"You think that hunk of junk'll pass inspection? Please!"? - NYT The Crossword Clue

The clue "One always cooking up new ideas?" features a pun, as indicated by the question mark. A CHEF literally cooks, but figuratively, they are also creative, constantly crafting new culinary ideas or recipes, aligning perfectly with "cooking up new ideas" in the clue.

The clue "Ritzy" refers to something luxurious or elegant. "LUXE" is a French-origin word meaning luxury or sumptuousness, often used in English to describe high-end, fancy items or experiences. Its meaning aligns perfectly with the idea of ritzy or opulent.

The clue "That's my cue" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "I'm on" (IMON) is a common expression someone might say when they're ready to start or take over, equating to recognizing their "cue" to step in.

The clue refers to forms of compensation that aren't directly monetary, like stock options. These are considered "NONCASH" because they don't involve immediate cash payments but instead provide other financial benefits or assets. This aligns with the term used in finance and employment contexts.

The clue "Revegetation, e.g." refers to the process of restoring greenery or plant life to an area. "Greening" specifically describes the act of making something green again, through planting or environmental restoration. It's a fitting synonym for "revegetation," making GREENING the correct answer.

The answer "SLR" refers to "Single-Lens Reflex," a type of camera known for its high-quality photography. Canon, a prominent camera brand, offers several SLR models. The clue says "in brief," signaling an abbreviation, and "option" hints at a product line from Canon. Hence, SLR fits perfectly.

The clue “They may be Thai or chai” refers to types of teas. Thai tea is a sweet and creamy beverage often served cold, while chai refers to spiced tea, particularly popular in Indian cuisine. The common link between Thai and chai is that both are varieties of tea.

The answer is OSTER because it is a well-known brand that manufactures kitchen appliances like blenders and food processors, directly competing with Cuisinart. Both brands are popular in the home appliance market, making OSTER a fitting solution for the clue "Cuisinart competitor."

The answer is BIGGIE SMALLS, the stage name of rapper Christopher Wallace (also known as The Notorious B.I.G.). The name is oxymoronic as "Biggie" suggests something large and "Smalls" suggests something small—a playful contradiction fitting the clue's wordplay.

The answer "ANG" refers to Ang Lee, a renowned film director known for movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Life of Pi, and Brokeback Mountain. The clue directly points to his last name, as "Director Lee" specifies a singular, famous individual in the film industry.

The answer "RVER" is short for "river traveler" or "river runner." This refers to someone traveling via a river—like in a canoe, kayak, or raft—who often camps along the way, eliminating the need for hotels. The clue's brevity hints at the abbreviation.

The answer is NINA because it refers to one of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus on his 1492 voyage to the Americas. The Niña, along with the Pinta and the Santa María, is iconic as a Columbian caravel—a small, fast ship used by explorers.

The clue "I'm your guy" is in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "Use me" is a way of volunteering oneself for a task, essentially saying "I'm the one you need." It’s a direct and conversational way of expressing availability or readiness to help.

"MIRED" is the solution because it means being stuck or entangled, often in mud or a difficult situation—figuratively or literally. The clue "Bogged down" directly parallels this idea, as "bogged down" suggests being trapped or hindered, much like being stuck in a mire (mud).

The clue ___-right (political category) refers to the term "alt-right," short for "alternative right." This describes a far-right political and ideological movement. "Alt" completes the phrase as it's the common shorthand used to represent this political category.

The clue "Twice tres" involves basic arithmetic in Spanish. "Tres" means "three" in Spanish, and "twice" indicates multiplication by two. So, 3 × 2 = 6. In Spanish, "six" is "seis," making SEIS the correct answer.

The answer "AMOK" is synonymous with "out of control" as the phrase "run amok" describes someone acting in a wildly chaotic or uncontrollable manner. This term originates from Malay, denoting a frenzied, violent behavior, which matches the clue's context.

The clue "Nail salon request, familiarly" suggests a casual or shortened term for a common service. "Mani" is a familiar and informal abbreviation for "manicure," a service often requested at nail salons. This fits the context and tone of the clue perfectly.

INXS is the solution because they were a globally successful Australian rock band in the 1980s. Known for hits like "Need You Tonight" and "Never Tear Us Apart," their record sales earned them a place among Australia’s all-time best-selling groups, fitting the clue perfectly.

Quartz is primarily composed of silicon dioxide, which is also known as silica. This mineral compound is a major component of sand and is formed from silicon and oxygen. The clue directly refers to the chemical makeup of quartz, making SILICA the correct answer.

The clue "Cast out" directly means to expel, exile, or force someone or something to leave—a perfect match for the word "BANISH." Both terms convey the idea of driving away or forbidding presence, often in a permanent or formal sense.

The clue says "When doubled," implying the answer forms a repeated phrase. Saying "Night, night" is a common, informal way to wish someone "Sleep well." Thus, the single word "NIGHT," when doubled, fits perfectly as the solution.

The answer "ITOO" comes from Langston Hughes' powerful poem "I, Too, Sing America." This poem challenges racial inequality, with "I, too" expressing the speaker's assertion of belonging and worth in America. The blank in the clue represents this pivotal declaration, making "ITOO" the fitting answer.

The answer DATA fits the clue "Word with mine or dump" because "data mining" refers to analyzing large datasets to find patterns, and "data dump" describes transferring or releasing large amounts of information. Both phrases are commonly used in technology contexts, linking "data" to "mine" and "dump."

The clue “___ the Town (punny fast-food restaurant name)” uses wordplay. The phrase "Talk of the Town" is humorously reimagined with "Taco," a fast-food staple, creating the pun "Taco the Town." This playful twist makes TACO the fitting answer.

The clue uses "perhaps," hinting at a non-literal interpretation. Vacation package offerers often include resorts, which provide accommodations, activities, and amenities bundled together. A resort is a common type of destination included in vacation packages, fitting the clue perfectly.

The clue "Visionary?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Visionary" relates to sight or seeing, and "ocular" pertains to the eyes or vision. The pun here connects the literal sense of eyesight (ocular) with the figurative idea of a "visionary." Thus, OCULAR fits perfectly.

The clue "Lot unit" refers to a standard measurement often used for land or property. An ACRE is a common unit of land area, typically used to measure lots, making it the correct answer.

The prefix "TRI-" means three, and when combined with "angular," it forms "triangular," describing a shape with three angles or sides. Therefore, "TRI" is the correct and logical prefix here.

The clue "D.C. 100: Abbr." references politics in Washington, D.C. The "100" refers to the 100 members of the U.S. Senate, and "Abbr." signals an abbreviated answer. Therefore, SENS is short for "Senators," fitting the context perfectly.

In Disney's "Fantasia," Mickey Mouse plays the role of the Sorcerer's Apprentice, and his boss is the powerful SORCERER, named Yen Sid. The Sorcerer commands magical powers and oversees Mickey as he creates chaos attempting to use magic without permission, fitting the clue perfectly.

The phrase "Whale of a tale" hints at a grand, lengthy story. A saga refers to an epic, often dramatic narrative, fitting the description. The pun "Whale" also subtly nods to famous literary sagas like Moby-Dick, a whale-centric epic tale. Hence, SAGA perfectly suits the clue.

The clue "Géorgie, par exemple" is in French, signaling the answer will also be in French. "Géorgie" translates to "Georgia," which is a U.S. state. In French, "state" is "État." Thus, the answer is ETAT.

The answer "SSNS" stands for Social Security Numbers. Identity thieves commonly seek Social Security Numbers to steal personal information and commit fraud. The clue includes "in brief," indicating an abbreviation, which fits SSNS as the shortened form of Social Security Numbers.

The clue "The pyramids, essentially" directly refers to their primary purpose. The ancient Egyptian pyramids, like those at Giza, were designed as grand burial structures for pharaohs and elites, essentially serving as TOMBS. This aligns with their historical and functional significance.

The clue "Stimpy's TV pal" refers to the animated series The Ren & Stimpy Show, which features two main characters: Ren Höek, a neurotic chihuahua, and Stimpy, a dim-witted cat. As Ren is Stimpy's counterpart and frequent companion, the correct answer is REN.

The clue "Rookies" is a playful reference to newcomers or beginners. "NEWBS" is slang for "newbies," which is an informal term for rookies or someone inexperienced in a particular activity. The informal tone of the term matches the casual nature of the clue.

The clue "Bond's man?" with a question mark signals wordplay. It refers to James Bond, the iconic spy, and his most recent portrayer, Daniel Craig. The "man" here represents the actor playing Bond, hence the answer is CRAIG.

The clue refers to Luke Skywalker, a character from Star Wars. His primary skill, taught by Jedi Masters like Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, is mastering "The Force," a mystical energy field used for telekinesis, mind control, and heightened abilities. Thus, "THEFORCE" is the fitting answer.

The clue "Texter's gasp" hints at a short, expressive reaction often used in texting. "OMG" stands for "Oh My God" and is a commonly typed exclamation conveying shock, surprise, or excitement — a "gasp" in text form. Its brevity fits texting language perfectly.

The answer is LUAU because a luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast that often features kalua pig, a whole pig cooked in an underground oven called an imu. The clue directly refers to this iconic Hawaiian celebration, making LUAU the correct solution.

The clue "Skedaddles" means to leave quickly or depart in a hurry. "GOES" fits as it refers to the act of leaving or going away, aligning with the meaning of "skedaddles." Both are simple, informal expressions for the same action.

"Mer" is French for "sea," and "Mer de Glace" translates to "Sea of Ice," which is the name of a well-known glacier in the French Alps. The foreign-language context in the clue signals that the answer is in French.

The clue "Fr. holy women" includes "Fr.," a common abbreviation for French, indicating the answer will be in French. "Holy women" refers to saints, and the French plural for "saints" (feminine form) is "Saintes," abbreviated as STES. Hence, STES is the correct solution.

The answer "CLOUTCHASING" fits because it’s a modern slang term describing someone seeking attention, influence, or fame, often on social media. "Clout" refers to influence or power, and "chasing" suggests a desperate pursuit, aligning perfectly with the clue’s description of a fame-driven pursuit in today’s context.

The answer "HEFT" fits the clue "Weight" because "heft" refers to the heaviness or bulk of something, essentially its weight. Additionally, the word can also mean to lift or assess the weight of an object, aligning directly with the clue's meaning.

MTV is the answer because it is a television channel that launched in 1981, pioneering the concept of "video jockeys" (VJs) who introduced and discussed music videos. MTV was instrumental in popularizing this format, making VJs a cultural phenomenon tied to music and television.

The answer "LOOFA" fits the clue "Shower scrubber" because a loofa (or loofah) is a natural or synthetic sponge-like product commonly used in showers for exfoliating and scrubbing the skin. It is a specific cleaning tool associated with personal hygiene routines in the shower.

The clue "Split" suggests a termination or breaking apart, which can align with the phrase "END IT," meaning to bring something to a conclusion or stop it. This figurative use matches the clue’s brevity and simplicity.

The clue "Mai ___" refers to the popular cocktail "Mai Tai." The blank is completed with "Tai" to form the full name of the drink, which is a tropical rum-based beverage. This is a straightforward completion of a familiar phrase.

The answer is ELAINE because Elaine Benes is a main character from the TV show Seinfeld. She is a close friend of Jerry Seinfeld, George Costanza, and Cosmo Kramer, who are the other key characters of the show, fitting the clue perfectly.

The clue "Money for your money?" indicates wordplay. Here, it refers to the fee charged by an ATM when you withdraw cash—essentially "money" you pay to access your own money. Thus, the solution is ATMFEE.

The clue "Slightest" refers to the smallest degree, amount, or extent of something. "LEAST" directly means the smallest or slightest amount, perfectly aligning with the clue's definition. There’s no wordplay in the clue, so the straightforward synonym match makes LEAST the correct answer.

The answer is ORCA because orcas, also called killer whales, are marine predators (hunters) known for their black-and-white coloration. This ties directly to the "Black-and-white hunter" clue, describing their appearance and predatory behavior.

The answer is REHM because Diane Rehm was a prominent and longtime host on NPR, known for "The Diane Rehm Show," which aired for nearly 40 years. Her work earned her recognition as a respected voice in public radio, making her synonymous with the clue.

The clue "Part of a flight" refers to a staircase, which is often called a "flight of stairs." A single section of this is a "step," making STEP the solution. It plays on the physical structure of a flight, breaking it down into its basic component.

The term "Bone-dry" describes extreme dryness or lacking moisture, just like the word "arid," which is commonly used to describe environments like deserts. "Arid" directly relates to this condition, making it the perfect fit for the clue. Both describe the absence of moisture.

LLC stands for Limited Liability Company, a common business structure in the U.S. The clue "Business entity inits." asks for an abbreviation related to a type of business organization, making "LLC" the correct choice. It provides liability protection for owners with flexible operational frameworks.

The clue "Shrill cries" describes high-pitched exclamations of fear, surprise, or alarm. The answer, EEKS, represents a common onomatopoeic expression used to depict such sounds. Its short, sharp nature fittingly captures the "shrill" quality referenced in the clue, aligning with its meaning in speech.

The answer "OKRA" fits because okra is a vegetable known for its slimy texture, especially when cooked. Its mucilaginous quality thickens dishes like gumbo, making it a quintessential "slimy veggie." The clue directly describes this characteristic, leading to the straightforward answer.

Brian Eno, a famed musician, composer, and producer, co-founded the Long Now Foundation, an organization focused on long-term thinking and planning. Known simply as Eno, he is influential in music and innovation, making "ENO" the correct answer. The clue references his notable association with this foundation.

The term "agog" means to be highly excited, eager, or filled with amazement—essentially being in a state of awe or wonder. This aligns perfectly with the clue "In awe," as both express heightened amazement or anticipation.

The clue specifies "Chamonix," a town in France, signaling the answer is in French. The French word for "chums" (friends) is "amis," making it the correct solution. This aligns with the linguistic hint embedded in the clue.

The clue "Bah, humbug!" is in quotes, signaling a spoken reaction or expression. "HARRUMPH" is an exclamation of disapproval, annoyance, or grumpiness—a fitting synonym for the dismissive tone conveyed in "Bah, humbug!" often associated with someone grumpy or disdainful, like Scrooge.

The clue "Nashville and New Orleans, for musicians" suggests places of major significance or pilgrimage for musicians. "Meccas" metaphorically refers to destinations of great importance or reverence. Both cities are iconic in music—Nashville for country and New Orleans for jazz—making them musical "Meccas."

The term "stomping ground" refers to a frequently visited or familiar place. Similarly, "haunt" can mean a location someone regularly visits or frequents. The two terms align in this sense, making HAUNT the perfect answer to the clue.

The phrase "Bringing up the rear" means being in the final position in a sequence or race. "In last" directly describes this position, as someone who is "in last" place is at the back, essentially "bringing up the rear." It matches the clue perfectly.

The clue [Yuck!] indicates a nonverbal reaction or facial expression of disgust. A "grimace" is a contorted facial expression often made in response to something unpleasant, aligning perfectly with the emotion conveyed by "Yuck!". Brackets confirm it involves an action or expression.

The answer "TOTEM" fits the clue "Sacred object" because totems are objects deeply revered in certain cultures, often representing spiritual beliefs, clan identities, or ancestral spirits. They hold symbolic and sacred significance, aligning perfectly with the clue.

The clue "Lose ground?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. "Erode" fits as it describes the gradual wearing away of land or ground over time due to natural forces, like water or wind. This matches the figurative meaning of losing ground and the pun in the clue.

In bowling, a "spare" is scored when a player knocks down all 10 pins using two attempts in a single frame. A slash ("/") on a bowling scoresheet represents a spare, making SPARE the correct answer to this clue.

The clue "Qtys." is an abbreviation for "quantities," and the answer, "AMTS," is a shortened form of "amounts," which are often used interchangeably in context. The abbreviation in the clue hints that the answer should also be abbreviated.

The clue "When repeated, a tropical fish" hints at the name of a fish that is commonly said twice. The answer "MAHI" refers to the mahi-mahi, a vibrant, tropical fish often found in warm waters. Repeating "Mahi" forms its full name, fitting the clue perfectly.

The clue "___ rock (genre for Pink Floyd and Dream Theater, familiarly)" refers to progressive rock, often shortened to "prog." Prog rock is characterized by complex compositions and experimental elements, and both Pink Floyd and Dream Theater are iconic bands associated with this genre. The answer is PROG.

The answer "MIMI" works as a playful pun. A narcissist is self-focused, often saying "me, me," which sounds like "Mimi." The clue's question mark signals wordplay, and the name "Mimi" cleverly reflects the narcissistic "me" repetition in a lighthearted way.

The clue "Release" corresponds to EMIT because "emit" means to release or let out something, such as light, sound, gas, or energy. This directly ties to the synonym-like relationship between "release" and "emit," making EMIT the accurate and logical solution.

The answer is DESI because Desi Arnaz was Lucille Ball's real-life husband and co-star in the classic sitcom I Love Lucy. He portrayed Ricky Ricardo, Lucy's on-screen husband, making "He loved Lucy" both a factual and thematic reference to their personal and professional relationship.

The answer "EMUS" fits because emus are large, flightless birds native to Australia, commonly referred to as the Outback. "Nesting pair" refers to the fact that emus often mate and nest, making "pair" a nod to their reproductive behavior. So, EMUS works both geographically and biologically!

The answer "BRAT" fits the clue "Army ___" because "Army brat" is a common term used to describe a child of military personnel, who often moves frequently due to their parent's service. It's a colloquial phrase, making it the right fill for the blank.

The Emerald Isle is a poetic nickname for Ireland, referring to its lush, green landscapes. "Eire" is the native Irish (Gaelic) name for Ireland, making it the perfect fit for this clue.

The clue "Photosensitive cells" refers to cells in the retina responsible for detecting light. RODS are one type of such cells, sensitive to low light and crucial for night vision. Along with cones (another type), rods contribute to how we perceive light and dark. Hence, the answer is RODS.

The clue includes "una" (Spanish for "a"), signaling the answer is in Spanish. Margaritas are commonly served with salt on the rim as seasoning. In Spanish, "salt" translates to "sal." Hence, the solution is SAL.

The clue "Bit of plasma" refers to a component of plasma, which is a state of matter consisting of charged particles. ION is the solution because ions are electrically charged atoms or molecules—essential building blocks of plasma, creating its conductive and energetic properties.

An EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) is a healthcare professional who provides emergency medical services. The "Star of Life" is a six-pointed symbol representing emergency medical care, often displayed on their uniforms or vehicles. "For short" in the clue indicates the abbreviation EMT as the answer.