NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The answer is RBG, which refers to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the iconic U.S. Supreme Court Justice. The 2018 biopic "On the Basis of Sex" depicts her early legal career and her fight against gender discrimination. Familiarly, she is often referred to as "RBG," short for her full name.

The answer "EARL" fits the clue "Noble title" because an Earl is a rank of nobility in the British peerage system. It is equivalent to a count in other European countries and represents a prominent noble title historically associated with governing regions or territories.

The phrase "Ci vediamo in giro!" is Italian and translates to "See you around!" in English, signaling a casual goodbye. Since the clue is in Italian, the answer is also Italian. "CIAO" is a common Italian word used to say both "hi" and "bye," fitting perfectly.

The phrase "Getting ready to listen" refers to the act of preparing to hear or focus on something, such as a broadcast or conversation. "TUNING IN" fits perfectly as it describes adjusting a device (like a radio) or mentally focusing to actively start listening.

The answer "OLDTOWN" fits because the term commonly refers to the historic area of a city where original buildings, architecture, or layout have been preserved. These districts often hold cultural and historical significance, making "OLDTOWN" synonymous with the concept of a city's historic district.

The clue "Gnarly problem, so to speak" signals wordplay. "Gnarly" can mean difficult, and a "bear" is slang for something tough to handle. The phrase "so to speak" hints at the figurative use, making "BEAR" a fitting solution.

The answer "IMPEI" refers to I. M. Pei, a renowned Chinese-American architect. He designed the iconic Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, recognized for its modernist design and triangular glass facade. The clue directly references his architectural work, connecting his name to the building he designed.

The answer "ACID TRIP" refers to a hallucinatory experience caused by the psychedelic drug LSD (acid). The clue "Certain hallucinatory experience" directly hints at this, as an acid trip is a specific, well-known phenomenon involving vivid hallucinations and altered perceptions typically linked with the substance.

The answer "LED" is correct because it acts as the past tense of "lead," meaning to guide, direct, or command. "Directed" and "LED" are synonyms in this context, as both can describe overseeing or steering something or someone.

The answer is YES because the final chapter of James Joyce's Ulysses, referred to as Molly Bloom's soliloquy, concludes with an emphatic affirmation: "Yes I said yes I will Yes." This word captures the novel's themes of acceptance and life-affirmation, securing its significance as the closing word.

The clue specifies "Dad, in Korean," signaling the answer will be the Korean word for dad. "Appa" (아빠) is the informal and affectionate way to say "dad" or "daddy" in Korean, making APPA the correct answer.

The answer "LEEKS" fits because leeks are a common ingredient in potato soups, particularly in recipes like potato-leek soup, which is a classic combination. Leeks add a mild, onion-like flavor that complements the potatoes, making them a popular choice in such soups.

AENEAS is the son of Aphrodite (the Greek goddess of love and beauty) and Anchises, as described in Greek mythology and the Aeneid by Virgil. He is a Trojan hero, making him a fitting answer for this clue.

The clue "You don't have to tell me" is in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "IKNOWIT" is a direct response someone might say when they already understand or are aware of something, perfectly matching the conversational tone of the clue.

The clue ends with 'humorously,' signaling wordplay. "Pick-me-up" refers to coffee's energizing effect. Humorously, the answer merges "coffee" and "o'clock," suggesting it's always the perfect time for coffee—a playful twist on how people often schedule coffee breaks. Hence, the answer: COFFEEOCLOCK.

The clue "Lie ahead" refers to something that is yet to come or is anticipated in the future. "AWAIT" perfectly fits this definition as it means to wait for or anticipate something that is forthcoming or lies ahead in time.

The answer is PESCI because Joe Pesci is the actor who famously played Harry, one of the bumbling burglars alongside Daniel Stern (Marv), in the classic holiday movie "Home Alone" (1990). The clue directly references his first name in connection to the film.

The answer is ESTEE because Estée Lauder is a famous name in the fragrance industry. She co-founded Estée Lauder Companies, a global leader in perfumes and cosmetics, and her first name has become synonymous with luxury scents, perfectly fitting the clue "First name in perfumes."

The clue "Label anew" directly suggests the act of tagging something again, which aligns with the word "RETAG." The prefix "RE-" means "again," and "TAG" refers to labeling or marking, making RETAG the correct solution.

The clue "Banks from Los Angeles" refers to Tyra Banks, a famous supermodel, television personality, and entrepreneur who is originally from Los Angeles. The capitalized "Banks" cleverly hints at her last name, fitting perfectly for this crossword solution.

The answer is FERNS because "Maidenhair" refers to a specific type of fern, known for its delicate, feathery fronds. The phrase "and others" indicates the clue is asking for a broader category to which Maidenhair belongs, which is ferns. Thus, FERNS fits as the solution.

The clue "Common dog command" refers to a basic, frequently used command given to dogs. "COME" is the solution because it is a simple command often used to instruct a dog to approach or move towards the person commanding, making it a widely recognized training word.

The answer "HAP" refers to an old or archaic word meaning "luck" or "chance," aligning directly with the clue "Chance." As crossword clues often rely on less common meanings, this fits well within the linguistic playfulness of puzzles.

The answer "DMED" refers to "direct messaged," which is a common informal term for sending a private message on Instagram. "Hit up" implies reaching out or contacting someone, and "informally" signals the abbreviation DM (direct message) in past tense. Thus, DMED fits perfectly.

The answer "RAVE" fits because it refers to an overnight dance party often featuring light shows, electronic music, and a communal atmosphere. "Cuddle puddles" are affectionate group gatherings common at raves, matching the clue's description of this party setting.

The answer "UKES" refers to ukuleles, which are stringed instruments commonly associated with Hawaiian culture and luaus. "Luau strings" is a playful clue hinting at these instruments, as they are often played during traditional Hawaiian celebrations like luaus. "UKES" is a shorthand for ukuleles.

The answer is RADIOHEAD because they are the British rock band that released the song "Creep" in 1992. This was their breakout single, propelling them to fame. The clue directly refers to this band and their iconic hit song.

The phrase "Harum-scarum" is an idiom meaning reckless or lacking in organization or thought. The clue provides "Harum-___," and the second part of this expression is "scarum," completing the phrase that signifies recklessness. This is a straightforward fill-in-the-blank style clue.

The clue "Untrue" suggests something not factual or incorrect. "NOT SO" is a common phrase meaning "that's not true" or "incorrect," aligning perfectly with the definition of "Untrue." It's succinct and matches the straightforward meaning of the clue.

The answer "TIG" refers to Tig Notaro, a well-known comedian, writer, and actress. Tig is her nickname, and she is recognized for her dry humor and standout stand-up performances. The clue directly references her as "Notaro of comedy," clearly pointing to her first name, Tig.

The clue "Drag-and-drop disposal icon" refers to the digital icon commonly used on computer interfaces where users can "drag" files they want to delete and "drop" them into the "Trash," which is a virtual bin for discarded items. Hence, the correct answer is TRASH.

EENIE is the start of the popular counting rhyme "Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Moe," often used for making decisions or selecting something at random. The clue directly refers to the opening word of this rhyme, making EENIE the correct answer.

The answer "SWAT" works because "Hit with a smack" describes a sharp, forceful strike, which is the definition of "swat." For example, you might swat a fly with your hand. The clue is straightforward, focusing on the direct meaning of the word.

The clue "Time in a Shakespeare title" refers to A Midsummer Night's Dream, one of Shakespeare's famous plays. The "time" mentioned in the title is "midsummer," a significant period associated with magic and festivities, fitting as the central theme of the play revolves around enchantment and love.

The clue "Former Israeli P.M. Olmert" directly references Ehud Olmert, who served as Prime Minister of Israel from 2006 to 2009. His first name, "Ehud," is the straightforward answer to this clue.

The answer is MACOS because Safari (web browser) and FaceTime (video conferencing app) are both software applications developed by Apple and run on macOS, the operating system for Apple's Mac computers. "Platform" in the clue refers to the operating system that supports these apps.

The clue "Borderline" refers to the edge or boundary of something. VERGE is a synonym for edge or brink, which aligns perfectly with the idea of a borderline—both literally as a physical boundary and metaphorically as being on the cusp of something.

The answer is INXS because "Need You Tonight" is a hit single released in 1987 by the Australian rock band INXS. The clue directly references the song and its release year, pointing to the band responsible for the track.

The phrase "Leave alone" means to not interfere or disturb something or someone. Similarly, "LET BE" expresses allowing something to remain as it is without interference. The answer is a direct match to this meaning, making LETBE the correct solution.

The clue "Arbiters of taste" refers to individuals who are experts in discerning and judging quality, often in art, food, wine, or other refined areas. "Connoisseurs" perfectly fits this definition as it describes those with deep knowledge and refined judgment, making it the correct solution.

The answer "MAAM" fits because it is a respectful and polite term used to address women, often in formal or courteous situations. It is a contraction of "madam" and commonly used in English-speaking cultures when showing respect or deference.

The solution "PAID" refers to the common "PAID" stamp that is used to mark invoices once they have been settled. This stamp verifies that payment has been made, fulfilling the invoice's requirement. The clue directly matches this standard business practice.

The clue "Implied" suggests an indirect way of saying something or hinting at it. "Got at" means to hint at, infer, or suggest something indirectly. It's a phrase that mirrors the meaning of "implied," making it the correct answer.

The answer is RHODA because Valerie Harper played the titular role in the 1970s sitcom Rhoda. The show was a spin-off of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, where Harper's character, Rhoda Morgenstern, became so popular that she earned her own series.

In Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time," Mrs. Who is one of three immortal, celestial beings who guide the protagonists. Known for quoting famous thinkers and writers, she works alongside Mrs. Whatsit and Mrs. Which to help Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin on their journey to fight darkness.

The answer is URIAH because Uriah Heep is a conniving and hypocritical character from Charles Dickens's novel David Copperfield. Known for his obsequiousness and deceit, Uriah Heep plays a key role in the story, making him a well-known literary figure.

The clue "Bouts" refers to outbursts or episodes, often sudden or intense. "JAGS" fits as it describes brief spells of activity or emotion, such as crying jags or laughing jags, aligning with the idea of bouts as short, intense occurrences.

The clue uses wordplay with "sounds like." The tree "yew" is a homophone of "you," a pronoun. The pun lies in the phonetic similarity, making "yew" the correct answer for a tree whose name sounds like a pronoun.

The answer is ORAL because "oral history" refers to spoken accounts of past events, and "oral hygiene" pertains to the care of teeth and mouth. Both phrases use "oral" to denote something related to the mouth or spoken communication.

The clue "Shut up" plays on the dual meaning of the phrase. "CAGE" works as it literally means to confine or shut something/someone up in an enclosure, aligning with the wordplay. This clever pun connects the idea of containment with silencing or restricting movement.

The solution "DQED" is short for "disqualified." In contests or competitions, being "thrown out" often means being disqualified. Informally, this is abbreviated as "DQed," reflecting the casual tone of the clue.

The clue "Philosopher's pursuit" refers to what philosophers fundamentally seek: understanding reality and existence. Central to their studies is uncovering the principles of what is accurate, real, and valid—collectively, the "TRUTH." The answer encapsulates this ultimate goal of philosophical inquiry.

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a standardized exam required for law school admission. It includes a "Writing Sample" section where applicants construct an argumentative essay. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating an acronym, matching LSAT as the concise solution for this law-focused exam.

The clue "You know, I can't quite remember" is a conversational phrase indicating hazy or unclear memory. The answer, ITSABLUR, is a common figurative expression describing something vague or indistinct, aligning perfectly with the clue's tone and meaning. It mimics casual spoken language, fitting the puzzle's style.

The clue is in quotes, suggesting a spoken phrase. "Oh geez, the answer was staring me in the face!" implies a realization of overlooking something obvious. The answer, IMAMORON, is a self-deprecating phrase someone might say upon realizing an embarrassing mistake, fitting perfectly with the clue’s tone.

The clue "Goes through screen after screen" refers to the action of continuously moving through content on a digital device, like a phone or computer. "Scrolls" fits perfectly, as it describes the act of sliding text, images, or pages vertically or horizontally across a screen.

The clue "Sadly …" indicates an expression of sorrow or regret. "Alas" is a word often used to convey sadness or lamentation, matching the tone and meaning of the clue. The ellipsis suggests this is spoken or reflective, fitting the exclamation "Alas."

The answer is TLC, which stands for "tender loving care." The clue specifies "special attention" and "for short," signaling an abbreviation. TLC is commonly used to describe extra care, affection, or attention given to something or someone in need, fitting the clue perfectly.

The clue "Made nice" refers to improving or enhancing something, often in appearance or presentation. The phrase "did up" means to tidy, decorate, or arrange something attractively, aligning perfectly with this definition. Thus, DIDUP fits as the solution to "Made nice."

AVOCETS are a type of wading bird, characterized by their long legs and upturned bills, which they use for foraging in shallow waters. The clue "Wading birds" directly points to this specific group of birds, making AVOCETS the accurate answer.

The phrase "HATE ON" means to criticize, insult, or disparage someone or something, often in a public or noticeable way. "Publicly bash" aligns perfectly with this expression, making HATEON the suitable solution. It emphasizes open negativity or disapproval, fitting the clue's context.

The term "doldrums" refers to a state of inactivity, boredom, or depression. "Blahs" is a colloquial expression used to describe feeling unmotivated or down, aligning with the meaning of doldrums. The informal tone of the clue matches the casual nature of "blahs."

ROLEO is the solution because it refers to a competitive lumberjack event involving log rolling, where participants balance on a floating log and try to knock their opponent into the water. This fits the theme of a lumberjack competition, tying directly to their skills and traditions.

Here, 'maybe' signals wordplay. "Walk around" can figuratively mean to steer clear of something, not just physically walking. "Maybe" indicates a less literal interpretation. AVOID fits as it means to bypass or evade, which matches the idea of "walking around" a problem or obstacle metaphorically.

The clue features a pun. "Litter" can refer to a group of baby animals, like kittens. PETCO is a pet store where one might "pick up" (adopt) such animals or purchase pet-related supplies, including litter for cats. The wordplay connects the idea of "litter" to PETCO.

The word "Oozes" refers to the gradual movement or leakage of a liquid, often in small amounts. "Seeps" perfectly matches this definition, as it means liquid slowly passing or oozing through small openings or porous material, making it a precise synonym and the correct solution.

"Burgle" means to rob or steal, often by breaking in, and "LOOT" refers to stolen goods or a haul taken during a robbery. In the context of the clue, "loot" perfectly fits as it directly relates to the act of burglary.

The answer "ASTO" fits the clue "About" because "as to" is a synonymous phrase often used to mean "regarding" or "concerning." Crossword clues frequently omit spaces, turning "as to" into "ASTO." This interpretation aligns with the clue's brevity and common usage.

USMA stands for the United States Military Academy, located in West Point, New York. It is a prestigious institution (inst.) that trains officers for the U.S. Army. The clue directly refers to this academy, making USMA the correct answer.

"POMP" is the solution because "fanfare" refers to ceremonial display or grandeur, often with spectacle, which aligns with the definition of pomp: a showy or elaborate display, especially in formal or celebratory contexts. Both words capture an air of formality and pageantry.

The answer "SET" fits because a diamond in a ring is typically "set" into the band, held securely in place by metal prongs or settings. The verb "set" is commonly used to describe placing gemstones firmly in jewelry. The clue describes this process succinctly.

The answer "ARO" refers to "aromantic," a queer identity describing someone who experiences little to no romantic attraction. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating a short form or abbreviation, and ARO is the commonly used shorthand for this identity within the LGBTQ+ community.

The clue for 12/31 references the significance of New Year's Eve, commonly abbreviated as "NYE." The date 12/31 represents December 31st, the night people celebrate New Year's Eve, making "NYE" the fitting solution through a clever and seasonal connection.