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A couple of melees ... or put into new, simpler words without changing the meaning? - NYT The Crossword Clue
Across
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The clue "Dunham of 'Girls'" refers to Lena Dunham, the creator, writer, and star of the HBO television series Girls. Her first name, LENA, is the solution, as it directly corresponds to the capitalized last name "Dunham" in the clue.
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The answer is OLAF because Olaf is the cheerful and lovable snowman character in Disney's animated film Frozen. He is brought to life by Elsa’s magical powers and is known for his endearing personality and love for warm hugs, making him a memorable part of the movie.
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The answer "SPAT" fits the clue "Petty quarrel" because "spat" refers to a minor or trivial argument, perfectly aligning with the definition of a petty quarrel. The brevity of the word also corresponds to the succinct nature of small disagreements.
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The clue "I need this today!" is phrased as something urgent or immediate. The answer "ASAP" (an acronym for "as soon as possible") perfectly expresses the urgency of requiring something promptly, aligning with the sense of needing it "today." It matches the tone and implied urgency of the clue.
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The answer is REBA because Reba McEntire is a famous country music singer often referred to as "The Queen of Country." The clue directly points to her name, making REBA the correct solution. This is a straightforward proper noun clue identifying a well-known individual.
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The clue "Cockamamie" suggests something absurd, ridiculous, or nonsensical. "Inane" is a synonym for such concepts. Both words describe things lacking sense or meaning, making "INANE" a fitting solution for this clue. The simplicity of the term aligns perfectly with the clue's tone.
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The answer is MANO because the full phrase is "mano a mano," a Spanish expression meaning "hand to hand," which signifies a direct confrontation or duel between two opponents. This fits the clue’s description of how two foes face off. The phrase is commonly used in English contexts too.
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The answer DOCKS DOCKS means two boat docks, but said aloud, “pair o’ docks” sounds like paradox, a logical contradiction. The clue's second half hints at this pun. The theme relies on this “pair o’” (PARAS) wordplay to transform a literal pair into a homophone with a new meaning.
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The clue "Muff" refers to making a mistake or failing at something. The word "bungle" means to perform something clumsily or ineptly, effectively making a mistake. Thus, "bungle" aligns perfectly as a synonym for "muff" in this context.
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The "Click It or Ticket" campaign promotes seatbelt use for safety. The clue's "Thing to be clicked" refers to the action of fastening or "clicking" a seatbelt buckle. SEATBELT perfectly fits as the item central to this campaign, emphasizing compliance for avoiding legal penalties and ensuring protection.
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The clue references specific points in time: 1917, 1984, 2001, etc. These are all notable years tied to historical events, literature, or films (e.g., "1984" by George Orwell, "2001: A Space Odyssey"). Thus, "YEARS" is the correct and straightforward answer.
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The answer is DUA because Dua Lipa is a globally famous pop star known for hits like "Levitating" and "Don't Start Now." The blank in the clue directly calls for her first name, making "DUA" the correct and straightforward solution.
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The clue "Spanish king" includes a foreign language indicator ("Spanish"), signaling the answer is in Spanish. The Spanish word for "king" is "REY," fitting the clue perfectly. This straightforward translation makes "REY" the correct and logical solution.
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DICE DICE gives us two literal sets of dice, but the pun is in the sound. “Pair o’ dice” is a homophone for paradise, which matches the clue’s second part (“heaven”). The theme’s trick is turning literal pairs into sound-alike words with new meanings via “pair o’s.”
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The clue "Some Hollywood tech" refers to technology used in the film industry. CGI, or Computer-Generated Imagery, is a key filmmaking tool used to create visual effects, animations, or entire scenes digitally. It's a commonly used "tech" in Hollywood, making CGI the fitting answer.
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The clue asks for a state west of "Mont." (Montana). The abbreviation "Mont." refers to the state of Montana, and directly west of Montana is Idaho. The crossword answer "IDA" is the standard three-letter abbreviation often used for Idaho in such puzzles.
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The clue "Infuriate" directly means to make someone extremely angry or enraged. The verb "ENRAGE" aligns perfectly with this definition, as it means to provoke intense anger or irritation, making it the correct and straightforward solution for the clue.
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The word "AMID" means "in the middle of" or "surrounded by." It directly matches the clue "Surrounded by" as it implies being encompassed on all sides by something. This synonym makes it the precise and concise solution for the clue.
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The solution "SEMIS" refers to semi-trucks, which are frequently seen at truck stops. These large trailers, commonly called "semis," are essential for transporting goods across long distances, so truck stops often serve as rest areas and refueling points for their drivers.
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The clue "What's the ___?" implies a common phrase, and "USE" completes it as "What's the use?" This phrase expresses doubt, futility, or questioning the point of something, fitting the conversational tone of the clue. The question mark hints at this playful, idiomatic interpretation.
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Ouzo is a Greek alcoholic drink with a strong licorice-like flavor, which comes from its key ingredient: anise. Anise is a spice derived from the seeds of the anise plant, commonly used for its distinct, sweet licorice taste, making it the essential flavoring in ouzo.
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A "CASK" is a large, barrel-like container traditionally used for storing and aging wine. The clue "Big wine holder" directly refers to this, as casks are known for their significant size and capacity to hold large quantities of wine.
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The answer is SMELLS because Nirvana's famous 1991 hit song is titled "Smells Like Teen Spirit." The clue directly references this iconic track, requiring you to complete the title with the correct word, "smells." It's a straightforward pop culture reference.
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The phrase "Still in the wrapper, say" implies something fresh or unused, as items still wrapped are typically brand-new. Thus, "NEW" fits as a description of something untouched, like a new product that's still in its original packaging.
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The clue "Yadda, yadda, yadda" is a casual way of saying "and so on," or continuing a list without elaborating. "ETC" is short for "et cetera," meaning "and the rest" or "and so forth," perfectly matching the meaning of the clue.
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LIES LIES literally means two lies, but when read aloud, “pair o’ lies” sounds like paralyze, which means to incapacitate. The theme relies on these aural puns, turning a pair of identical words into a new one through sound. The second clue half nudges solvers to make the phonetic leap.
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The clue "Sarcastic laugh syllable" refers to a sound associated with mocking or insincere laughter. "HAR" mimics that exaggerated laugh often used sarcastically, like "har-har-har." The clue being in quotes signals a spoken sound, making "HAR" the fitting, phonetic answer.
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The answer "OOP" completes the phrase "Alley OOP," which refers to a basketball play where one player throws the ball near the hoop for another to jump and score. It also nods to the comic strip character "Alley Oop," adding a punny touch to the clue.
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The clue "Rhyming partner of 'wheels'" uses rhyme as the key hint. "Wheels" rhymes with "deals," making it the perfect match. Additionally, "wheels and deals" is a common phrase, reinforcing the pairing. Hence, the answer is DEALS.
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The clue "Regular at the Met, maybe?" involves wordplay. The Met refers to the Metropolitan Opera, and a "regular" there would be someone who frequently attends opera performances. Thus, the answer "OPERAFAN" aptly describes someone enthusiastic about opera and a frequent attendee at the Met.
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The clue "Violent troublemaker" points to someone who causes disruption or chaos through dangerous actions. A "RIOTER" is a person who participates in a riot, an event often marked by violence, disorder, and troublemaking, perfectly fitting the definition of a violent troublemaker.
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FRAYS FRAYS means two fights or melees, but spoken aloud, “pair o’ frays” sounds like paraphrase, which fits the clue’s second half. This transformation from repetition to homophone is key to the theme, and the dual clues help solvers bridge the gap between literal meaning and pun.
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The clue "Cry upon stubbing one's toe, maybe" includes "Cry," signaling a sound. The "maybe" suggests a possibility, not certainty. "YELP" fits as it's a short, sharp sound one might instinctively make when in sudden pain, such as stubbing a toe.
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The phrase "___ mignon" refers to "filet mignon," a cut of beef known for being tender and high-quality. "Filet" is the French word for a tenderloin cut, commonly paired with "mignon," meaning "dainty" or "cute" in French. Together, it describes the luxurious steak dish.
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The answer "AREA" fits because "neighborhood" commonly refers to a specific region or section within a town or city, which can also be described as an "area." Both words can denote a defined location or locality, making them synonymous in this context.
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The answer "DRAM" is correct because a dram is a unit of liquid measurement that is exactly 1/8 of a fluid ounce. This definition directly matches the clue, which is a precise reference to this specific unit.
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The clue "Charity" directly refers to the concept of giving or offering aid to those in need. "ALMS" specifically means charitable donations, especially money or goods, traditionally given to the poor, perfectly matching the definition of "Charity" in this context.
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SCAT is the solution because Ella Fitzgerald was famous for scat singing, a vocal jazz technique involving improvised melodies and nonsensical syllables instead of lyrics. The clue directly refers to her iconic style, making SCAT the fitting answer.
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The clue "Figs. for which you often give just the last four digits" refers to Social Security Numbers (SSNs). It’s common to only disclose the last four digits of an SSN for privacy and security purposes, making SSNS the fitting answer.
Down
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LAMB is the answer because lambs are widely associated with qualities of gentleness, innocence, and submissiveness—characteristics that embody "docility." Their behavior and symbolism make them a perfect match for this clue.
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The answer is ESAU because, in the Bible (Genesis 25:29-34), Esau, the elder son of Isaac, famously sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew, making him the "Biblical birthright seller" referenced in the clue.
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The clue "Surveillance systems installed by parents" suggests a monitoring tool parents use, particularly for keeping an eye on babysitters or children. "NANNY" refers to caretakers, and "CAMS" is short for cameras. Together, "NANNYCAMS" cleverly describes hidden cameras used by parents for surveillance purposes at home.
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APOGEE, in astronomy, refers to the highest point in an orbit around Earth, symbolically meaning "pinnacle" or "peak." The clue uses the metaphorical sense of reaching the highest point, aligning perfectly with the definition of APOGEE.
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The clue "Patronize DoorDash, say" hints at ordering food through the delivery service DoorDash. "Patronize" suggests using their service, and "say" indicates this is just one example. ORDERIN fits as it describes the act of having food delivered to your home, a key function of DoorDash.
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The answer "LEO" is a nickname commonly used in tabloids for Leonardo DiCaprio. "Leo" is derived from the first three letters of his first name, making it a shorthand or casual reference often seen in media headlines.
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The answer is ABCS because the term "Basics" refers to foundational knowledge, often taught at the start of learning, such as the alphabet (A, B, C). "ABCs" is commonly used as a phrase to symbolize fundamental concepts or essentials, making it a fitting solution.
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The clue "Produced by A.I., say, as photos" suggests wordplay. Artificial Intelligence can create images that resemble real photos but aren't authentic—hence, they're "faked." The term reflects generating synthetic or manipulated visuals, aligning perfectly with the idea of A.I. "producing" such content.
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The clue "Nose-in-the-air sort" uses figurative language to describe someone who acts superior or pretentious, often looking down on others. "SNOB" perfectly fits this description as it refers to a person who is condescending or overly concerned with social status, metaphorically with their nose in the air.
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The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indiana and part of the NBA. "Indiana basketballer" refers to a player from this team, making "PACER" the correct answer. The clue relies on the team name to identify the basketballer.
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The answer is ANKLE because it is a body part commonly associated with twisting injuries, such as ankle sprains. The clue directly references something that can physically be twisted, making the ANKLE an apt and logical solution for this straightforward clue.
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The word "TESTY" is a synonym for "Irritable." Both describe someone who is easily annoyed, short-tempered, or grumpy. This clue has no wordplay or special indicators, so it directly seeks a straightforward synonym, making "TESTY" the perfect match.
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The clue "Canine collar attachment" refers to something commonly found on a dog's collar. An IDTAG is a small tag attached to the collar, often engraved with the dog's name and owner's contact information, making it an essential item for identification.
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The clue "Worcestershire ___" points to Worcestershire sauce, a well-known condiment originating from the Worcestershire region in England. The blank after "Worcestershire" signals the missing word, which is "sauce," completing the name of this popular flavoring. Thus, SAUCE is the fitting answer.
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The verb "lades" means to load or burden, often used to describe placing cargo onto a vessel or vehicle. It directly aligns with the clue "Takes on cargo," as it reflects the action of loading goods.
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In rugby, a "scrum" is a formation where players from both teams bind together and push against each other to compete for the ball. The physical grouping resembles a "pile," making SCRUM the correct answer for "Rugby pile."
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The "D" in "CD" stands for "disc," as in "compact disc," which is a digital storage medium for audio or data. The clue directly asks for the meaning of the abbreviation "CD," with "disc" being the fitting answer.
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The clue "Hey, what's the big ___?" ends in a question mark, signaling wordplay. It's a common phrase where "big IDEA" refers to a significant or important concept. The context of the question fits naturally with "big IDEA," making it the appropriate answer.
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The clue "Painter's support" refers to a structure that aids a painter. An easel is a three-legged stand designed to hold a canvas or artwork steady while a painter works, making it their literal "support." This aligns perfectly with the clue's wording.
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IAN is the Scottish form of the name "John," derived from the Gaelic name "Iain." Many names have regional variations, and IAN is commonly used in Scotland as its equivalent to "John," reflecting linguistic and cultural differences.
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The answer GELID means "very cold" and comes from the Latin word "gelidus," meaning icy or frosty. It directly matches the clue's definition, describing something extremely cold in temperature. The word is precise and less commonly used, making it perfect for challenging crossword puzzles.
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The clue "Preachers" refers to individuals who deliver sermons or provide spiritual guidance in religious contexts. "MINISTERS" is a fitting answer, as it describes clergy members or preachers performing such roles in churches or religious organizations.
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The clue "Gotcha" in quotes indicates a spoken response. "I SEE" is a common expression someone might use when acknowledging or understanding something, akin to saying “Ah, I understand!” It fits perfectly as a conversational reply, aligning with the clue's tone.
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The clue "Morning condensations" refers to the moisture that collects on surfaces like grass or leaves in the early morning due to cooling temperatures. This is called "dew." Pluralizing it to "DEWS" fits the context of the clue, as it specifies condensation in multiple instances or places.
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"I Like ___" was a famous 1952 and 1956 presidential campaign slogan for Dwight D. Eisenhower, whose nickname was "Ike." The simple and catchy phrase "I Like Ike" became iconic, making IKE the correct answer for this clue.
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In music, "ASSAI" is an Italian term used in sheet music to mean "very" or "extremely." It's commonly paired with other directives (e.g., "allegro assai" means "very fast"). Many musical terms are Italian, so the answer reflects this convention.
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The clue "React to a ridiculous suggestion, maybe" suggests a dismissive or mocking response, and "maybe" indicates it’s not literal but interpretive. To "scoff" is to react with ridicule, disbelief, or derision, which aligns perfectly with how one might respond to something absurd.
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The answer "LEERSAT" fits because "leers" refers to looking in a sly, often inappropriate or sleazy way, and "at" indicates the direction of the gaze. Together, "LEERS AT" captures the action described in the clue of eyeing someone in a sleazy manner.
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The phrase "Raise a glass to" refers to the act of celebrating or honoring someone or something by lifting a drink in their honor. This is commonly called a "toast," perfectly matching the clue. The word succinctly connects to the tradition of raising a glass.
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LLOYDS refers to Lloyd's of London, a world-famous insurance and reinsurance marketplace based in London. Known for insuring unconventional risks, it's an iconic entity in the global insurance industry, making it the perfect fit for the clue "London-based insurance giant."
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The clue "Teamster Jimmy" refers to Jimmy Hoffa, a prominent leader of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a labor union. Hoffa was an influential and controversial figure in labor movements during the mid-20th century, making "HOFFA" the correct answer.
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The answer "APRIL" references the opening line of T.S. Eliot’s poem The Waste Land: “April is the cruellest month,” symbolizing rebirth and the pain of change. For the IRS, April is “cruel” as it’s U.S. tax filing season, creating a clever pun tying poetry and taxes together.
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The answer "REALM" fits the clue "Royal domain" because "realm" refers to a kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. It directly ties to the idea of a royal domain, as realms are often associated with kings, queens, and sovereigns.
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PARAS is short for paralegals, but phonetically, it sounds like “pair o’s.” That’s the punny key to solving the theme entries; each themer is a pair of the same word that, when heard aloud, forms a homophone (like "pair o’ dice" = paradise). The revealer cleverly unlocks the puzzle’s logic.
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The answer "RYES" fits because rye whiskey is a specific type of whiskey made primarily from rye grain. The plural "whiskeys" in the clue aligns with the plural form "ryes," indicating multiple types or varieties of rye whiskey.
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The answer "NARC" is short for "narcotics officer," slang for a law enforcement agent who investigates drug-related crimes. The clue "Drug cop" is a straightforward hint toward this term, as a narcotics officer is colloquially referred to as a "NARC."
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The word "Verve" means enthusiasm, energy, or stylish flair, which aligns perfectly with the definition of "ELAN." ELAN denotes spirited confidence or panache, making it a direct synonym for "Verve" in this context. Therefore, ELAN is the correct answer.
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Tachometers measure the speed of a rotating object, like an engine, in revolutions per minute, commonly abbreviated as RPMs. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating the use of the abbreviation rather than the full phrase, making RPMS the correct answer.
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The clue "Word said in passing?" involves wordplay, indicated by the question mark. "Passing" refers to voting, as in passing a motion. The word "YEA" is an affirmation often used in votes to indicate agreement or approval, making it a fitting answer.
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Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 10-letter answer to the A couple of melees ... or put into new, simpler words without changing the meaning? 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!
A couple of melees ... or put into new, simpler words without changing the meaning? Answer Explained
The answer is FRAYSFRAYS.
The clue “A couple of melees” brings us to FRAYS FRAYS, since a fray is a skirmish or fight. But “or put into new, simpler words without changing the meaning?” points in a different direction. Say “frays frays” aloud: it sounds like “pair o’ frays,” which is a homophone for paraphrase (to reword something without altering the meaning). This puzzle’s theme hinges on that sound shift. You need to recognize the repeated word, then “hear” it differently to get the second meaning. It’s a clever use of homophones and a real delight when the pun clicks.
Now that you've cracked the 62A A couple of melees ... or put into new, simpler words without changing the meaning? 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
What a clever Tuesday debut from Ingrid Steffensen! The theme hinges on the wordplay of “PARAS” (54-Down) as “pair o’s,” unlocking the double-entry themers that each conceal a punny homophone: “pair o’ dice” for heaven and “pair o’ docks” for a contradiction. It’s a whimsical idea made smooth with accessible clues, fitting for early-week solvers. The grid includes lively fill (like a rugby SCRUM, a DoorDash ORDERIN, and the evocative SCOFF) while keeping things fair and fun. This puzzle walks the line between wordplay and logic in a way that feels delightfully fresh.
Here’s what caught our attention today:
- ___ McEntire a.k.a. "The Queen of Country"
- ___ a ___ (how two foes confront each other)
- A couple of places to secure boats ... or a logical contradiction?
- A couple of sets of game cubes ... or heaven?
- A couple of fibs ... or incapacitate?
- Alley ___
- Very cold
- Very, in music
- Law firm aides, informally … or a hint to 17-, 26-. 48- and 62-Across
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