Bad-mouth - NYT The Crossword Clue

The answer "GEL" fits the clue "Styling product" because gel is a common hair styling product used to shape, hold, and style hair. It provides definition and control, making it a perfect match for the straightforward description in the clue.

The answer is IVAN because Ivan Lendl is a legendary tennis player from the 1980s and 1990s. He won eight Grand Slam singles titles, was ranked World No. 1 for 270 weeks, and is considered one of the greatest players in tennis history. His name directly fits the clue.

The answer "SEGA" fits because SEGA is a renowned Japanese video game company, established in 1960 and famous for iconic games and consoles like Sonic the Hedgehog and the Genesis. The clue references "giant," highlighting SEGA's significant influence in the video game industry globally.

The clue "To be honest ..." is a conversational phrase, suggesting the answer mimics spoken language. The response "Truth is" is a common way to start a candid or honest statement, matching the intention of the clue. Hence, TRUTHIS fits perfectly as the solution.

The clue "Unruffled" directly means calm, composed, or undisturbed, which aligns perfectly with the definition of "SERENE." SERENE embodies tranquility and peacefulness, making it an accurate match for the clue's straightforward meaning.

The term "Supplementary part" refers to something additional or extra that can be added to an existing whole. "ADDON" perfectly fits this definition as it denotes an extra component or feature that supplements something, such as software or equipment.

The answer "CGI" stands for "Computer-Generated Imagery," a technology often used to create special effects in videos, movies, and animations. The clue specifies "in brief," signaling an abbreviation is required, and "video effects" directly points to CGI's role in enhancing visual elements.

The answer "SEA" fits the clue "Blue expanse" because the sea is a vast body of saltwater that appears blue when viewed due to light reflection and scattering. "Expanse" refers to something wide or extensive, which perfectly describes the sea's limitless, blue nature.

The clue "Generator of junk mail" points to SPAMBOT because a spam bot is an automated program designed to send unsolicited email—commonly referred to as "spam." This fits the definition perfectly, and the term "generator" hints at the automation involved in creating such junk mail.

The clue uses wordplay. "Better choice, given the options" suggests selecting between two unfavorable options. The phrase "lesser evil" refers to choosing the option that is not as bad. It's a common expression, making LESSEREVIL the fitting answer.

The answer "ALTAR" makes sense because it is a central location in churches where significant religious ceremonies, such as baptisms and wedding vows, traditionally take place. It is a sacred space used in many faiths for rituals symbolizing devotion and union.

The clue specifies "in Spanish," indicating the answer will be a Spanish word. "Playa" is the Spanish term for "beach." Therefore, "Playa" is the correct solution, directly translating the word "beach" into Spanish as per the clue's instruction.

The clue "Crosses swords" metaphorically means to engage in a verbal or physical sparring match, aligning perfectly with the answer "SPARS." Sparring refers to fighting or debating, capturing the essence of crossing swords as in combat, either literally or figuratively.

The answer is AGATHA because Agatha Christie is a famed mystery writer, often dubbed the "Queen of Crime." She authored numerous classic detective novels, including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series, making her name synonymous with mystery literature, perfectly fitting the clue.

"RANDO" is slang for a random person, often implying someone unknown or unimportant. If the clue includes casual language or context implying a generic individual without specific identity, "RANDO" fits perfectly. Its informal tone aligns with modern colloquial usage, often seen in pop culture or everyday conversation.

The clue "Disagreements" has BEEFS as its answer because "beefs" is a slang term for arguments, disputes, or grievances. This casual usage ties directly to the idea of disagreements, aligning perfectly with the clue's straightforward wording.

The answer "SCAB" fits because a scab is a protective layer that forms over a wound as part of the body's natural healing process. It shields the wound from infections and helps tissues regenerate, making it literally a "part of the healing process."

The clue "What ___ can I say?" in quotes indicates a spoken phrase. The word "ELSE" fits here, completing the familiar rhetorical expression, "What ELSE can I say?"—used when someone has said all they can on a subject or feels they have nothing more to add.

The phrase "Lets bygones be bygones" means to reconcile or forgive past conflicts. MAKESPEACE fits as it literally describes resolving disagreements or fostering harmony, effectively choosing to move beyond past grievances, aligning perfectly with the clue's intent.

The clue "Lip gloss quality" refers to a characteristic of lip gloss. Lip gloss often gives lips a shiny or reflective appearance, which is described as a "SHEEN." The word "sheen" perfectly captures the glossy, polished, and light-reflecting quality of lip gloss.

The answer "RITA" refers to British pop singer Rita Ora, a well-known artist famous for hits like "Let You Love Me" and her collaborations with other musicians. Her last name, "Ora," in the clue directly points to her first name, making "RITA" the correct solution.

The answer "MASH" fits the clue "Turn to pulp" because "mash" means to crush or grind something into a soft, pulpy mass, such as mashed potatoes or fruit pulp. The literal action of mashing aligns with the clue's meaning of breaking something down into pulp.

The clue "Rock out on stage?" uses wordplay and a pun. "Rock" hints at a famous individual rather than the literal meaning. CHRIS refers to actor Chris Rock, a comedian and entertainer who often performs on stage. The question mark signals this playful interpretation of the clue.

The answer is ROOSTS because a "roost" is a structure, like a perch or pole, where birds such as hens settle to rest or sleep, particularly in henhouses. The clue directly refers to the natural behavior of hens resting in their designated spaces within the henhouse.

The clue "Fame and fortune" directly points to the concept of achieving widespread recognition and success, often in entertainment or other public arenas. The term "STARDOM" perfectly encapsulates this idea, referring to the state of being a celebrated star, thus achieving fame and fortune.

The solution "MOHAWKS" refers to a distinctive hairstyle featuring shaved sides and a spiky strip of hair running down the middle. The term cleverly aligns with "Spiky hairdos," as Mohawks are known for their sharp, upright hair spikes, directly addressing the clue's description.

The clue "Build up" suggests accumulating or gathering over time. "AMASS" directly means to collect or gather things gradually into a large quantity, fitting perfectly as a synonym for building up. It aligns with the straightforward, non-punny nature of the clue.

The clue "Going both ways" hints at reciprocity or shared interaction. The answer, MUTUAL, means a relationship or action experienced or done by both parties equally—"both ways." It's a straightforward connection to mutuality, implying equal give-and-take or shared involvement.

The answer is DOGMA because "set of tenets" refers to a collection of established beliefs or principles, often tied to philosophies, religions, or ideologies. DOGMA specifically means a fixed, authoritative set of principles held by a group, aligning perfectly with the clue’s definition.

The answer is OPRAH because Oprah Winfrey is famous for surprising her audience with gifts on her talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Her iconic giveaways, including gifts hidden under their seats, became a hallmark of her program and a widely recognized cultural reference.

The answer ROLFE refers to John Rolfe, a historical figure who married Pocahontas, a Native American woman, in 1614. This union was notable for fostering peace between English settlers and the Powhatan people during early colonial times.

The clue "It ___ be long" suggests a phrase commonly used in conversation, where the blank is filled with "WON'T" to form "It won't be long." This is a standard expression indicating that something will happen soon, making "WONT" the fitting answer.

The formula for the area of a triangle is (1/2) × base × height. The clue describes this calculation ("Half of base x height"), directly pointing to AREA, which is the geometric measure of the triangle's surface.

The answer is ASH because it is the powdery, gray residue left behind after burning wood in a campfire. When the fire consumes the logs or kindling, the remaining material is ash, making it the logical solution for "Campfire residue."

The answer is POE because Edgar Allan Poe wrote the famous narrative poem "The Raven", published in 1845. Known for his dark, macabre style, Poe's works often explore themes of death and despair, making him synonymous with this iconic literary piece.

The phrase "Mission-critical" implies something essential or crucial. A "key" is metaphorically and literally important, symbolizing something indispensable to success or unlocking potential (like a key in a lock). Thus, "KEY" fits perfectly as the solution for this clue.