The clue "Like baseballs and some eyelashes" plays on a double meaning. Baseballs are "batted" (hit with a bat), and eyelashes are "batted" when one blinks or flutters them. The shared action of "batt" makes "BATTED" the clever solution to this pun-based clue.
7MooredATANCHOR????????✨ See Why
The clue "Moored" refers to a boat or ship being secured in place, typically using an anchor. "At anchor" is a common phrase used to describe a vessel that is moored using its anchor. Hence, the answer "ATANCHOR" aligns perfectly with the clue's meaning.
15Not come ungluedADHERE??????✨ See Why
The clue "Not come unglued" suggests staying firmly in place, without detaching or losing grip. ADHERE means to stick or cling firmly to a surface, aligning perfectly with the idea of not coming unglued or separated. This logical connection makes ADHERE the correct solution.
16Flugelhorn player on the 1978 instrumental hit "Feels So Good"MANGIONE????????✨ See Why
The answer "MANGIONE" refers to Chuck Mangione, a renowned musician and flugelhorn player. His 1978 instrumental hit "Feels So Good" gained immense popularity and is closely associated with his name. Thus, Mangione is the correct answer, as he both wrote and performed the piece.
17Philadelphia university known for its professional co-op programDREXEL??????✨ See Why
Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, is renowned for its experiential learning approach, particularly its cooperative education ("co-op") program. This program integrates professional work experiences with academic study, making Drexel a standout choice for this clue.
18Statement of resignationIMDOOMED????????✨ See Why
The clue "Statement of resignation" suggests a phrase expressing defeat or inevitability. "I'M DOOMED" is a spoken phrase, indicating someone accepting their fate with a sense of despair or resignation. The personal tone matches the clue's context of giving up or conceding.
19Brother Joe, Kevin or Nick of popJONAS?????✨ See Why
The clue refers to the Jonas Brothers, a popular pop band formed by three siblings: Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas, and Nick Jonas. Their last name, "Jonas," is the unifying answer. The word "Brother" in the clue also hints at their collective identity as the Jonas Brothers.
20Genealogists' handiworkTREES?????✨ See Why
The answer "TREES" refers to "family trees," a common tool used by genealogists to map out family relationships and ancestry. These diagrams resemble the branching structure of a tree, which explains the connection between the clue and the solution.
21Alternative music genre since the mid-1980sEMO???✨ See Why
The answer is EMO because it refers to an alternative music genre that emerged in the mid-1980s, characterized by emotional lyrics and a blend of punk rock and indie sounds. The clue directly points to this genre's origins and timeframe, making EMO the fitting solution.
22Word before air or fireOPEN????✨ See Why
The answer is OPEN because "open air" refers to an outdoor, uncovered space, and "open fire" describes a wood-burning or exposed flame source. "Open" is the word that logically precedes both "air" and "fire" to form common and meaningful phrases.
23Eyebrow makeupHAIRS?????✨ See Why
The answer "HAIRS" refers to the actual physical components of eyebrows. Eyebrow "makeup" in this sense plays on the idea of what constitutes eyebrows themselves—namely, the hairs that form them—rather than cosmetic products used on them. It's a straightforward yet playful interpretation of the clue.
24"___, man!"CMON????✨ See Why
The clue "___, man!" is a conversational phrase, indicating a casual or informal expression. The answer, CMON, is a shortened, colloquial spelling of "Come on," often used to express disbelief, frustration, or encouragement, which fits naturally with the tone of the clue.
25Ball-shaped cerealKIX???✨ See Why
KIX is the solution because it is a well-known brand of ball-shaped cereal. Introduced in 1937, Kix cereal is made of puffed corn and is recognized for its distinct spherical shape, perfectly fitting the clue "Ball-shaped cereal."
26Garb for athletes in the Highland GamesKILTS?????✨ See Why
The Highland Games are traditional Scottish events featuring athletic competitions. Participants often wear kilts, a traditional Scottish garment, as part of their cultural attire. The word "garb" in the clue refers to clothing, making KILTS the fitting answer.
27FaultBLAME?????✨ See Why
The clue "Fault" can mean responsibility for a mistake or wrongdoing. BLAME is the solution because it represents assigning responsibility or fault to someone or something. It's a direct synonym, fitting the clue's meaning without additional wordplay or indicators.
28Way inENTRANCE????????✨ See Why
The clue "Way in" directly defines ENTRANCE, which means an entry point or access to a place. It aligns perfectly with the straightforward interpretation of "a way to enter," making ENTRANCE the suitable answer for this clue.
30It's most beautiful when brokenGEODE?????✨ See Why
The clue "It's most beautiful when broken" uses wordplay, hinting at something that reveals inner beauty when split open. A geode is a plain-looking rock outside but contains stunning crystals inside, visible only when broken. Hence, the geode’s true beauty lies in being opened.
31Vacation isle for many a Francophile, familiarlySTBARTS???????✨ See Why
ST Barts (short for Saint Barthélemy) is a French-speaking Caribbean island, making it a popular vacation spot for Francophiles (French culture enthusiasts). "Familiarly" in the clue signals the answer is an informal name or shorthand, which aligns with "STBARTS."
32FoilPREVENT???????✨ See Why
The clue "Foil" directly relates to thwarting or obstructing something, which aligns with the definition of "PREVENT." To foil someone often means to stop their plans or actions, making "PREVENT" the perfect synonym and solution for this clue.
34StashesHIDES?????✨ See Why
The clue "Stashes" refers to secretly storing or concealing something, which aligns with the meaning of "hides." To "stash" an item is to put it away discreetly, just like to "hide" it. Thus, HIDES is the correct solution.
351, 2 and 3, in that orderTRIFECTA????????✨ See Why
The clue "1, 2 and 3, in that order" refers to something arranged sequentially and perfectly aligned in first, second, and third places. "Trifecta" is a term in horse racing for predicting the top three finishers in order, and it's also used metaphorically for achieving three goals perfectly.
36Get the ball rollingBEGIN?????✨ See Why
The clue "Get the ball rolling" is a metaphor for starting something or initiating an action. "BEGIN" perfectly matches this, as it means to commence or start something, aligning with the idea of setting an action or process in motion.
37Verb that appears the same when rotated 180ºSWIMS?????✨ See Why
The answer is SWIMS because it is a rotational ambigram. When the word is rotated 180º, it remains unchanged due to the symmetrical shapes of the letters "S," "W," "I," and "M." Additionally, it’s a verb, fitting the clue perfectly.
38Choice word?OPT???✨ See Why
The clue "Choice word?" features a pun indicated by the question mark. "OPT" means to make a choice or decision, connecting directly to the word "choice." It's a succinct and fitting answer because "OPT" is synonymous with selecting or choosing, aligning with the playful phrasing of the clue.
39Cousin of naanROTI????✨ See Why
ROTI is the solution because it is a type of flatbread, like naan, commonly found in South Asian cuisines. Both are prepared similarly using flour, but roti is typically unleavened, unlike naan, which is leavened and often cooked in a tandoor. Hence, they are "cousins."
40More of this?THESE?????✨ See Why
The clue "More of this?" with a question mark suggests wordplay. "This" refers to a nearby context or subject, and "More of this" means asking for additional things like "this." The plural "THESE" answers the call, indicating more of the referenced items or "this."
41Founder of the Hawaiian Pineapple Company in 1901DOLE????✨ See Why
The answer is DOLE because James Dole, also known as the "Pineapple King," founded the Hawaiian Pineapple Company in 1901. This company later became the Dole Food Company, a major producer of pineapples and other fruits.
42Saxon's "Aargh!"ACH???✨ See Why
The clue "Saxon's 'Aargh!'" signals a nonverbal exclamation, often borrowed from cultural or linguistic context. "Ach" is a German interjection expressing frustration or dismay. Since Saxons were a Germanic people, "Ach" fits as their version of "Aargh!"—a guttural expression of emotion.
43Sacred space for female family members, in the Muslim traditionHAREM?????✨ See Why
HAREM is the solution because, in Muslim tradition, a "harem" refers to a private, sacred part of the household reserved for female family members, such as wives and daughters. The term specifically denotes a space of privacy and protection within a household.
44Roll producerBAKER?????✨ See Why
The clue "Roll producer" refers to someone who makes bread rolls. A baker is a professional who bakes goods like bread, rolls, and pastries, making "BAKER" the fitting answer. The clue plays on the word "roll" as a type of bread, not movement or action.
45European brewer with over 170 brandsHEINEKEN????????✨ See Why
HEINEKEN is a well-known Dutch brewing company and one of Europe's largest brewers. It owns over 170 beer brands globally, such as Amstel, Tiger, and Sol, making it a perfect fit for the clue's description of a European brewer with vast brand ownership.
47It can tie up your stockLARIAT??????✨ See Why
The clue "It can tie up your stock" uses wordplay. "Stock" can refer to livestock, and a lariat (a rope or lasso) is used by ranchers to catch and tie up animals like cattle. Thus, LARIAT is the fitting answer.
48Common wedding day prepMANIPEDI????????✨ See Why
The clue "Common wedding day prep" suggests something people often do to get ready for a wedding. A "MANIPEDI" (short for manicure and pedicure) is a popular beauty treatment for nails and toes, typically done to look polished and presentable for special occasions like weddings.
49Demonstrative wordsLIKESO??????✨ See Why
The clue "Demonstrative words" refers to words used to demonstrate or show something. "Like so" is a phrase people use to demonstrate an action or process, often showing how something is done. This fits the description of "demonstrative words," making "LIKESO" the correct answer.
50Crème ___ (custard sauce)ANGLAISE????????✨ See Why
The answer is ANGLAISE because "Crème Anglaise" is a classic French custard sauce. The clue uses "Crème ___" to signal the missing part of this French term, with "Anglaise" translating to "English," reflecting the sauce's historical ties to English recipes.
51What goes on goes hereCLOSET??????✨ See Why
The clue "What goes on goes here" uses wordplay as a pun. "What goes on" suggests clothing or items you "put on," and "goes here" points to the place where such items are stored—CLOSET. A closet is where clothes and accessories typically go.
Down
1GroanersBADJOKES????????✨ See Why
The clue "Groaners" hints at something that causes people to groan, often due to being humorously bad. In this context, the answer "BAD JOKES" fits, as they are notorious for eliciting groans rather than laughter, making the wordplay perfect for the clue.
2The most infinitesimal amountADROPINTHEOCEAN???????????????✨ See Why
The phrase "a drop in the ocean" is commonly used as a metaphor to describe something extremely small or insignificant—matching "the most infinitesimal amount" in the clue. It emphasizes how minuscule one drop is compared to the vastness of an ocean, perfectly fitting the definition.
3Silicon Valley's holy grailTHENEXTBIGTHING???????????????✨ See Why
The phrase "Silicon Valley's holy grail" refers to the constant pursuit of innovation and groundbreaking ideas in the tech industry. "The Next Big Thing" perfectly fits as it encapsulates the ultimate goal of Silicon Valley—to create or discover the next revolutionary product or idea.
4Beyoncé or Selena, e.g.TEXAN?????✨ See Why
The clue refers to Beyoncé and Selena, both iconic performers who share a common origin: Texas. Beyoncé was born in Houston, and Selena in Lake Jackson. Therefore, they are both Texans, making "TEXAN" the fitting answer.
5"You are," in SpainERES????✨ See Why
The clue specifies "in Spain," indicating the answer is in Spanish. "You are" translates to "tú eres" in Spanish, with "eres" being the singular, informal form of "are." Therefore, ERES is the correct answer for this clue.
6Key for getting rid of your work, in brief?DEL???✨ See Why
The clue includes wordplay due to the question mark. "Key" refers to a keyboard key, and "getting rid of your work" hints at deleting it. "In brief" suggests an abbreviation, leading to DEL, short for the "Delete" key on a keyboard, used to remove content.
7"Agreed?"AMIRITE???????✨ See Why
The clue "Agreed?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "AMIRITE" is a phonetic representation of "Am I right?"—a casual way of seeking agreement or confirmation. It fits the conversational tone implied by the clue in quotes, making it the correct match.
8Certain circus performersTAMERS??????✨ See Why
The answer "TAMERS" refers to circus performers, specifically animal tamers, who handle and control wild animals during performances. This fits the clue "Certain circus performers" because tamers play a key role in traditional circus acts, showcasing their skill and command over animals like lions or tigers.
9Mountain range that spans 67º of latitudeANDES?????✨ See Why
The Andes is the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching along the western edge of South America. It spans approximately 67º of latitude, from Venezuela near the equator (10ºN) to the southern tip of Chile and Argentina (56ºS), fitting the clue perfectly.
10Many foreign aid grps.NGOS????✨ See Why
The clue "Many foreign aid grps." refers to groups often involved in global aid efforts. "Grps." is an abbreviation for "groups," signaling an abbreviated answer. NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) are key players in foreign aid, addressing international issues like poverty and disaster relief, fitting the clue perfectly.
11Corporate data manager, for shortCIO???✨ See Why
CIO stands for Chief Information Officer, a corporate executive responsible for managing and overseeing an organization's information technology (IT) systems and data strategies. The clue specifies "for short," indicating the use of an abbreviation, making CIO the fitting answer.
12Bake sale offeringsHOMEMADECOOKIES???????????????✨ See Why
The clue "Bake sale offerings" directly points to items typically sold at bake sales—home-baked goods. "Homemade cookies" are a popular and common bake sale item, fitting the description perfectly as treats often baked and sold at such events. The plural "offerings" aligns with "cookies."
13"Hold on, I'll be right with you"ONEMOMENTPLEASE???????????????✨ See Why
The clue "Hold on, I'll be right with you" is a direct quotation, signaling the answer is a spoken phrase. "ONE MOMENT, PLEASE" is a polite, common expression used to request patience when delay is needed, perfectly matching this context.
14Spiffed up, sayREDONE??????✨ See Why
The clue "Spiffed up, say" suggests something improved or refreshed. "Say" indicates a synonym or interpretation. When something is spiffed up, it’s often redone to look better or more polished. Therefore, REDONE fits as it means revamped, renovated, or improved, aligning with "spiffed up."
20Rash guards?TALCS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Rash guards?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. "TALCS" fits because talcum powder (commonly referred to as talc) is used to soothe and guard the skin against rashes. The plural "guards?" matches "TALCS," implying multiple protective applications.
23WhiffsHINTS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Whiffs" refers to faint traces or subtle suggestions, much like smelling a slight scent. The word "HINTS" matches this meaning, as it signifies subtle indications or traces of something, making it the correct solution.
24It can spice up your holidaysCLOVE?????✨ See Why
The answer is CLOVE because cloves are a type of aromatic spice often used in holiday recipes, such as mulled wine, cider, or seasonal desserts. Their warm, spicy flavor and festive aroma make them a holiday staple, adding both literal and figurative "spice" to celebrations.
26Mayor Bass of Los AngelesKAREN?????✨ See Why
The clue "Mayor Bass of Los Angeles" refers to Karen Bass, who became the mayor of Los Angeles in December 2022. Her first name, Karen, is the answer. This is a factual clue with no wordplay, directly pointing to her name as the solution.
27Interpersonal "issues"BEEFS?????✨ See Why
The clue “Interpersonal 'issues'” uses a pun, indicated by the quotes. "Beefs" is slang for conflicts or grievances between people, making it fitting for "issues" in relationships. The plural form matches "issues," solidifying BEEFS as the correct answer.
29They're all equal in a circleRADII?????✨ See Why
In a circle, the radii (plural of radius) are the line segments from the center to any point on the circle's edge. Since a circle is perfectly symmetrical, all radii are of equal length, making "RADII" the correct answer for "They're all equal in a circle."
30Dirty coatGRIME?????✨ See Why
The clue "Dirty coat" refers to a layer of filth or dirt that can cover a surface. The word GRIME perfectly fits this description, as it denotes accumulated dirt or a grimy layer, often giving the impression of a "dirty coat."
32Device featured in Newton's "Opticks"PRISM?????✨ See Why
Isaac Newton’s book Opticks explores the properties of light and color. A PRISM is central to these studies as it refracts light, splitting it into a spectrum of colors. This device helped Newton demonstrate that white light is composed of various colors, making PRISM the fitting answer!
33Fry alternativeTATERTOT????????✨ See Why
The clue "Fry alternative" suggests a type of food similar to French fries. Tater tots are small, cylindrical bites made from grated potatoes, often fried or baked, serving as an alternative to fries. Both are common potato-based side dishes, making TATERTOT the perfect answer.
35Preadolescent, informallyTWEENIE???????✨ See Why
The answer "TWEENIE" is derived from "tween," a term used informally to describe a child aged roughly 8-12, who is not quite a teen but no longer a young child. This fits the clue "Preadolescent, informally," as it’s a casual term for this age group.
36Destroyer : Shiva :: Creator : ___BRAHMA??????✨ See Why
The clue uses a comparison format. In Hindu trinity, Shiva is the "Destroyer," while Brahma is the "Creator." This analogy matches the roles attributed to these deities in Hindu mythology, with Brahma responsible for creation, making BRAHMA the correct answer.
37Nails the halfpipe, in snowboarding jargonSHREDS??????✨ See Why
In snowboarding jargon, to "shred" means to perform skillfully or impressively, especially on challenging terrain like a halfpipe. So, "Nails the halfpipe" equates to excelling or shredding it. The plural form, SHREDS, matches the crossword clue's verb form, making it a perfect fit.
40George with a star on the Hollywood Walk of FameTAKEI?????✨ See Why
George Takei is a celebrated actor best known for playing Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek. His contributions to television, film, and activism earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making TAKEI the correct answer to this clue.
41Title character of a Jake Gyllenhaal cult classicDARKO?????✨ See Why
The answer "DARKO" refers to the title character, Donnie Darko, from the 2001 cult classic film Donnie Darko, starring Jake Gyllenhaal. It’s a psychological thriller involving time travel, complex themes, and a mysterious rabbit figure, making it well-known as a "cult classic."
43Big acronym in purifying filtersHEPA????✨ See Why
HEPA stands for "High-Efficiency Particulate Air," making it a fitting answer for "Big acronym in purifying filters." HEPA filters are renowned for their capability to trap particles, including dust, pollen, and bacteria, used commonly in air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, and HVAC systems.
44Call off plans abruptlyBAIL????✨ See Why
The term "BAIL" is slang for abruptly calling off or abandoning plans. It captures the abruptness implied in the clue by referring to leaving or withdrawing suddenly, often without much warning. This fits the context of "Call off plans abruptly" perfectly.
46Love, on the pitchNIL???✨ See Why
In soccer (or football), the "pitch" refers to the playing field. The score term "love," borrowed from tennis, means zero. In soccer, zero points is referred to as "nil." Hence, "Love, on the pitch" translates to "nil."
47Closing for business?LLC???✨ See Why
The clue "Closing for business?" uses wordplay. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a legal structure used for businesses. The phrase "closing" hints at the abbreviation "LLC," which can come at the end (or "close") of a business's formal name, making it a clever pun.
Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 8-letter answer to the 1, 2 and 3, in that order 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!
1, 2 and 3, in that order Answer Explained
The answer is TRIFECTA.
This clue uses numbers literally, but the context is key. "In that order" hints that these aren’t just separate digits, they’re part of a sequence or ranking. The word TRIFECTA comes from horse racing, where betting on the first-, second-, and third-place horses (in exact order) is a trifecta. In broader usage, it’s come to mean a perfect trio or winning combination. So the clue is cleverly abstracting this idea: if you call 1, 2, and 3 correctly, you’ve got a TRIFECTA. Even if you don’t know racing lingo, this one rewards thinking figuratively about order and lists.
Now that you've cracked the 35A 1, 2 and 3, in that order 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
Robert Logan’s Saturday themeless is a clean, welcoming challenge with wide-open corners and loads of long entries. The left side falls easily with standout phrases like ADROPINTHEOCEAN and THENEXTBIGTHING, while the right side pushes back a bit more, especially with trickier names like MANGIONE and DOLE. There’s a satisfying mix of pop culture (JONAS, DARKO, TAKEI), food references (TATERTOT, ANGLAISE), and clever misdirects (ROLL PRODUCER? for BAKER is great). Despite the open grid, fill remains smooth throughout, with lively clues and no junk. For a Saturday, this felt on the easy side—fast solvers may log a PB—but still very fun.
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