NY Times Mini
NY Times Wordle
NY Times Connections
NY Times Connections Sports Edition
NY Times Strands
NY Times Spelling Bee
Word Salad
Contexto
Blossom
Betweenle
Conexo
Bracket City
Anagram Solver
Scrabble Word Finder
Words With Friends Word Finder
Play Zorzzle
Browser Extension
"Yikes!" ... or, phonetically, a hint to 17-, 28-, 46- and 61-Across - NYT The Crossword Clue
Across
-
The clue "Occasion for pampering" directly refers to a "SPA DAY," a day spent indulging in relaxing treatments like massages, facials, or other self-care activities typically associated with pampering oneself. The answer fits the definition perfectly as a luxurious, rejuvenating experience.
-
The solution is SOFT because a baby's bottom is often described as being extremely smooth, delicate, and tender to the touch — all qualities associated with "soft." This clue is straightforward and relies on this commonly known comparison.
-
The clue "Taxi" directly relates to CAB because "cab" is a common synonym for "taxi," referring to the vehicle used for paid transportation. The clue and answer are straightforward without wordplay, indicating a standard definition-based connection.
-
The answer is TOMATO because a B.L.T. is a classic sandwich composed of Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato, with each letter representing one of its main ingredients. The "T" directly refers to the TOMATO in this well-known abbreviation.
-
The "Queen of the Nile" refers to Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen. "Informally" signals a nickname or shortened form, and CLEO is a common informal short form of Cleopatra, making it the correct answer to the clue.
-
The clue references Miley Cyrus's hit song "Party in the U.S.A."—a widely known pop anthem. The blank is asking for the missing word in the song title, which is "U.S.A." because the full title of the song is "Party in the U.S.A."
-
The answer is OLIVEGARDEN because it is a well-known casual dining chain famous for offering unlimited breadsticks as part of its menu. This signature feature is a hallmark of the restaurant, making it the fitting solution for the clue. This clue is a themer; its first word starts with O and the second with G.
-
The clue "Take a load off, say" suggests a phrase or action related to relaxation or rest. "Sit" fits because sitting involves physically removing the "load" or weight from your feet, commonly associated with resting or relaxing. The phrasing "say" hints at a simple interpretation of this act.
-
The clue "Shake, as a dog's tail" directly describes the motion a dog's tail makes when it's happy or excited—this action is called a "wag." The word "wag" specifically refers to a rapid side-to-side shaking motion, perfectly fitting the clue.
-
The answer "ALIST" refers to the term "A-list," which denotes the most sought-after or elite group, often celebrities or influential individuals. In the context of "most-desired group of invitees," it cleverly ties to the concept of A-list guests who are highly desirable at events.
-
Zion National Park is located in the southwestern United States, specifically in the state of Utah. The clue asks for the "home" of the park, and Utah is well-known for its stunning natural landscapes, including Zion, which is one of its famous attractions.
-
The clue "Capital of Italia" includes the Italian word "Italia," signaling the answer should also be in Italian. The capital of Italy is "Rome" in English, but in Italian, it is "Roma." Therefore, ROMA is the correct answer.
-
The answer "UMP" is short for "umpire," the official in baseball who calls balls (pitches outside the strike zone) and strikes (pitches within the strike zone). The clue directly references this role, making "UMP" a fitting solution.
-
The clue "... or that's what I think, anyway," online suggests a phrase expressing personal opinion commonly used online. "IMO" stands for "In My Opinion," aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning. The phrasing hints at informal, conversational internet language, making IMO the correct answer.
-
The five interlocking rings symbolize the Olympic Games, representing unity among the five continents and the event's global reach. The clue directly points to this iconic imagery, making OLYMPICGAMES the correct answer for the event associated with this symbol. This clue is a themer; its first word starts with O and the second with G.
-
The answer is IPHOTO because it was a software program developed by Apple to help users organize, edit, and share images. It was discontinued in 2015 and replaced by the Photos app, making it a fitting response to the clue "Discontinued Apple program for organizing images."
-
The answer is SCAN because to "make a digital image of" something often involves using a scanner or similar device to digitize it. Scanning converts physical objects, like documents or photos, into digital files, aligning perfectly with the clue's definition.
-
The answer "FAE" refers to a mythical race of beings often featured in fantasy fiction, commonly associated with fairies, elves, and other magical creatures. "Fae" is a modern term used to describe these supernatural entities, rooted in folklore and frequently used in fantasy literature and games.
-
NEO SOUL is the solution because it is a musical genre blending soul, R&B, and funk, known for its emotional depth and artistry. Artists like D'Angelo and Erykah Badu are iconic figures in this genre, which emerged in the 1990s and emphasizes a modern yet retro-inspired sound.
-
The clue "Some R-rated material" refers to content that is often explicit or adult-themed, fitting the R rating. EROTICA, literature or art portraying sensual or sexual themes, aligns perfectly as such material is frequently categorized under R-rated content for mature audiences.
-
TEN is the solution because the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments outline essential rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech and religion, forming the foundation of American civil rights.
-
The answer "SNAP" fits because it refers to a fastener commonly used in jackets that "snaps" into place, securing the garment. Unlike buttons, snaps are metal or plastic closures that click together with pressure. The clue specifies it’s not a button, pointing toward this alternative closure method.
-
The clue "We hold these ___ to be self-evident" references a famous line from the U.S. Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident." The answer, TRUTHS, completes the quote, making it historically and contextually accurate.
-
OPERAGLASSES is the solution because they are small binoculars traditionally used by audience members in a theater, especially opera houses, to view performances more clearly. This clue is a themer; its first word starts with O and the second with G.
-
The solution is SIX because a standard cube, such as a dice used in games, is a three-dimensional geometric shape with six square faces. Each side (or face) of the cube is counted as one, resulting in a total of six faces.
-
The clue "Craftsmanship" refers to skillful creation, which is often associated with ART. ART embodies creativity, technique, and refinement, all fundamental elements of craftsmanship. The answer succinctly captures the concept of skilled making or designing in various forms, perfectly aligning with the definition of ART.
-
The solution is SHEL because Shel Silverstein was a renowned writer, poet, and songwriter who authored the humorous and iconic song "A Boy Named Sue," famously performed by Johnny Cash. His unique, witty style and contributions to both literature and music make him the correct answer here.
-
The answer "VETO" fits because it’s the constitutional power a President has to reject or say "no" to a bill passed by Congress. The quotation marks in the clue hint at a spoken or official action, and "no" directly ties to the refusal implied by a veto.
-
The word "Glimmer" means a faint or brief light, which directly matches the definition of "GLEAM," a momentary or soft flash of light. Both terms are synonymous, making GLEAM the perfect fit for this clue.
-
The clue “Govt. rule” leads to the answer REG, which is short for "regulation." Regulations are specific rules or directives created and enforced by government agencies to implement laws, making "REG" a concise, fitting abbreviation for a government rule.
-
The term "ERA" is often used to describe a distinct period in an artist's career defined by specific themes, styles, or albums. For Taylor Swift, "Red" and "Reputation" are distinct musical eras representing particular albums and their associated aesthetics. Thus, "ERA" is the fitting answer.
-
The clue refers to Tropicana and Florida's Natural, both known for orange juice. The "starting point" for juice production is where oranges grow, which is an ORANGEGROVE. This clue is a themer; its first word starts with O and the second with G.
-
The clue "Tease" with no additional context suggests a playful or joking manner, and "RIB" is a common informal term for gently teasing someone, often in good humor. The simplicity of the word aligns directly with the clue's brevity.
-
The answer is LINT because "Dryer fuzz" directly describes the small, soft fibers that accumulate in the lint trap of a dryer during use. These fibers, typically from clothes or fabrics, are commonly referred to as lint, making it the perfect match for this straightforward clue.
-
The answer is MAIDEN because it commonly precedes both "name" (as in a woman's maiden name before marriage) and "voyage" (referring to the first voyage of a ship or airplane, called its maiden voyage). The word fits contextually for both uses, explaining its placement here.
-
The answer "BEE" fits because a bee produces a buzzing sound ("buzzer") and is commonly found near flowers as it collects nectar and pollen. This clue plays on the literal association of bees with flowers and the buzzing noise they make.
-
The phrase "Odds and ___" is a common idiom meaning miscellaneous or leftover items. The missing word to complete this familiar phrase is "ENDS," forming "Odds and Ends." It reflects a collection of small, varied, or inconsequential things, making ENDS the correct answer.
-
The clue "Yikes!" suggests a spoken exclamation, and the phrase "phonetically, a hint to 17-, 28-, 46-, and 61-Across" signals wordplay. OHGEEZ sounds like "Oh Jeez," an expression of surprise or dismay. It also hints phonetically to letters "O, G, Z," which connect to those entries.
Down
-
The answer "STOW" fits the clue "Place in an overhead compartment" because it refers to the action of securely storing or packing items, such as luggage, in the overhead bins commonly found on airplanes or buses. The word perfectly aligns with the meaning and context of the clue.
-
The Arctic is a polar region, characterized by extreme cold and proximity to the North Pole. "From the Arctic" directly suggests something relating to this region, making POLAR the correct answer as it refers to the geographical and climatic nature of the Arctic.
-
The clue "Compadre" is a Spanish word meaning "friend" or "buddy," often used casually. Since the clue is in Spanish, the answer must also be in Spanish. "Amigo" is the Spanish word for "friend," making it the correct solution for this clue.
-
The answer is DAV because Dav Pilkey is the full name of the author and illustrator best known for creating the Captain Underpants series. The blank in the clue directly asks for his first name, which is Dav.
-
The clue "Chowed down" is a straightforward synonym clue. "Chowed down" is an informal phrase meaning "ate food," which matches the past tense verb "ATE." Both refer to consuming food, making ATE the correct and logical answer.
-
The answer YOGA fits because yoga is a widely practiced discipline that incorporates meditation and mindfulness techniques to promote mental clarity and relaxation. It is commonly recognized as a method for achieving a meditative state through controlled breathing, focused movement, and intentional stillness, aligning perfectly with the clue.
-
The phrase "Pinches pennies" suggests being frugal or saving money sparingly. "Say" indicates the answer is a synonym or similar expression. The word "SCRIMPS" means to economize or save in a stingy way, aligning perfectly with the idea of pinching pennies.
-
The clue "Alternative to Axe or Brut" refers to popular men's grooming brands offering deodorants, colognes, or aftershaves. OLD SPICE is another iconic grooming brand, making it a fitting alternative to Axe or Brut. The answer aligns with the category of products implied by the clue.
-
In poetry, "feet" are the basic units of rhythm or meter, consisting of a specific combination of stressed and unstressed syllables (e.g., iamb, trochee). The clue "Poetical units" directly references this foundational element of poetic structure, making FEET the correct answer.
-
The answer "TON" fits the clue "Colossal amount" because a ton is a unit of weight equivalent to 2,000 pounds, symbolizing a massive or substantial quantity, aligning perfectly with the adjective "colossal," which means very large or immense.
-
The clue "Personalized in sizing" refers to something tailored specifically to fit an individual’s measurements or preferences. The phrase "custom fit" directly conveys this idea, as it means made or adjusted specifically to fit a person or need, aligning perfectly with the clue.
-
The clue "Home of China and India" refers to the continent where both of these countries are located. China and India are two of Asia's largest and most populous countries, making "ASIA" the correct and logical answer to describe their shared geographic home.
-
The clue "Relaxing soak" directly hints at an activity commonly associated with relaxation and water. A "BATH" is a soak in water, often warm, that people take to unwind or relax, perfectly aligning with the meaning of the clue.
-
The answer "ALUM" is short for "alumnus" or "alumna," which refers to a former student of a school, college, or university. The clue specifies "for short," indicating the need for an abbreviated term, making "ALUM" the correct and concise solution.
-
The answer is UMA because Uma Thurman is the actress who famously starred as Mia Wallace in the iconic 1994 film Pulp Fiction. The clue directly references her by name, making this a straightforward connection to her first name.
-
The clue "Cow sounds" refers to the characteristic vocalization made by cows. The word "MOOS" directly describes the low, resonant sounds produced by cows, making it the correct answer. The plural in the clue matches the plural form of the answer, ensuring proper alignment.
-
The answer "ALTOSAX" fits because it is short for "alto saxophone," a woodwind instrument commonly used in jazz bands. Despite being made of brass, the alto saxophone is considered a woodwind due to its single-reed mouthpiece, aligning with the clue "Woodwind in a jazz band."
-
The clue "Pays no heed to" directly means to disregard, overlook, or not pay attention to something. The word "IGNORES" fits perfectly as it is synonymous with such behavior—intentionally not giving notice or attention, aligning with the definition given in the clue.
-
The clue "Calves, kittens and cubs" refers to various types of baby animals. The unifying term for all these is "YOUNG," as it describes the offspring or juvenile stage of animals, regardless of species. The answer captures their shared characteristic effectively.
-
The clue "Grocery conveyances" refers to items used for transporting goods in a grocery store. The word "conveyances" suggests tools for carrying or moving items. Grocery stores commonly use CARTS (shopping carts) for this purpose, making it the logical and accurate answer.
-
The clue "Per person" means "for every individual." The word EACH directly conveys this, as it refers to something applicable to every single person in a group. For instance, distributing something "per person" means giving one to each individual. This makes EACH the perfect fit.
-
The phrase "sail the seven seas" is a well-known idiom referring to traveling across the world's major oceans and seas. The blank in "Sail the seven ___" logically completes with "SEAS," aligning with the classic expression.
-
The phrase "A fan of" suggests strong interest or enthusiasm for something, which aligns with the colloquial usage of "into" (e.g., "He's really into music"). "Into" conveys the idea of being captivated by or heavily interested in something, making it the suitable answer.
-
The clue "Not another ___ out of you!" implies a command for silence, as in telling someone not to make even the smallest sound. "Peep" is a term for a tiny sound or squeak, making it the perfect fit for this phrase-driven clue.
-
The answer "HONESTABE" is a well-known nickname for Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president. It reflects his reputation for honesty and integrity, earned during his early career as a lawyer and politician. The clue directly points to this widely recognized moniker.
-
The answer is LALALAND because during the 2017 Oscars, "La La Land" was mistakenly announced as Best Picture instead of the true winner, "Moonlight." This very public mix-up became a famous moment in Oscars history, perfectly matching the clue's description of a film "incorrectly announced" before "Moonlight."
-
The clue "Patootie" is a playful, slang term for someone's buttocks, often used humorously or affectionately. "TUSH" is another informal term for the same, making it the fitting answer. The casual tone of the clue matches the slang nature of the solution.
-
The clue "Mom and dad" refers to the collective term for one's mother and father. The word "PARENTS" is the direct answer, as it is the general term used to describe both mom and dad together. This is a straightforward, literal clue and answer.
-
"Rio" refers to Rio de Janeiro, a Brazilian city world-famous for its annual Carnaval celebration, featuring parades, samba, and vibrant costumes. The clue "Carnaval city" directly points to this event and location, making RIO the correct answer.
-
A "stag" party refers to a gathering traditionally attended only by men, often to celebrate a groom-to-be before his wedding. "Stag" historically denotes a male deer, metaphorically extending to men's-only events. This explanation aligns with the clue's specificity of "men only."
-
The word "ERODE" means to wear away or gradually deteriorate, often due to natural forces like wind, water, or ice. In the context of soil, erosion describes its slow removal or degradation over time, perfectly matching the clue "Wear away, as soil."
-
The answer "LEVEE" fits the clue "Flood embankment" because a levee is a raised structure, often made of earth or concrete, built along rivers or coasts to prevent flooding by holding back water. The clue directly describes the purpose of a levee, making it the perfect match.
-
The answer is VERB because, in grammar, a noun is often followed by a verb to form a basic sentence structure (e.g., "The dog runs"). This clue plays on the fundamental relationship between nouns and verbs in constructing sentences.
-
The answer is ERIE because it is a city in Pennsylvania located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes. The clue directly references this geographic relationship, making ERIE the correct solution.
-
The phrase "Ear-to-ear expression" describes a wide, joyful smile that stretches from one ear to the other. "GRIN" perfectly matches this definition, as it commonly refers to a broad, cheerful or knowing smile, fitting the clue both literally and figuratively.
-
The clue "Office missive" refers to a type of message or communication commonly used in workplaces. A "memo" (short for memorandum) is a brief written note or report typically exchanged within an office to share information or instructions, perfectly fitting the definition of "office missive."
-
The answer is GENZ because Generation Z, often referred to as Gen Z, refers to individuals born roughly between the late 1990s and early 2010s. They are the first cohort to grow up with the internet and digital technologies as a central part of their lives.
-
The answer "OLE" fits because it's traditionally shouted by spectators at a bullfight in Spain to cheer or express admiration for the bullfighter's skill. The clue implies a Spanish context ("bullfight"), and "OLE" is a celebratory Spanish exclamation commonly associated with such events.
-
The clue "Argh!" is in quotes, signaling a spoken or exclamatory reaction. "GAH" is a common expression of frustration or annoyance, similar in tone to "Argh!"—both convey exasperation. This makes "GAH" an apt synonym and perfect fit for the clue's intent.
-
The clue has wordplay with "Fix, as an outcome." Here, "Fix" means to manipulate or tamper with, such as rigging results or outcomes (e.g., rigging a game or an election). Therefore, RIG fits perfectly as the solution since it captures the idea of altering or fixing an outcome unfairly.
Today’s Game Difficulty
Easy
Rate Your Difficulty
Rate This Solver
Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 6-letter answer to the "Yikes!" ... or, phonetically, a hint to 17-, 28-, 46- and 61-Across 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!
"Yikes!" ... or, phonetically, a hint to 17-, 28-, 46- and 61-Across Answer Explained
The answer is OHGEEZ.
This is the revealer, the key that unlocks the whole theme. The clue starts with a familiar exclamation: “Yikes!” which points to a phrase like oh geez! That’s your first hint. Then comes the second part of the clue: “phonetically, a hint.” This nudges you to say “Oh Geez” out loud and think about its component sounds: O and G. That’s when it hits: each themed entry starts with a word beginning with O and a second word beginning with G—Olive Garden, Olympic Games, Opera Glasses, and Orange Grove. It’s a clever pun on the sound of panic and a letter pattern.
Now that you've cracked the 69A "Yikes!" ... or, phonetically, a hint to 17-, 28-, 46- and 61-Across 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
Today’s Monday puzzle by Kiran Pandey is an easy solve with a playful phonetic theme: “OH, GEEZ” (69A) hints that each theme entry starts with an O and a G—Olive Garden, Olympic Games, Opera Glasses, Orange Grove. It’s a fun “aha” moment when the phrase is said aloud and clicks into place. The clues are clean and accessible, in true Monday fashion, with just enough trivia (NEOSOUL, RBG) and wordplay (SHELF, SCRIMPS) to keep things lively. A solid example of early-week theming that’s both approachable and satisfying.
Here’s what caught our attention today:
- "Red" or "Reputation," for Taylor Swift
- Starting point for Tropicana or Florida's Natural juice
- ___ Pilkey, author/illustrator who created Captain Underpants
- Film incorrectly announced as Best Picture before "Moonlight"
NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know
You can enjoy the New York Times Crossword puzzle in various formats:
- Online: Visit nytimes.com/games.
- Mobile Apps: Available in The New York Times Games app (iOS and Android) and the Play tab of the New York Times News app.
- Print: Access the daily Crossword by subscribing to Home Delivery or purchasing a copy of The New York Times newspaper at your local newsstand.
NYT Crossword Puzzle Availability
Online and All Access Subscribers: Daily puzzles are available the evening before their print release.
- Weekday and Saturday Puzzles: Available at 10 p.m. EST the previous day.
- Sunday Puzzles: Available at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
Notifications: Enable push notifications in the Games app settings to receive alerts when new puzzles are available.
How To Play
Fill the white squares with letters to form words or phrases that cross each other by solving clues in the Across and Down columns. The puzzles increase in difficulty from Monday to Saturday, with the Sunday puzzle being similar in difficulty to Wednesday or Thursday but larger in size.
Completion and Feedback
Successful Completion: A congratulatory message and music play when the puzzle is correctly solved. If no message appears, there might be an error in the filled squares.
Stars for Completion
- Gold Stars: Awarded for puzzles solved consecutively before midnight EST without using Check or Reveal.
- Blue Stars: Given for puzzles solved after midnight EST, with a skipped day, or using Check or Reveal.
Keyboard Shortcuts
For computer users, the following shortcuts can enhance gameplay:
- Arrow Keys: Navigate in the puzzle.
- Spacebar: Clear the current square and advance, toggle between Across and Down.
- Backspace/Delete: Remove a letter or word.
- Tab: Jump to the next clue.
- Shift + Tab: Jump to the previous clue.
- Escape: Enter Rebus mode.
App Customization Options
- Cursor Movement: Customize cursor settings in the Puzzle Settings menu. Options include skipping filled squares, jumping to the first blank, or the next clue.
- Secondary Keyboard: For symbols and numbers, switch by selecting the More button.
- Adjust Puzzle Size: Zoom in with a pinch gesture or toggle Clue View.
Modes
Alternate between black (pen) and gray (pencil) letters.
Letter Colors
- Black: Default pen mode.
- Gray: Pencil mode.
- Blue: Letters confirmed with Check.
Timer and Special Elements
- Timer: Track your solving time. Pause and resume as needed, or hide the timer in the settings.
- Rebus Elements: Enter letters, numbers, or symbols in a single square as part of the puzzle’s challenge or hint.
NYT Crossword Help
The New York Times provides various resources to aid in solving puzzles and improving solving skills.
In-Game Help
- Information Icon ("i"): Flashing icon indicates available puzzle hint.
- Lifesaver Icon: Offers options to check or reveal a square, an answer, or the entire puzzle.
- Clear: Resets the entire puzzle.
- Reveal: Displays correct letters for selected square, answer, or entire puzzle.
- Check: Validates a square, word, or the entire puzzle; Autocheck option available.
- Note: Using Reveal or Check resets the Crossword Streak.
Lady Puzzle Pro Help
Besides this page, meant to help you unblock or finish a puzzle we published a comprehensive guide on how to read the NYT Crossword Clues, which includes mini hints to assist you with both the NYT crosswords and the NYT Mini puzzle solving.
More Features
- Statistics: Track Progress: View puzzle stats.
- Settings: adjust settings for a personalized experience.
- Access Archives: Download and play past puzzles offline for continued enjoyment and practice.