Did you know?! The oldest known porno movie is the 1907 short film "El Satario" - NYT The Crossword Clue

The answer is COPA because "Copa América" is a well-known international football (soccer) competition held among South American countries. "Copa" means "cup" in Spanish, aligning with the clue’s language and context. The blank "___ América" directly refers to the tournament's name.

The "Tube" in the clue refers to the fallopian tube in the human body. The "descender" hints at the movement of an ovum, or egg cell, which travels down the fallopian tube as part of the reproductive process. Thus, the answer is OVUM.

The clue "Step up from an upright piano" refers to a type of piano that is of higher quality, design, and size than an upright piano. A BABY GRAND piano fits this description – it is smaller than a grand piano but still offers better acoustics and style compared to an upright.

The answer is BLT because it refers to a popular sandwich featuring Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato, often served in layers. "Layered lunch offering" describes this structure, and "informally" hints at the abbreviation BLT, commonly used to refer to this sandwich in casual language.

The clue "Tweets" uses wordplay, as it can refer to both Twitter posts and bird sounds. CHIRPS relates to the latter, as it's the sound birds make, connecting the playful double meaning of "Tweets" to the natural sound representation.

NAVAHO is an alternate spelling of Navajo, the Native American language famously used by Navajo Code Talkers during World War II. They created unbreakable codes that were instrumental in U.S. military communications. "Var." in the clue indicates a variant spelling of the word.

The answer "ELI" refers to Eli Whitney, a famous American inventor known for creating the cotton gin in 1793. This invention revolutionized the cotton industry by efficiently separating cotton fibers from seeds, significantly boosting productivity and shaping agriculture in the United States.

The answer is TEA because in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, the Mad Hatter, March Hare, and Dormouse famously hold a whimsical, never-ending tea party. TEA is the beverage central to this iconic Wonderland scene, making it the perfect answer.

The clue "Leg support" refers to something that could physically aid or stabilize a leg. A "BRACE" is a medical device designed to provide support, stability, or alignment to a leg, making it the perfect solution for the clue.

The answer "LIMIT" fits because it represents the boundary or extent of something, which could define both a minimum or a maximum. A limit sets the range within which something operates, serving as the lower or upper constraint. Thus, "Minimum or maximum" succinctly describes "LIMIT."

The clue "Pet safety org." refers to an organization dedicated to animal welfare. ASPCA stands for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a well-known organization focused on protecting pets and ensuring their safety. Its mission aligns perfectly with the clue.

The clue "Chamber group instruments" refers to musical instruments typically found in chamber music, a genre performed by small ensembles. "Celli" is the plural form of "cello," a common instrument in such groups. The plural aligns with "instruments" in the clue, making CELLI the correct answer.

The clue "Genuflect" directly refers to the physical act of bending one knee to the ground, which is often a gesture of reverence or worship. The word "KNEEL" perfectly describes this action, making it the correct answer.

The answer "RIA" is correct because a ria refers to a narrow, coastal inlet formed when a river valley is partially submerged by rising sea levels. It perfectly matches the definition of a "narrow inlet," commonly seen in coastal geography.

The solution is IDINA because Idina Menzel is a well-known actress and singer who appeared in the movie Uncut Gems (2019), starring alongside Adam Sandler. This clue directly references her role in that film, making "IDINA" the correct answer.

ROLF is the solution because he is a character in The Sound of Music who becomes an antagonist. Initially Liesl's love interest, he later aligns with the Nazi party, turning against the von Trapp family during their escape, embodying his role as an adversary in the story.

The clue "Ugh!" is enclosed in quotes, indicating the answer is a spoken reaction or sound. "ICK" is a short, expressive way to convey disgust or repulsion, similar to "Ugh!" in sentiment. Both express the same emotional response, making ICK the appropriate solution.

The answer is CHER because she is the only person who has won an acting Oscar (for Moonstruck in 1988) and is also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (in 1998 with Sonny & Cher). This unique combination fits the clue perfectly.

TOFU is a common stir-fry ingredient because it is a versatile, plant-based protein that absorbs flavors well, making it popular in many stir-fry recipes. It pairs well with vegetables, sauces, and spices, which are staples of stir-fry dishes across various cuisines.

The term "OPUS" is Latin for "work" and often refers to a significant artistic or musical composition, typically a grand or notable creation. Thus, "Grand work" directly aligns with the definition of OPUS, as it represents an important or celebrated piece of work.

The answer "SAY" works because "For example" is often used to introduce an explanation or clarification, and "say" can be used in a similar way to suggest an example (e.g., "Consider this, say, a cat"). This aligns with the clue's purpose.

The clue "One who gives a hoot" is a playful pun, as "hoot" refers to the sound an owl makes. Owls are well-known for their hooting calls, making OWL the perfect answer here. The phrase humorously connects the idiom with the bird’s behavior.

The clue "Ones wreaking havoc" refers to individuals causing deliberate destruction or disruption. SABOTEURS are people who intentionally damage, obstruct, or undermine activities, often as an act of protest or rebellion. This matches the definition of those responsible for wreaking havoc.

The clue "___ bomb" refers to a type of bomb, and the answer "ATOM" fits because an atom bomb, or atomic bomb, releases energy through nuclear fission. This is a common and well-known association of the word "ATOM" with the term "bomb."

The answer is "CARB" because many fad diets, like keto or Atkins, emphasize reducing carbohydrate ("carb") intake to aid in weight loss or health goals. Carbs, found in bread, pasta, and sugary foods, are often viewed as a "no-no" in such diets, aligning perfectly with the clue.

The answer "COATS" fits the clue "Thoroughly covers" because to coat something means to completely cover its surface, such as painting a wall or applying layers of material. This definition aligns perfectly with the idea of thorough coverage.

The answer is TUBA because the tuba is a musical instrument known for producing low-pitched sounds. It is the largest and lowest-pitched brass instrument in orchestras and bands, perfectly fitting the description in the clue.

In Homer's Odyssey, "rosy-fingered" is a famous epithet used to describe DAWN, symbolizing the pink and golden hues of early morning light. This poetic imagery captures the beauty of sunrise, making DAWN the fitting answer for the "rosy-fingered" time of day.

The clue "Don't get stuck in it!" includes wordplay with a metaphorical meaning. A "rut" refers to a routine or unproductive, stagnant state in life where one feels stuck. The phrase advises avoiding such a state, making "RUT" the clever solution.

TETRIS is the solution because it was a wildly popular geometric puzzle game, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. Players organize falling tetrominoes, geometric shapes made of square blocks, into complete lines. The term "fad" refers to its iconic, short-term craze as a cultural phenomenon.

The clue "What mascara might do" hints at a consequence of mascara use. Mascara can sometimes smear or leave marks, especially when wet or smudged accidentally. "Smudge" is the perfect fit as it describes the action or effect mascara might naturally have when mishandled or exposed to moisture.

The term "Muscular" can colloquially describe someone with a strong, well-defined physique, often referred to as being "built." "Built" is a synonym for having a muscular or fit body, making it the matching solution for the clue.

The answer "ABBEY" refers to Nonnberg Abbey, the real-life convent where Maria was a postulant in "The Sound of Music." This famous musical is partially set within this abbey, tying the locale directly to the storyline.

"The Third Man" and "Kiss Me Deadly" are classic examples of film noir, a cinematic genre known for dark, moody aesthetics and morally complex characters. The plural "NOIRS" fits as the clue references two films, indicating the genre both belong to.

The clue uses wordplay with "buzz" and "music scene." A kazoo creates a buzzing sound when played, making it a musical instrument literally associated with this "buzz." The pun in the clue points to the kazoo's unique sound, fitting the fun, quirky tone.

The clue "Laundry problem" directly suggests an issue encountered when dealing with laundry. A "stain" is a common problem in laundry, as it refers to a mark or spot on fabric that often requires extra effort to clean. Hence, "STAIN" is the fitting answer.

"EXT" is shorthand for "extension," often included after a telephone number to direct calls to a specific line within a larger system, like an office or department. The abbreviation fits the clue "No. after a tel. no." because it refers to an extension number following the main phone number.

The answer "STEP" fits because "step" refers to a single stage or action within a larger process or plan. A plan is typically broken into sequential parts, and each "step" represents one such part, making it a perfect match for the clue "Part of a plan."

The answer is CHAN because the clue refers to Jackie Chan, a globally renowned martial artist and actor known for his martial arts films. His name is synonymous with action-packed movies that blend combat and comedy, making him an iconic figure in the genre.

The clue "Bit of a laugh" refers to a small component or sound of laughter. "Hee" represents the sound of a laugh, often used to depict giggling or chuckling in writing. Its simplicity aligns with the "bit" in the clue, making HEE the fitting answer.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a key connective tissue linking the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). The clue specifies "in brief," signaling an abbreviation, and ACL is the commonly used acronym for this important ligament.

The clue "Issa of Hollywood" refers to Issa Rae, an actress, writer, and producer known for her work on the critically acclaimed HBO series Insecure. Her first name, Issa, directly points to her last name, Rae, making RAE the correct answer.