NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The answer is EVA because Eva Green is a French actress who starred as Vesper Lynd in the 2006 James Bond film "Casino Royale." The clue directly refers to her by name and her notable role in the movie.

The clue "Play ground?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. A "play" is performed on a "stage," which is its "ground" or setting. The pun combines the theatrical "play" and the concept of a "ground" where it occurs, making STAGE the perfect fit.

The answer "POD" fits because okra grows in pod-like structures, and the edible portion is the entire pod, including the seeds inside. This aligns with the clue's straightforward reference to the plant's anatomy. It’s not wordplay or metaphor but a direct description of the edible part.

The answer "WIDE" fits because it can logically precede or follow "open" to form common expressions: "open wide" (as in opening one's mouth fully) and "wide open" (meaning fully open or unrestricted). This dual placement matches the clue’s phrasing perfectly.

The clue "Weeping" giant refers to the weeping willow, a type of large tree known for its drooping branches, which resemble tears. The phrase "Weeping" hints at this distinctive characteristic, and "giant" indicates its notable size, making WILLOW the correct answer.

The phrase "tick off" means to annoy or irritate someone, which aligns closely with the meaning of "peeve"—something that causes irritation or annoyance. Thus, "peeve" is the correct solution. This clue plays on their synonymous definitions in the context of aggravation.

ADHD is the solution because Simone Biles has openly discussed having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and how it enhances her focus and energy, especially in gymnastics. Describing it as a "superpower" reflects her positive perspective on managing the condition and using it to her advantage.

The clue "Ticked off" means angry or upset, which matches the definition of IRATE. IRATE is commonly used to describe someone who is enraged or furious, fitting the emotional state conveyed by "Ticked off." The straightforward phrasing makes this a literal clue.

The answer "OWEN" refers to Owen Wister, an American author widely regarded as the "father of western fiction." He is best known for his novel The Virginian (1902), considered the first major Western novel, which set the standard for the genre.

The answer is NEON because many "On Air" signs use neon lighting to create their bright, eye-catching glow. Neon is a noble gas often used in illuminated signs due to its vivid color and visibility, making it a fitting descriptor for such signs.

The clue "They draw people" uses wordplay. "Draw" suggests attraction, and MECCAS refers to places of great appeal or pilgrimage, attracting large groups of people. The term originates from Mecca, a holy city that draws Muslim pilgrims, but is also used metaphorically for popular destinations.

The word "Guarded" suggests being cautious or suspicious. "LEERY" means wary or suspicious, aligning with the idea of being guarded or uncertain about something. Therefore, "LEERY" is a direct synonym for the clue, making it the correct solution.

OCCAM refers to William of Ockham, a 14th-century philosopher known for "Occam's Razor," the principle of parsimony. It states that the simplest explanation, avoiding unnecessary assumptions, is usually the best. Hence, OCCAM is the correct answer for this clue.

The clue "Pick up" can mean to obtain or acquire something, which aligns with the definition of "GET." For example, you "get" (or pick up) groceries. It also works colloquially as "understand" or "catch," enhancing its versatility as a solution.

The clue “___ white (lightbulb specification)” refers to a common descriptor for bulb light quality. "Soft white" describes a warm, yellowish light, often used in residential settings. It's a standard industry term for lightbulbs, making SOFT the fitting solution to complete the phrase.

In the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln begins with "Four score and seven years ago." The sixth word is "ago," which follows "Four score and seven years," marking the passage of time. Thus, "AGO" is the correct answer for the clue.

The term "CLASSACT" is a phrase used to describe someone or something that exemplifies excellence, sophistication, or high standards. It aligns with the clue's meaning of an "exemplar of excellence," highlighting someone admirable and outstanding in character or performance.

The clue "Cries of wonder" describes sounds people make when they are amazed or in awe. "OOHS" represents these expressions, as it is a sound of surprise or admiration. Pluralizing it fits the phrase "cries," indicating multiple instances of such reactions.

The answer is HAMM because it refers to Mia Hamm, one of the most iconic U.S. soccer players. She was named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year five consecutive times (1994–1998) due to her incredible skill and contributions to the sport, solidifying her legendary status.

The phrase "soups up" is slang for enhancing or modifying something to improve its performance, particularly an engine. "Adds power to" refers to boosting an engine’s capabilities, and "soups up" fits perfectly as the colloquial expression for this action.

The answer "TRU" is a shortened, informal version of Truman Capote's first name, as he was often affectionately called "Tru" by his close friends. Several famous figures, including Capote himself, mentioned this nickname in personal anecdotes and writings.

The clue "Correspondants, fréquemment" is in French, signaling the answer is in French too. "Correspondants" translates to "correspondents" or "pen pals," who are frequently friends ("amis" in French). Thus, "AMIS" fits as a concise French answer meaning "friends."

The answer "AGATE" fits because agate is a semi-precious gemstone that was widely used in ancient Greek jewelry due to its beauty and durability. It was often carved into intricate designs or used in beads and amulets, making it a popular decorative stone in that era.

The OBOE is often considered the "orchestra tuner" because it provides the pitch (usually an "A" note) that all other instruments tune to before a performance. This is due to its stable pitch and penetrating sound, making it ideal for setting the standard tone.

The clue "Mini-brawl" refers to a minor or brief fight or scuffle. "SET-TO" is a word that means a small or short conflict, aligning perfectly with the idea of a "mini-brawl." It’s often used to describe minor disagreements or tussles.

The phrase "Owned (up)" refers to admitting or confessing something. "Fessed" is short for "confessed," which perfectly matches the clue. The "(up)" indicates the common phrase "fessed up," further confirming the solution.

The answer is LAWS because the quote by Otto von Bismarck compares making laws to making sausages: both are complex and potentially unpleasant processes that are better left unseen. This highlights the messy, behind-the-scenes nature of legislative affairs, much like how sausages are manufactured.

The clue "Visionaries" refers to individuals who possess foresight or the ability to predict events, often in a mystical or insightful way. "SEERS" is the correct answer as it directly describes such people—those believed to have the power to foresee the future.

The clue "Dining places" refers to areas where people gather to eat. "HALLS" fits as it often describes large spaces such as dining halls in schools, universities, or event venues specifically designated for meals and communal dining. This matches the plural form "places" in the clue.

The clue "Some hot spots" signals wordplay. Here, "hot" refers to warmth, and "spots" to locations. TUBS, like hot tubs, are literal spots filled with hot water where people relax, fitting the playful tone of the clue.

The clue "Phys. or chem." is asking for a shorthand way to refer to "Physics" or "Chemistry," both of which are academic subjects. "SUBJ." is an abbreviation for "subject," fitting the clue's context of academic disciplines. The abbreviation matches the abbreviated style of the clue.

In basketball, a "quadruple-double" is a major feat where a player achieves double digits in four statistical categories. For the puzzle, entries for 3-, 6-, and 9-Down share this feature: each has a repeated pair of letters (rebuses), reflecting the "double" part of the answer.

ULTA is the solution because it is a major beauty retailer in direct competition with Sephora. Both stores sell cosmetics, skincare, and beauty products, making ULTA a natural "competitor" to Sephora in the beauty industry. This straightforward clue directly references their shared market space.

The clue "Handle, as questions" uses a bit of wordplay. FIELD refers to "fielding" questions, a common phrase meaning to handle or respond to inquiries, often in a rapid or skilled manner. Think of how a baseball player handles a ball in the field—quick and effective.

The phrase "Hold your horses!" is an idiom meaning "be patient" or "pause." The answer, WAIT, directly aligns with this meaning, as telling someone to wait is another way of asking them to hold on or be patient. The exclamation mark hints at the playful tone.

The answer "INOT" comes from the informal phrase "I nudge out the tie," where "INOT" phonetically mimics "I not" as a casual way of expressing breaking or resolving a tie. It's a playful wordplay reflecting how informally someone might describe such an action.

The clue "Article about a photo?" is a play on words. An "article" could refer to a physical frame, and a "photo" is typically placed within a frame for display. Additionally, "frame" can metaphorically mean providing a context or "article" for a photo. Thus, the answer is FRAME.

The clue "Rainbow, to some" suggests a symbolic interpretation. To some, a rainbow can signify a sign or a portent, often linked to hope, change, or divine messages. The word "OMEN" captures this idea, as it refers to something seen as a sign of future events.

The NATO alphabet assigns code words to letters for clear communication. For the letter "P," the corresponding word is "PAPA." This system avoids confusion in spoken communication, particularly in noisy environments. The clue directly references this established alphabet, making "PAPA" the correct answer.

The Titanic disaster in 1912 highlighted the dangers of underwater obstacles, leading to innovations in detecting objects submerged in water. SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) was developed as a system to use sound waves to locate and identify objects underwater, helping to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

NASA is the solution because it developed the bright orange "pumpkin suit," officially called the Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES). This safety suit is worn by astronauts during launch and re-entry. The "pumpkin" nickname refers to its vibrant color for high visibility during emergencies.