NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The clue "The Governator" refers to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was nicknamed "The Governator" during his time as the governor of California. "AHNOLD" phonetically mimics the way his name is humorously pronounced with his Austrian accent, making it a playful and fitting answer.

The clue "Reaction to a tearjerker" suggests an emotional response to a deeply moving or sad movie, book, or event. "Weeping" directly describes the act of shedding tears, often uncontrollably, in response to strong emotions, perfectly aligning with such experiences.

The solution "DATEBAR" fits because it describes a portable snack made with dried fruit, specifically dates, often combined with other ingredients. The clue specifies "hand-held" and "dried fruit," both pointing directly to this dense, convenient snack bar frequently featuring dates as a key ingredient.

The clue "Rah-rah" suggests enthusiasm or excitement, as in cheering or support. The answer, AVID, aligns because it means being eager, enthusiastic, or passionate about something, capturing the energetic essence of "Rah-rah." It reflects a strong, enthusiastic attitude.

The answer "RIPS" refers to the process of extracting or copying data, such as music, videos, or files, from a disc (like a CD or DVD) onto a computer or other digital storage. It’s a direct term for digital duplication.

The prefix "NEO" means "new," and when combined with "Confucianism," it refers to "Neo-Confucianism." Neo-Confucianism is a later development of Confucian thought that originated during the Song dynasty, blending traditional Confucian ideas with elements of Buddhism and Taoism. The prefix aligns with this evolution.

"Chapter component" points to a part of a chapter in written works. Chapters often consist of multiple "verses" in poetry or religious texts. VERSE fits as it represents a structural part of such chapters, commonly found in hymnals, scriptures, or poetic compositions.

The term "snot" is often used as slang to describe someone who is bratty, annoying, or impudent, aligning with the informal tone of "little twerp." The clue plays on this synonym to derive the answer.

The answer "INSIDEOUTANDBACKWARDS" fits because, in a rush, you might accidentally put a shirt on incorrectly, illustrating the phrase literally. As a hint to the puzzle's theme, it suggests words or phrases in the puzzle might involve reversing or flipping their structure, much like the shirt's mishap.

The answer "GUITAR" fits because Pete Townshend, guitarist for The Who, famously smashed guitars during their performances as part of his theatrical, rebellious stage act. The clue refers to his well-documented destruction of at least 35 guitars in 1967, aligning perfectly with the answer.

The answer is NIECY because Niecy Nash is a well-known actress who stars in the Netflix series "Never Have I Ever." The clue directly references her name and role, making this a straightforward identification of the actress based on the show.

The answer "SLOE" refers to a small bluish-black berry from the blackthorn tree, commonly used to make sloe gin. Its color and size match the clue description of "Bluish-black berry," making it the correct solution.

"POMS" is short for Pomeranians, small, fluffy dogs known for their thick coats. The clue specifies "informally," indicating a casual term. "Fuzzy" describes their fur, and "dogs" confirms the category. This matches the playful nickname "POMS" for Pomeranians perfectly.

The question mark in "Took the cake?" signals wordplay. Here, it plays on the literal act of eating cake. "Took" humorously means consumed, and the simplest term for consuming food is "ATE." Hence, ATE fits perfectly as the punny solution.

The answer is TULANE because it phonetically resembles "two-lane," referring to a type of highway with two lanes (one in each direction). This wordplay ties the university’s name to the clue's suggestion of a highway-like sound.

In software development, a "use case" describes a specific scenario where a system or application is used to achieve a goal. The clue, "Scenario for a software developer," directly refers to these detailed examples that guide software design, making "USECASE" the perfect fit.

The clue "Guys, we're better than this!" is a spoken phrase expressing disapproval or urging restraint. The answer, LETSNOT, captures this sentiment as a conversational plea to avoid a behavior or decision, aligning perfectly with the tone and intent of the clue.

The answer "ASS" fits the clue "Donkey" as it is another term for the animal. "Ass" is a synonym often used to describe a donkey in English, making it a straightforward solution without wordplay or alternate meanings in this case.

The phrase "Become established over time" metaphorically aligns with "STICK," as in an idea or practice that becomes accepted or remains firmly in use over time. The "so to speak" hints at this figurative meaning, playing on the concept of sticking, like glue or persistence.

The clue "Make one's home in the woods, say" implies creating a dwelling in a wooded area. "Nest" fits perfectly as it refers to the home birds or small creatures build, often in forests or trees. The "say" indicates it’s an example or metaphorical hint for a woodland home.

The answer "HOTMESSES" works because it’s a phrase used to describe chaotic or disastrous situations, often with a humorous tone. "Complete disasters" aligns with this meaning, emphasizing extreme messiness. The term "hot" adds intensity, making it a fitting, slightly playful response to the clue.

The clue "Like some pets and pools" describes items commonly kept or used inside. Some pets, such as cats or small dogs, are indoor pets, and indoor pools exist in enclosed spaces. The shared characteristic of being "indoors" makes INDOOR the fitting solution.

The phrase "Zhuzh up" means to enhance or decorate something, making it more stylish or attractive. ADORN aligns perfectly as it means to embellish, decorate, or make something more appealing, capturing the essence of "zhuzh up." Both imply adding flair or beauty.

The clue "Donkey grp." refers to the Democratic Party in the U.S., whose mascot is a donkey. The abbreviation "grp." (group) hints at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the governing body of the party. Hence, the answer is DNC.

The answer "BEEB" refers to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), colloquially nicknamed "the Beeb" in the UK. The clue uses "English channel" as a playful nod to the BBC being a prominent TV and radio broadcaster (a "channel") in England.

The answer "AEROBE" fits because an aerobe is a type of organism that requires oxygen to survive, such as humans or certain bacteria. The prefix "aero-" pertains to air, specifically oxygen, making it a precise, scientific match for the clue.

MISO is a traditional Japanese paste made from fermented soybeans, often combined with barley or rice malt. It has a rich, savory flavor profile, contributing umami—a fundamental taste—when used in dishes like soups and marinades. The clue perfectly aligns with this culinary ingredient.

The answer "REMIT" works because it means to send or transfer money to someone, typically in payment for something or as a gift. The clue "Send, as money" directly points to this definition of the word, making it a straightforward match.

The clue "Guadalajara girlfriend" involves a Spanish-language indicator ("Guadalajara" is a city in Mexico). In Spanish, "girlfriend" translates to "amiga," which also means "female friend." The feminine form "amiga" fits the context of a girlfriend and matches the clue's cultural reference.

The clue "Bad return policy?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. "Return policy" hints at conditions for something being returned. A ransom is demanded in exchange for returning a person (e.g., kidnapping). It’s a "bad policy" due to its unethical nature, fitting the pun.

The abbreviation "STE" stands for "Suite," which is commonly used in business addresses to indicate a specific office or unit within a building. As the clue specifies "Business address abbr.," "STE" fits perfectly as a widespread abbreviation in such contexts.

The answer is SARI because it is a traditional, wrapped garment typically worn by women in South Asia. Made from a long, unstitched piece of fabric, it is draped elegantly around the body, fitting the description of a "wrapped garment" perfectly. This clue refers to its distinctive style.

The clue "Drink from a fountain" refers to the type of fountain dispensing beverages. In this case, a soda fountain serves carbonated drinks. Therefore, the answer is SODA, a common drink associated with such fountains, making it a fitting, concise solution.

The clue "Got good?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. Here, "Got good" is a pun meaning "got fooled" or "was deceived into thinking something was good." "Duped" means tricked or deceived, fitting perfectly with the playful interpretation of the clue.

The answer is ATARI because Atari is a company famous for its role in early video gaming, including creating Pong, one of the first video games. Its logo resembles the game with a stylized "A" symbolizing a paddle and ball in motion, echoing Pong’s gameplay.

The answer is SEDGE because sedge is a type of marsh plant that resembles grass, typically found in wetlands or damp areas. Its grasslike appearance and preference for marshy environments align perfectly with the clue provided.

In a pie chart, the sections are divided into slices originating from the center, creating segments. These segments are formed by radii, the plural of radius, which are straight lines extending from the chart's center to its edge. Thus, "Radii" are the dividers in a pie chart.

The answer is AMINO because "amino acid" is a well-known term in biology and chemistry, referring to organic compounds that are the building blocks of proteins. The blank in "___ acid" is completed with "amino," creating this scientific term.

"Totally beat" means completely exhausted or out of energy, which aligns with the definition of SPENT. When someone is "spent," they have no energy left, effectively capturing the idea of being utterly worn out or "totally beat."

The clue "Question of authority?" is playful (indicated by the question mark). It refers to questioning who has the power or right to decide. The phrase "Who says so?" directly expresses doubting someone's authority or decision, making WHOSAYSSO the apt answer for this pun-based clue.

The clue "Most in need of salt, say" uses wordplay. "Most in need of salt" could describe icy roads, which require salt to melt the ice. The superlative "most" points to "iciest," making it the correct answer. Thus, ICIEST fits the pun and the literal interpretation.

The clue "Goes bad" refers to something deteriorating or decomposing over time. "ROTS" is a verb describing the process of decay, often associated with food or organic matter breaking down, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning. It's a concise match for the phrase "Goes bad."

The word "Fray" can mean to unravel or wear out, often referring to fabric or material. "WEAR" aligns with this definition as it describes the process of something becoming worn down or frayed over time due to use or friction.

The clue "Gets in hot water?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Steeping" is the process of soaking tea or herbs in hot water to extract flavor. Thus, the playful interpretation of "gets in hot water" refers to this action, making the answer STEEPS.

The clue "Chowed down (on)" suggests eating or consuming food. "Dined" means having eaten a meal, often at a formal or specific time. The phrase fits both the literal meaning and tense of the clue, making DINED the appropriate solution.

The clue "Share one's take" means to express an opinion or idea about something. "Opine" is a verb that directly means to state or voice an opinion, making it the perfect fit for this clue.

LTE is a mobile network standard (short for Long Term Evolution) that provides high-speed data access, allowing smartphones to maintain internet connectivity without relying on local Wi-Fi networks. It’s often used as an alternative when Wi-Fi isn’t available, making it a fitting solution for this clue.

The clue "El país de Palma" is in Spanish, indicating the answer will also be in Spanish. Palma refers to Palma de Mallorca, a city in Mallorca, part of Spain. "El país" translates to "the country," so the answer is Spain, written in Spanish as ESPAÑA.

The answer is TODAY because "The Today Show" debuted in 1952, preceding "The Tonight Show," which debuted in 1954. The word "appropriately" hints at the chronological connection—TODAY (morning program) fittingly comes before TONIGHT (evening program) in both broadcasting and time.

The clue "u crack me up" is enclosed in quotes, indicating a conversational phrase. "U" is shorthand for "you," and "crack me up" means making someone laugh. LMAO stands for "Laughing My A** Off," an internet slang response expressing intense amusement, making it the perfect fit here.

The phrase "Gap in logic" refers to a leap in logic, a common expression describing a sudden or unsupported conclusion without a clear rationale or connection. Metaphorically, "leap" represents the "gap" in reasoning, making it the perfect answer to this clue.

The answer "EBT" stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, a system that delivers government food assistance, such as SNAP benefits, via a card. Since the clue references "Inits." (abbreviation for initials) and relates to food assistance, "EBT" fits perfectly.

The answer "TARTARE" fits because tartare dishes, like steak tartare or tuna tartare, are traditionally served raw. The clue refers to the preparation style, commonly seen in culinary contexts, where raw ingredients are finely chopped and seasoned without cooking.

The clue "Kit with cymbals" refers to a musical set-up that includes cymbals as a key component. A DRUMSET is commonly known as a "kit" in music terminology, and it includes drums, cymbals, and other percussion instruments, making it the perfect answer.

The answer "STAN" refers to Stan Lee, the legendary comic book writer, editor, and publisher who co-created iconic Marvel superheroes such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the X-Men. His pivotal contributions to the comic book industry earned him the title "Comics legend."

In poker, to "raise" is to increase the current bet, but to "reraise" means daringly increasing the stakes even further after another player has already raised. The term fits the clue's notion of a bold move in poker ("Daring poker action").

The clue ends in a question mark, signaling wordplay. Darjeeling is a type of fine tea, and a "tea snob" refers to someone with sophisticated or picky tastes about tea. Such a person would likely appreciate the quality of Darjeeling, making TEASNOB the fitting answer.

The answer "CLIPON" fits the clue "Like some ties" because it describes a type of tie that attaches using a clip rather than being tied traditionally. This phrase specifically refers to "clip-on ties," which are convenient and pre-tied, matching the descriptive clue.

The clue uses wordplay with "colorful" and "Irish pub." Red ale is a type of beer known for its reddish hue, and it's a common selection in Irish pubs. The "colorful" refers to its red color, making REDALE the fitting answer.

The answer "EVERS" refers to Medgar Evers, a prominent civil rights activist who worked to end segregation and fought for voting rights in the 1950s and early 1960s. He was a leader in the NAACP and became a symbol of the struggle for racial equality after his assassination in 1963.

The clue "Parched place" directly describes a DESERT, which is a dry, arid region with very little rainfall and sparse vegetation. The word “parched” emphasizes extreme dryness, a defining characteristic of deserts, making it the logical answer.

The answer is POBOY, a classic New Orleans specialty sandwich. It typically consists of meat or fried seafood served on French bread, often dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise. Its roots are deeply tied to New Orleans culture, making it a fitting solution for the clue.

The answer "JONES" refers to slang for a strong craving or desire, often used to describe an intense urge. For example, someone could say they "have a jones for chocolate," meaning they strongly crave it. This use of "jones" fits the clue perfectly.

The clue "Twice tres" translates to "Twice three" in Spanish. Since "tres" means "three" in Spanish, doubling it gives "six." The Spanish word for six is "SEIS," which is the correct answer. The clue's language context suggests the answer must also be in Spanish.

TREE is the solution because 280 million years ago, Antarctica had a much warmer climate and was part of a supercontinent. Fossil evidence reveals forests, including well-preserved ancient trees, once covered the region, highlighting its dramatic climatic and geological transformations over millions of years.

The clue "Togo's capital" is straightforward and refers to the capital city of the country Togo, located in West Africa. The capital of Togo is Lomé, making "LOME" the correct answer. It is a direct geographical reference without any wordplay involved.

The clue "Gimme a break!" in quotes signals it's a spoken phrase. "CMON" (short for "Come on") is a casual, exasperated expression often used in response to disbelief, frustration, or a request for understanding—fitting the tone of someone saying "Gimme a break!" conversationally.

The clue "Succeed, as a joke" involves wordplay. A joke that "lands" connects successfully with the audience, eliciting laughter or a positive reaction. Thus, "LAND" metaphorically represents succeeding in delivering a joke effectively.

The clue "There are no words" suggests an expression of amazement or disbelief, often leaving someone speechless. WOW is a fitting response, as it's a spoken exclamation used when one is at a loss for more descriptive words, aligning with the clue's hint of wordlessness.

The solution "IPO" stands for "Initial Public Offering," which is the debut of a private corporation offering shares to the public for the first time. It signals a company's first step into the public stock market, effectively marking its "debut" as a publicly traded entity.

The answer is OPI because it is a well-known nail polish brand famous for creative, themed collections. One of its collections was inspired by the musical "Wicked," matching the clue's reference. This aligns with OPI's practice of releasing collections named after cultural phenomena.