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NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

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Across

  • The answer is DOPESLAP because it’s a slang term describing a light, playful smack to someone's head, typically given to correct momentary foolishness ("dope" referring to someone acting silly). The clue explicitly asks for a slang expression, which fits this informal, descriptive term perfectly.

  • The answer "NOAH" refers to the biblical figure Noah, who famously prepared for a massive flood by building an ark, as described in the Book of Genesis. The clue's phrase "doomsday prepper" is a playful modern term for someone who prepares for disaster, fitting Noah's story.

  • "Prognosticator's shout" refers to something a person who predicts outcomes might exclaim when their prediction is correct. "I CALLED IT" is a common phrase used to assert that the speaker correctly predicted an event, making it the perfect fit for the clue.

  • BOCCE is a suitable answer because it is a game traditionally played on a grass or dirt court. Originating in Italy, players roll balls to get as close as possible to a smaller target ball, called the "pallino," typically on such surfaces. This fits the clue perfectly.

  • The clue "Occasion to brush up together?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. “Brush up” refers to studying or reviewing. A "DATE" implies getting together socially, while "STUDY" clarifies the activity. Combined, "STUDYDATE" cleverly describes an occasion where people meet to review or learn together.

  • The answer "OUTTA" completes the title of Weird Al Yankovic's album "Straight Outta Lynwood," a parody reference to the iconic rap album "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A. "Outta" is colloquial for "out of," fitting the parody style of Weird Al's humor.

  • The clue "Attention magnet, say" hints at someone who naturally draws public interest or media focus. "CELEB," short for celebrity, fits as they often garner extensive attention due to their fame and public presence. The word "say" suggests an example, aligning well with "CELEB" as a representation of such attention magnets.

  • The term "regnant" means reigning or ruling as a monarch. Queen Elizabeth II was a reigning queen (queen regnant), holding sovereign power. Queen Camilla, however, is a queen consort, the spouse of a reigning king, and does not hold sovereign authority, distinguishing her from Elizabeth.

  • The clue "Deal with The Devil?" uses wordplay. "Deal" hints at cards, and "The Devil" refers to a tarot card symbolizing temptation or challenges. TAROT cards are often associated with mystical or "devilish" interpretations, making it a fitting pun-based answer for the clue.

  • The answer "LATESHOW" fits because it refers to television programs like "The Late Show," which explicitly include "late" (a time of day) in their title, indicating they air during late-night hours. The clue cleverly hints at shows known for their timing in their name.

  • "Bog" is British slang for a toilet, and "loo" is another common British term for the same. Since the clue uses "Brit's," it signals a British-specific term. Both words are informal synonyms for a restroom, making LOO the correct answer.

  • The answer "EBAY" fits because eBay is a widely recognized global online marketplace where users can buy and sell goods in an auction-style format, making it a "global auction house." The clue uses "house" metaphorically to describe the platform's role in hosting auctions worldwide.

  • The clue "Gain competitor" likely refers to popular laundry detergent brands. Gain is a well-known detergent, and its competitor is ERA, another detergent brand. This type of clue involves wordplay focusing on brand names rather than their literal meanings.

  • The clue suggests how someone might handle uncertainty about the future. "Day to day" living emphasizes focusing on immediate, manageable steps instead of worrying about the unknown. The phrasing aligns with the idea of taking life one day at a time despite unpredictability.

  • The answer is DMV because the Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards. Many DMVs allow individuals to wear religious headwear (like turbans or hijabs) in their ID photos, accommodating religious practices while still meeting photo identification requirements.

  • The answer "SAT" works because "planted oneself" metaphorically describes the act of sitting down or settling into a spot, just as one would plant themselves firmly in place. In this context, "SAT" directly captures the idea of physically sitting.

  • The answer "SKINTAG" fits the clue "Harmless growth" because a skin tag is a small, benign growth of skin that is not harmful or dangerous. It is typically soft, flesh-colored, and commonly found in areas where skin rubs together. This ties perfectly to the clue's description.

  • The answer is RAE because Issa Rae is the co-creator, writer, and star of the critically acclaimed TV series "Insecure." Her first and last name are often associated with the show, making RAE the correct solution. This clue directly references her role in the entertainment industry.

  • In Spanish, the suffix "ITO" is a diminutive that conveys smallness or affection. For example, "gato" (cat) becomes "gatito" (little cat). The clue specifies "Spanish" and "suffix," making "ITO" the accurate solution.

  • ATELOCAL fits because eating locally produced food reduces the need for transporting refrigerated goods across long distances. This pun-based clue highlights how supporting local food systems lowers demand for climate-controlled trucking, as fewer perishables need shipping. It's a clever wordplay on "ate" (consumed) and "local" (nearby).

  • The term "on the lam" is slang for fleeing, typically from law enforcement, which aligns with "Illicit decampment." "Lam" specifically refers to escaping or being on the run, often in a criminal context, making it a perfect fit for the clue.

  • The answer is ARLO, referring to Arlo Guthrie, a renowned folk singer. In 1968, he released the live folk album "Arlo," following the success of "Alice's Restaurant." Known for his storytelling and music, this aligns with the clue pointing to a notable live folk album from that time.

  • The clue relies on wordplay. When "doo" is repeated ("doo doo"), it mimics the vocalizations often used in music, particularly basslines in doo-wop or jazz. This sound can be described as "deep," reflecting a low, resonant tone.

  • The clue "Sheer quantity of awesome" suggests a high degree of greatness or awe-inspiring quality. "Epicness" perfectly captures this idea, as "epic" denotes something grand or extraordinary, and "-ness" transforms it into a noun describing that sheer magnitude of awesomeness. It's a playful, fitting answer.

  • The clue "Slacks off" means to relax, be inactive, or waste time, aligning directly with the definition of "IDLES." To idle is to be lazy or not engaged in significant activity, making IDLES the perfect fit for this phrase-like clue.

  • The clue "Your request is denied" is in quotes, indicating it's a spoken phrase. "No can do" is a casual, idiomatic way to verbally deny a request, making it a perfect match for the clue. It's a direct and common expression in conversational English.

  • The answer "SUMAC" fits because the staghorn sumac is a specific variety of the sumac shrub. The name comes from the plant's antler-like branching pattern, resembling a stag's horns. Sumac shrubs are known for their striking appearance and culinary or ornamental uses, making this a precise match.

  • The answer "TIARA" stems from the Greek word "tiaras," which referred to the ornamental headdress worn by Persian kings. Over time, the term evolved to signify a decorative crown-like headpiece, commonly associated with royalty and ceremonial attire, making it a fitting solution for this historical clue.

  • The clue "Flash point?" uses wordplay. A “flash point” might suggest a sudden realization or insight. An AHA MOMENT refers to a sudden burst of understanding or clarity, like a metaphorical "lightbulb moment." The pun connects this aha insight to the idea of a "flash."

  • The clue specifies "in German," meaning the answer must be in German. "Heavenly figure" refers to an angel. In German, the word for angel is "Engel." Thus, the answer "ENGEL" directly translates to "angel," fitting both the heavenly and linguistic aspects of the clue.

  • The clue is a playful pun. A polar bear lives in icy habitats and can hunt and store food in freezing conditions, essentially "putting a meal on ice." The metaphor and wordplay connect the freezing environment to the bear's ability to "chill" its meal.

  • The clue "Brood" uses a double meaning. "Brood" can refer to both a group (like young offspring) and the act of dwelling on something emotionally. "Stew" captures the latter meaning as it describes being deep in thought or worry, often synonymous with brooding.

  • The answer "TEETOTAL" relates to abstaining completely, especially from alcohol. The puzzle’s black squares visually resemble "T"s in "TEE," and "TOTAL" signifies complete abstinence. Together, they form "TEETOTAL," cleverly tying the theme to the visual hint in the puzzle layout.

Down

  • In geometry, a "DISC" refers to the region of a plane enclosed within a circle, including all the points inside the circle's boundary. This aligns with the clue, as the term describes the area bounded by the circle, not just its circumference.

  • The answer "OCTET" refers to the number of legs a scorpion has. Scorpions are arachnids, which possess eight legs. An octet is a group of eight, making this term a fitting representation of the scorpion's leg count.

  • The answer is PAULA because Paula Abdul is a famous singer whose debut album, Forever Your Girl, and her follow-up album, Spellbound, both reached #1 on the charts. The clue references her full name and her notable musical achievements to identify her.

  • The clue "Getting on" refers to aging or advancing in years, often described as becoming "elderly." "Getting on" is a common phrase used to denote growing older, making ELDERLY the fitting solution.

  • The clue "Shifty type?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Shifty" suggests someone cunning or tricky, and "type" hints at a personality trait. SLYBOOTS is a playful, old-fashioned term for a clever, sneaky person—perfectly fitting the described "shifty type."

  • In this clue, "Was up" uses wordplay. "Was up" relates to leading or guiding, as in being ahead or leading others. The past tense of "lead" is "led," matching the tense of "was." Thus, "LED" is the correct answer.

  • The answer "ADA" refers to Ada Lovelace, a 19th-century mathematician considered the first computer programmer. She worked on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine and wrote what is recognized as the first algorithm intended for a machine, making her a pioneering figure in computing history.

  • A drupe is a type of fruit, like a cherry or peach, characterized by a fleshy exterior surrounding a hard, stone-like center. This hard center, which contains the seed, is called a "pit." The clue directly references this central part, making "PIT" the correct answer.

  • The clue "Meat and potatoes, e.g." uses wordplay, hinting at their grammatical function. "Meat" and "potatoes" are concrete things, which makes them nouns—a part of speech referring to people, places, things, or ideas. This is a play on their linguistic nature, not food literalness!

  • In Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a "D8" is an eight-sided die used during gameplay. The geometric term for an eight-faced polyhedron is "octahedron." The plural form, "octahedra," fits the "pieces" reference, as multiple D8 dice are often used in D&D.

  • The clue, in quotation marks, signals a spoken phrase or common expression. "Don't attract attention to yourself" suggests behaving inconspicuously or typically, which aligns directly with the phrase "ACT NORMAL" — advice often given to blend in or avoid notice.

  • The answer "HEATWAVE" fits because during extreme heat, squirrels "sploot" (stretch out flat on cool surfaces) to regulate body temperature. The clue's whimsical tone and "thermoregulate" hint at hot weather phenomena like a heatwave when this behavior is common.

  • A TERABYTE is a digital storage unit equal to 1 trillion bytes. The clue “Extra-large storage unit” refers to something massive in terms of data storage capacity, making TERABYTE the fitting answer as it’s commonly used to measure substantial amounts of digital data.

  • "BOGEY" is a term from golf, meaning completing a hole in one stroke over par. Colloquially, solving Wordle in five guesses is akin to just barely meeting the goal—"par" being four guesses in this analogy. The wordplay connects golf and Wordle performance.

  • The clue "H, to the Hellenes" refers to the Greek alphabet, as "Hellenes" means Greeks. In the Greek alphabet, the letter "H" corresponds to "Eta" (Η, η). Hence, the answer is ETA. It’s a direct connection to Greek linguistic traditions.

  • The clue "Stole" directly translates to the past tense of "steal." The answer TOOK fits as it is the past-tense verb that means to take something without permission, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning. It's a straightforward synonym match.

  • The clue "Rough digs" uses "digs" as a slang term for living quarters. "Rough" suggests something basic or improvised. A LEAN-TO is a rudimentary shelter made of a slanted roof leaning against a structure, matching the idea of simple, rough accommodations.

  • The answer "DATAPOINT" fits because a trend line in statistics or graphing is created by plotting individual data points. Each "point" on the trend line represents one piece of data, making "DATAPOINT" one of many that form the trend line.

  • The ATOMICAGE refers to the period after the development and use of nuclear weapons in the 1940s, marked by nuclear arms races and Cold War tensions. "Dr. Strangelove," a satirical film, critiques the paranoia and absurdities of this era, particularly its focus on nuclear war risks.

  • The answer "DIALSOAP" fits because Dial Soap was introduced in 1948 as the first antibacterial soap. Known for its germ-fighting properties, it revolutionized household hygiene and remains a well-recognized product. The clue's reference to the launch year matches Dial Soap's debut, confirming it as the correct solution.

  • The clue "Sometimes" has two of them plays on wordplay. The word "sometimes" contains two instances of the letter "S," which phonetically sounds like "ess," linking to the answer SILENTES. "Silentes" cleverly hints at silence or the "S" sounds in "sometimes."

  • ALDI is a German-based supermarket chain well-known for its budget-friendly pricing. Founded in Germany, it has expanded globally, including about 2,500 stores in the U.S. The clue directly specifies "German-based supermarket" and its U.S. presence, making ALDI the straightforward answer.

  • The phrase "good sort" is informal slang, primarily used in British and Australian English, to describe someone of good character—friendly, kind, and respectful. The clue directly aligns with this definition, making GOODSORT the fitting solution.

  • The answer "COLUMBO" fits because it was a popular 1970s TV series centered on a detective solving crimes by uncovering "how" they were committed. Unlike traditional whodunits, "Columbo" revealed the culprit early and focused on the detective's methodical unraveling of the case—making it a quintessential "howcatchem."

  • The clue "Log" has a historical or record-keeping connotation. An ANNAL refers to a record of events year by year, often used to describe historical logs or chronicles. Thus, "ANNAL" fits perfectly as it represents a written log of events.

  • RED is the answer because scientific studies show that after black and white, babies begin to perceive the color red first. Their color vision develops gradually, and red, due to its longer wavelength and higher contrast, is among the easiest colors for their developing eyes to detect.

  • The answer is CAREW because Rod Carew, a legendary MLB player, excelled as a hitter during his career, particularly in the American League (A.L.). The A.L. batting title award is named after him in honor of his extraordinary achievements at the plate, including seven batting titles.

  • The answer "EMEET" combines "E-" (commonly referencing electronic or virtual interactions) with "meet," aligning perfectly with the clue "Become acquainted virtually." It reflects the concept of meeting someone online or through virtual means, making it the fitting solution.

  • SANAA is the capital of Yemen, located near the Sarawat Mountains, which extend through western Yemen. This geographical proximity makes SANAA the correct answer, as it is the only world capital fitting the clue's description.

  • The answer is CTRL because on most PCs, reboot shortcuts involve pressing CTRL, ALT, and DEL keys simultaneously. These three keys are commonly referred to in this context, making CTRL one of the keys crucial for initiating a reboot process.

  • The clue "Sizzling" directly describes something extremely hot or heated, often referring to high temperatures or something exciting. "Hot" perfectly matches this definition both literally (high heat) and figuratively (exciting or intense), making it the ideal solution.

  • The clue references 59-Across, which may indicate a legal drinking age or related restriction. "Ale," an alcoholic beverage, is off-limits if you are underage or not permitted to drink, as defined in 59-Across. The answer connects with the broader theme of restrictions on alcohol.

  • The answer is MAE because the clue references Mae West, a famous actress and writer known for her witty, double entendre-laden quotes. This particular line exemplifies her iconic humor and bold personality, making her the logical and precise answer to the clue.

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