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Hole-___ (singular feat) - NYT The Crossword Clue

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Across

  • The solution is ALBUS because Albus Dumbledore is the well-known headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling. The clue directly references his full name, where "Albus" is his first name.

  • The clue "Province" refers to a region or territory within a country, which can also be described as an "AREA" of land. "Area" is a general term that aligns with the meaning of province as a specific geographic or administrative zone.

  • The answer "APED" fits "Followed move-for-move" because "aped" means to imitate or mimic someone closely, often copying their actions exactly. This definition aligns with the clue, as it directly implies a precise replication of moves or behavior.

  • The answer is ISUZU because Isuzu is a well-known Japanese automaker, and its name comes from the Isuzu River in Japan. This connection directly ties the company to the clue's "named for a river" description, making ISUZU the accurate solution.

  • The clue "Ground transportation option" refers to a mode of transport used on land. A "TAXI" is a vehicle for hire that operates on roads, making it a perfect fit for the clue. It's a common and straightforward ground transport choice globally, aligning with the clue.

  • The clue "Ripped" directly relates to the past tense of tearing something apart, as "ripped" can mean "tore" in the past tense. Both words describe similar actions of forcefully pulling or splitting. Therefore, the answer "TORE" is an appropriate match for this clue.

  • The clue uses wordplay, as A, B, and C are the first three letters in the musical scale (A, B, C…), while X, Y, and Z are not part of it. Thus, the answer, MUSIC NOTES, refers to the letters used to name musical tones.

  • Bengali and Burmese are languages primarily spoken in regions of Asia—Bengali in Bangladesh and parts of India, and Burmese in Myanmar. The clue refers to the continent where these languages are used, making "ASIA" the correct answer.

  • The word "SKIMS" means to lightly or barely touch the surface of something, like a stone skimming over water. Similarly, "barely scrapes the surface" metaphorically refers to only touching or addressing something in a minimal or superficial way, making SKIMS a fitting match.

  • The phrase "Bore up" means to endure or withstand something over time. "LASTED" fits as the answer because it conveys the idea of enduring or persisting, which aligns with the meaning of the clue. It implies successfully bearing through difficulties.

  • In this clue, "Persistently bother, with 'at'," the verb "nag" typically means to pester or bother repeatedly, often with complaints or demands. When paired with "at" (e.g., "nag at"), it emphasizes the persistent aspect of the bothering, fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The answer is ALI because Ali Wong is a well-known actress and comedian who stars in the Netflix series "Beef." The clue directly refers to her by name and her role in this series, making ALI the fitting solution.

  • The answer "ETTA" refers to Etta James, a legendary jazz, blues, and soul singer renowned for iconic songs like "At Last." The clue directly references her last name, James, linking it to her prominence in jazz music history. This makes ETTA the fitting solution.

  • The term "ham-handed" describes someone clumsy, awkward, or lacking skill. Similarly, the word "INEPT" means lacking competence, skill, or ability, making it a perfect synonym. The clue directly points to this shared meaning. This is a straightforward definition-based clue.

  • The answer "CSI" refers to the iconic CBS forensic drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which aired from 2000-2015. It focused on forensic science to solve crimes, fitting the "forensic drama" description. "Onetime" indicates the show is no longer running, making "CSI" the precise solution.

  • The answer is EELS because this quote is from a witty Ogden Nash poem that humorously critiques eels. He suggests he tolerates their existence but dislikes eating them ("Except as meals") and their slimy texture ("And the way they feels"). Nash's playful rhyme points directly to eels.

  • ETNA is the correct answer because Mount Etna, located on the island of Sicily, is one of the most famous and active volcanoes in the world. As a prominent natural landmark in Sicily, it is a frequent answer to clues referring to iconic Sicilian geography.

  • The clue "Seyfried of 'Mean Girls'" refers to Amanda Seyfried, an actress who played Karen Smith, a key character in the popular 2004 movie Mean Girls. Her first name, Amanda, is the solution. This is a straightforward name-based trivia clue.

  • The clue “Tragic ending?” hints at the final letter of the word “tragic,” which is C — and the clue's question mark signals wordplay. Instead of a sad finale, it’s asking literally for the ending letter, spelled out: CEE.

  • The clue uses wordplay: "He" and "I" are chemical symbols for helium (He) and iodine (I), respectively. However, "she" and "you" don't correspond to valid chemical symbols. This makes the answer CHEMICALSYMBOLS, as it cleverly highlights the difference through elements' abbreviations.

  • The suffix "EER" can be added to "rocket" to form "rocketeer," which refers to someone involved with rockets, such as a pilot or enthusiast. The clue hints at a grammatical pairing, where "EER" transforms "rocket" into a related noun. This is a common suffix for professions or roles.

  • The "Highlands cryptid" refers to the Loch Ness Monster, a legendary creature said to inhabit Scotland's Loch Ness in the Highlands. "Affectionately" hints at its nickname, Nessie, a term of endearment often used for this mythical creature. This is why NESSIE fits the clue perfectly!

  • The answer "ODES" fits because odes are a type of lyrical poem traditionally used to express admiration, praise, or devotion. The word "praiseful" in the clue directly aligns with the purpose of odes, making it the perfect solution.

  • The MAKO shark is renowned for being one of the fastest sharks, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 mph. It matches the clue perfectly as it directly describes a "Fast-swimming shark." The answer leverages factual knowledge about the species, fitting the straightforward clue.

  • The clue "Disappointing" directly connects to the emotional response of feeling "SAD." Sadness is often triggered by disappointing situations, making "SAD" a succinct and accurate answer to the clue. There's no wordplay or added complexity here, just a simple synonym match.

  • In Disney's The Lion King, the hyenas, Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, are the villainous animals that align with the antagonist Scar. They take part in his schemes, causing chaos. The clue directly references these characters, making "HYENA" the correct answer.

  • The answer "TINT" fits the clue "Add color to" because to tint something means to slightly add color to it, usually by applying a lighter or subtle shade. This aligns with the straightforward meaning of the clue, which asks for a term describing adding color.

  • The clue "She's a woolly one" refers to a female sheep, which is called an EWE. "Woolly" hints at sheep, as they produce wool, and "she's" specifies the female gender, making EWE the correct answer.

  • The clue "What ___ you?" appears in quotes, signaling a conversational or spoken phrase. The answer is "SAY" because it completes the common query "What SAY you?", often used to ask someone's opinion or judgment in a formal or rhetorical context.

  • The clue "Beats me!" is in quotes, signaling it represents a commonly spoken phrase. When someone says "Beats me!", they mean they have no clue or understanding about something. The phrase perfectly aligns with the answer NOIDEA, which expresses a lack of knowledge or certainty.

  • The clue "Toss from the game" suggests removing someone or something from play, often forcefully or decisively. "EJECT" fits perfectly as it means to expel or remove, commonly used in sports when a player is removed from the game for misconduct or violating rules.

  • The clue "That's my cue!" is spoken in tone, indicating a response or declaration. "IMON" works as a conversational phrase, short for "I'm on (it)," signaling readiness or acknowledgment to take action upon a cue. This aligns with the context of the clue.

  • The clue "A+ and B-, but not F" refers to specific blood types (e.g., A+, B-). Blood types include A, B, AB, and O with Rh factors (+/-). However, there’s no "F" blood type, making BLOODTYPES the fitting answer for this clever wordplay.

  • The clue "Forgetful actor's request" signals wordplay. When actors forget their dialogue during a performance, they typically request the prompter to feed them their "LINE." Hence, the answer is LINE, referencing a common theater term.

  • The answer is LINK because a "link" is a fundamental component of a chain, connecting individual parts together to form the whole. This fits both the literal meaning of a physical chain and the metaphorical use of "chain" as a series of interconnected elements.

  • The answer is IRISH because Irish coffee is a well-known whiskey-based drink made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. The blank in the clue indicates the missing descriptor "Irish," which refers to the origin of the whiskey in this cocktail.

  • The answer is ETSY because it is a well-known online marketplace where people buy and sell handmade, vintage, or craft-related items. The word "crafty" in the clue hints at its focus on crafts and handmade goods, making ETSY the perfect fit for this solution.

  • The clue quotes lines from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The phrase "___ the Puck a liar call" logically completes with "Else," as Puck warns of consequences ("Else") if his honesty is doubted. It aligns with the style of Shakespearean diction and context.

  • The clue "Day's harvest, for a fisher" refers to what a fisher gathers during a day's work. "Harvest" suggests collecting or capturing, and for fishers, this would be their "CATCH"—the fish or seafood they have caught during the day. It directly ties to fishing terminology.

Down

  • The answer "AIM" works because "objective" means a goal or purpose, which aligns with the definition of "aim"—a target or objective one strives to achieve. Both terms convey a similar sense of intention or direction.

  • LSU stands for Louisiana State University, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Baton Rouge sits along the Mississippi River, making LSU a school ("Sch.") on the banks of the Mississippi. This geographical connection directly links the clue to the answer.

  • The answer "BUS" fits because it directly refers to a common mode of ground transportation. A bus operates on roads, moving people efficiently between locations, making it an apt solution for the straightforward clue "Ground transportation option." No wordplay or hidden meaning is involved here.

  • The answer "UZIS" refers to compact submachine guns used by military forces, including commandos, due to their lightweight design and effectiveness in close combat situations. The clue "Commando weapons" directly hints at such special forces weapons, with "UZIS" being a well-known example fitting the context.

  • The clue "Perform dreadfully, so to speak" signals wordplay with "so to speak" indicating a colloquial phrase. To "suck at" something is slang for performing poorly or dreadfully at it. The phrasing fits the clue’s playful tone, making SUCKAT the apt answer.

  • The atomic mass of an atom is approximately equal to the sum of its protons and neutrons, as these particles contribute most of the atom's mass. Electrons are much lighter and don’t significantly affect this value, making ATOMICMASS the fitting answer to the clue.

  • The clue "Aw, phooey!" is in quotes, signaling that the answer is a common spoken expression of frustration or disappointment. "RATS" is a slang exclamation used in similar situations, making it the perfect match for this clue.

  • The answer "EXE" refers to the file extension for executable files on PCs. These files contain programs that run when opened. The clue specifies "PC file extension," directly pointing to EXE, as it's a common and recognized format for executable programs in the Windows operating system.

  • The answer "AISLE" refers to the literal physical divide between seats in Congress and the metaphorical divide between political parties, often described as "across the aisle." This double meaning connects the literal space and the ideological split, perfectly fitting the clue’s wordplay.

  • The clue "Just the slightest bit" suggests a minimal amount. "A taste" can figuratively mean a small sample or a tiny amount of something, matching the clue's meaning. It’s a commonly used phrase to indicate "a little bit," making ATASTE an apt solution here.

  • The answer is POSTALCODES because MA (Massachusetts) and MS (Mississippi) are U.S. state abbreviations used in postal codes, while BA and BS are not recognized as state postal codes, which makes this a playful wordplay clue.

  • The ERIE Canal is referenced in the folk song "Low Bridge, Everybody Down," which highlights the canal's low bridges requiring travelers to duck. The clue’s phrasing and quotes directly allude to this famous canal and song, making ERIE the fitting answer.

  • The clue "Out of juice" uses wordplay, hinting at being no longer powered or functional, like a device after its battery dies. "DEAD" is a term often used to describe something with no power, effectively "out of juice."

  • The clue "Zilch" refers to the concept of "nothing" or "zero." "Nil" is a synonym for zero or nothing, often used in contexts like sports scores or general expressions. Therefore, NIL is the correct and fitting answer for this clue.

  • The answer "ATEAM" refers to the top-tier or best team in any context, often referred to as the "starting squad" in sports or tasks. "A" denotes top quality, and "TEAM" fits with "squad," making this the perfect fit for the clue.

  • The clue "Many a godchild" points to a common relationship godparents have to their godchild. A godchild is often also their NIECE (female child of a sibling) because godparents are frequently chosen from close family, like aunts and uncles. Thus, NIECE fits perfectly.

  • The clue “Something to stand for” hints at an item or concept that prompts standing out of respect or tradition. The answer, ANTHEM, refers to a national or ceremonial song, which people often stand for during its performance, symbolizing respect and unity.

  • The clue plays on the fact that X, Y, and Z are often used to describe generations (Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z), while A, B, and C are not associated with generational labels. Thus, the answer is "GENERATIONS," as it refers to the grouping of people by age cohorts.

  • The answer is PAM because Pam Beesly is a main character from the popular TV show "The Office." She is known as the receptionist and later office administrator at Dunder Mifflin, making her a recognizable role in the series.

  • The clue "Taco topper" refers to a common ingredient or garnish used on tacos. SALSA, a flavorful sauce made with ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and peppers, is widely used as a topping to enhance the taste of tacos, making it the perfect answer to this clue.

  • The clue uses wordplay with "only some of us will get," implying exclusivity or shared knowledge among a specific group. An "INSIDE JOKE" is understood only by people who share certain experiences or context, perfectly fitting the clue's hint of limited understanding.

  • The clue "Pop star Gomez" refers to Selena Gomez, a widely known singer, actress, and producer. She is a prominent figure in pop music and entertainment, making her first name, "Selena," the fitting answer to this clue. The clue directly points to her fame.

  • The answer "ACE" fits "Top gun" because an ace is a highly skilled pilot, particularly one with multiple aerial combat victories. "Top gun" references elite pilots, aligning perfectly with the term "ace" as someone who is exceptional in flying or shooting.

  • The answer is DYE because "DYE" is hidden within the phrase "turned yellow" (turned yellow). Additionally, it's an apt solution since dye is used to change the color of something, fitting the idea of "turning yellow." A clever wordplay on both placement and meaning!

  • The clue "Writing assignment" directly suggests a common task involving writing, often completed in school or academic settings. An "ESSAY" is a written composition on a particular subject, making it the perfect fit for this straightforward, descriptive clue.

  • The clue "Hole-___ (singular feat)" refers to "hole-in-one," a term used in golf when a player gets the ball in the hole with a single stroke—a remarkable singular feat. Thus, the answer is INONE, completing the phrase accurately.

  • The clue "Whew!" in quotes signals a spoken expression. "Boy" is often used as an exclamation of relief or amazement, matching the emotional tone of "Whew!" in casual speech. Hence, BOY is the answer.

  • The solution is KIDNEY because it is a vital organ in the human body that has a very distinctive, bean-like shape. This unique shape makes it easily recognizable and aligns perfectly with the clue’s description of an "organ with a distinctive shape."

  • The answer "HECTIC" fits because it directly describes a state of being overwhelmingly busy, characterized by constant activity, chaos, or pressure. It matches the clue perfectly as a one-word synonym for this nonstop, frantic pace often associated with being overly occupied or hurried.

  • In parliamentary or formal settings, to "table" something means to postpone or delay its discussion or action temporarily. Thus, "Postpone for now" matches with TABLE as the solution, reflecting this specific usage of the word.

  • The clue "Exchanged rings with" refers to the act of getting married, which involves a ceremony where rings are exchanged. The word "WED" is synonymous with getting married, making it the concise and perfect answer for this clue.

  • The NILE is the correct answer because it's a major river flowing through Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. In fact, the Blue Nile and White Nile converge in Khartoum, making it geographically accurate and well-known, linking the clue "River through Khartoum" directly to NILE.

  • The answer "OMIT" fits the clue "Leave out" because "omit" means to exclude or leave something out intentionally or accidentally. It is a direct synonym and shares the same definition, making it a straightforward and precise solution for this clue.

  • The clue "A seeming eternity" refers to an extremely long period of time. "Eons" are vast, indefinite amounts of time, often used to describe something that feels endless, matching the clue's description of a seemingly eternal span.

  • The answer is TYRA because Tyra Banks is the creator and host of the popular reality TV show "America's Next Top Model." The clue refers to her last name, "Banks," which directly points to Tyra as the correct solution.

  • The answer "LIL" refers to the stage name of the artist Lil Nas X, a famous rapper and singer known for hits like "Old Town Road." The clue directly points to his name, with "___" prompting the missing part: "Lil."

  • The clue "Place to retire?" with a question mark indicates wordplay or a pun. "Retire" here plays on "retire a car during a race," and a racecar might "retire" to the "pit" area for repairs or fuel. Thus, the answer is PIT.

  • The answer "ESC" refers to the "Escape" key on a keyboard, which is often located in the corner (top-left). The clue plays on the literal placement of the key, making "corner keyboard key" a straightforward description.

  • The clue "Keep it down!" ends with an exclamation and is in quotes, signaling a verbal action or sound. "SHH" is a commonly used sound to quiet someone or request silence—perfectly aligning with the idea of keeping noise levels down.

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Hole-___ (singular feat) Answer Explained

The answer is INONE.

“Hole-blank” is clearly setting up a familiar compound phrase. In golf, a hole-in-one is when a player sinks the ball in the cup with a single stroke, an incredibly rare and impressive achievement. The clue’s parenthetical, “(singular feat),” is a nice bit of wordplay: “singular” not just meaning unique or remarkable, but literally “one.” So we’re looking for the phrase IN ONE, to complete “Hole-in-one.” It’s a clue that works on two levels: the surface reference to golf, and the meta reference to “a feat done in one,” which reinforces the cleverness of the fill.

Now that you've cracked the 41D Hole-___ (singular feat) 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

Joseph Gangi’s fourth puzzle offers a clever, satisfying midweek challenge built around a non-obvious theme: "this, but not that" logic. The apparent contrasts in the clues—A, B and C, but not X, Y and Z—are delightful misdirects that demand solvers look deeper. The answers—MUSICAL NOTES, CHEMICAL SYMBOLS, BLOOD TYPES, GENERATIONS, and POSTAL CODES—reveal categories defined not by surface similarity but by underlying systems of classification. It’s a rare theme that’s simultaneously brainy, playful, and elegant without needing a revealer. The fill is clean, the clues are fair, and the “aha” moments are plentiful. A true crossword treat.

Here’s what caught our attention today:

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