "Secret rendezvous" directly points to the word TRYST, which means a private meeting, especially between lovers, often in secret. The term perfectly aligns with the clandestine nature implied in the clue. No wordplay or additional interpretation is needed here.

  • Written as L(NO)(NO)OAP, but if you convert “NO” + “NO” to “YES,” the answer becomes LYESOAP—a rustic, throwback cleaner that’s perfectly fitting for the clue.

  • The clue "Call for delivery?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Delivery" can mean childbirth, and during labor, a common instruction is to "push" to assist in delivering the baby. Thus, "push" humorously aligns as both the action and the "call" for delivery.

  • The DEA, or Drug Enforcement Administration, is an organization tasked with combating drug trafficking across the U.S., making them concerned with "nationwide traffic" in the sense of illegal drug trade. The clue uses wordplay by referring to "traffic" metaphorically rather than as road transportation.

  • The clue "Scent" directly refers to a smell, which is synonymous with "odor." Both words describe a detectable fragrance or aroma, whether pleasant or unpleasant. Since "Scent" doesn't imply wordplay or any additional hint, "ODOR" is the straightforward solution.

  • The word "Spoils" has a dual meaning: it can refer to damaging something, but in this context, it means "plunder" or "treasure taken as a reward," aligning with the synonym LOOT, which refers to stolen goods or plunder. This wordplay makes LOOT the fitting solution.

  • The answer is ISIAH because it refers to Isiah Thomas, a legendary basketball player and Hall of Famer known for his time with the Detroit Pistons. His first name is uniquely spelled "Isiah," differing from the more common "Isaiah," which confirms the clue's specific reference.

  • CUD is the solution because it refers to the partially digested food that cows regurgitate and chew again as part of their digestive process. This secondary chewing is called "chewing the cud," a specific behavior of ruminant animals like cows. Thus, CUD directly relates to "Cow's chew."

  • Appears in the grid as HAWKE(NO)(NO)TATE. The hidden “YES” formed from the double “NO” reveals HAWKEYESTATE, Iowa’s proud nickname and the home of Des Moines.

  • The answer "ALL" fits because the phrases "tell all" and "catch all" are common expressions in English. "Tell all" refers to revealing everything, and "catch all" describes something that includes or covers everything. The word "ALL" logically follows both "tell" and "catch."

  • The answer "STEERS" fits the clue "Directs" because to steer something, like a vehicle, means to guide or direct it towards a particular direction. Similarly, "directs" refers to leading or guiding, making the two synonymous in this context.

  • The formula 4πr² is used to calculate the surface area of a sphere, where "r" represents the radius. The clue directly references this mathematical formula and connects it with the word "Sphere," highlighting the concept of surface area. Thus, the answer is AREA.

  • The clue asks for the shortest surname among the top 25 most common U.S. surnames. “Lee” is the correct answer because it is both on that list and only three letters long, making it the shortest surname among those ranked.

  • The clue refers to a "cryptid," a mythical or unverified creature, in Scotland. Informally, the Loch Ness Monster is called "Nessie." As a famous Scottish legend, this matches the clue perfectly. The informal indicator points to using the nickname, not the full name. Hence, the answer is NESSIE.

  • The answer "BYRD" refers to a member of The Byrds, the American rock band famous for their 1965 hit "Turn! Turn! Turn!" The clue points to any member of this group, and "BYRD" cleverly represents both the band name and its members collectively.

Down

  • The answer "SETAE" refers to small bristle-like structures found on a gecko's feet. These microscopic hair-like structures enable geckos to cling to surfaces due to their unique adhesive properties, such as van der Waals forces. This matches the clue's description of "small, clingy bristles."

  • The clue "Establishment where things are cut and dried?" is a pun. A hair salon is a place where hair is literally "cut" (haircut) and "dried" (blow-dried). The question mark signals the playful wordplay, making HAIRSALON the fitting solution.

  • The clue "Self-satisfied and then some" describes someone excessively proud or overly self-satisfied. "OVERPROUD" directly captures this meaning, as it combines "over" (excessive) with "proud" (self-satisfied), conveying an inflated sense of pride beyond what is reasonable.

  • The clue "Spa service, for short" asks for an abbreviated form of a common spa treatment. "PEDI" is shorthand for "pedicure," a popular service offered at spas that involves foot care, nail grooming, and relaxation. The "for short" signals the use of an abbreviation.

  • The answer "DINO" is short for dinosaur, a common and prominent exhibit in natural history museums. The clue specifies “informally,” indicating that the answer should be a casual or abbreviated term, making "DINO" a fitting solution.

  • The clue "Cool cat's 'Roger that'" uses casual, hip slang. "Cool cat" suggests a laid-back, trendy person, and "Roger that" means acknowledgment or understanding. The answer "IMHIP" translates to "I'm hip," which aligns with the cool, in-the-know vibe of a "cool cat."

  • The clue "Dizzy feeling, with 'the'" directly refers to the idiomatic phrase "the spins," which describes a sensation of dizziness or vertigo, often experienced after spinning or disorientation. The definite article "the" in the clue aligns with common usage of "the spins." Thus, the answer is SPINS.

  • The HART Trophy, awarded annually to the N.H.L.'s Most Valuable Player (M.V.P.), is named after Dr. David A. Hart. He donated the original trophy to honor excellence in hockey, making "Hart" the eponym referenced in the clue.

  • The clue "Charger in una corrida" uses the Spanish phrase "una corrida," which refers to a bullfight. A "charger" here is a play on words, referring to the bull charging in the ring. "El toro," meaning "the bull" in Spanish, is the answer.

  • The clue "Chargers in courts, for short" refers to "DAs", short for District Attorneys. District Attorneys are legal officials who charge individuals with crimes and prosecute cases in court. The hint "for short" signifies the abbreviation. The slight pun links "Chargers" to bringing legal charges.

  • The word "BELIE" means to contradict or misrepresent, effectively proving something to be false or untrue. In the context of the clue "Prove untrue," BELIE fits perfectly as it describes the act of showing that something is not as it seems or is incorrect.

  • The word "FROZE" fits the clue "Suddenly went still" because freezing is often used to describe an abrupt stop in movement or action, as if becoming motionless. It implies an immediate halt, aligning perfectly with the idea of "suddenly" becoming still.

  • The answer is FAXED because, before the internet became widespread, fax machines were commonly used to send documents quickly over telephone lines. The clue refers to how documents were transmitted during that era, making "FAXED" a fitting description.

  • The clue "Acknowledge nonverbally" suggests a physical gesture as the answer. "NOD TO" describes the act of nodding to someone, a common nonverbal way to acknowledge or recognize them. It fits perfectly with the clue's context of silent acknowledgment through action.

  • The clue "With an air of haughtiness" describes behaving in a superior or disdainful manner. "Snootily" directly conveys such behavior, as being "snooty" refers to acting condescending or overly proud, making it the perfect fit for this definition-based clue.

  • The clue "In days past" refers to something that happened previously or formerly. The word "ONCE" directly means "at one time in the past," making it a perfect match for the clue. It succinctly captures the essence of past occurrences in a single word.

  • The answer "NOTIT" fits the clue because in the game of tag, players often shout "Not it!" to quickly avoid being "it," the one who chases others. The clue's phrasing refers to this common verbal reaction in the game.

  • The clue "Replaces" fits the answer SUBSFOR because "subs" is short for substitutes, and to substitute is to replace something or someone. "For" completes the phrase, indicating what is being replaced. Together, "subs for" effectively means "replaces."

  • The clue "Caesar wrap?" includes a pun. Julius Caesar, a Roman figure, is associated with wearing a toga—a traditional Roman garment that "wraps" around the body. Therefore, TOGA fits as a clever play on "Caesar" and "wrap." The question mark signals the wordplay.

  • The answer is ADA because Ada Lovelace, the daughter of poet Lord Byron, is a renowned mathematician and is considered the first computer programmer due to her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical computer, the Analytical Engine. Her first name completes the clue.

  • The solution "ANTE" works for "Lead-in to chamber" because it forms the familiar term "antechamber," which refers to a small room or entryway that leads into a larger chamber or main room. "Ante-" is a prefix meaning "before" or "preceding," fitting perfectly with the clue.

  • The clue "Letter before cue" refers to the phonetic alphabet, where "cue" corresponds to the letter "Q." The letter that comes alphabetically before Q is "P," which is phonetically spelled as "PEE." Hence, the answer is PEE.

  • The answer "EVESDIARY" refers to Eve's Diary, a short story by Mark Twain. It is narrated by Eve, the "first woman" from the biblical creation story. The title fits the clue as it connects Twain's tale with Eve's perspective, written in diary format.

  • The clue "Carnivore" refers to an organism that eats meat. A "MEATEATER" directly describes this, as it literally means someone (or something) that consumes meat as part of their diet, fitting perfectly as the solution.

  • The clue "Fig. written in boxes on a W-9" refers to a figure you provide on a W-9 tax form. The answer is SSN (Social Security Number), as this is a key identification number commonly entered in the designated boxes for tax documentation on a W-9 form.

  • The answer is LOLA because it refers to the Kinks' 1970 hit song "Lola," in which the name "Lola" is famously spelled out in the chorus: "L-O-L-A, Lola." This directly matches the clue asking for a woman's name spelled out in a 1970 hit.

  • The term "Liberal Arts" refers to academic disciplines like literature, philosophy, mathematics, and social sciences, traditionally considered essential for a well-rounded education. The blank in "Liberal ___" is completed with "ARTS" to form the commonly known phrase. This aligns with general knowledge and education terminology.

  • "Burning the midnight oil" is a phrase meaning staying awake late, often to work or study. The answer, UPLATE, directly describes being awake late at night, matching the clue's figurative meaning. "Say" suggests a synonym or descriptive phrase, making UPLATE a fitting solution.

  • The answer "RHINO" fits the clue "Beast with a horn" because a rhinoceros is a large animal known for its prominent horn (or horns) on its snout. The term "beast" refers to a large, non-domesticated animal, which perfectly describes the rhinoceros.

  • The clue "In the neighborhood" refers to something nearby or close by. The answer "LOCAL" aligns perfectly, as it describes something specific to a certain area or community—indicating proximity, much like being in a neighborhood. It's a direct synonym for the clue's context.

  • The answer "NODULE" works for the clue "Small bump" because a nodule refers to a small, rounded lump or growth, either on the skin, in a plant, or within a mineral. Its definition directly aligns with the clue’s description of a "small bump."

  • The answer is NOODLE because "wet noodle" refers to something weak or ineffective, "pool noodle" is a lightweight floating device, and "chicken noodle" relates to the classic soup. Each phrase commonly pairs with "noodle," making it the fitting solution for this clue.

  • The answer "POKES" refers to a slang term for slow-moving individuals. "Poke" can describe someone who dawdles or moves sluggishly, fitting the clue’s playful tone. The informal nature of the phrase aligns with the "in slang" hint in the clue.

  • The clue "Baby carriers" is a playful reference to the biological organs that carry babies during pregnancy. The plural form "carriers" points to the plural form of "uterus," which is "uteri." This aligns with the wordplay in the clue.

  • The phrase "In the lead" directly describes being in a position ahead of others, whether in a competition, race, or progress. "Ahead" is a synonym for this concept, making it the correct and fitting answer to the clue.

  • The clue "Is behind" can imply being indebted or owing something, such as money or favors. "OWES" fits this meaning, as it describes the state of being obligated to repay or fulfill something, effectively being "behind" in settling a responsibility.

  • The clue "Shot in the dark" is a playful phrase suggesting a random or uncertain attempt. A "STAB" metaphorically represents trying something without much confidence or precision—akin to guessing in the dark.

  • HSN (Home Shopping Network) is the "sister channel" of QVC because both are television networks dedicated to home shopping and are owned by the same parent company, Qurate Retail Group. The term "sister channel" indicates a shared ownership or similar programming focus.

  • The answer "NOSE" comes from the phrase "win by a nose," which refers to winning by the smallest possible margin, such as in a horse race. It metaphorically represents a narrow victory, perfectly fitting the clue "Narrow amount to win by."

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Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 3-letter answer to the Shortest among the top 25 most common U.S. surnames 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!

Shortest among the top 25 most common U.S. surnames Answer Explained

The answer is LEE.

This clue is about both length and popularity. It helps to think of short surnames—three or four letters—and then mentally cross-reference them with common ones. LEE stands out immediately: it’s just three letters, widely used across cultures (particularly English, Chinese, and Korean), and very recognizable. Among the U.S.'s most common last names (think Smith, Johnson, Brown) LEE holds the distinction of being the shortest in terms of character count. It’s a trivia-style clue, but the key is in interpreting “shortest” not by stature or fame, but by literal letter length. Clean, efficient, and satisfyingly factual.

Now that you've cracked the 67A Shortest among the top 25 most common U.S. surnames 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 Thursday puzzle is a clever exercise in reframing how we read answers—literally. The revealer, DOUBLE NEGATIVES, primes solvers to find hidden “YES”es inside the long themers, constructed through two rebus NO squares. For example, TIED(NO)(NO)HIRTS becomes TIEDYESHIRTS when we mentally convert NO + NO into YES. It's a playful twist: double negatives become a positive both semantically and visually. The tricky part? Across clues work with the YES, while Down entries demand the literal NOs. It’s a brain-bending toggle that rewards flexibility and pattern recognition—a satisfying challenge that plays fair but keeps you guessing to the very end.

Here’s what caught our attention today:

NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know

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