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"You're overthinking this" ... or what might be said about 3-, 9-, 17- and 34-Down? - NYT The Crossword Clue

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Across

  • The clue "Cursed look" refers to the superstition of the "evil eye," which is a glare believed to bring harm or bad luck to the recipient. "Cursed" emphasizes the negative, harmful aspect, and "look" connects to the act of glaring, making EVILEYE the fitting answer.

  • The Kia Optima was a popular midsize sedan that was rebranded as the Kia K5 starting in 2020. The clue refers to its former name, "Optima," making it the correct answer. This fact connects the sedan's previous and current identities directly to the clue.

  • In football, linemen (offensive and defensive) are typically the largest players on the team, both in height and weight, to provide strength and protection at the line of scrimmage, where most physical contact occurs. This aligns with the clue describing the "biggest players."

  • The clue "Major arteries" directly refers to the largest blood vessels in the body that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta is the main artery, and since the clue uses "arteries" in plural form, the answer is AORTAS.

  • The clue “Convertible living room pieces” refers to furniture that can serve dual purposes. SOFABEDS fit this description as they function as sofas during the day and convert into beds for sleeping. The word "convertible" highlights this transforming feature, making SOFABEDS the clear answer.

  • The answer is TWISTS because Chubby Checker popularized "The Twist," a dance craze linked to his 1960 hit song of the same name. The clue refers to performing this iconic dance, and "Twists" aptly describes the motion involved in the dance.

  • The clue "You ready to do this?" is conversational and implies a spoken phrase. "ALL SET" is a common response used to confirm readiness. It fits naturally as an answer to a question someone might ask when checking if you're ready for an activity or task.

  • The answer "CASE" fits the clue "Display container" because a case, like a display case or glass case, is commonly used to showcase and protect items such as collectibles, jewelry, or artifacts. It serves as both a container and a display tool, aligning perfectly with the clue.

  • An entomologist studies insects, and a key tool they use to catch insects is a "net." The clue suggests a piece of necessary equipment for their work, making "NET" the apt answer for catching and studying flying insects.

  • The answer "AER" fits the clue "___ Lingus" because "Aer Lingus" is the national airline of Ireland. The word "Aer" is derived from the Irish word for "air," tying directly to the airline's name.

  • The clue is in quotes, signaling a spoken exclamation or sound. "Please turn up the thermostat!" suggests someone feeling cold. "Brr" is a common expression or sound people make when they’re cold, making it the perfect fit for the clue's intent.

  • The James Bond movie "Moonraker" features pivotal scenes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. "Informally" hints that the answer is a shortened form, leading to "RIO," commonly used to refer to the city. Thus, RIO is the informal name for the city central to the film's events.

  • The answer is JETS because the New York Jets won Super Bowl III in 1969, famously led by quarterback Joe Namath, who guaranteed victory against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. They have not won another Super Bowl since, fitting the clue's description.

  • The clue "Paired number" plays on word association. A "duet" involves two performers working together, making it a "paired" musical performance. The word "number" often refers to a song or musical piece, aligning with the idea of a duet. Thus, DUET fits perfectly as the solution.

  • The answer "NOTCH" fits because a tally mark is often a small indentation or cut used to count or record something, akin to a notch on a piece of wood or surface. Both represent physical markers to keep track of quantities, aligning directly with the clue.

  • The clue "Team ___" is completed with "USA" because "Team USA" typically refers to the national teams representing the United States in global competitions like the Olympics. It is a widely recognized term associated with American athletes competing as a unified team in international events.

  • The phrase "strike a pose" refers to positioning oneself, often in a specific way, for a photograph or camera. The clue uses "struck" to hint at this common expression, and "for a camera" points directly to the context of posing for photos. Hence, the answer is POSE.

  • The answer "CASTLE" is correct because the iconic Disney logo prominently features a stylized castle, inspired by fairy-tale castles like Cinderella's. This imagery symbolizes Disney's magical and enchanting storytelling, making the castle a recognizable and integral part of the logo and brand identity.

  • The clue "Gently touches" leads to the answer DABSAT because "dabs" refers to light, gentle touches or pats, and "at" suggests the direction or action of doing so. Together, "dabs at" perfectly describes the act of gently touching or patting something.

  • NEAP is the correct answer because a neap tide refers to a type of tide that occurs when the sun and moon are at right angles to the Earth, resulting in lower-than-average high tides and higher-than-average low tides. It's a common term relating to tidal patterns.

  • The clue "Green eggs go-with" refers to the famous children's book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. In the story, "ham" is the companion to "green eggs," making it the logical answer to complete this pairing.

  • The clue "Lubricate" directly describes the action of applying a slippery substance, like oil, to reduce friction. "OIL UP" is a common phrase used to describe this process, making it the fitting solution to the clue.

  • In weightlifting or gymnastics, to "spot" someone means to provide assistance or backup, such as supporting their form or catching them if they lose control during a move. The term perfectly fits the clue's context of offering backup in these activities. Hence, the answer is SPOT.

  • The clue "Suckers" suggests a pun or wordplay. "SAPS" works as the answer because it refers to gullible people (figurative "suckers") and also to tree sap, which is literally "sucked" out by some insects. The double meaning matches the playful tone of the clue.

  • December 31 is notably "Eve," as in New Year's Eve, the night before January 1. "Eve" commonly refers to the evening or day before an event or holiday, perfectly matching the clue's hint towards this date's significance.

  • The clue refers to Chewbacca's ("Chewie's") close companion in the "Star Wars" series. That character is Han Solo, a smuggler and hero. "HAN" is the shortened version of his first name, fitting the clue's format and length.

  • HAT is the solution because it refers to the "top hat," one of the original Monopoly game tokens introduced in 1935. Officially, only the top hat and battleship remain in production from the original eight tokens, making HAT one of the two still made today.

  • The answer is DIP because it references the lyric "When I dip, you dip, we dip" from the 1996 hit song Da' Dip by Freak Nasty. The repetition in the phrase directly matches the lyrical rhythm of the song, making this the correct solution.

  • The clue "Some whiskeys" refers to types of whiskey, and rye whiskey is a specific kind made primarily from rye grain. The plural "RYES" fits the clue by indicating multiple types or instances of rye whiskey. This aligns the answer to the category of "whiskeys."

  • The phrase "Stopped bringing up" in the clue suggests allowing something to cease or fade away without intervention. The answer "LETDIE" fits because it implies letting go or stopping efforts to maintain or bring up a topic, issue, or matter, effectively letting it die.

  • Beethoven's Third Symphony is famously known as "Eroica," meaning "heroic" in Italian. It marked a shift in classical music, celebrating heroic ideals. The title directly answers the clue, as it's synonymous with this symphony.

  • The clue "Most terrifying" is asking for the superlative form of an adjective meaning frightening or causing fear. "Scariest" is the superlative form of "scary," which fits perfectly as it describes something that is the most terrifying compared to others.

  • The clue "Find in the dictionary" suggests the act of searching for a word or definition within a dictionary. The phrase "LOOK UP" directly describes this action, as it means to search for information, especially in a reference book like a dictionary.

  • The clue "Lose one's shirt, say" uses wordplay with the phrase "lose one's shirt," which can mean to undress literally by removing one's shirt. The phrase "say" hints at an example or rephrasing, leading to UNDRESS as the literal action being described.

  • The answer "INLETS" refers to narrow bodies of water, like fjords and firths, that extend from a larger body of water into land. Fjords and firths are specific types of inlets, characterized by steep cliffs (fjords) or broader openings (firths), making "INLETS" a fitting general term.

  • The term "BASEPAY" refers to the foundational or regular, fixed salary an employee receives, excluding additional earnings like bonuses or commissions. The clue specifies "regular fixed compensation," directly matching the concept of "base pay" as a consistent and unchanging amount of income.

Down

  • The answer is ELSA because she is the main character and queen in Disney's animated movie Frozen. Known for her ice powers, she becomes the Snow Queen of Arendelle, making her the "Frozen" queen referred to in the clue.

  • The answer "VIOL" refers to a historical string instrument similar to a cello. The viol, also known as viola da gamba, typically has six strings, is fretted, and held between the legs like a cello. It was popular in Renaissance and Baroque music, fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The clue refers to an item that requires "blowing up" (inflating) before it can hold water. An INFLATABLE POOL fits perfectly: it's a blow-up pool designed to hold water after being inflated, aligning exactly with the description in the clue.

  • The term "occupancy agreements" refers to contracts that allow individuals or entities to occupy and use property. LEASES are legally binding agreements commonly used for such purposes, making it the perfect fit. The plural form aligns with the clue's plural wording.

  • The answer "EMBER" fits because it refers to a small, glowing piece of burning or smoldering material, typically left after a fire has died down. As the clue "Smoldering remnant" suggests, it is the residual, slowly-burning fragment remaining from a fire. It aligns perfectly with the definition.

  • "YEET" is a slang term commonly used in modern lingo to mean "throw" or "hurl" something with force or enthusiasm. It gained popularity through memes and social media, often emphasizing a dramatic or energetic action, making it a fitting, modern equivalent for "hurl."

  • The answer "END" fits "Conclude" because "end" is a synonym for conclude, meaning to finish, terminate, or bring something to a close. Both words share the same definition, making "END" the correct and concise solution for this straightforward clue.

  • The clue "Quaker ___" refers to the well-known brand Quaker Oats, a major producer of oatmeal and other related products. The blank is filled with "OATS" as it completes the name of the famous brand, which is widely associated with "Quaker."

  • The clue "Rejuvenating break" suggests a short rest that restores energy. A "power nap" is a brief sleep, often about 10–20 minutes, specifically taken to boost energy and alertness. The term captures the idea of it being both refreshing ("rejuvenating") and quick ("break"), making it the perfect fit.

  • The prefix "TRI-" means "three." When combined with "-umvirate," it forms "triumvirate," which refers to a group of three individuals holding power or authority. "TRI" is the logical lead-in to complete this term.

  • The clue “You're overthinking this” leads to IT’S NOT THAT DEEP, a playful, modern phrase that’s both literal and figurative. It connects to the theme entries (like PAPER CUT and INFLATABLE POOL) which are all shallow things. The revealer gently pokes fun at solvers looking for complexity where the humor lies in simplicity.

  • The clue "Fellow Down Under" uses wordplay. In Australian slang, "mate" is a friendly term for a fellow or friend. "Down Under" refers to Australia, reinforcing the cultural context. Thus, "mate" perfectly fits as the answer.

  • The clue "No. 2: Abbr." indicates an abbreviation is needed. "No. 2" is often associated with a second-in-command or assistant role. The abbreviation for "assistant" is ASST, making it the correct solution. This matches the clue's suggestion of shorthand.

  • A "screen pass" is a type of quick throw in football. The quarterback tosses the ball rapidly to a player (often a running back or wide receiver) behind blockers, aiming to catch the defense off-guard. The clue directly describes this fast, strategic play, aligning perfectly with the term.

  • The answer "ART" fits because art classes typically focus on creative work—like drawing, painting, or sculpture—rather than traditional written tests. This clue uses subtle wordplay by referencing "class" in an unconventional academic sense, emphasizing practical, expressive skills over written evaluations.

  • The clue "Peter Pan transport" refers to Peter Pan Bus Lines, a well-known bus service in the U.S. The wordplay involves recognizing "Peter Pan" as a company name, not the fictional character, and "transport" indicates the mode of travel, which is a BUS.

  • The answer is iOS because it is the name of Apple’s mobile operating system, used in devices like iPhones and iPads. The clue, “Apple mobile platform,” directly refers to this specific software platform developed by Apple for mobile functionality. It’s a straightforward, descriptive clue.

  • The clue "Japanese martial art" directly refers to a combat sport originating in Japan. JUDO is a Japanese martial art focused on throws, grappling, and using an opponent's force against them. It was created in 1882 by Jigoro Kano and is widely recognized worldwide, matching the clue perfectly.

  • The answer "ESAI" refers to Esai Morales, a well-known actor who appeared in the series Ozark. Esai Morales is recognized for his roles in various TV shows and films, and his inclusion as a cast member in Ozark makes this answer accurate.

  • The answer "DOT" refers to the decimal point (.) used in monetary values. This small dot separates the whole dollars from the fractional cents in currency figures (e.g., $10.99). The clue directly describes its function in financial notation.

  • The answer "CLAP" fits the clue "Applaud" since to clap is a common physical gesture of showing approval or applause. The verb "to clap" directly corresponds to the act of applauding, which aligns perfectly with the clue provided.

  • The clue "Tailor's edges" refers to the edges of fabric that a tailor finishes or refines to prevent fraying. Hems are the folded and sewn edges of clothing, a common task for tailors to create clean, polished edges. Hence, "Hems" fits perfectly as the solution.

  • The clue "Minor office injury" refers to a small, common mishap that might happen in an office setting. A "papercut" is a tiny, often painful cut caused by handling paper, making it a fitting and literal match for the clue. It emphasizes "minor" and is workplace-relevant!

  • The answer is CAT because "Hang in there!" posters often depict a cat dangling precariously by its paws, symbolizing perseverance. Cats are agile climbers known for hanging from surfaces, making them a fitting representation for this motivational imagery.

  • The clue "Tahoe or Cherokee, in brief" refers to models of vehicles produced by Chevrolet and Jeep, respectively, both of which are types of SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles). The phrase "in brief" hints at the abbreviation SUV as the concise answer.

  • The Proterozoic is a geological time period lasting over a billion years, fitting the definition of an "eon," which is the longest unit of geological time. Therefore, "EON" is the correct answer as it categorizes the Proterozoic's immense span in Earth's history.

  • The clue "That woman" directly refers to a pronoun used to identify a female person being spoken about. The word "SHE" is the correct pronoun for "that woman," making it the accurate and succinct answer to the clue.

  • The clue "Biting piece" uses wordplay. "Biting" refers to something sharp or cutting, often in a figurative sense, while "piece" can mean a form of writing. SATIRE is a sharp, biting form of writing or art that critiques or ridicules, making it a perfect fit for the clue.

  • The clue "Cowboys' charges" refers to what cowboys are responsible for managing or tending in their work. Cowboys traditionally herd or oversee groups of livestock, such as cattle or sheep. These groups are called "herds," making HERDS the correct answer.

  • The clue "Sub location" uses wordplay. A "sub" refers to a submarine sandwich, often sold in delis. Therefore, the location where a sub is commonly found or purchased is a DELI. This isn’t referring to a geographical location but rather a type of shop.

  • The answer is IRON because it was one of the original game tokens in Monopoly, representing a household object. It was discontinued in 2013 after a public vote to replace it with a newer token, the cat. This historical change makes IRON the correct solution.

  • The clue "Goes on and on and on" refers to someone talking excessively or incessantly. "YAPS" is slang for chatter or continuous talking, fitting perfectly with the idea of going on and on. It captures the informal tone and repetitive nature of the action described.

  • The answer is LANA because the clue refers to Lana Del Rey, the stage name of the popular American singer-songwriter known for her cinematic music style and melancholic themes. "Lana" is her first name and serves as the solution to this straightforward clue.

  • The answer is ISSA because Issa Rae is a well-known actress and writer. She stars in the movie "American Fiction," gaining praise for her performances. The clue directly refers to her full name and role in the film, making "ISSA" the correct solution.

  • ETSY is the solution because it is a well-known online marketplace specializing in handcrafted, vintage, and unique items. It connects artisans and crafters with buyers worldwide, making it the go-to platform for selling and purchasing handmade goods. The clue directly describes ETSY’s primary purpose.

  • The clue "I Like ___" references the famous 1952 U.S. presidential campaign slogan "I Like Ike," supporting Dwight D. Eisenhower ("Ike") for president. The phrase became iconic, and "Ike" is the logical answer completing the slogan.

  • The answer is CUB because a "baby grizzly" refers to a young grizzly bear, and the term for a young bear is "cub." This is a straightforward clue without wordplay, directly linking the definition to its answer.

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Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 14-letter answer to the "You're overthinking this" ... or what might be said about 3-, 9-, 17- and 34-Down? 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!

"You're overthinking this" ... or what might be said about 3-, 9-, 17- and 34-Down? Answer Explained

The answer is ITSNOTTHATDEEP.

The revealer clue — "You're overthinking this" ... or what might be said about 3-, 9-, 17- and 34-Down? — leads to the phrase IT’S NOT THAT DEEP, a modern idiom meaning “don’t overanalyze.” It applies perfectly to each themed entry: INFLATABLE POOL, POWER NAP, SCREEN PASS, and PAPER CUT, all things that are literally shallow. The revealer turns the puzzle into a winking meta-joke: the theme isn’t deep, and that’s the point. Even the grid design plays along, it's 15 squares wide but only 14 deep. That visual layer reinforces the theme cleverly, making it a multilayered but breezy solve.

Now that you've cracked the 11D "You're overthinking this" ... or what might be said about 3-, 9-, 17- and 34-Down? 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

Hanh Huynh’s Wednesday puzzle is a clever play on the phrase “IT’S NOT THAT DEEP” — both a modern expression and a thematic hint. Each long down entry refers to something literally shallow: an INFLATABLE POOL, a POWER NAP, a SCREEN PASS, and a PAPER CUT. None of these go deep — physically or metaphorically, and that’s the whole joke. It’s a witty Gen Z-flavored theme wrapped in a classic crossword structure. The revealer at 11-Down ties it all together smoothly, making the payoff feel earned. The grid itself is slightly unconventional at 15x14, not square, a subtle touch for a not-so-deep theme.

Here’s what caught our attention today:

NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know

You can enjoy the New York Times Crossword puzzle in various formats:

  • Online: Visit nytimes.com/games.
  • Mobile Apps: Available in The New York Times Games app (iOS and Android) and the Play tab of the New York Times News app.
  • Print: Access the daily Crossword by subscribing to Home Delivery or purchasing a copy of The New York Times newspaper at your local newsstand.

NYT Crossword Puzzle Availability

Online and All Access Subscribers: Daily puzzles are available the evening before their print release.

  • Weekday and Saturday Puzzles: Available at 10 p.m. EST the previous day.
  • Sunday Puzzles: Available at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.

Notifications: Enable push notifications in the Games app settings to receive alerts when new puzzles are available.

How To Play

Fill the white squares with letters to form words or phrases that cross each other by solving clues in the Across and Down columns. The puzzles increase in difficulty from Monday to Saturday, with the Sunday puzzle being similar in difficulty to Wednesday or Thursday but larger in size.

Completion and Feedback

Successful Completion: A congratulatory message and music play when the puzzle is correctly solved. If no message appears, there might be an error in the filled squares.

Stars for Completion

  • Gold Stars: Awarded for puzzles solved consecutively before midnight EST without using Check or Reveal.
  • Blue Stars: Given for puzzles solved after midnight EST, with a skipped day, or using Check or Reveal.

Keyboard Shortcuts

For computer users, the following shortcuts can enhance gameplay:

  • Arrow Keys: Navigate in the puzzle.
  • Spacebar: Clear the current square and advance, toggle between Across and Down.
  • Backspace/Delete: Remove a letter or word.
  • Tab: Jump to the next clue.
  • Shift + Tab: Jump to the previous clue.
  • Escape: Enter Rebus mode.

App Customization Options

  • Cursor Movement: Customize cursor settings in the Puzzle Settings menu. Options include skipping filled squares, jumping to the first blank, or the next clue.
  • Secondary Keyboard: For symbols and numbers, switch by selecting the More button.
  • Adjust Puzzle Size: Zoom in with a pinch gesture or toggle Clue View.

Modes

Alternate between black (pen) and gray (pencil) letters.

Letter Colors

  • Black: Default pen mode.
  • Gray: Pencil mode.
  • Blue: Letters confirmed with Check.

Timer and Special Elements

  • Timer: Track your solving time. Pause and resume as needed, or hide the timer in the settings.
  • Rebus Elements: Enter letters, numbers, or symbols in a single square as part of the puzzle’s challenge or hint.

NYT Crossword Help

The New York Times provides various resources to aid in solving puzzles and improving solving skills.

In-Game Help

  • Information Icon ("i"): Flashing icon indicates available puzzle hint.
  • Lifesaver Icon: Offers options to check or reveal a square, an answer, or the entire puzzle.
  • Clear: Resets the entire puzzle.
  • Reveal: Displays correct letters for selected square, answer, or entire puzzle.
  • Check: Validates a square, word, or the entire puzzle; Autocheck option available.
  • Note: Using Reveal or Check resets the Crossword Streak.

Lady Puzzle Pro Help

Besides this page, meant to help you unblock or finish a puzzle we published a comprehensive guide on how to read the NYT Crossword Clues, which includes mini hints to assist you with both the NYT crosswords and the NYT Mini puzzle solving.

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