Light winds - NYT The Crossword Clue

The clue includes "les cassoulets," a French dish, signaling the answer relates to French culture. "Bistros" are casual French eateries where traditional dishes like cassoulet are commonly served. Hence, BISTROS is the solution for "Places to order les cassoulets."

The clue "It's over" is a conversational phrase, often signaling the end of something, such as a task, relationship, or event. The answer "WEREDONE" matches this spoken phrase verbatim, conveying that whatever "it" refers to is completed or finished. It's casual and fits the clue's tone.

The answer "SPOKE" fits the clue "Put into words" because to "speak" is to articulate thoughts or ideas verbally, effectively putting them into words. The past tense "SPOKE" aligns perfectly as it indicates the action of expressing something already happened. The clue is straightforward without additional wordplay.

The answer is "EONS" because the term refers to an incredibly long stretch of time, often perceived as endless. Used metaphorically here, it captures the feeling of a tedious, seemingly interminable passage of time. This matches the clue's description of a "tedious tract of time."

The clue "Dungeons & Dragons, e.g., for short" points to RPG, which stands for "role-playing game." Dungeons & Dragons is a well-known example of a role-playing game where players assume characters' roles in an imaginative, rule-based world. The "for short" in the clue indicates an abbreviation.

The answer "TABLE" fits the clue "Drop for the time being" because "to table" something means to postpone or set it aside temporarily, especially in meetings or discussions. This figurative use aligns with "dropping" a matter for the time being.

AWLS are pointed tools used for piercing holes in leather, a common task for saddlers who craft and repair leather saddles. The clue specifies "some tools," indicating multiple items, which aligns with the plural form "AWLS." Hence, AWLS fits perfectly as the answer.

The clue "Court promise" refers to a vow made during a wedding ceremony, often held in a court or courthouse. The phrase "I do" is a traditional response when exchanging marriage vows, making IDO the correct solution. It directly ties to the idea of a "promise" in this context.

The clue "Doubles?" uses wordplay. "Doubles" can refer to exact copies, and CLONES are identical duplicates, fitting the idea of something that is "doubled" or replicated. The pun ties the concept of duplication to the plural "Doubles," making CLONES the perfect match.

The clue [I'm so mischievous!] is enclosed in brackets, signaling that the answer represents a sound or expression. "Heehee" is a playful, giggling sound commonly associated with mischief or lighthearted troublemaking, perfectly matching the clue’s tone and intent.

The clue "Depictions of Arcadia" refers to an idealized, peaceful, and pastoral setting, which is what "idylls" typically describe in literature or art. Arcadia is often symbolized as a utopian rural paradise, and "idylls" capture such serene, poetic depictions. Hence, the answer is IDYLLS.

The answer "DAISYCHAINS" fits because daisy chains—handmade garlands of daisies—are often associated with summer activities, particularly midsummer festivals or outdoor gatherings. They are commonly worn as decorative headpieces, making them a fitting solution for "Midsummer head decorations." The plural form matches the clue's context.

The clue refers to "1-Across," which is likely "Bowser," the main villain in the Mario video game series. Koopa Troopas are turtle-shelled minions frequently shown as Bowser's loyal followers. Their iconic appearance and role as Bowser's underlings make KOOPATROOPA the correct answer.

The clue "Receiver of a four-star review?" is a playful, punny hint. A "tour de force" refers to an extraordinary or outstanding achievement, which could figuratively "receive four stars" (a high rating). The wordplay cleverly ties the notion of high praise to an exceptional performance or accomplishment.

The clue "Boast from a prankster" hints at a common expression used after a successful prank or trick. "GOTEM" (slang for "Got them") reflects a prankster's triumphant exclamation, indicating they successfully fooled someone. The casual, boastful tone perfectly matches the playful nature of the clue.

The answer is KAREN because Karen Gillan is a well-known actress who played Amy Pond, a companion of the Doctor, in the popular TV series Doctor Who. Her role in the show made her a recognizable name in science fiction and pop culture.

The clue "Leaves mixed up?" plays on a pun. "Leaves" can refer to salad leaves like lettuce or spinach, and "mixed up" alludes to tossing ingredients together. A salad is a dish made by mixing up leaves, making "SALAD" the perfect answer for this wordplay clue.

The clue "Hands over" refers to transferring control, possession, or responsibility to someone else. "CEDES" means to yield, give up, or surrender something, which matches the concept of "handing over." It's a direct synonym connecting the clue and the answer seamlessly.

The answer "TACIT" fits "Not needing elaboration" because something tacit is understood or implied without being stated outright. It requires no additional explanation or detail to be comprehended, aligning perfectly with the clue.

The answer is KELLY because "Kelly green" is a specific, vibrant shade of green. It is named after its association with Ireland and Irish heritage, where green is a prominent cultural color. The clue directly points to this well-known shade.

The clue "Record qualifier" hints at wordplay. An asterisk (*) often marks specific conditions or exceptions tied to records, like a footnote explaining a unique circumstance (e.g., a record achieved under special conditions). Hence, ASTERISK qualifies or clarifies "records."

The clue references a #1 hit by Bill Withers, "Lean on Me," a song about offering emotional support to others in tough times. The phrase "Lean on Me" directly represents the "offer of support," making it the perfect answer to this clue.

The clue "Most likely to succeed?" with a question mark suggests wordplay. Here, "succeed" means to come next or follow. "Most likely" indicates a superlative. Therefore, SOONEST fits, as it describes the shortest time frame when something will succeed or occur, aligning with the clue’s pun.

The clue "You made it!" is spoken as an exclamation, indicating relief or triumph upon reaching a goal or destination. The phrase "At last" expresses this exact sentiment, matching the emotional context of the clue, making it the correct solution.

The clue "Chop-chop" indicates urgency or haste. "Pronto," an Italian/Spanish word, directly translates to "quickly" or "immediately," matching the meaning of doing something fast. This makes PRONTO the perfect solution for the clue. It’s often used in English colloquially for expressing urgency, aligning with "Chop-chop."

The answer "HOGGED" works because the term figuratively means to selfishly take or monopolize more than one’s fair share, aligning with "took too much of." It conveys overindulgence or hoarding of resources, perfectly matching the context of the clue.

MAINE is the solution because Stephen King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, on which the movie is based, is set in a fictional prison in Maine. King frequently sets his stories in his home state, making Maine synonymous with many of his works.

A "relic" is an ancient artifact or object of historical significance, often unearthed or acquired in archaeological explorations. A "tomb raider" searches for historical treasures, frequently from burial sites. Thus, a relic is a fitting term for something a tomb raider would acquire.

The answer "CLOT" fits the clue "Form a lump" because "clot" refers to a thickened or coagulated mass, often of blood, that forms into a lump or solid. It aligns directly with the definition of creating a lump-like structure.

HERA is the correct answer because, in Greek mythology, she is the goddess of marriage and family. As the wife of Zeus, she was often associated with presiding over weddings and protecting marital unions, making her an fitting "wedding presider."

The solution is EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), a U.S. government organization that regulates pollution and environmental safety. Toxicologists often work with or are employed by the EPA to study harmful substances, assess environmental hazards, and ensure public health and ecological protection. This aligns with the clue's focus on toxicologists.

The answer is CPR because cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used to manually maintain a person’s heartbeat (i.e., "keep the beat") during cardiac arrest. The clue includes "in brief," indicating an abbreviation, and CPR is the widely recognized abbreviation for this process.