The answer "PLEA" fits the clue "Courtroom entry" because a plea is a formal statement made by a defendant in court, such as "guilty" or "not guilty." It's a legal entry made during legal proceedings, directly connecting it to courtroom activities.
5Broke breadATE???✨ See Why
The clue "Broke bread" is a figurative expression meaning to share a meal. "ATE" directly corresponds to the action of eating, which is what happens when one "breaks bread" during a meal. It's a straightforward answer reflecting the idiomatic usage.
8See 11-DownONBASE??????✨ See Why
This refers to a baseball term. When a player is ON BASE, they've successfully reached a base after hitting. The clue points you to 11-Down for context.
14Lead-in to an implied "go there" or "think about it"DONTEVEN????????✨ See Why
The phrase "DONTEVEN" is a conversational lead-in often used to express exasperation or deter someone from pursuing a topic, implying "don't even go there" or "don't even think about it." This aligns with the implied meaning in the clue.
16Rouse (oneself)BESTIR??????✨ See Why
The answer "BESTIR" fits the clue "Rouse (oneself)" as it means to stir or awaken oneself into action, often with effort. The reflexive hint "(oneself)" aligns perfectly with the act of energizing or motivating oneself, making "BESTIR" a precise match for the definition.
17Sub categoryFOOTLONG????????✨ See Why
The clue "Sub category" plays on the term "sub," which refers to a submarine sandwich. A "FOOTLONG" is a specific category or size of sub sandwich, typically measuring 12 inches. This clever pun matches the answer perfectly.
18GraveSOMBER??????✨ See Why
The clue "Grave" directly relates to its definition. "Grave" as an adjective means serious, solemn, or somber in tone or mood. Therefore, SOMBER is the fitting solution here as it matches the synonymic meaning of "Grave" in this context.
19Investment firm T. ___ PriceROWE????✨ See Why
The answer is ROWE because "T. Rowe Price" is a well-known global investment management firm founded in 1937. The blank in the clue indicates the missing part of the firm's name, and "Rowe" completes it. This is a straightforward general knowledge-based clue.
20"That's keen!"NEATO?????✨ See Why
The clue "That's keen!" is enclosed in quotes, indicating a slang or spoken expression. "Neato" is a casual, enthusiastic slang term synonymous with "keen," meaning cool, great, or exciting. It matches the tone and spirit of the clue perfectly.
21"Something bothering you?"WHATSTHEMATTER??????????????✨ See Why
The clue "Something bothering you?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay or a conversational phrase. "What's the matter?" is a common way to ask if someone is upset or troubled, matching the tone and meaning of the clue perfectly.
26One translation of "aloha"PEACE?????✨ See Why
The Hawaiian word "aloha" has multiple meanings, including "hello," "goodbye," and "peace." This clue references one of those translations—PEACE—showing its deeper cultural connotation beyond just greetings, as “aloha” embodies harmony and goodwill.
27CalmSEDATE??????✨ See Why
The word "sedate" means calm, tranquil, or unhurried, which aligns with the clue. It can describe a state of being calm or subdued, making it a fitting synonym for "calm" in this context without any additional wordplay.
28Like Detroit vis-à-vis 29-AcrossEAST????✨ See Why
The clue compares Detroit’s location to that of 29-Across, which is ANNARBOR. Since Detroit is east of Ann Arbor geographically, the answer is EAST. This is a directional relationship within the state of Michigan.
29Home of the Wolverines in college sportsANNARBOR????????✨ See Why
The University of Michigan's sports teams are nicknamed the Wolverines, and their main campus is in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Therefore, ANN ARBOR is the "Home of the Wolverines in college sports," making this the correct answer.
33Actress LongoriaEVA???✨ See Why
The answer "EVA" refers to Eva Longoria, a well-known actress famous for her role as Gabrielle Solis on the television series Desperate Housewives. The clue directly references her last name, making this a straightforward trivia-based solution.
34Cat breed with a distinct rearBOBTAIL???????✨ See Why
The answer "BOBTAIL" refers to a cat breed characterized by its unique, shortened tail, which makes its rear distinct. This clue is straightforward as it describes a physical feature that defines the Bobtail breed, particularly seen in breeds like the Japanese Bobtail and American Bobtail.
37Reddit Q&AAMA???✨ See Why
The clue "Reddit Q&A" hints at a common Reddit event called "Ask Me Anything" (AMA), where users post open Q&A sessions with notable individuals. AMA is a standard term directly linking to the clue's context, fitting perfectly as the solution.
38Festival with jousts, informallyRENFAIRE????????✨ See Why
The answer "RENFAIRE" refers to a "Renaissance Faire," where costumes, jousting, and medieval-themed activities occur. The clue uses "informally," signaling an abbreviation or casual term. RENFAIRE is the shorthand or colloquial way to refer to such festivals, aligning perfectly with "Festival with jousts."
40Caramel-topped dessertFLAN????✨ See Why
The answer "FLAN" fits the clue "Caramel-topped dessert" because flan is a classic custard dessert, topped with a layer of caramel syrup. This matches the description precisely, as caramel is a defining feature of this dessert, popular in many cuisines worldwide.
41Do-nothingsIDLERS??????✨ See Why
The clue "Do-nothings" refers to people who are idle or inactive. The term "IDLERS" directly describes individuals who avoid work or exertion, aligning perfectly with the clue. It’s a straightforward synonym-based clue with no additional wordplay.
43Quaint contradictionTISNT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Quaint contradiction" uses wordplay to hint at an old-fashioned or shortened phrase expressing disagreement. "TISN'T" is a contraction of "it isn't," often considered quaint due to its archaic tone. It's both a contradiction and fits the "quaint" descriptor perfectly.
442003 period film starring Tom Cruise and Ken WatanabeTHELASTSAMURAI??????????????✨ See Why
The answer "THE LAST SAMURAI" is correct because it is the title of a 2003 period film starring Tom Cruise as an ex-American soldier and Ken Watanabe as a samurai leader, set in 19th-century Japan. The clue directly references the film's title and its two lead actors.
48Snake eyes and boxcars, e.g.ROLLS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Snake eyes and boxcars, e.g." refers to outcomes from rolling dice. "Snake eyes" represents two ones, and "boxcars" refers to two sixes. Both are specific dice ROLLS, making "ROLLS" the solution. This plays on the shared context of dice terminology.
49Rapper Lil Uzi ___VERT????✨ See Why
The answer is VERT because Lil Uzi Vert is the full stage name of the popular rapper and songwriter. His unique name combines "Uzi," a reference to his rapid-fire rapping style, and "Vert," which reportedly stands for "vertical," symbolizing his rise in the industry.
50Div. for the Astros and AngelsALWEST??????✨ See Why
The Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels are professional baseball teams that play in Major League Baseball's (MLB) American League West Division (commonly abbreviated as AL West). "Div." in the clue refers to "Division," making ALWEST the correct answer.
52Worker's timeout in Westminster … or something tucked between this puzzle's shaded squares?TEABREAK????????✨ See Why
The revealer TEA BREAK cleverly works two ways: it refers to a worker’s timeout in the U.K. and also hints at the puzzle's construction. The shaded squares spell names of teas—OOLONG, MATE, BOBA, and ASSAM—but each is split or "broken" by a T. So literally, the “tea” is broken up by a T: a TEA BREAK in both name and grid!
56Tectonic driftersPLATES??????✨ See Why
The answer "PLATES" refers to tectonic plates, massive slabs of Earth's lithosphere that drift slowly over the mantle. This movement causes geological activity like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The term "drifters" cleverly hints at their slow motion across the planet's surface over time.
57Camper's recreationCANOEING????????✨ See Why
The clue "Camper's recreation" refers to an activity often associated with outdoor camping. Canoeing is a popular recreational activity for campers, as it involves exploring lakes, rivers, or waterways often found near campsites. It aligns perfectly with "recreation" in a camping context.
58InsistsSAYSSO??????✨ See Why
The answer "SAYSSO" fits the clue "Insists" because it captures the act of affirming something adamantly or authoritatively. If someone "says so," they maintain or assert their position firmly, which aligns with the meaning of "insists."
59Denver setting: Abbr.MST???✨ See Why
MST stands for Mountain Standard Time, which is the time zone Denver, Colorado is located in. The clue specifies "Denver setting" and uses "Abbr." to indicate the answer is an abbreviation, making MST the correct solution.
60TipsENDS????✨ See Why
The clue "Tips" can refer to the extremities or final points of something, which aligns with the definition of "ENDS" (as in the ends of objects or processes). It plays on the word's dual meaning to suggest the conclusion or outermost parts.
Down
1Many an email attachmentPDF???✨ See Why
The clue "Many an email attachment" refers to common file types sent via email. PDF (Portable Document Format) is frequently used for documents like reports, forms, or invoices because it preserves formatting across devices. Its universal compatibility and compact size make it a popular attachment choice.
2W.C.LOO???✨ See Why
The clue "W.C." refers to a water closet, which is a term for a bathroom or toilet, predominantly used in British English. "Loo" is a common British slang for a toilet, making it the fitting answer to this clue.
3Brian who composed four pioneering albums of ambient musicENO???✨ See Why
The answer is ENO because Brian Eno is a renowned composer and producer credited with creating ambient music. He released four groundbreaking ambient albums: Ambient 1: Music for Airports, Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror, Ambient 3: Day of Radiance, and Ambient 4: On Land, establishing the genre.
4DrawATTRACT???????✨ See Why
The clue "Draw" can mean to pull in or lure something towards you, which aligns with the definition of ATTRACT. This synonym fits the straightforward meaning of "draw" in the sense of capturing attention or pulling something closer.
5Boldly attestsAVOWS?????✨ See Why
The answer "AVOWS" fits because to "avow" means to openly and boldly declare or assert something as true. The clue "Boldly attests" reflects this definition, as both describe openly affirming or stating something with confidence.
6Core principlesTENETS??????✨ See Why
The word "tenets" means fundamental beliefs, principles, or doctrines held by a group or individual. The clue "Core principles" directly refers to these foundational ideas, making TENETS the most fitting answer. It aligns perfectly with the definition in the context of the clue.
7Part of E.S.L.: Abbr.ENG???✨ See Why
ENG is the solution because it is the abbreviation for "English," a key component of E.S.L. (English as a Second Language). E.S.L. programs are designed to help non-native speakers learn English, making ENG an integral "part" of the abbreviation.
8Delivery docsOBS???✨ See Why
The clue "Delivery docs" refers to obstetricians, often abbreviated as "OBs." These are doctors specializing in pregnancy and childbirth. The word "delivery" is a hint towards childbirth, making "OBS" (short for obstetricians) the fitting answer.
9Just after birthNEONATAL????????✨ See Why
The term NEONATAL refers to the period immediately after birth, specifically covering the first 28 days of a newborn’s life. "Neo-" means new, and "-natal" relates to birth, making it a perfect fit for the clue "Just after birth."
10Detector of absurdity, in slangBSMETER???????✨ See Why
The clue "Detector of absurdity, in slang" uses "BS" as slang for "nonsense" or "absurdity." A "BS METER" is a figurative tool or concept one uses to detect or measure this kind of nonsense. It aligns with the slangy, non-literal phrasing of the clue.
11Chance to get 8-AcrossATBAT?????✨ See Why
When a player is at bat, they have a chance to reach base. It’s the opportunity to get on base (8-Across).
12Cuatro + tresSIETE?????✨ See Why
The clue "Cuatro + tres" is in Spanish, so the answer must also be in Spanish. "Cuatro" means 4, and "tres" means 3. Adding them gives 7. In Spanish, the word for 7 is "siete," making SIETE the correct answer.
13404 Not Found, e.g.ERROR?????✨ See Why
The clue "404 Not Found, e.g." refers to a common internet message displayed when a webpage is unavailable. This is categorized as an "ERROR," specifically an HTTP error code, making "ERROR" the correct answer.
15Chargrilled corn-on-the-cob dish in MexicoELOTE?????✨ See Why
The answer is ELOTE because it refers to a traditional Mexican dish of chargrilled corn-on-the-cob, often served with toppings like mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime. The word "elote" means "corn on the cob" in Spanish, aligning perfectly with the clue's description and cultural reference.
21Thread patternWEAVE?????✨ See Why
The answer WEAVE fits "Thread pattern" because weaving is the process of interlacing threads to create a fabric or pattern. The arrangement or structure of threads during weaving forms the pattern, directly linking to the clue's context.
22Comedian MinhajHASAN?????✨ See Why
The answer "HASAN" refers to Hasan Minhaj, a well-known comedian, actor, and political commentator. He is recognized for his Netflix show Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj and as a former correspondent on The Daily Show. The clue directly references his prominent last name.
23They radiate warmthHEATERS???????✨ See Why
The clue "They radiate warmth" refers to objects that emit or spread heat. HEATERS are devices specifically designed to produce and radiate warmth, making them a perfect fit for this straightforward definition. The plural clue "They" matches the plural form "HEATERS."
24"The Simpsons" teacher KrabappelEDNA????✨ See Why
EDNA is the solution because Edna Krabappel is a well-known character from The Simpsons. She is Bart Simpson’s cynical and occasionally caring teacher at Springfield Elementary, frequently appearing in episodes throughout the series. Her first name, Edna, directly matches the clue.
25Spa treatment, for shortMANI????✨ See Why
The clue "Spa treatment, for short" refers to a manicure, which is often abbreviated as "mani." A manicure (MANI) is a common spa treatment involving nail care, perfectly fitting the clue due to the abbreviation hint ("for short").
26ColleaguePEER????✨ See Why
The word "Colleague" refers to someone who is on the same professional level as you, typically a coworker or equal. "PEER" is a synonym for someone of equal standing, making it the perfect fit for this clue.
30Wood for a kiteBALSA?????✨ See Why
The answer is BALSA because it is a lightweight, soft wood often used for crafting due to its easy-to-shape quality. Kites require light materials to fly, making BALSA an ideal choice for kite frames. The clue refers to this practical use of BALSA wood.
31Native of MuscatOMANI?????✨ See Why
Muscat is the capital city of Oman, a country in the Middle East. A native or resident of Oman is referred to as an Omani. Therefore, the correct answer to the clue "Native of Muscat" is OMANI.
32Many a one-star Yelp reviewRANT????✨ See Why
The clue "Many a one-star Yelp review" points to RANT because one-star reviews are often lengthy, emotional, or angry complaints. The word "rant" perfectly captures the tone and nature of such reviews, making it the ideal fit for describing them succinctly.
34People you do not want to mess withBADASSES????????✨ See Why
The clue "People you do not want to mess with" describes individuals who are tough, confident, or formidable — traits associated with "BADASSES." The informal tone of the clue aligns with the slangy, colloquial nature of the word "BADASSES," making it a fitting and accurate answer.
35Olive and palm productsOILS????✨ See Why
The answer "OILS" fits because both olives and palm fruits are commonly processed to extract oil, such as olive oil and palm oil. The plural "products" in the clue aligns with the plural form "OILS," making this a straightforward match.
36___ Easton Ellis, author of "American Psycho"BRET????✨ See Why
BRET is the correct answer because Bret Easton Ellis is the renowned author of the novel American Psycho. The blank in the clue signals the missing first name of the author, which is "Bret." This aligns with the straightforward style of the clue.
39Cuts of fishFILLETS???????✨ See Why
The clue "Cuts of fish" directly refers to portions of fish that have been deboned and cut into clean, boneless pieces, which are called FILLETS. A fillet is a common culinary term for a precise, boneless cut of fish, matching the clue perfectly.
40It might get decorated at ChristmasFIRTREE???????✨ See Why
The answer is FIRTREE because fir trees are traditionally used as Christmas trees and are commonly decorated with lights, ornaments, and other festive items during the holiday season. This directly ties to the clue, as Christmas tree decorations are a defining characteristic of the celebration.
42File menu optionSAVEAS??????✨ See Why
The clue "File menu option" refers to common commands found in software File menus. "SAVEAS" is an option that allows users to save a file with a new name or format. It matches the context of the clue straightforwardly, as it's a standard menu choice in many applications.
43Extra-powerful, as an engineTURBO?????✨ See Why
The answer "TURBO" refers to a turbocharged engine, which uses a turbine to force extra air into the combustion chamber, increasing power and efficiency. Thus, "Extra-powerful, as an engine," aptly describes an engine equipped with a turbocharger. This term is commonly associated with high-performance vehicles.
44Drives into a cornerTRAPS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Drives into a corner" suggests being caught or forced into a position with no escape. "TRAPS" fits perfectly as it represents confining or cornering someone or something, whether literally or metaphorically, aligning seamlessly with the clue's phrasing.
45Shout, colloquiallyHOLLA?????✨ See Why
The clue "Shout, colloquially" suggests a slang or informal term for shouting. "HOLLA" is a casual, colloquial way to express calling out, yelling, or getting someone's attention, commonly used in conversational English or slang. It perfectly fits the clue's informal tone.
46Broncos QB who won back-to-back Super BowlsELWAY?????✨ See Why
The answer is ELWAY because John Elway was the quarterback for the Denver Broncos who led the team to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1998 (Super Bowl XXXII) and 1999 (Super Bowl XXXIII). He is a legendary figure in NFL history and synonymous with the Broncos' success.
47IntendedMEANT?????✨ See Why
The word "MEANT" is synonymous with "Intended." Both indicate purpose or intention behind an action, plan, or statement. This straightforward clue uses a direct definition without wordplay, making "MEANT" the clear and logical solution for "Intended."
51General on a menuTSO???✨ See Why
The clue "General on a menu" is a wordplay hinting at General Tso, a famous dish in Chinese-American cuisine. The "General" refers to General Tso, a historical figure, whose name inspired this popular dish, often featuring sweet and spicy fried chicken. Hence, the answer is TSO.
52Channel showing vintage filmsTCM???✨ See Why
The answer is TCM, which stands for Turner Classic Movies, a TV channel known for broadcasting classic and vintage films. The clue directly points to a channel showcasing older movies, matching TCM's specialty. This straightforward clue doesn’t use wordplay; it names exactly what TCM offers.
53German articleEIN???✨ See Why
The clue "German article" directly hints at an article in the German language. In German, "ein" is an indefinite article meaning "a" or "one," used for masculine and neuter singular nouns. Thus, EIN is the correct solution for this clue.
54By ___ byAND???✨ See Why
The clue "By ___ by" refers to a common phrase "by and by," meaning "eventually" or "in time." The blank in the clue is filled with "AND" to complete this familiar expression, making AND the correct answer.
55Metric wts.KGS???✨ See Why
The clue "Metric wts." refers to "weights" in the metric system. The abbreviation "KGS" stands for kilograms, a standard unit of weight in the metric system. The plural clue "wts." aligns with the plural abbreviation "KGS," making it the correct answer.
Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 6-letter answer to the Rouse (oneself) 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!
Rouse (oneself) Answer Explained
The answer is BESTIR.
This clue is asking for a slightly old-fashioned word that means to awaken or rouse oneself. The key is recognizing the reflexive "(oneself)" which suggests a verb someone applies to themselves, like “get moving” or “snap out of it.” The word BESTIR fits perfectly. It’s not a word you hear much in everyday speech, but in literature or older texts, it shows up in contexts like “he bestirred himself and got to work.” It means to stir into action, usually with some effort. The “be-” prefix adds emphasis, giving a sense of active effort in waking up or motivating oneself.
Now that you've cracked the 16A Rouse (oneself) 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
This debut by Jasin Cekinmez pours a delightful cup of wordplay. The theme is steeped in cleverness: a “TEA BREAK” is not just a British pause for refreshment but a letter T that literally breaks up tea varieties—OOLONG, MATE, BOBA, ASSAM—hidden across shaded squares in layered entries. It’s a fresh twist on a classic hidden-word theme, and the long entries (FOOTLONG, WHAT'S THE MATTER, BOBTAIL, THE LAST SAMURAI) stand strong on their own. That said, the puzzle skews quite easy for a Wednesday, arguably easier than Tuesday’s, and some solvers may find the solve a bit too smooth, even bordering on boring. Still, a clean, well-brewed debut.
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