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NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

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Across

  • The clue "Beauty lounge, of a sort" suggests a place related to beauty services. A "BLOWDRYBAR" is a specific type of salon or "lounge" where clients go primarily for blowouts (hair styling via blow-drying). The phrase matches the description of a modern, specialized beauty venue.

  • The clue "Calm" suggests quietness or silence. "HUSH" directly means to quiet or silence someone or something, aligning perfectly with the clue. It is a concise term commonly associated with calming situations or encouraging quietness, making it an ideal match for "Calm."

  • The clue refers to legislative bodies in Mexico and France, both of which are the lower chambers of their respective bicameral legislatures. The Chamber of Deputies (Mexico) and the National Assembly (France) serve as the LOWER HOUSE, complementing their upper houses: the Senate. Thus, LOWERHOUSE fits perfectly.

  • The clue "Cash on hand?" uses a question mark to indicate a pun or wordplay. "Ante" refers to a stake or amount of money players place on the table before a poker game begins, literally "cash on hand" to participate. The wordplay ties "cash" to gambling vocabulary.

  • The clue "French kiss kissers?" signals wordplay. French kissing involves open mouths during the act. Thus, "OPENMOUTHS" fits as the playful and literal answer to describe those engaging in a French kiss. It's a clever pun on the act itself.

  • The clue "Pull" leads to SWAY because "pull" can metaphorically mean influence or persuasion, and "sway" is often used to describe the ability to influence or sway someone's opinion or actions, aligning with the figurative use of the term.

  • The clue "Leading counsel?" includes a pun (indicated by the question mark). "Leading" suggests the "best," and "counsel" refers to advice. Together, "BEST ADVICE" is a playful way to describe the most effective guidance or "leading counsel."

  • The clue "Parting word" refers to a casual or informal way of saying goodbye. "TATA" is a British English expression often used as an affectionate, lighthearted farewell. It fits the clue perfectly as it is a commonly recognized "parting word."

  • The Cree are an Indigenous people in Canada and one of the largest First Nations groups. The clue directly asks for "One of the First Nations," and CREE fits both the definition and the crossword's letter count.

  • The clue "Tied up" hints at a situation where both sides are equal or balanced, such as in a game score. "All even" is another way of saying everything is level or tied. The phrase ALLEVEN satisfies this wordplay and fits the definition perfectly.

  • The answer is GALOIS because Évariste Galois was a 19th-century French mathematician known for his revolutionary work in abstract algebra. He developed Galois theory, which applies group theory to solve polynomial equations and analyze symmetries, making him one of history's greatest math prodigies.

  • The answer is MRLONELY because Bobby Vinton's 1964 hit song "Mr. Lonely" reached #1 on the charts and is renowned for its melancholy tone, expressing deep loneliness and longing. The title directly matches the clue, making it the perfect fit for the crossword solution.

  • The answer is OCELO because it refers to the sponge brand "O-Cel-O," which was originally hyphenated as "O-Cel-O" before transitioning to its current single-word form. This matches the clue's reference to the brand's original hyphenated spelling.

  • "Spots" can refer to locations or places, which aligns with the definition of "SITES." Both words denote specific areas or positions, often used interchangeably to describe places where something is found or occurs. This clue plays on the synonym for "spots" as physical locations.

  • The clue "N.B.A. stat: Abbr." asks for an abbreviated basketball statistic. REB stands for "rebounds," a key stat in the NBA that tracks how many times a player retrieves the ball after a missed shot. The abbreviation aligns perfectly with the clue's "Abbr." hint.

  • The answer "ATAD" for the clue "Slightly" plays on the phrase "a tad," which is a common informal expression meaning a small amount or slightly. This direct synonym makes "ATAD" a fitting solution for the clue.

  • The answer "HEXER" refers to someone who casts hexes, which are spells or curses typically associated with black magic. The word "practitioner" in the clue aligns with this, as it denotes someone who actively engages in such magical practices. "Hex" directly connects to the idea of black magic or curses.

  • TIVO is the answer because it refers to a popular brand of digital video recorders (DVRs), often called "boxes," used to watch and record TV. "Media watchers" hints at TV viewers, while "box" cleverly signifies the DVR device.

  • The clue references Taylor Swift's holiday song "'Tis the Damn Season." The phrase "'tis" is a poetic contraction of "it is," commonly used in holiday or old-fashioned contexts. Here, it completes the song title, making TIS the correct answer.

  • The answer "PAVER" fits because it’s a machine commonly used by highway crews to lay asphalt or concrete while constructing or resurfacing roads. It smoothly spreads the material, forming a flat, even surface, essential for highway construction and maintenance. The clue directly refers to this equipment's role.

  • The answer is MINED because both bismuth (a metal) and bitcoin (a cryptocurrency) are extracted in a process referred to as "mining." Bismuth is mined from the earth, while bitcoin is obtained through a computational process called cryptocurrency mining. The clue uses a shared characteristic to connect the terms.

  • The answer "BOARDIES" refers to board shorts, a type of swimwear often worn by surfers. They are versatile, knee-length, and resemble casual shorts, making them suitable for both swimming and everyday wear. The clue hints at their dual purpose as swimwear and regular shorts.

  • The clue "Full of snickers" plays on the word "snickers" as giggles or light laughter, not the candy. "GIGGLY" describes someone prone to giggling or laughing lightly, hence "full of snickers." It fits perfectly within this playful interpretation.

  • The term UNLEARN fits because breaking a bad habit often requires "unlearning" the behaviors or patterns associated with it. "Try to break" emphasizes an effort to undo or reverse learned behavior, aligning perfectly with the concept of unlearning something ingrained, like a bad habit.

  • The clue "Curve that's high and outside?" uses wordplay. An "arch" is a curved structure that can be described as "high" in shape, and it also describes something "outside," such as an architectural feature. The question mark indicates the playful, metaphorical use of "curve." ARCH fits perfectly.

  • The solution is THOS, an abbreviation for "Thomas." The Declaration of Independence is signed by three individuals named Thomas: Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Lynch Jr., and Thomas McKean. The clue specifies "Abbreviated first name," leading to this shortened form of Thomas.

  • The answer "THEBARTMAN" refers to a 1990 novelty dance song titled "Do the Bartman," inspired by Bart Simpson from the animated series The Simpsons. Bart, a mischievous comic-like character, was popularized as a superhero figure in pop culture, influencing this dance trend tied to his persona.

  • The solution "TENT" fits because a tent is a common fixture at outdoor receptions, providing shelter and serving as a centerpiece for events like weddings, parties, or banquets. It’s a functional and symbolic "staple" of such gatherings, ensuring comfort and weather protection.

  • The solution "ROSETOFAME" fits the clue "Became a marquee name, say" because it refers to gaining fame and recognition, metaphorically rising in prominence, like one's name appearing on a marquee. "Marquee name" implies a celebrated or well-known individual, aligning with the phrase "rose to fame."

  • The answer "ERGO" is used as a logical connective meaning "therefore" or "as a result." It connects premises to conclusions in logical reasoning. For example, "A, ergo B" expresses that B follows logically from A, fitting the clue's context of logical connection.

  • The clue refers to "Emma" and "Persuasion," both novels by celebrated author Jane Austen. "Austenites" is a term used for devoted fans or admirers of Jane Austen's works, which aptly describes "lovers" of these literary classics. The suffix "-ites" often denotes followers or enthusiasts.

  • The answer is ROAN because it refers to a distinctive equine coat color seen in horses. ROAN describes a mix of colored and white hairs, giving the horse a speckled or blended appearance. It's a common term specifically used for horse colors in the equine world, fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The clue "Way to begin gaming, say" hints at a familiar action taken to start gaming, often seen in older video games or consoles. "PRESS START" is commonly displayed on screens, prompting users to begin playing by pressing the "Start" button, making it the fitting answer.

Down

  • The "by-the-wind sailor," a marine creature (a type of jelly-like organism), often has a shapeless or amorphous appearance, akin to a "blob." The clue references how this creature looks, making "BLOB" a fitting descriptive answer.

  • The solution "LOPE" fits because it describes a smooth, relaxed gait often associated with easy running, particularly in animals like horses or runners conserving energy. The clue suggests an effortless motion, and LOPE perfectly captures this sense of running without strain or difficulty.

  • The clue "Hasn't settled up" refers to a situation where a payment or debt remains unpaid. The word "OWES" fits perfectly, as it describes owing money or being in debt, meaning the person has not yet resolved or "settled up" their dues.

  • "Foundered" suggests something failing or coming to a halt. In investigations, when leads or progress diminish, they are said to have "gone cold." The past tense matches "foundered," making WENTCOLD the apt answer for an investigation that stalled or stopped progressing.

  • The answer "DRMARIO" refers to the Nintendo character Dr. Mario, who is a doctor-themed version of Mario, a famous video game character. The "head mirror" in the clue alludes to the reflective circular headband traditionally worn by doctors, which Dr. Mario is depicted wearing in the game.

  • The Dodecanese Islands are a group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. Rhodes, known for its historical significance and size, is the largest among them. This makes RHODES the correct answer to the clue "Largest of the Dodecanese Islands."

  • The clue "___ changed" suggests a phrase completing this blank. "YOU'VE changed" is a common expression signifying personal transformation, perfectly fitting the blank. The contraction "YOU'VE" (short for "you have") aligns grammatically and contextually to complete this familiar phrase. The quotation marks signal conversational phrasing.

  • The clue "___ disagree" signals a conversational or spoken phrase. The answer "BUT I" fits because it is commonly used to introduce a contrasting opinion in speech, as in "But I disagree." It flows naturally in dialogue and completes the phrase contextually.

  • The answer is ASHCARTER because Ashton B. Carter, commonly known as Ash Carter, served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense from 2015 to 2017. He held the position during the final years of Barack Obama's presidency, making him Obama's last Secretary of Defense.

  • The answer "RESELLER" fits because it describes someone who buys items, often at a lower price, and sells them for profit. eBay is a platform where users commonly resell goods, making "RESELLER" a direct description of one who profits on such transactions.

  • The word "Expedite" means to speed up or hasten a process. "HASTEN" directly aligns with this definition, as it means to move quickly or to accelerate an action. Both terms share the essence of urgency and swiftness, making HASTEN the perfect synonym and solution.

  • The clue "Rock solid" metaphorically suggests firmness, determination, or stability—qualities described by "UNWAVERING." Something UNWAVERING, like steadfast resolve, doesn’t waver or falter, making it figuratively "rock solid." This explanation connects the metaphorical robustness of both the clue and the answer.

  • The 10th Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. This decentralizes authority, leaving many issues to be addressed at the state level rather than federally, making "STATELEVEL" the accurate answer to this clue.

  • The clue "Call to whomever" suggests a casual, non-specific call for attention. HEYANYBODY fits perfectly as a phrase someone might yell when addressing no one in particular but hoping for a response. It's informal and aligns with the clue's generality, matching the tone and intent of "whomever."

  • The answer "LOS" completes the place name "Los Alamitos," a city in California. "Los" is the Spanish word for "the," commonly found in Californian city names due to the state's Spanish heritage, such as Los Angeles or Los Altos. Hence, "Los Alamitos" is the full city name.

  • The solution is GOATBUTTER because it is a type of butter made from goat's milk—a dairy product. Health food stores often stock specialty or alternative items like this for those seeking unique, possibly healthier, options compared to standard cow's milk butter.

  • The clue "Bond classification" refers to James Bond, a famous fictional character known for performing daring feats and saving the day. This aligns with the concept of an "ACTION HERO," a term for protagonists in action-packed films, like Bond. Hence, the answer is ACTIONHERO.

  • The answer is LEASALONGA because Lea Salonga is a Tony-winning actress known for her Broadway work. She provided the singing voice for Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan. These iconic Disney roles highlight her celebrated vocal talent, fitting perfectly with the clue.

  • The phrase "Is a social butterfly" metaphorically describes someone who mingles or interacts freely in social settings. The answer "MIXES" aligns with this, as it refers to engaging and blending with various groups or people, fitting the nature of a social butterfly.

  • The clue describes the typical duration of a flight from New York to London. Such flights usually take around seven hours. Since "seven-hour" properly represents the approximate length of the journey, it fits the phrasing of the clue perfectly. Thus, the answer is SEVENHOUR.

  • The answer "HAIRTRAP" fits because a shower drain protector is designed to catch hair and prevent it from clogging the drain. The term "trap" implies capturing or stopping something—in this case, hair—making "HAIRTRAP" a clear and practical solution to the clue.

  • The answer "TIGHTFIT" describes a key property of both a wet suit and shapewear—they are designed to fit snugly against the body. This tightness ensures functionality: wet suits trap a thin layer of water for insulation, while shapewear contours the body for a streamlined look.

  • The clue uses wordplay with "Smack" and "in the middle of a crowd," suggesting a public display of affection (like a kiss, hug, or similar act) that occurs openly around others. The abbreviation PDA stands for Public Display of Affection, fitting the playful tone of the clue.

  • MICRONS is the solution because it is a unit of measurement equal to one-millionth of a meter (also called micrometers). This tiny scale is used to measure extremely small particles, such as bacteria and dust, which are often just a few microns in size.

  • The clue "Surmount" cleverly hints at a veiled capital. Reston is a city in Virginia, whose name humorously implies "rest on" or "to surmount/rest upon something." This wordplay connects "surmount" with the concept of resting or rising atop.

  • The answer "GRATES" solves the clue "Hazards for high heels" because metal grates or grids, often found on sidewalks or streets, have gaps that can easily catch and trap the thin heels of high-heeled shoes, posing a risk to wearers. This is a practical and tricky hazard!

  • The clue "Provides job assistance?" with a question mark signals wordplay. "Abets" means to assist or support, often in wrongdoing. The pun here is on "job" as in a criminal act (e.g., a robbery). Thus, "abetting" provides "assistance" in carrying out such a "job."

  • The clue "To be, to Brutus" implies a Latin connection, as Brutus is a Roman historical figure. In Latin, "esse" translates to "to be." Thus, the answer is ESSE, reflecting how "to be" would be expressed in Brutus's native language.

  • The answer "MATA" refers to Mata Hari, a famous Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan accused of being a spy during World War I. Her name is often used in puzzles, as "Hari" signals her iconic association with intrigue and espionage. The blank prompts this specific name completion.

  • The clue "Part of A.S.L.: Abbr." refers to the abbreviation for "American Sign Language." "A.S.L." stands for "American Sign Language," making "AMER" (short for "American") a fitting answer. The abbreviation indicator in the clue confirms the answer is abbreviated.

  • The clue "Group of spies, say" hints at wordplay. "Nest" metaphorically refers to a den or hideout, often associated with secretive groups like spies. For example, a "spy nest" evokes an undercover hub or gathering, fitting the playful language of the clue.

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Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights

This Saturday themeless comes from veteran constructor Byron Walden, and the numbers behind his record are almost as impressive as the puzzle itself: his 109th puzzle overall for the Times and his 70th Saturday. It is a rigorously crafted, brain-burner: only 64 entries and 24 blocks means almost no short filler, so long answers must carry heavy load and crossings get brutal. The grid rewards solvers familiar with fresh, debutish fill—BLOWDRYBAR, GOATBUTTER, LEASALONGA, PRESSSTART—and pop-culture nuggets like THEBARTMAN and MRLONELY. Clues trend lively and specific, pushing you toward trivia (ASHCARTER, RHODES) and tight vocabulary (ARCH, THOS). The payoff is real: once a few long answers fall, the rest unlocks, but expect a slow, satisfying solve. Tough even for a Saturday, but elegant and surprisingly modern in voice.

Today's Tricky Wordplay

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NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know

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NYT Crossword Themes and Titles

The difficulty of the NYT Crossword evolves throughout the week, and a big part of that progression comes from its use of themes and titles.

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