Wellness product derived from an Australian bird - NYT The Crossword Clue

In fencing, there are three main disciplines: foil, épée, and saber (or sabre). SABER is a faster-paced style of fencing where hits can be scored with the blade's edge or tip. The clue simply refers to this specific fencing discipline, making SABER the correct answer.

The clue "Perplexed" suggests feeling confused or lost. "At sea" is a phrase used to describe such a state of confusion or uncertainty, as one might feel when lost at sea, both literally and figuratively. Thus, ATSEA fits perfectly.

The clue is a classic expression of hierarchy, authority, and needing to escalate a situation. The real answer is straightforward: WHO’S IN CHARGE. But what’s in the grid is WHOSEINCHRISTIAN—a bizarre mashup that might seem like a theological riddle or a typo. But it’s neither. The INCH rebus, which belongs in WHOSINCHARGE, has taken a wormhole detour and landed in the middle of BORNAGAINCHRISTIAN, creating this deliberate misalignment.

The answer is "DEL" because the title of the 2021 comedy film is "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar." "Del" is Spanish for "of the" and is part of the location name "Vista Del Mar," which translates to "View of the Sea."

UTE is short for "utility vehicle," a term commonly used in Australia and New Zealand as an informal name for an all-purpose truck. These vehicles are versatile, used for work and recreation, aligning with the clue's focus on an adaptable truck.

The clue "Programs to, as a thermostat" suggests configuring or adjusting settings. "Sets at" captures this action, as you "set" a thermostat to a specific temperature. The answer reflects the act of programming the device to maintain a chosen setting, aligning with the clue's meaning.

TREACLE is the British term for molasses, which aligns with the clue's reference to "The Great British Bake Off," a UK-based show. Contestants there would naturally use the British term, TREACLE, instead of molasses, making it the fitting answer.

The clue "Put on" can mean to produce or present something, like a play or performance. In theater, to "put on" a play is to "STAGE" it. This reflects the figurative use of "put on" as arranging or presenting an event.

The answer "WATERGAS" fits because it is a specific industrial gas mixture primarily composed of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2). It is produced by passing steam over hot carbon, making it a correct and direct match for the clue's description.

The answer "IPAS" refers to India Pale Ales, a popular style of beer known for its hoppy flavor. Dogfish Head is a well-known brewery that specializes in craft beers, including many varieties of IPAs, making this the fitting answer.

The answer is FIR because "noble fir" and "grand fir" are specific types of fir trees. These names refer to natural species of evergreen conifers found in forests, fitting the clue's description of tree varieties. The clue directly points to this family of trees.

The answer is TRIOS because both ZZ Top and Green Day are musical bands consisting of three members each. The clue references their group size, making "trios" the apt term for this.

René Magritte was a famous Belgian surrealist artist, best known for his thought-provoking works. "The Son of Man" is one of his iconic paintings, depicting a man in a bowler hat with his face obscured by a floating apple. "René" is his first name, fitting the clue perfectly.

The clue "Spots for some rockers" refers to performance venues where rock musicians (rockers) perform. ARENAS are large indoor venues often used for concerts, sports, or events, making them suitable "spots" for rock bands to perform in front of large audiences.

This clue clearly points to the travel-friendly concept of PREBOOKING—reserving ahead of time, particularly for hotels, flights, etc. But the grid entry throws a curveball: it says PREBOOKPOST. That’s not a real word, and it doesn’t fit the clue… unless you spot the twist. The BOOK is correctly placed here, but the rest of the word (POST) doesn’t belong. It’s wandered over from the next clue, creating a thematic "error" that makes perfect sense when you account for the wormhole logic.

The clue "Certain parents, to their tots" uses the casual, affectionate term "DADAS," which is a way toddlers might refer to their dads (fathers). The plural reflects "certain parents," emphasizing it's for multiple dads in the context of young children’s speech.

The answer "UNTIE" fits the clue "Loosen" because to untie something, like a knot, is to loosen or undo it. The word directly conveys releasing tightness, making it a perfect synonym for the clue. This clue lacks wordplay, so it's interpreted straightforwardly.

Baking soda effectively neutralizes unpleasant smells, making "ODOR" its target. This clue relies on the common household use of baking soda to absorb and eliminate odors, such as in refrigerators or trash bins. Hence, "ODOR" is a fitting solution.

The answer "COBB" refers to the Cobb salad, a popular American salad traditionally made with chopped greens, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, chicken, avocado, cheese, and tomatoes. The clue directly describes key ingredients of this salad, making COBB the correct solution.

The clue "GPS suggestions: Abbr." refers to directions or paths GPS provides. "Abbr." signals an abbreviation. GPS often suggests "routes," which is abbreviated as "RTES" in crossword puzzles. It's a concise way GPS systems point out pathways or directions to follow.

The clue "Buzzed" involves wordplay, as indicated by its brevity and ambiguity. Here, "buzzed" refers to the ringing of a phone, as phones often "buzz" when receiving a call. The answer, PHONED, reflects the action of making a call, tying the punny clue to the solution.

The answer "AONE" refers to something of the highest quality or top-tier. The phrase "A1" is often used to describe excellence, and "AONE" is a written variation of this expression. It fits perfectly with the clue "Top-notch," meaning the best or first-rate.

The answer is ROGUE because Anna Paquin portrayed the mutant character Rogue in the "X-Men" film series. Rogue is known for her ability to absorb others' powers and memories through touch, a defining trait of her character. Hence, it directly matches the clue.

The clue is informal and conversational, prompting an equally casual answer—I HEAR YA, meaning “I totally agree.” But the entry in the grid is IHEARUG, which sounds more like a verbal typo or a botched sentence. What’s going on? The key is realizing that EAR is missing from IHEARYA, and has instead been sucked into the wormhole, landing in the second answer’s place. This clever trick transforms IHEARYA into a partial nonsense phrase—but only until we “worm” the EAR back into place.

The answer "APS" refers to Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school, which are known to be challenging. These courses offer college-level material and exams, making them "tough" for students. The plural "classes" aligns with "APS," the shorthand for multiple Advanced Placement courses.

The phrase "No longer burdened by" means being free or relieved of something. "RIDOF" directly captures this idea, as it means to eliminate or free oneself from a burden or unwanted item. It's a concise fit for the clue's wording.

The answer is APES because apes, including chimpanzees and orangutans, are mammals that have prehensile feet. Prehensile feet are adapted for grasping and holding, which help these primates climb trees and manipulate objects, a common characteristic of their anatomy and behavior.

The answer "DEMO" fits because at an expo, companies often showcase their products or services through live demonstrations, commonly shortened to "demo." This aligns with the clue's meaning, as expos are known for presenting highlights or previews of what exhibitors offer.

The phrase "Taught by repetition" suggests a method of reinforcing information or skills through repeated practice. "DRILLED IN" aligns perfectly, as "drilling" commonly refers to repetitive training or practice to embed knowledge or habits effectively. This solution fits the clue's emphasis on learning through repetition.

The clue "Stay in touch" suggests an action or phrase related to maintaining communication. "CALL ME" is a direct and casual way of asking someone to keep in contact, matching the conversational tone in the clue. The quotation marks signal it's a spoken expression.

The solution is ORA because Rita Ora is a British singer and songwriter well-known for her hit song "Let You Love Me." The clue directly references this artist, with the blank space indicating her last name.

The answer "TIDEPOOLS" fits because these are shallow, rocky coastal areas where seawater collects during high tide. Such environments naturally serve as habitats for marine creatures like hermit crabs and sea stars, providing shelter, food, and suitable conditions for survival. The clue directly describes this ecosystem.

The answer "EMIR" fits because an Emir is a title used for rulers or high-ranking officials in some Islamic countries, including Qatar. The Emir of Qatar is the head of state, aligning perfectly with the clue "Qatari ruler."

The answer "PEGS" works because pegs are the small, protruding parts of a coatrack designed to hold or hang items like coats, hats, or bags. As physical components of a coatrack, they perfectly align with the clue, "Parts of a coatrack."

SXSW stands for South by Southwest, an annual music, film, and interactive media festival held in Austin, Texas. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating an abbreviation, and SXSW is the commonly used shorthand for this well-known event.

The clue "However, in shorthand" implies a shortened, casual version of the word "however." The term "tho" is a common informal abbreviation for "though," which is synonymous with "however." It fits the shorthand context, making THO the correct answer.

The question mark indicates a pun. "Flat-headed" refers to the broad end of an oar, and "crew driver" plays on the term "crew," as in rowing teams. An oar is what drives (propels) the boat for a rowing crew, making it the perfect answer.

"Small row" refers to a minor argument or dispute. The word "row" can mean a quarrel, and "small" implies something insignificant. A "tiff" is a brief, petty disagreement, fitting the clue perfectly. The concise nature of "tiff" aligns with the "small" descriptor in the clue.

The answer is DYES because spinach leaves and beets contain natural pigments that can be extracted and used to color materials. Beets provide a rich red pigment, and spinach offers green hues. The clue uses a subtle play on their non-culinary use, emphasizing a creative application.

The answer is OHM because "ohm" is the unit of electrical resistance in physics, named after Georg Ohm. Its symbol is the Greek letter omega (Ω), commonly used in equations and circuit diagrams to represent resistance.

The clue "Moves a cursor (over)" refers to using a computer mouse to move the on-screen cursor. The plural "MOUSES" fits because it describes the action of operating multiple devices or performing the action repeatedly. The parenthetical "over" emphasizes shifting or navigating on a screen.

Here we get a sociological term: a BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN is a person—often evangelical—who has experienced a spiritual rebirth. But the grid gives us BORNAGAINCHARGE, which sounds more like a motivational military slogan. It’s not a valid answer on its own, but it makes perfect sense once we understand that the INCH rebus has swapped places with the tail end of the previous clue, thanks to the wormhole connection. This warping of expected language is both playful and visually grounded: the blue-circled squares appear as mirror images on the grid, reinforcing the idea of rebus teleportation.

The clue "Best place to go in London?" uses wordplay with a question mark signaling a pun. "Go" is a euphemism for using the restroom, and "loo" is a British term for a bathroom. Therefore, the "best place to go" in London humorously refers to the "loo."

EID is the solution because Eid al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer. This holiday is celebrated with communal prayers, feasts, and giving to charity, perfectly fitting the clue description.

The answer "SLOP" fits "Spill (over)" because "slop" refers to liquid spilling or overflowing in a messy, uncontrolled manner. The parenthetical "(over)" emphasizes the motion of liquid spilling past its container, corresponding with the definition of "slop."

The answer "SWAN" refers to the fairy tale "The Ugly Duckling," where a plain duckling grows into a beautiful swan, symbolizing a late bloomer who transforms into something extraordinary after initial struggles or delays. It's a metaphor for delayed but remarkable growth or success.

The clue "Mi ___ es su ___" is in Spanish, hinting this common Spanish phrase. Translated, it means "My house is your house," a welcoming expression of hospitality. The missing word, "CASA," means "house" in Spanish, completing the phrase accurately.

The clue "T follower" is wordplay. A "T-shirt" is a common item of clothing, and "shirt" directly follows the "T" in this context, completing the phrase. The answer cleverly draws on the familiar term "T-shirt" to lead solvers to "SHIRT."

The clue asks for a "Nickname alternative to Teddy." Both "Teddy" and "Theo" can be short forms of the name Theodore. While "Teddy" is a more common nickname, "Theo" is another widely recognized alternative, making it the correct answer to the clue.

Disbudding is the removal of buds from certain animals, typically livestock like goats or cattle, to prevent the formation of horns. Thus, "What disbudding prevents the growth of" aptly leads to the answer HORN, as disbudding stops their development.

ANIONS is the correct answer because in chemistry, anions are particles (ions) with a net negative charge. They gain electrons, unlike cations, which are positively charged. The clue directly refers to this property of being negatively charged particles, making ANIONS the precise fit.

KFC is the solution because it’s a well-known fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken, and its global headquarters is located in Louisville, Kentucky. The clue directly ties the chain's identity to its Louisville base, making KFC the correct answer.

This is a straightforward clue for AREA RUG, a common floor covering. But the grid answer is AREAYA, which reads like a speech flub or a word mash. That’s because the EAR from AREARUG has traveled through the wormhole to help complete IHEARYA instead. Without that chunk, we’re left with AYA, the remaining fragment of the original word RUG—a perfect example of how these theme entries play with symmetry and swap logic.

The answer is MEGAN because Megan Mullally, a well-known actress, played Tammy 2, the ex-wife of Ron Swanson, on Parks and Recreation. Nick Offerman, who portrayed Ron, is Mullally's real-life husband, aligning the clue with her real name and role on the show.

This one initially looks plausible. You might glance at FACEBOOKING and think it's an actual activity scrolling Facebook? But as a specific kind of social media update, the true answer is FACEBOOK POST. The missing POST appears in the pair entry, leaving ING in its place. Once again, the BOOK rebus has "traveled" across the grid. The puzzle is asking us to visualize the entries folding into one another, with pieces swapped via the wormhole formed by the rebus square.

The phrase "loved, loved, loved, with 'up'" suggests intense enjoyment or devouring something enthusiastically. The word "ATE" fits because it conveys consuming something eagerly, aligning with the idea of "ate up" being a phrase for loving or devouring something, often figuratively.

The clue "Be late in the theater?" has a pun indicated by the question mark. In theater, "miss a cue" means failing to enter or speak on time, akin to being late. Phonetically, "MISSACUE" matches this phrase, making it the clever solution.

The answer "DAWG" refers to the slang term for "dog," which fits the clue's context of a canine character in the comic strip "Hi and Lois." Using "DAWG" gives the clue a playful twist, aligning with the casual tone often found in comic strip naming conventions.

The solution is TOAD because toads are amphibians known for their leathery, rough skin. They are also hoppers, as they move by hopping. The clue directly describes these distinct physical and behavioral traits, making TOAD the accurate answer.

The word "stymied" means being blocked, hindered, or prevented from making progress—perfectly fitting the clue "Unable to progress." It describes a situation where obstacles or difficulties stop advancement, aligning directly with the clue's straightforward definition.

The clue "Coatrack, in many a lodge" employs wordplay, referencing the rustic decor in lodges. Antlers, often mounted as decor, resemble coatracks with their branching structure. In such settings, they are frequently used to hang coats, making "ANTLER" an appropriate and clever answer.

The clue "What might be given for crying out loud?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. When someone cries, they may need a TISSUE to wipe their tears. The phrase "crying out loud" cleverly evokes the literal need for a tissue, making it the perfect answer.

The answer is CAPRA because Frank Capra was the director of the 1934 film "It Happened One Night," a classic romantic comedy that won multiple Academy Awards. The clue references the name of the filmmaker, making CAPRA the fitting solution.

The phrase "Follow, as an impulse" means to act in response to a sudden desire without much thought. The answer, ACTON, is a play on words—"act on" an impulse means to follow it, directly connecting to the clue’s meaning. Simple and logical wordplay.

The clue "A few bucks?" uses wordplay. "Bucks" can refer to male deer, and "a few" suggests a plural form. Male deer are called "stags," so "a few bucks" cleverly hints at "stags." The question mark signals a pun or playful interpretation.

The answer "TNOTE" refers to a U.S. Treasury Note, a type of government bond issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Treasury notes are a form of debt security, hence fitting the clue "Govt. bond," commonly abbreviated as T-Note in finance.

The clue "Strand at a chalet, say" involves wordplay. A chalet is often in a snowy, icy environment. To be "iced in" means to be stranded or unable to leave due to ice blocking travel. Thus, ICEIN fits as a clever pun for being stranded at such a location.

The answer is LANED because both a bowling alley and an Olympic pool are divided into lanes. Bowling alleys have lanes for each bowler, and Olympic pools have clearly marked swimming lanes. "LANED" describes this characteristic of being arranged with lanes.

The clue "Runs out of power" suggests something ceases to function or stops operating. "DIES" fits because it can mean coming to an end, like a machine or device that stops working when it runs out of energy or power.

The clue "___ obliged!" is a common, conversational phrase. The correct answer, "MUCH," completes the phrase as "Much obliged!"—a polite expression of gratitude or thanks commonly used in English. Quotation marks around the clue signal a spoken phrase, aligning perfectly with this answer.

ETSY is the solution because it is a well-known online marketplace where craftspeople, artists, and creators sell handmade, vintage, and unique items. The platform is specifically designed for artisans and small businesses to showcase their crafts, aligning perfectly with the clue's description.

The answer "MOOR" fits because it refers to securing a boat to a dock, anchor, or buoy using ropes or cables. The phrase "tie up" directly describes this action, making MOOR the precise term for the clue's context related to boating.

The "Miracle" product by Joy Mangano refers to her famous invention, the Miracle Mop. It's a self-wringing mop designed for easy cleaning, which gained popularity after being featured on QVC and "Joy," a movie based on her life. The name highlights its revolutionary cleaning feature.

"Torero" is Spanish for a bullfighter, and "¡Olé!" is a Spanish exclamation often shouted by spectators to praise or encourage during a bullfight or performance. The clue uses Spanish context ("torero"), signaling the answer "Olé," meaning "Well done!" in this setting.

The answer "POP" fits because it’s the sound made when bubble wrap is squeezed or burst. The clue also emphasizes "kid," evoking the playful activity of popping bubble wrap, often indulged in by children. The onomatopoeic nature of "POP" aligns with the sound effect described.