___ Way, block in Lower Manhattan where a popular cookie originated - NYT The Crossword Clue

In music, especially during gigs, "riffing" refers to improvising melodic or rhythmic phrases on the spot, often building upon a theme or groove. The clue highlights "improvises," making RIFFS a fitting term for someone spontaneously creating during a performance.

The clue "Consider" and the answer "DEEM" align because "deem" means to regard, judge, or consider something in a particular way. Both words are synonyms, making "DEEM" the perfect fit for the straightforward clue. Additionally, no special wordplay or trick is implied here.

The clue "Workers alongside R.N.s" suggests professionals who collaborate with Registered Nurses (R.N.s) in medical settings. The answer, DRS (Doctors), is a common abbreviation for doctors, who often work closely with nurses in hospitals and clinics.

The clue "Loved to bits" suggests a deep, intense affection. The word "ADORED" directly means to love someone or something passionately or deeply, aligning with the idea of being cherished "to bits." This synonym makes ADORED a perfect match for the clue.

The clue "You are something ___!" is a conversational phrase suggesting it's missing a word that completes an expression. "You are something else!" is a common idiom used to describe someone as extraordinary, unique, or surprising—making "ELSE" the fitting and logical answer.

The clue "Yipes!" is in quotes, signaling the answer is a reaction or exclamation. "EEK" is a common expression of surprise, shock, or fright, aligning perfectly with "Yipes!" in tone and meaning. It captures the sudden, startled reaction implied by the clue.

The clue "Independence Day banger" refers to an explosive firework often associated with the Fourth of July celebrations in the U.S., where people celebrate with loud, colorful fireworks or "bangers." A FIRECRACKER is a small explosive device that makes a bang, fitting both "banger" and the holiday imagery.

AHI is a variety of tuna, specifically yellowfin or bigeye, commonly used in poke bowls due to its firm texture and rich flavor. The clue directly references its use in this dish, making AHI a perfect fit as the solution.

The clue "Apt anagram of NOTE" suggests rearranging the letters in "NOTE" to form a fitting (apt) word. Rearranging these letters produces "TONE," which is a valid word and closely related in meaning to "note," as both pertain to sound or quality in music.

ACL stands for Anterior Cruciate Ligament, a key tissue in the knee that is often torn during sports involving sudden stops or changes in direction. "In brief" indicates an abbreviation, making ACL the perfect fit for this clue.

The clue "I couldn't ___ less" completes a common phrase expressing indifference or lack of concern. The correct word to fill the blank is "CARE," resulting in "I couldn't care less," which conveys not being concerned at all—perfectly fitting the context of the clue.

The clue "Handle some personal baggage?" includes a pun indicated by the question mark. "Personal baggage" refers to luggage, and "handle" hints at managing or placing it. To "stow" is to securely store luggage, especially on a plane or other transport, making STOW the fitting answer.

The answer "TRAFFICJAM" fits the clue "Rush hour snarl" because it directly describes a common scenario during rush hour when vehicles congest the roads, causing delays and frustration. "Snarl" is used metaphorically here to describe the tangled, chaotic state of traffic, making the answer a perfect match.

The clue "Big gulp" refers to taking a large drink or swallow of a liquid. The word SWIG specifically means a hearty or substantial sip of a beverage, often used informally. It perfectly aligns with the definition and context of "Big gulp."

The clue links to 26-Down. Lake Erie is known for its rich fishing industry, making it the Great Lake “with the most consumable fish.”

HORA is a traditional Jewish circle dance often performed at celebrations like weddings or bar/bat mitzvahs. During the Hora, the guest of honor is customarily lifted on a chair while participants dance around them, making it a perfect match for the clue.

The answer "FIT" is a synonym for being "in good physical shape," as it describes someone who is healthy, well-conditioned, and physically capable. It directly aligns with the clue's straightforward description without wordplay or additional hints.

The clue "Cómo ___ usted?" includes a Spanish language indicator ("Cómo") and asks for the appropriate word to complete a formal Spanish question. The correct phrase is "Cómo está usted?" meaning "How are you?" in formal Spanish, making the answer ESTA.

The answer is HSN (Home Shopping Network). The clue involves wordplay with "call to order," which refers to ordering products by phone. HSN is a TV shopping channel where viewers can call to purchase items, making it a fitting solution to the pun in the clue.

The answer is MINIFIG because it is a common term for "miniature figure," the small, humanoid or animal-shaped Lego pieces included in sets. These figures often represent characters or creatures, fitting the clue's description of a Lego piece in the shape of a person or animal.

The clue "Warm greeting to a spouse or partner" hints at a friendly, affectionate phrase commonly used in relationships. "HI HONEY" fits perfectly, as "Hi" is a warm greeting, and "Honey" is a common term of endearment used for a spouse or partner.

The phrase "Chowed down" refers to the act of eating. "Ate" is the simple past tense of "eat," fitting the clue perfectly as it describes someone having consumed food. The informal tone of "chowed down" aligns naturally with the casual simplicity of "ate."

The answer "TEAS" fits the clue "Herbal refreshments" because herbal teas are beverages made from infusions of herbs, flowers, or plants (not traditional tea leaves) and are often used for relaxation or refreshment. The plural form "TEAS" matches the clue's implication of multiple options.

The answer is DAN because Dan Levy is a Canadian actor, writer, and producer who starred in the hit series "Schitt's Creek." He played David Rose, one of the main characters, and is the son of co-star Eugene Levy.

The answer is MATT because Matt Damon is the well-known actor who starred as Jason Bourne in the popular "Bourne" movie series, including "The Bourne Identity," "The Bourne Supremacy," and others. The clue directly refers to him by his first name.

The answer "SECT" fits because it directly refers to a subgroup within a religion that shares specific beliefs or practices, aligning with the clue "Religious faction." The term is commonly used to describe smaller, often distinct factions within a larger faith or religion.

ALISON BRIE is the correct answer because she starred as Ruth Wilder in Netflix's series "GLOW" and earned two Golden Globe nominations (2018 and 2019) for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy due to her outstanding performance in the role.

The answer is BRUT because in the context of Champagne, "brut" refers to a type of Champagne that is very dry, meaning it contains little residual sugar. This matches the clue perfectly, as "dry" is a key descriptor for brut Champagne styles.

The answer "IPAs" refers to India Pale Ales, a type of beer known for its strong, hoppy flavor. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating an abbreviation, which fits "IPAs." "Hoppy" directly describes the beer's noticeable hop content, making IPAs the correct solution.

The answer "PLY" refers to a layer or thickness, often used in describing materials like wood (plywood, made of thin layers) or paper (e.g., 2-ply tissue). It directly matches the clue's reference to the thickness of such materials.

The word "YORE" refers to times long past, aligning perfectly with the clue "Yesteryear," which means the same. Both evoke nostalgia and denote a bygone era, making "YORE" a direct synonym and the correct answer.

The answer is SAO because São Paulo is a major city in Brazil, and "São" means "Saint" in Portuguese, which is Brazil's official language. The blank in the clue points to the beginning of the city’s name, making "SAO" the correct fill.

The solution CHEESEBOARD refers to a cocktail party staple that may hold crackers, jam, figs, honey and brie. The revealer tells you to read the ends of 17-, 25-, 38-, 42- and 55-Across as edible cheese-board items, not as literal suffixes of the theme answers.

ENT stands for Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, a medical doctor (M.D.) who examines and treats conditions related to these areas, including tonsils. Hence, ENT is the solution to "Tonsil-examining M.D." as they are the specialists who handle such examinations.

The answer "AEON" fits as it represents an extremely long span of time, often used in astronomical or geological contexts. The word conveys periods so vast they align with the immense timeframes associated with cosmic or planetary processes, making it apt for "Astronomically long time."

An alley-oop is a basketball play where one player passes the ball near the hoop, and another jumps to catch and score, typically by dunking. "Completed" signals the action's outcome. Therefore, the answer is "DUNKED," as it describes the successful finish of the play by scoring.

The answer "ASS" solves the clue "Total jerk" because "ass" is a slang term used to describe someone rude, foolish, or obnoxious—essentially a "jerk." The use of "total" intensifies the negative connotation, matching the straightforward tone of the clue.

The clue "This is not working!" signals wordplay. "Not working" can imply taking a break or pause, which is exactly what "REST" represents. When something is at rest, it’s inactive—essentially "not working." Thus, REST fits perfectly here.

The answer "TESTY" is a synonym for "short-tempered." Both describe someone who is irritable or easily annoyed. The clue directly calls for a word that represents this characteristic, making "TESTY" the apt solution. Simple, straightforward synonym substitution applies here.