Crafters' knives - NYT The Crossword Clue

The answer is "UNO" because in the card game Uno, players are required to shout "Uno!" as soon as they have only one card remaining in their hand. The clue indicates a spoken action specific to a card game, leading to this solution.

The clue "Oui's opposite" suggests a French context, as "oui" means "yes" in French. Its opposite would logically be "no" in French, which is "non." Since the clue directly references opposites in the same language, the accurate answer is "NON."

The clue "Response to 'Who's going?'" includes quotes, indicating a spoken response. “IAM” is a concise way to reply verbally, meaning "I am [going]." It fits grammatically, matching the casual phrasing of the question, and aligns with the clue's conversational tone.

The phrase "cut to the chase" means skipping unnecessary details to get to the action or main event. In action films, the climax often involves a high-stakes chase, making "THE CHASE" the perfect literal and metaphorical fit for this clue, which plays on the saying.

The clue "Closest confidant" directly hints at someone you trust the most and share secrets with, aligning perfectly with the term BESTPAL. "Best" signifies the closest or most trusted, while "pal" is a casual term for a friend, making BESTPAL a fitting answer.

The Apple all-in-one refers to a computer that combines the monitor and CPU into one unit. The iMac, developed by Apple, is a renowned all-in-one desktop computer. Its sleek design and integration of hardware perfectly match the clue "Apple all-in-one," making IMAC the correct answer.

The clue references Walt Whitman's poem "As the Time Draws Nigh," where "nigh" is an old-fashioned term for "near." The word in the puzzle directly completes the poem's title, making "NIGH" the correct and fitting answer.

In aerobics classes, instructors often call out physical movements to guide participants. "STEP" is a common directive, especially in step aerobics, where participants repeatedly step onto and off a raised platform. The clue points to this repeated instruction in such fitness routines, hence the answer "STEP."

The clue "Wake-up call" directly points to something that alerts or wakes you up, often in the morning. An "ALARM" is a device or sound designed specifically to wake someone up at a set time, fitting the clue perfectly. The phrasing is straightforward with no wordplay involved.

The query "Cono o coppetta?" translates to "Cone or cup?" in Italian, commonly asked when serving gelato. Gelato is a traditional Italian dessert, fitting both the clue's language and cultural context. Its creamy texture makes it a popular treat, typically offered in cones or cups in Italy.

The clue "Somme friends" hints at the French connection, as "Somme" is a region in France. The French word for "friends" is "amis," making AMIS the correct answer. This clue relies on recognizing the foreign language indicator referencing French.

The clue "Silence on Zoom" hints at a Zoom-specific action. On Zoom, users can silence themselves or others by pressing the "Mute" button, preventing sound from being transmitted. Therefore, MUTE fits perfectly as it describes the action of silencing during a virtual Zoom meeting.

The answer is EROS because, in Greek mythology, Eros is the god of love and desire, often depicted as a cherubic figure with wings. "Cherubic" refers to his angelic, childlike appearance, similar to a cherub. This matches the clue perfectly.

The clue "___ Paulo, Brazil" points to a major city in Brazil, São Paulo. "São" is Portuguese for "Saint," aligning with the city’s full name. Since the blank specifically precedes "Paulo," the correct answer is "SAO."

The "circle at the top of a stick figure" represents the head, as a basic stick figure drawing typically depicts a circle for the head and straight lines for the body and limbs. This literal interpretation makes "HEAD" the correct answer.

The clue "Such is life!" is enclosed in quotes, suggesting the answer is a spoken phrase. "Oh well" captures a resigned, casual reaction to life's unpredictable or uncontrollable moments, matching the sentiment expressed by "Such is life!" perfectly. It reflects acceptance or moving on.

The clue "Must" implies something essential or required. "NEED TO" fits because it conveys an obligation or necessity, as in "you must" or "you need to." This aligns with the synonymous relationship between "must" and "need to" in context.

The answer "ERASER" fits the clue "Chalk accompanier" because an eraser is traditionally used alongside chalk on chalkboards to clean or correct markings. The pairing is common in classrooms or settings where chalkboards are used, making it a logical and precise solution.

The clue “Consumers of hogwash” plays on the word "hogwash," typically meaning nonsense but literally refers to waste food or slop given to hogs. Swine (pigs or hogs) literally consume hogwash as food, making this a clever pun-based answer.

The phrase "Stop by" suggests a brief, casual visit, which aligns perfectly with the informal expression "POP IN." To "pop in" means to visit someone or somewhere quickly or unannounced, matching the clue's straightforward idea.

The word "Hybridize" refers to combining or mixing two distinct elements. Similarly, "CROSS" denotes blending or crossing different breeds, types, or elements. This synonymic relationship explains why "CROSS" fits as the answer for the clue “Hybridize.”

MAGNET is the solution because decorative magnets are a common souvenir item people place on their refrigerators as keepsakes or reminders of trips. The clue directly hints at this practical and popular use of magnets as both functional and decorative items for fridges.

AVEENO is a well-known moisturizer brand owned by Johnson & Johnson. Renowned for its products containing soothing oat-based ingredients, it’s a staple in skincare for hydration and sensitive skin. The clue directly references a moisturizer brand, making AVEENO a precise, straightforward solution.

The clue "___ Pieces" refers to Reese's Pieces, a popular candy made by The Hershey Company. The blank indicates a missing word, and "Reese's" completes the well-known brand name, making "REESES" the fitting solution. The brand is famous for its peanut butter and chocolate treats.

The answer "ELF" fits the clue "Fey figure of folklore" because elves are mythical, supernatural beings often featured in folklore and fantasy as magical entities. "Fey" refers to something otherworldly or magical, aligning perfectly with the characteristics of an elf in tales and legends.

The answer is SAL because Salman "Sal" Khan is the founder of Khan Academy, a renowned online educational platform that provides free learning resources globally. The clue directly refers to this individual by his first name, Sal, which is commonly used. No wordplay or tricks are involved.

"Flinches in response to" describes a physical reaction to something unpleasant, like pain or discomfort. "WINCES AT" fits perfectly, as "wince" means to flinch or grimace slightly, and "at" indicates the cause being reacted to, combining naturally to define the clue.

The clue "Brainstorm" refers to the act of generating thoughts or concepts. An "idea" is a result of such mental activity, aligning perfectly as the solution. The word suggests problem-solving or creativity, which are central to brainstorming, making IDEA an apt fit for the clue.

Utah is often described as a hexagon due to its roughly six-sided shape on a map. While not a perfect geometric hexagon, its borders, formed by state lines and natural features, resemble this six-sided polygon, making HEXAGON the apt answer.

The solution is DUNKIN because the clue references the slogan of Dunkin' Donuts, “America Runs on Dunkin’.” It emphasizes the brand’s coffee and baked goods fueling Americans’ daily routines. The clue directly alludes to this iconic slogan, making DUNKIN the fitting answer.

SLATS are narrow, flat pieces of wood or metal that form part of a bed's frame, typically beneath the mattress, providing support and ensuring stability. This matches the clue "Bed supports," as slats literally support the mattress in most bed designs.

The phrase "Give it ___" is completed by "AGO" to suggest the expression "Give it a go," which means to try something. It's a commonly used phrase and fits well as a straightforward answer in this playful context.

The answer "SOLD" fits because it directly describes the result of an auction. When an item is auctioned off, it is presented for bidding, and when it's purchased, the auctioneer typically declares it "SOLD" to the highest bidder, making it the perfect solution.

The clue "Oh, OK" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a phrase or spoken expression. "I SEE" is a common conversational phrase used to acknowledge understanding, matching the tone and meaning of "Oh, OK." It captures the reaction perfectly.

The clue "Crazy (about)" points to someone being intensely or obsessively enthusiastic. "GAGA" colloquially means being infatuated or crazy about something, and it also conveys an extreme level of excitement or madness, making it a perfect fit for this clue.

The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) organizes March Madness, a widely popular annual basketball tournament involving college teams from across the U.S. The clue asks for the organization overseeing it, making NCAA the correct answer.

The word "Chutzpah" refers to audacity or boldness, often in an impudent or disrespectful way. "GALL" is a synonym for this kind of brazen nerve or impudence, making it the perfect fit for the clue.

The clue "___ Major" refers to the constellation Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear. In astronomy, it is a well-known star pattern that includes the Big Dipper. "Ursa" is Latin for "bear," fitting perfectly into the blank.

The clue "What'd you say?" ends in a question mark, signaling wordplay. Enclosed in quotes, it mimics a spoken reaction to something unclear or surprising. "HUH" is a common, informal verbal response expressing confusion or prompting someone to repeat themselves, perfectly matching the clue.

IRA is the solution because Ira Glass is a well-known host and producer of the public radio show This American Life. His first name uniquely matches the clue, directly pointing to this prominent figure in public radio.

The clue refers to "toe beans," a colloquial term for the soft, squishy pads on the underside of a cat's toes. These pads are part of the kitten's paw, making "PAW" the correct answer. The clue playfully points to the location of these adorable features.