NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

"AMP" is the solution because an amplifier (AMP) is an essential attachment for an electric guitar. It boosts the guitar's signal to produce sound through speakers, making it crucial for performance and practice. The clue directly refers to this common pairing in music equipment.

The answer "PEA" fits because peas are a common vegetable in fried rice recipes. Their small size, mild flavor, and vibrant green color make them a frequent addition to enhance the dish's texture, taste, and appearance. This aligns directly with the clue's mention of "vegetable."

The answer "PEN" works for the clue "Author" because "pen" is often used as a metaphor for writing or creating content, linking directly to the act of authoring or writing. Additionally, "pen" is a tool an author might traditionally use to write. It's a clever, succinct double meaning.

The clue "Hits the slopes" refers to skiing, a sport involving navigating snowy slopes. "SKIS" are the equipment used for skiing, making it a direct and logical answer to this clue. The phrase "hits the slopes" metaphorically describes engaging in skiing activities, reinforcing the solution.

The phrase "Mean Streets" refers to rough, dangerous, or tough urban areas, often associated with crime or hardship. This clue uses "Mean" to suggest such an environment, and "Streets" completes the phrase, fitting perfectly as a common descriptor for such areas in cities.

The word "wooed" means to try to gain someone's favor, affection, or interest, often romantically or persuasively. It aligns perfectly with the clue "Sought the favor of," as wooing involves active efforts to earn someone's approval or affection.

The answer "INOT" refers to "in overtime," commonly abbreviated in sports discussions. Tied games are often resolved during an overtime period (OT). The clue's informal nature aligns with the casual abbreviation "OT," and adding "IN" creates the phrase "in OT," explaining the solution.

The clue "Office note" directly refers to a written or formal means of communication commonly used in workplaces. A "MEMO" (short for memorandum) fits as it’s a brief, official note shared internally within offices to convey information. It's a standard tool for office communication.

The clue “It may be left holding the bag” is a pun. A TEAPOT often holds a tea bag when brewing tea, literally “holding the bag.” The phrasing with “may be left” adds a playful double meaning, aligning with the wordplay in the clue.

ARMAGEDDON is the correct answer as it refers to the prophesied location of the ultimate battle between good and evil in the Bible, specifically mentioned in Revelation 16:16. The name originates from "Har-Magedon," meaning "Mount of Megiddo," symbolizing final divine judgment and the end times.

The clue "Brownish shade" refers to a color that is a mix of brown and gray tones. TAUPE is a well-known term for this specific neutral shade, often described as a muted brown-gray. It perfectly fits the description as a "brownish shade" and is a common crossword answer.

The answer "ASSES" fits the clue "Stubborn animals" because asses, or donkeys, are widely known for their stubborn behavior when they resist moving or following commands, making this a fitting and concise match to the clue.

A "Prognosticator" is someone who predicts or foresees the future. The term "SEER" refers to a person with the ability to see or predict future events, such as a prophet or fortune teller, making it a fitting answer to this clue.

The CHORUS is the part of most songs that is repeated and prominently features the song's main message or theme, often including the titular lyrics. It's the most recognizable and emphasized section, making it a fitting answer for "Where most songs use their titular lyrics."

The answer is FLAN because it’s a smooth, custard-based dessert typically topped with caramel. Its creamy texture and sweet profile make it a classic "custardy dessert," aligning perfectly with the clue's straightforward description. FLAN is widely recognized in Spanish and Latin American cuisines.

The clue "No bid" implies opting out or choosing not to participate. "I PASS" is a spoken phrase used in games, conversations, or auctions to indicate declining to bid or take part. The quotation marks in the clue hint at a spoken phrase as the answer.

The clue "Raise, as a concern" refers to expressing or bringing up an issue or worry. The word "VOICE" fits because to "voice a concern" means to articulate or raise it so it can be addressed, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.

The answer "SPRAT" refers to the nursery rhyme "Jack Sprat," where the line goes: "Jack Sprat could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean." This literary reference directly aligns with the clue, making "SPRAT" the fitting solution for "Jack who ate no fat."

The clue references Zorro, Superman, and Indiana Jones, all iconic characters known for daring feats, bravery, and fighting villains—hallmarks of an "action hero." The term succinctly describes these adventurous protagonists who lead action-packed stories, fitting the clue perfectly.

The answer "SILOS" fits because silos are structures specifically designed for storing bulk materials like grain. They are commonly found on farms or storage facilities and protect grain from weather and pests, making them literal "grain storehouses." The clue directly references their purpose.

The answer is TOFU because it is a popular plant-based protein made from soybeans, making it a staple in vegan diets. As the clue specifies "Vegan protein source," TOFU, being free of animal products yet high in protein, perfectly fits this definition.

The clue "___ if I know!" is a spoken phrase expressing frustration or lack of knowledge, often used informally. The completed phrase is "Hell if I know!"—a common colloquial exclamation, making HELL the perfect fit. The quotation marks signal it's a conversational expression.

The word "ROVES" means to roam or wander about without a fixed purpose or destination. It directly matches the definition of the clue "Wanders," making it the precise solution. Both words share the idea of moving around freely or aimlessly.

The answer "IBEAM" refers to a structural steel component with an "I"-shaped cross-section, crucial in construction for its strength and ability to support heavy loads. Skyscrapers rely on I-beams as foundational building blocks for their framework, aligning perfectly with the clue, "Skyscraper construction piece."

The clue lists Long Beach, Charleston, and Baltimore, all of which are cities known for their ports, where ships dock for trade or travel. The plural form "ports" fits because the clue references multiple locations that serve this function.

The clue "More sore" asks for a comparative form of the word "sore." The comparative form of adjectives often ends with "-er." Therefore, "achier" fits as it means feeling more sore or in greater pain, directly aligning with the clue's description.

The answer is CARS because it's the title of the 2006 Pixar film about animated vehicles. The movie prominently features a cover of the song "Life Is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts, reviving its popularity. The clue directly references the film's title and its soundtrack.

The clue uses wordplay. "Boxers" cleverly refers to the dog breed, not fighters. A place for dogs, including Boxers, to exercise and play is a DOGPARK, making it the correct answer.

The clue "Decomposed" directly relates to the process of decay or breaking down, often used to describe organic matter. "ROTTED" is the past tense of the verb "rot," which means to decompose or decay. Therefore, "ROTTED" is the correct and straightforward answer to this clue.

The answer "MIGHT" completes the name of the alt-rock band "They Might Be Giants." This is a direct reference to the band's name, where "MIGHT" logically fits in the blank to form the well-known group that gained fame for their quirky, intellectual music style.

An IGLOO is a dome-shaped shelter made of blocks of snow, specifically designed to provide warmth in cold, snowy environments. The clue "Shelter in a chilly landscape" directly refers to this structure, commonly associated with Arctic regions and cold climates, perfectly matching the description.

The answer is CECIL because Cecil B. DeMille was the legendary Hollywood director who famously directed the 1956 epic film The Ten Commandments. The blank in the clue calls for his first name, making "Cecil" the correct solution.

The clue "Lad's counterpart" refers to a gender-based pairing. "Lad" typically means a young boy or male, while "Lass" is its counterpart, meaning a young girl or female. Both terms are often used in Scottish or British contexts, making LASS the fitting solution.

The clue "Online chuckles" refers to the common internet shorthand "LOLS," which stands for "laughing out loud." It's a plural form often used informally to represent multiple laughs or moments of amusement in online communication, fitting the idea of "chuckles" in the digital world.

The answer "ESAI" refers to Esai Morales, a well-known actor recognized for roles in films like La Bamba and TV series such as NYPD Blue and Ozark. His first name, Esai, is unique and often appears in crossword puzzles due to its concise, vowel-rich structure.

RSVP is the solution because it stands for the French phrase “Répondez, s’il vous plaît,” meaning “Please respond.” It is commonly used on invitations to request a reply from the recipient, making it an "initialism" directly tied to the clue's definition.

The clue "Zero" directly refers to the concept of nothing or lack of quantity. "NIL" is a synonym often used to represent zero, particularly in contexts like sports scores or mathematics. Both terms express the idea of nothingness, making NIL the correct answer.

The answer is USA because the United States holds the record for the most Olympic medals overall, including both Summer and Winter Games, with a total surpassing 2,800 medals. The clue directly asks for the country with this distinction, making "USA" the correct and straightforward solution.

The clue "Prohibit" directly means to forbid or stop something. The answer "BAN" aligns perfectly, as "ban" is a synonym of prohibit, meaning to officially or formally forbid an action or activity. It’s a concise match with no wordplay involved, making it a straightforward solution.