Start to rally, maybe - NYT The Crossword Clue

RIPS is the solution because torn or ripped sections are a popular aesthetic design feature of certain jeans. The clue plays on how "rips" are not flaws in this context but intentional, stylish elements that contribute to the jeans' trendy appearance.

This clue uses wordplay to mislead; at first, “scroll sites” might make you think of websites. But it’s actually referring to where Torah scrolls are kept in synagogues: arks, or Aron Kodesh. These are sacred cabinets or spaces that house the scrolls when not in use.

The answer is STRUT because "Move like a model" refers to how models walk on a runway with confidence and a purposeful gait. "Strut" perfectly captures this stylish, bold way of walking, often associated with showcasing fashion or poise, making it the ideal fit for the clue.

The answer is ELLE because the clue refers to Elle King, a well-known singer/songwriter. She gained prominence with her hit song "Ex's & Oh's" which earned significant accolades and chart success. The name "King" in the clue directly points to Elle King.

The clue refers to the mathematical mean (average). For position 8 "vis-à-vis" (in relation to) 7 and 9, the mean is the middle value when averaging 7 and 9. The average of 7 and 9 is 8, making "MEAN" the correct answer.

The clue "Hurly-burly" refers to a commotion or fuss. "HOOHA" is an informal term for an uproar, hullabaloo, or noisy confusion, matching the definition. The playful nature of "HOOHA" suits the lively descriptor "hurly-burly." This is a direct synonym-based connection for the clue.

The word "Handful" suggests a small quantity, but "and more" indicates a larger amount. "SLEW" means a large number or quantity, fitting the clue perfectly as it extends beyond just a small "handful." It matches the intended scale of "and more."

The clue uses a pun with "pumped up," hinting at inflating something. At children's parties, entertainers often twist inflated balloons into shapes like a "balloon dog." The playful phrase fits the clue's tone and humor, as the "balloon dog" gets literally pumped with air and is popular at such events.

The clue is in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "Just being honest …" aligns conceptually with the confession "I can't lie," expressing sincerity or truthfulness. The ellipsis suggests an admission or continuation of honesty, perfectly matching the phrase "ICANTLIE."

The clue "Beaters" refers to tools or actions that involve mixing or beating. WHISKS are kitchen tools specifically designed for beating or mixing ingredients. This makes WHISKS an apt answer, as it directly ties to the clue's context and meaning.

The answer is NAS because he is a renowned rapper who released King's Disease in 2020, which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2021. This marked his first Grammy win, solidifying his legendary status in hip-hop.

The clue "___ Grace" refers to the phrase "Her Grace," a term of address for a duchess or noblewoman. "Her" fits the blank, completing the phrase correctly. This clue relies on knowledge of formal titles or expressions used in English.

The Spanish alphabet includes "N" (14th letter) and "Ñ" (15th letter, with a tilde). Phonetically, "N" and "Ñ" sound like "ENE" and "EÑE," but the clue emphasizes "without a tilde" or "with a tilde," pointing to "ENE" as the answer.

The solution "TEPID" aligns perfectly with "lukewarm" as both describe something that is moderately warm or lacking enthusiasm. "TEPID" is often used for mildly warm liquids or unenthusiastic responses, making it a direct synonym for "lukewarm" in this context.

The clue reveals that the "flying fox" is not literally a fox but a species of bat. Specifically, flying foxes are large bats known for feeding on fruit, making them a type of fruit bat. The name "flying fox" refers to their fox-like facial appearance, confirming FRUITBAT as the answer.

The clue refers to the size of Vatican City, which is approximately 120 acres. "Acres" is a standard unit for measuring land area, making it the appropriate description for the territory's size. The word "roughly" suggests an approximation, aligning perfectly with the figure given.

The solution "CORPORATE" fits the clue "Like many higher-ups" because it describes individuals who are in leadership or executive positions often within a corporate structure. Higher-ups typically work in the corporate world, leading teams or organizations, aligning directly with the term "corporate."

The answer is RHINO because a rhinoceros is a large, hefty animal that exclusively eats plants, making it an herbivore. "Hefty" describes its weight and size perfectly, aligning with the clue. This straightforward clue directly points to this well-known herbivorous mammal.

The "+" in LGBTQ+ represents inclusivity for identities beyond lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning. "ARO" is short for "aromantic," describing someone who experiences little to no romantic attraction. The clue asks for a "brief" identity under the "+," making ARO the correct and succinct answer.

"HIT ME" is a phrase often used at a bar to request another drink, like saying "pour me another" or "serve me again." It's a casual, playful way of asking for a refill, fitting the context of "request at a bar."

The Ford Mustang is a classic example of a muscle car, a category of performance-oriented, high-powered cars popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The clue refers to the Mustang as a representative of this vehicle type, making MUSCLECAR the fitting answer.

The answer is TETON because Teton Pass is a well-known mountain pass in the Teton Range of Wyoming, near Jackson Hole. This geographic feature is a key part of the area, making "Teton" the fitting solution to the clue.

The clue "Race place" refers to a location where races are held. A SPEEDWAY is a track designed specifically for high-speed events, such as car or motorcycle races. The answer fits logically as it directly describes a venue associated with racing competitions.

The rightmost column on the periodic table consists of noble gases, such as helium, neon, and argon. These elements are all in a gaseous state under standard conditions, hence the answer, GASES, accurately describes their collective state and placement in the periodic table.

TOO is the correct answer because it is an adverb and a homophone (sounds the same) as "two" in 54-Down. Homophones have identical pronunciations but different meanings or spellings, making this wordplay clue rely on sound rather than definition.

The answer is SON because the Talmudic teaching emphasizes generational knowledge. Teaching your son inherently passes wisdom to your grandson (your son’s son), continuing the lineage of learning. The repetition in “your ___’s ___” reflects this chain, with "son" filling both blanks naturally within the familial line.

The clue "D&D, e.g." refers to Dungeons & Dragons, which is a tabletop Role-Playing Game (RPG). RPGs involve players assuming fictional roles in a collaborative storytelling game, which defines D&D. "E.g." signals it's an example, making RPG the fitting category for D&D.

The answer is COACHK because Mike Krzyzewski, a legendary college basketball coach, is commonly known by this nickname. The "K" references the initial of his last name, which is famously difficult to spell and pronounce, making "Coach K" an easily recognizable moniker.

The clue "Avoiding coverage, in a way" uses wordplay. "Coverage" refers to media coverage, and someone avoiding it could be described as "media-shy." The term "media-shy" specifically describes individuals who prefer to stay out of public or press attention, making it the apt solution.

The answer is ARTHISTORY because studying art history involves learning about artists like Manet and Monet, their distinct styles, and their contributions to art. A major in art history would equip someone with the knowledge necessary to tell the two apart, fitting the clue perfectly.

The clue "X or XL offering, perhaps" suggests wordplay. "X" and "XL" hint at Uber ride options: UberX (standard) and UberXL (larger vehicles). An "offering" relates to services, making UBER the correct answer as a provider of these ride types.

LATIN is the answer because many mottos, especially those used in institutions, law, and academia, originate from Latin phrases. Latin's historic use as a universal scholarly and formal language has made it a source for timeless expressions such as "Carpe Diem" or "E Pluribus Unum."

The clue "Intermeshed" suggests something intertwined or connected closely. "WOVE" fits as it refers to the act of weaving threads to create fabric, metaphorically symbolizing things being intricately interlaced or intermeshed, aligning perfectly with the clue.

The clue uses "El," the Spanish word for "The," hinting the answer is in Spanish. "Toro" means "bull" in Spanish, fitting the description of a roller coaster with horns on the front. El Toro is also a famous wooden coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure.

The answer "CLANG" fits the clue "Loud metallic sound" as it refers to a sharp, resonant noise typically produced by striking metal objects together. The word "clang" precisely describes the onomatopoeic sound of metal hitting metal, aligning perfectly with the clue.

The question mark in "To pieces?" signals wordplay. ODES are poetic compositions often written to praise or celebrate something "to pieces" — intensely and lovingly. The clue cleverly implies admiration or devotion through poetic “pieces,” leading to the answer ODES.

The clue "Oafs" with no additional indicators suggests a straightforward synonym, but the plural "Oafs" points to a playful or unexpected twist. "Oxes," though not a standard word for "Oxen," works as a pun suggesting clumsy or bulky creatures, aligning with the clumsiness implied by "Oafs."