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NY Times Crossword Logo

"Smile for the photo, dude!" - NYT The Crossword Clue

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Across

  • The answer "CHIP" works because "chocolate chip" refers to small pieces of chocolate used in baking, and "computer chip" refers to a small semiconductor device essential to computers. The word "chip" is commonly paired with both, fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The solution is EMMA because both Emma Thompson and Emma Stone starred in Disney's 2021 film Cruella. Emma Stone played the titular character, Cruella de Vil, while Emma Thompson portrayed the fashion mogul Baroness von Hellman. The clue directly refers to their shared first name, EMMA.

  • The answer "SHARD" fits the clue "Fragment" because a shard is a small piece or fragment of a material, typically something that has broken, such as glass or pottery. It directly aligns with the meaning of "Fragment" as a part or piece of a whole.

  • The answer is "DUNE" because it is a famous sci-fi novel by Frank Herbert, set on the desert planet Arrakis. The book prominently features giant sandworms—massive creatures critical to the planet's ecology and the story's plot. This makes it the perfect match for the clue.

  • The answer "LOAN" fits because a struggling business often seeks financial assistance to stabilize or recover. A loan provides necessary funds to cover expenses, invest, or address setbacks, making it practical "help" for a faltering business. This aligns directly with the straightforward clue.

  • The answer "PALEO" refers to the Paleolithic diet, inspired by the eating habits of early hunter-gatherers. It emphasizes foods available to ancient humans, like meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables, while avoiding processed foods, dairy, and grains. This diet aligns with the hunter-gatherer lifestyle referenced in the clue.

  • The clue "Smile for the photo, dude!" is a themer, signaling a pun or wordplay. "Cheese" is what photographers often say to make people smile for photos, and "dude" playfully leads to "dog" (a casual term for a person). Combined, "CHEESEDOG" solves the pun.

  • The answer is LITHE because "lithe" means flexible, supple, or able to move and bend easily and gracefully. This matches the clue "Able to bend smoothly," which directly describes such a characteristic.

  • The clue "Fragment" refers to a small piece or portion of something broken or split. "SLIVER" perfectly fits this definition, as it means a thin, narrow piece of something cut or split off, aligning with the clue's meaning. This direct definition match makes SLIVER the correct answer.

  • The Furies, or Erinyes, are figures from Greek mythology representing vengeance and retribution. They were believed to punish wrongdoers, especially crimes against family, acting as relentless agents of justice. As "instruments of vengeance," they fit the clue perfectly.

  • PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, a common plastic material used in construction, especially for pipes and plumbing. The clue specifies "for short," indicating an abbreviation. Contractors often use PVC piping due to its durability and cost-effectiveness, making it the fitting solution to this clue.

  • The clue "Work on your enunciation, bro!" is a playful pun. "Delivery" refers both to how you speak (enunciation) and transporting items. "Man" adds a casual "bro-like" touch. Together, it humorously points to a DELIVERYMAN—someone delivering items with skill and possibly clear enunciation.

  • The word "Omen" refers to a sign or indication of a future event, often with a sense of forewarning or significance. "PORTENT" is a synonym for "Omen," as it also means a prophetic sign or symbol, particularly something that foreshadows something important or calamitous.

  • The answer "ERG" fits the clue "Little bit of work" because an "erg" is a small unit of work or energy in physics, specifically in the centimeter-gram-second (CGS) system. It represents an extremely tiny amount of energy, making it a perfect match for "little bit of work."

  • Claude Debussy, the renowned French composer, referred to art as "the most beautiful deception of all" because art often creates an illusion or a crafted reality that can evoke deep emotions or transport viewers. This aligns with the idea of art as a transformative, yet deceptive, beauty.

  • The answer "SLOG" fits because it refers to difficult, laborious, or tedious work that requires persistent effort. The word perfectly conveys the sense of slow, tiring, and monotonous tasks often associated with the clue "Tedious work." It’s a direct and fitting synonym.

  • The answer "MEMES" fits because memes are a dominant form of humor on social media platforms. They often combine images, text, and cultural references to create jokes or relatable content, making them a primary source of widespread social media humor.

  • The clue "That is messed up, girl!" is a playful pun. "Messed up" suggests something twisted, and "girl" points to "sister." Combined, it cleverly leads to TWISTED SISTER, which is also the name of the famous rock band. It’s a wordplay-based solution!

  • The phrase "___ and foremost" is a common expression meaning "above all" or indicating priority. The missing word, "FIRST," completes the phrase as "FIRST and foremost," which emphasizes something of primary importance or precedence, fitting perfectly in context.

  • In mathematics, the "origin" refers to the point (0,0) where the x-axis and y-axis intersect on a coordinate plane. "Crossers" points to these axes. Thus, "Origin crossers" cleverly refers to AXES, as they cross at the origin.

  • The answer "FEN" is correct because a fen is a type of marshland or wetland. It is characterized by waterlogged, peat-rich soil with grassy and mossy vegetation, fitting the straightforward definition of the clue "Marshland." The term is commonly used in geography and ecology.

  • The solution is CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) because Camp Peary, located in Virginia, is commonly known as "The Farm," a training facility for CIA officers. The clue specifies an "Org." (organization), hinting at the CIA as it trains its operatives there.

  • The answer "STARTLE" fits because to "cause to jump" often means to surprise or shock someone, eliciting a sudden, startled reaction. "Say" in the clue suggests an example, and being startled commonly results in an instinctive jump or flinch. Hence, "STARTLE" aligns perfectly.

  • The clue "Protect the quarterback, buddy!" is a themer and uses wordplay. A block is a football action to shield the quarterback, and buster can mean "buddy" casually. Together, they form BLOCKBUSTER, which also cleverly alludes to its common meaning—a major success or impactful occurrence.

  • The "pupil" is the central part of the eye that regulates light entering it. The clue refers to its literal anatomical location, making EYE the correct answer. No wordplay here—just a straightforward connection to the physical structure of the body.

  • The solution "INTUNE" fits the clue "Best way to sing" because singing "in tune" means hitting the correct pitches and harmonizing accurately, which is considered the ideal or best way to perform vocally. It’s a straightforward reference to musical skill and precision.

  • In music, "sostenuto" is an Italian term meaning "sustained" or "held." It indicates notes should be played in a prolonged, steady manner, emphasizing length and smoothness. This aligns with the answer "LONGER," as the term directs musicians to extend the duration of the notes or phrase.

  • The answer is LIBRE because "Cuba Libre" is a famous cocktail made of rum, cola, and lime. Literally meaning "Free Cuba" in Spanish, this drink's name symbolizes Cuba's independence. The clue hints at the common name of the drink, completing the phrase "Cuba ___."

  • This clue is a themer uses wordplay with a romantic twist. "That's unbelievable" hints at "wild" (astonishing), and "love" is sweet like "honey." Together, "WILDHONEY" creatively combines these ideas, forming a playful phrase fitting the clue's tone. It’s a figurative expression linking amazement and affection.

  • The answer is ANAIS because Anaïs Nin was a famous diarist and writer known for her extensive personal journals. The clue refers to her last name, "Nin," pointing to her first name, Anaïs, making this a straightforward answer tied to her literary identity.

  • The answer "OMIT" is correct because "Leave out" directly means to exclude or not include something, which aligns with the definition of OMIT. Both terms are synonymous in this context, making OMIT the precise solution for the clue.

  • The clue "Finger" in this context involves wordplay. To "finger" someone can mean to identify or name them as responsible for something, often in a criminal context. Therefore, the solution "NAME" fits as it aligns with the idea of identifying someone.

  • The phrase "Seems to point to" suggests predicting or indicating an outcome. The word "BODES" means to be an omen or sign of something that might happen, aligning well with the clue's meaning of implying or hinting at a future event.

  • The clue "Damned if ___ …" suggests a common phrase used to express being stuck no matter the choice. The phrase "Damned if we do, damned if we don't" fits the context perfectly, and "WE DO" (split as WEDO) completes the first part of the phrase.

  • The answer "SLOT" fits the clue "Put on a schedule" because to "slot" something means to assign it a specific time or place, just like scheduling an event or appointment. It reflects the action of organizing tasks or events into designated time slots.

Down

  • The CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a federal government agency headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It focuses on public health and disease control, making it a perfect match for the clue "Atlanta-based govt. agency."

  • The clue "Come again?" ends with a question mark, signaling a pun or wordplay. The phrase mimics someone asking for repetition when they didn't hear or understand something. "HUH" is a common verbal reaction meaning "What?" or requesting clarification, fitting perfectly with the clue's intent.

  • The term "in escrow" refers to a financial arrangement in which funds are held by a third party on behalf of two other parties during a transaction. This matches the clue because it explains how funds can be safely held until conditions are met, such as in real estate deals.

  • The clue "What old paint might do" suggests an action associated with aging paint. Over time, old paint loses adhesion and separates from the surface, causing it to PEEL. This is both a literal and common phenomenon, making PEEL the fitting answer.

  • The answer is ELEVEN because it is the smallest number (in counting order) that has three syllables when spoken aloud: e-lev-en. Numbers like one ("one") or ten ("ten") have fewer syllables, while twelve and others following have more.

  • The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, was nicknamed "Tin Lizzie" due to its affordable, durable design and widespread popularity. This makes "MODELT" the fitting answer to the clue, as it directly refers to the historic automobile associated with that nickname.

  • The answer is MAORI because "Kia ora" is a greeting in the Māori language, which is indigenous to New Zealand. Māori is both a language and a culture, and "Kia ora" directly translates to "Hello" or "Be well," making it the correct match for the clue.

  • The answer "ANG" refers to Ang Lee, the acclaimed film director known for movies like Life of Pi, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Brokeback Mountain. The clue directly references his last name, making this a straightforward identification of the celebrated filmmaker.

  • The clue "Goes for the expensive option, say" suggests spending extravagantly or choosing luxury. "Say" hints at synonymous phrasing, leading to SPLURGES, which means spending lavishly or indulging in costly options, aligning perfectly with the idea of opting for something expensive.

  • The clue "Sticky, as a situation" uses a metaphor. A "hairy" situation refers to something difficult, tricky, or fraught with complications—essentially "sticky" or problematic. It's a figurative descriptor often used to describe tense or precarious scenarios, making HAIRY the perfect fit for this clue.

  • The answer is ALTIMA because it is a well-known sedan model produced by Nissan. Nissan's Altima has been a popular mid-size car since its launch in the early 1990s, making it a fitting solution for the straightforward clue "Nissan sedan."

  • The clue "Try again" suggests revisiting or repeating something, aligning with the definition of "REHEAR." To rehear means to re-listen to a case or situation, essentially giving it another attempt or consideration—perfectly matching the idea of "trying again."

  • The clue "That ___ ring a bell" suggests a common phrase indicating something unfamiliar or unrecognizable. The correct completion of the phrase is "doesn't ring a bell," meaning it doesn't seem familiar or evoke recognition. Thus, the answer is "DOESNT."

  • In the context of a vinyl record, it has two parts—the "A side" and the "B side"—each containing songs. "One of two on a record" refers directly to these sides, making the answer "SIDE." It cleverly plays on the structure of physical music records.

  • The answer is FERMI because Enrico Fermi was a renowned physicist who made significant contributions to quantum theory, nuclear and particle physics. He is best known for developing the first nuclear reactor. His name is frequently referenced in both scientific contexts and crossword puzzles like this one.

  • The abbreviation “PPS” stands for “post-postscript,” an additional note added after the initial postscript (PS) in a letter or message. The clue's phrase, "Afterthought's afterthought," cleverly hints at something added even after the postscript, making PPS the correct answer.

  • The answer is VOLT because the Chevrolet Volt is a model of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "Plug-in" refers to its ability to recharge via an external power source, aligning with the clue. This makes VOLT the correct and fitting answer.

  • Geese often fly in a "V" formation during migration to reduce drag and conserve energy. The plural form, "VEES," refers to multiple such formations. The clue refers to this recognizable flight pattern, making VEES the correct answer.

  • The clue "Cry near quittin' time" suggests a phrase or exclamation one might say when the workweek ends. "TGIF" stands for "Thank God It's Friday," a common celebratory phrase for the last workday before the weekend. The casual tone ("quittin'") aligns with this relaxed, end-of-week relief.

  • The clue "Colorado summer hrs." refers to the time zone Colorado observes during the summer when daylight saving time is in effect. Colorado is in the Mountain Time Zone, and during summer it is on Mountain Daylight Time, abbreviated as MDT.

  • The clue "Classic cookie cutter shape" refers to a commonly used shape for cutting cookies. A star is a classic and popular cookie cutter shape, especially for festive occasions like Christmas. Its timeless design makes STAR the perfect answer for this clue.

  • In the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," Ferris pretends to be sick to skip school and enjoy a day of adventure. "Something feigned" refers to something faked, and SICKNESS is what he pretended to have, making it the perfect answer.

  • The Shoshone are an Indigenous people of North America, often collectively referred to as a Native American tribe. The term "tribe" describes a social group of people linked by common ancestry, culture, and language, making it the correct answer to the clue "Shoshone, e.g.".

  • The answer is ESAU because, in the Bible (Genesis 25:29-34), Esau trades his birthright to his brother Jacob for a bowl of stew, making him the "Biblical birthright barterer." This pivotal story highlights Esau's impulsiveness in giving up his rights as the firstborn.

  • The clue "Not from within" directly suggests something outside or outward. The word "EXTERNAL" means "originating or situated outside," making it the perfect match for the clue. It contrasts with something internal (from within), aligning with the clue's straightforward meaning.

  • The clue "Depend (on)" directly defines the answer RELY. To rely on someone or something means to depend on them for support or assistance. The parentheses in the clue often reinforce a slight rephrasing or synonym, making RELY a perfect match for "Depend (on)."

  • The clue "Get it?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. "See" is used as a synonym for "understand" or "comprehend," aligning with the phrase "Do you get it?" Therefore, "SEE" fits perfectly as the answer.

  • The answer "FBILAB" refers to the FBI Laboratory, a renowned forensic science center located in Quantico, Virginia. It serves as the headquarters for forensics investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, aligning perfectly with the clue’s focus on forensics and its specific location.

  • The answer "ELNINO" fits because El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by warming of Pacific Ocean waters, disrupting weather patterns worldwide. It can cause turbulent weather like storms, heavy rains, or droughts. The clue directly references its impact on creating chaotic, unstable atmospheric conditions.

  • The phrase "That's halfway decent!" implies something that is neither excellent nor terrible but acceptable or satisfactory. "Not bad" is a casual way of expressing this sentiment, making it a fitting answer to the clue. The conversational tone matches the quotation marks around the clue.

  • The answer "STOLID" describes someone who shows little to no emotion, maintaining a calm, unexpressive demeanor—traits essential for a "good poker face" to avoid giving away any reactions during the game. The clue refers to emotional restraint or impassiveness, aligning with the definition of STOLID.

  • The phrase "Look after" means to take care of or manage something, which aligns with the meaning of "TEND TO." For instance, tending to a garden or someone’s needs involves looking after them, making "TENDTO" the suitable answer here.

  • The clue "Cry of frustration" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken or exclamatory sound. "ARGH" is a common representation of an exasperated or frustrated outburst, making it a fitting answer. It phonically conveys the emotion described in the clue, aligning perfectly with its intent.

  • The answer is CURIE because Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist who won Nobel Prizes in two distinct fields: Physics (1903, for work on radioactivity) and Chemistry (1911, for discovering radium and polonium). She remains the only person to achieve this unique dual scientific honor.

  • The clue "Ectoplasmic residue" refers to a substance often associated with ghosts or supernatural phenomena, particularly in pop culture (like "Ghostbusters"). Ectoplasm is typically depicted as a slimy, gooey substance left behind by spirits, making SLIME the perfect match for this description.

  • The word "EONS" refers to extremely long periods of time, often spanning millions or billions of years. The clue "Many ages" aligns with this definition since "ages" can signify lengthy time spans, and "many" emphasizes the vast duration that "EONS" accurately describes.

  • The clue "Mind. Blown." is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken reaction. "Wow" is a common exclamation of amazement or astonishment, perfectly matching the expression someone might use when their mind is blown by something surprising or incredible.

  • EMO is the solution because it is a music genre characterized by emotional, introspective, and often brooding lyrics, focusing on themes of angst, heartbreak, and self-expression. Its name derives from "emotional hardcore," making it a fitting answer for "Brooding music genre."

  • The clue "So far" matches the answer YET because both suggest something up to a certain point in time. "YET" is often used to express something that has happened, or not happened, up to now, aligning with the meaning of "So far."

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Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 9-letter answer to the "Smile for the photo, dude!" 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!

"Smile for the photo, dude!" Answer Explained

The answer is CHEESEDOG.

This clue is in quotation marks, which tells us it represents a spoken phrase, something one person might say to another. Here, someone is telling their buddy to smile for the camera, using a casual, slangy tone: “Smile for the photo, dude!” When you say “cheese,” you're prompting someone to smile. That's the classic photo cue. Add “dog” (as in “what’s up, dog?”), and you get CHEESE DOG. It’s a clever reimagining of a compound noun (a food item!) as a goofy, spoken instruction. The pun hinges on tone and slang, not food.

Now that you've cracked the 17A "Smile for the photo, dude!" 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 debut puzzle by Ilana Levene, co-constructed with Scott Hogan, brings a charming twist to a familiar format. The theme entries take everyday compound words or phrases and clue them as if they’re casual, slangy bits of advice or exclamations (all are enclosed in quotes), each ending in a term of address like dog, man, or buster. It’s a fun and consistent layer of wordplay that feels playful but accessible, making this Wednesday puzzle easier than most. Highlights include the punny TWISTED SISTER and the clever BLOCKBUSTER. A polished, lighthearted theme with strong fill!

Here’s what caught our attention today:

NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know

You can enjoy the New York Times Crossword puzzle in various formats:

  • Online: Visit nytimes.com/games.
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NYT Crossword Puzzle Availability

Online and All Access Subscribers: Daily puzzles are available the evening before their print release.

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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.

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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.

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NYT Crossword Help

The New York Times provides various resources to aid in solving puzzles and improving solving skills.

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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.

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