Sawbones, in brief - NYT The Crossword Clue

The clue "Kisser" refers to a slang term for one's face or mouth. "PUSS" is an informal term for a face, often used humorously. In this context, it aligns with the clue's playful tone, making it a fitting answer.

EMIL is the correct answer because Emil Jannings was the first-ever recipient of the Best Actor Oscar at the inaugural Academy Awards in 1929. He won for his roles in "The Last Command" and "The Way of All Flesh," making him a historic figure in cinema.

The clue "Sunday school recess?" uses a pun. In architecture, an apse is a recessed, often semi-circular area in a church, typically at the east end. The word "recess" here cleverly refers to both a physical indentation and a playful nod to a church feature, fitting for "Sunday school."

In Chinese culture, the kite symbolizes hope, prosperity, and freedom. Originating in ancient China, kites were often adorned with meaningful designs, representing good luck and success. They also represent aspirations, as they fly high in the sky, embodying the soaring hopes of individuals and communities.

In Texas hold ’em, "pocket rockets" refers to a pair of aces. "Trips" means three of a kind. Since three cards of the same rank beat just two aces, trips can defeat pocket rockets. The clue uses poker terminology for an accurate answer, TRIPS.

VENICE is known as "The Floating City" because it is built on a network of canals and more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in northeastern Italy. The city’s unique architecture and waterways give it the appearance of floating on water, making this nickname fitting.

The clue "You get the picture" is a playful way of hinting at "and so on" or "and other similar things." The abbreviation for this concept is ETC (et cetera), often used to imply a continuation or list, suggesting you understand the broader idea.

The clue hints at a nonverbal sound, indicated by its phrasing. "Ahh" mimics the sound someone might make when sticking out their tongue, such as during a medical exam or expressing relief or satisfaction—perfectly fitting the clue's context.

The GRACES, known as the Charites in Greek mythology, are three sisters: Aglaea, Thalia, and Euphrosyne. They personify beauty, charm, and grace, embodying joy and creativity in Greek culture. The clue refers to these mythological figures, making GRACES the correct answer.

The clue "Pop star Dua ___" refers to Dua Lipa, a globally famous British-Albanian pop singer and songwriter known for hits like "Levitating" and "Don't Start Now." Her unique name, "Lipa," completes the phrase, making it the correct answer.

The clue "Beforetimes?" uses a pun indicated by the question mark. "Eves" refers to the time just before significant events, like Christmas Eve being the day before Christmas. In this sense, "eves" playfully stands for "beforetimes," as they precede notable days.

The answer is DELHI because it is the capital of India and, as of recent population data, ranks as the second-most-populous city globally after Tokyo. Its extensive metropolitan population makes it a fitting solution for this clue.

The clue "Let's do this!" is a motivational phrase often signaling readiness or enthusiasm to start something, such as a competition or challenge. "GAME ON" is a commonly used phrase to express this exact sentiment, making it the perfect match for the clue.

The answer is ONEG because O-negative (shortened to ONEG) is a universal blood donor type. This means it can be transfused to anyone regardless of their blood type, making it highly sought after, especially in emergencies. The clue's "Much-desired" highlights its universal compatibility.

"Fly by the seat of one's pants" means to act without a plan or improvising, which aligns with "ADLIB." To ad-lib is to improvise or speak without preparation, much like handling unexpected situations on the fly. This matches the clue’s concept of spontaneity.

The clue "Repentant" directly describes someone who feels or expresses remorse or guilt for their actions. "Contrite" is a synonym for "repentant," meaning genuinely remorseful or regretful, making it the perfect solution for this clue.

The answer is ANDERSEN because Hans Christian Andersen is the renowned Danish author of these classic fairy tales, "The Princess and the Pea" and "The Ugly Duckling." His works are iconic in children's literature, making him the clear solution for this clue.

The clue "Letter opener" plays on the double meaning of "letter." It refers to how formal letters often begin with the salutation "Dear Sir." Thus, "Dear Sir" is an opener for a letter, fitting both the literal and figurative interpretations of the clue.

The word "Derelict" can mean abandoned or neglected, which aligns with something no longer in use. "DISUSED" refers to something that has fallen out of usage or been neglected, making it a fitting synonym for "Derelict" in this context.

The answer "ENAMOR" fits the clue "Charm" because to enamor someone means to captivate, fascinate, or charm them emotionally, often in a romantic sense. The definition aligns directly with the word "Charm" in a literal, verb sense.

RDA stands for "Recommended Dietary Allowance," which is a standard guideline for the daily intake of specific nutrients to maintain good health. The clue "Nutrient inits." points to this abbreviation commonly associated with nutritional guidelines.

The term "anchor" in the clue refers to the final runner in a relay race, often the strongest or fastest member of the team. A relay is a race where team members pass a baton to one another, fitting the clue's description. Hence, the answer is RELAY.

The answer is CREPE because crepes are a popular offering at brunch stations, where diners can customize them with sweet or savory toppings. The clue directly hints at this type of dish commonly featured in buffet-style brunch setups. CREPE fits perfectly as it meets the theme of "brunch station offerings."

GUS is the answer because Virgil Ivan "Gus" Grissom was one of NASA's original Mercury Seven astronauts. He was a key figure in early U.S. space exploration, piloting the Liberty Bell 7 and Gemini 3 missions. The clue refers to his widely recognized nickname, "Gus."

The Finsteraarhorn is the highest mountain in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. The clue's "e.g." (for example) signals a general category, and the Finsteraarhorn is part of the Alps mountain range. Thus, the answer "ALP" refers to a single mountain in the Alps.

The clue, "Furtiveness," refers to the quality of being secretive or avoiding detection, which directly defines "STEALTH." Stealth involves acting in a cautious, covert manner to avoid being noticed, aligning perfectly with the concept of furtiveness. This straightforward definition makes it the ideal answer.

The clue "Triumph" directly corresponds to the meaning of "PREVAIL." To prevail means to succeed, win, or overcome—a clear match to the concept of triumphing or achieving victory. Both share a sense of conquering challenges, making PREVAIL the perfect fit.

OCHRE is a yellowish-brown or earthy pigment commonly associated with natural, warm tones often seen in lampshades. These shades provide a cozy, neutral ambiance, making OCHRE a fitting answer for "Common lampshade shade." The clue describes a typical color used in home decor, aligning with OCHRE's hues.

The clue "Scottish negative" points to a word used in Scots dialect to mean "no" or "not." "Nae" is the Scottish equivalent of "no," often used in phrases like "nae bother" (no problem). It directly reflects the negative form in a Scottish context.

The answer is IMAM because an Imam is a significant religious leader in Islam, often serving as the head of a mosque or a community and leading prayers. The clue "Muslim leader" directly points to this role, making IMAM the fitting solution.

The word "festoon" means to decorate or embellish with garlands or ornaments. Similarly, the word "adorn" means to beautify or decorate something. Thus, "adorn" is the perfect synonym and solution for the clue "Festoon." Both involve adding decorative elements to enhance appearance.

The clue references the 1982 film "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," a famous installment in the Star Trek franchise. "Wrath" fits the title, capturing Khan's intense anger and quest for vengeance, which are central themes of the movie.

The term "epic" often refers to a long, significant period of time in history or storytelling, and "time" in the clue directly indicates this. An ERA is a distinct period in history or a notable span of time, perfectly matching the definition of an "epic time."

The clue "Stick on a tree" refers to something that is physically a "stick" and grows on a tree. A twig is a small, thin branch or shoot of a tree, fitting the definition perfectly. It’s a clever play on words connecting "stick" to its natural source.

"Joie de vivre" is French for "exuberant joy of living." The English fitting synonym for this spirit is BRIO, meaning energy, enthusiasm, or vigor. Both terms convey zest and vivacity, making BRIO the correct answer.

The clue "More than wanna" plays on informal speech. "Wanna" is casual for "want to," while "gotta" is shorthand for "got to," implying a stronger sense of necessity or obligation rather than just desire. Thus, "GOTTA" fits as it conveys more urgency than "wanna."

The answer is ABEL because in the Bible, Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is described as a shepherd who tended flocks. This directly aligns with the clue "Biblical shepherd," making ABEL the correct solution.

The clue "Many residents, for short" refers to medical doctors (MDs), who are often residents during their postgraduate training in hospitals. "For short" signals the abbreviated form—M.D., or MDs when plural. Hence, MDs represent "many residents" in a medical context efficiently.

AAA is the solution because it refers to the American Automobile Association, a nonprofit organization offering various vehicle-related services. Their "Tipsy Tow" program provides free towing for drivers who may be impaired, promoting road safety. The clue points specifically to this service provided by AAA.

The clue "Up" suggests movement or activity, indicating a word synonymous with being awake or active. "ASTIR" means being in motion, awake, or active, perfectly aligning with the clue’s meaning. It aptly describes a state of being up and active.

The clue "Lhasa ___" refers to the Lhasa Apso, a breed of dog originating from Tibet. The breed's name combines "Lhasa," the Tibetan capital, with "Apso," meaning "bearded" in Tibetan, describing its long, flowing coat. Hence, the correct answer is APSO.

The answer is SOUFFLE because a soufflé is a dish made with whipped egg whites, which expand or "inflate" during baking, causing the dish to rise. The wordplay "literally 'inflated'" refers to this rising effect, making it a clever pun in the kitchen context.

A "gaff" is a type of spar that supports a fore-and-aft sail on a mast. A "topsail" is a smaller sail set above the gaff as an additional attachment. Positioned higher on the mast and over the gaff, it fits the description in the clue perfectly.

The clue "QB stat: Abbr." refers to a football quarterback (QB) statistic. ATT is short for "attempts," which tracks the number of passing attempts a QB makes in a game or season. The "Abbr." in the clue signals that the answer is an abbreviation.

The clue "Fraternity letter" refers to Greek letters, as fraternities and sororities often use them in their names. RHO (ρ) is the 17th letter of the Greek alphabet, commonly associated with Greek organizations, fitting the clue perfectly.

The clue "Plans for the future, in brief?" includes a pun and indicates an abbreviation. IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) are financial tools designed for future savings, specifically retirement. The question mark signals wordplay, hinting at "future" being tied to retirement, making IRAs a fitting answer.

The answer is TASHA because Tasha Smith is a well-known actress who played Carol Holloway, Cookie Lyon’s sister, on the popular Fox TV show Empire. Actress Smith refers to her last name, and the answer gives her first name.

The clue "Funk" plays on the double meaning of the word. "Funk" can mean a bad smell or stench, making "ODOR" an apt answer. It’s a straightforward synonym hinting at the unpleasant aspect of "funk" as a scent.

The clue "Annual celebrations, informally" asks for a casual term for recurring yearly events. "BDAYS" is a shorthand for "birthdays," which are celebrated annually. The "informally" part indicates the answer should be a colloquial abbreviation rather than the full word, making BDAYS the correct solution.

The word "Enough" means a sufficient amount or adequate quantity, which aligns with the meaning of AMPLE. AMPLE refers to having a plentiful, sufficient, or more-than-enough extent. Therefore, it fits perfectly as the solution to this clue.

"The Golden Bachelor" is a reality dating show, part of "The Bachelor" franchise, which airs on the American Broadcasting Company, commonly known as ABC. The clue directly asks for the network, and ABC is the correct abbreviation for it.

The clue "Without" can mean "lacking" or "not having," which directly corresponds to the definition of LESS—indicating a reduced amount or absence of something. Therefore, "LESS" fits as the answer due to this synonymic relationship.

The answer is ODELL because Scott O'Dell is a renowned author known for his children's literature, including the Newbery Medal-winning novel Island of the Blue Dolphins. The clue directly references his prominence as a recipient of this prestigious literary award.

The clue "Twangy" refers to a sound quality often described as nasal, where the tone resonates through the nose, creating a sharp or twang-like sound. This aligns with the term nasal, which relates to the nose or nasal-sounding tones in speech or music.

The clue "Cousin of a man crush" suggests a close, non-romantic, but deeply affectionate relationship between two men. A "man crush" refers to admiration or fondness for another man, and "BROMANCE" is a blend of "brother" and "romance," perfectly describing such a platonic bond.

The clue "Took in" refers to allowing someone or something entry or accepting something. "ADMITTED" directly matches this definition, as it means letting someone enter (e.g., into a place or group) or confessing/accepting something (e.g., a fact). It aligns with the straightforward meaning of "Took in."

The clue "Cock" refers to a male chicken, which is commonly known as a "rooster." The word "cock" is another term for rooster, emphasizing the connection between the clue and its answer. This is a straightforward synonym-based clue.

The answer "OOP" completes the phrase "Alley OOP," which is a term associated with basketball, referring to a play where one player passes the ball near the basket, and another player jumps to catch and score in a single motion. It’s also the name of a comic strip character, adding wordplay potential.

The clue "The plan has been approved!" is enclosed in quotes, signaling the answer is a phrase someone might say in response to such news. "It's a go" (ITSAGO) is a common expression meaning something has been approved or is ready to proceed, perfectly fitting this context.

In sleep, REM (Rapid Eye Movement) is a cycle characterized by intense brain activity and dreaming, occurring at night. The clue plays on "cycle at night" referring to sleep cycles, with REM being a crucial stage in these cycles.

The clue "Partner, with 'the'" refers to a common phrase: "the Mrs." This is a colloquial way to refer to someone's wife, a partner in marriage. "Mrs." is a title traditionally used for married women, fitting perfectly with the clue.

The phrase "Hot, hot, hot" suggests someone or something performing exceedingly well or in an unstoppable streak. "ONATEAR" is a common expression in this context, meaning being on a winning streak or achieving success repeatedly, fitting the clue's energetic and metaphorical description.

The word "Facet" refers to one side or feature of something with multiple aspects. Similarly, "ASPECT" means a particular part or feature of something. Both words share the meaning of a single dimension or element of a larger entity, making ASPECT the correct solution.

The clue "Petting zoo noise" refers to a sound commonly made by animals found in such zoos. "MAA" is the bleating sound made by goats, which are popular animals in petting zoos. The clue suggests an animal sound, and "MAA" directly represents this noise.

The clue "Suburban setting?" includes a pun indicated by the question mark. It plays on the term "Suburban," which is a type of car sold in auto dealerships, often referred to as "car lots." Therefore, a "Suburban setting" cleverly refers to a CARLOT where such vehicles might be sold.

The clue "IHOP selections" refers to items available at International House of Pancakes (IHOP). SYRUPS are a classic topping offered at IHOP, with various flavors (e.g., maple, blueberry), making them a common selection associated with the establishment, perfectly fitting the clue.

The clue "Woodworking or bird-watching" points to activities commonly pursued for personal enjoyment, relaxation, or interest. These are classic examples of hobbies, which people engage in during their leisure time. Thus, "HOBBY" perfectly fits as the solution.

The heart is a vital part of the body and is classified as an "organ," which is a functional anatomical structure. The clue uses "e.g." (for example), indicating that the heart is one example of an organ among many in the human body.

The answer SETON works for "Place atop" because "set on" means to place something atop or on top of something else. This is a straightforward clue, relying on the phrase "set on" being interpreted literally as placing one object onto another.

The OBIE Awards, short for Off-Broadway Theater Awards, were established in 1956 by The Village Voice to honor excellence in Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway productions. The clue directly refers to this prominent New York theater award, making OBIE the accurate answer.

The "10 plagues of Egypt" refer to biblical events in the Book of Exodus. LICE is the third plague, where the dust of the land was turned into lice, afflicting humans and animals. This matches the clue referencing one of these specific plagues.

In Dungeons & Dragons, ORCS are a classic enemy species known for their aggressive and villainous nature. They are iconic fantasy creatures often portrayed as bad guys in quests, fitting the "baddies" description in the clue. This makes ORCS the fitting solution.

The clue refers to the size of Yankee Stadium. Yankee Stadium spans approximately 24 acres of land, making "ACRE" the correct answer. This ties to the unit of measurement used to describe large areas of land, like stadiums. The number 24 is a direct hint to this total acreage.

The word "Quench" means to satisfy or extinguish, particularly thirst or hunger. "SATE" fits as it means to fully satisfy or gratify, often to excess, aligning perfectly with the intent of the clue. Both words convey a sense of fulfillment or appeasement.

The clue "Gulf bigwig" points to an important leader in the Gulf region, specifically Arabic-speaking countries. An EMIR is a title for a ruler or high-ranking official in many Gulf states, such as Qatar or the UAE. It directly connects to the region's leadership.

The clue "Some cruise ship amenities" hints at notable leisure facilities you’d commonly find on cruise ships. SPAS fit perfectly because many cruise ships feature spas as luxury amenities, offering relaxation and wellness treatments, which align with the clue's context of amenities for guests.

The clue "Ticketmaster spec" hints at a venue-specific term related to tickets. SRO stands for "Standing Room Only," a specification indicating that a venue has no more seated tickets, only standing space. Ticketmaster might list this specification when all seats are sold out.

The clue "Navy submarine head: Abbr." refers to the commanding officer of a U.S. Navy submarine. The abbreviation "CDR" stands for "Commander," which is a rank in the Navy typically responsible for leading a submarine. The use of "Abbr." signals that the answer is a shortened form.