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NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

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Across

  • The clue "Biting comment" leads to the answer DIG because "dig" can mean an incisive or cutting remark, which fits the idea of a "biting" comment. It's a metaphorical use of "dig," implying a sharp, critical statement.

  • The clue "No thanks" in quotes suggests a spoken phrase or reaction. "I pass" is a common verbal response to decline something politely, like an offer or turn in a game, aligning perfectly with the clue’s meaning. Adjusted as "IPASS" for the crossword format, it fits the grid.

  • The clue "Bottom of the food chain, say" suggests a living organism that is hunted or consumed by others in the ecosystem. PREY fits perfectly as it refers to animals that are eaten by predators, literally being at the "bottom" of the food hierarchy.

  • The clue specifies "in Spanish," signaling the answer is in Spanish. "Eso" translates to "that" in English, making it the correct solution. It refers to something not specific or already mentioned, aligning perfectly with the clue's context.

  • The answer "NICER" fits the clue "Easier to get along with" because being nicer generally means being kinder, friendlier, or more agreeable. These traits make someone easier to interact with and get along with socially, perfectly matching the clue's description.

  • The clue "Job perk that might accumulate" points to a workplace benefit that builds over time. LEAVE, such as vacation or sick leave, is often accrued monthly or annually by employees as a perk, aligning perfectly with the clue's hint about accumulation.

  • "Catchalls" suggests something comprehensive or all-encompassing, and in the insurance industry, "blanket policies" are types of coverage that include multiple items, events, or categories under a single policy. This matches the clue's description of broad, inclusive insurance solutions.

  • The answer is TALE because Edgar Allan Poe is renowned for his short stories, often referred to as tales, such as "The Tell-Tale Heart." His writings frequently carry dark, mysterious, and suspenseful qualities, making TALE an appropriate representation of his literary work.

  • The clue "Reine's counterpart" hints at the French language, as "reine" is French for "queen." The counterpart to a queen is a king, and in French, "king" is "roi." Thus, the answer is ROI.

  • The clue uses a play on words: Muscat is the capital of Oman, not a type of wine here. Although Muscat is also a type of grape used in winemaking, Oman—a largely Muslim country—produces little to no wine due to cultural and religious reasons.

  • The clue "Uses scissors on" directly suggests an action performed with scissors, which is cutting or trimming. The word "SNIPS" refers to small, precise cuts made using scissors, making it a perfect match for the clue. It’s concise and aligns with the meaning.

  • The phrase "Really giving an earful" implies strongly criticizing or scolding someone, which matches the expression "RAILING AT." To "rail at" someone is to vehemently complain or rant against them, effectively "giving an earful" in an intense or emotional manner.

  • The clue "Dissuade" and the answer "DETER" align because to deter someone means to discourage or prevent them from taking an action, effectively dissuading them. Both words convey the idea of discouragement or inhibition, making "DETER" a clear synonym for "Dissuade."

  • The clue "Bit of body art, informally" refers to a casual term for a tattoo. "TAT" is a shortened, informal way to say "tattoo," aligning perfectly with the clue's use of "informally." It captures the casual, abbreviated nature of the term.

  • The answer "ERA" fits the clue "Modern ___" because "era" refers to a distinct period in history or time. The term "modern era" commonly describes the current period characterized by recent advancements or contemporary developments, making it an apt and logical solution.

  • "Utopia" refers to an ideal, perfect place or society, often imagined as "paradise on Earth." The term originates from Sir Thomas More's 1516 book "Utopia," describing such a fictional place. This matches the clue's description of a flawless earthly paradise.

  • The clue uses a play on words with "exchange tickets for food." At a FAIR, it's common to use tickets to purchase food items at concession stands, making FAIR the fitting answer.

  • MONITORLIZARD is the correct answer because it refers to a large species of lizard, such as the Komodo dragon, which can grow up to 10 feet long. The clue specifies a reptile of notable size, and monitor lizards are known for their length and massive appearance.

  • The answer "RODE" fits because "got carried along by" suggests being transported or moved by something, like riding on a vehicle, animal, or wave. "RODE" is the past tense of "ride," which aligns with the action of being carried or transported.

  • The term "LAYMAN" refers to someone who is not a professional or specialist in a particular field, thus aligning perfectly with the clue "Nonexpert," which describes an individual lacking expertise or deep knowledge in a subject. This answer fits the straightforward interpretation of the clue.

  • The clue "Story extender" uses wordplay. The conjunction "AND" is often used to add more information or extend a narrative in storytelling, making it a fitting answer for something that extends a story.

  • The clue "Pose a question" directly refers to the act of asking. To "ask" is the verb that describes putting forward a query or question, making ASK the perfect fit for this straightforward clue. It matches exactly with the action described.

  • The clue "Deluges with emails" refers to overwhelming someone with a flood of unsolicited emails—a behavior often described as "spamming." The plural form "SPAMS" fits the clue, as it indicates multiple instances of sending such excessive emails. It's a straightforward definition clue.

  • The Play Store is a platform where users purchase and download applications for mobile devices. The clue’s phrasing directly points to a "MOBILE APP," which is the common term for such applications, making it the perfect fit.

  • The clue "Series of steps" refers to a staircase, which is composed of multiple steps arranged in a sequence. A single step in such a series is called a "STAIR," making it the correct answer. It’s a simple, direct interpretation of the clue.

  • In poker, the "pot" is the total money players compete for. An "ANTE" is a mandatory small bet each player contributes to the pot before the cards are dealt, making it a literal "part of a pot." This clue uses gambling terminology.

  • The clue "Now I see!" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken expression or realization. "AHA" represents a sudden moment of clarity, understanding, or discovery, perfectly matching the meaning of the clue. It’s the sound we often make when something suddenly makes sense.

  • The clue "Sitting on the bench, say" uses a figurative phrase. To sit on the bench often means to not be active or in use, such as when players are not participating in a game. This aligns with the answer "IDLE," which means inactive or not engaged in activity.

  • “WELCOME TO MY CRIB” recalls MTV’s Cribs, where stars showed off their homes. The phrase ties the themers together: a BLANKET, RAILING, MONITOR, and MOBILE are all objects you’d find in a crib, cleverly uniting household items under a pop-culture catchphrase.

  • The clue "Book of legends" uses wordplay. An atlas is a book containing maps, and maps often document legendary places, journeys, or geographic knowledge. Additionally, Atlas refers to the mythological Titan who held up the heavens, linking to "legends." Thus, ATLAS perfectly fits this dual meaning.

  • The answer is LITER because engine capacity is commonly measured in liters, especially in automotive contexts, indicating the volume of the engine's cylinders. For example, a "2.0-liter engine" describes the engine's displacement. This metric unit aligns directly with the clue's reference to a unit of measurement.

  • The clue "Hosp. area" uses the abbreviation "Hosp." for hospital, signaling the answer is also likely abbreviated. ICU stands for Intensive Care Unit, a critical area in hospitals. This makes ICU the appropriate, concise answer to describe a hospital area.

  • The answer is NESS because Loch Ness, located in Scotland, is the largest loch by volume due to its significant depth, despite not being the largest by surface area. Its fame also ties to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

  • The phrase "Many moons" is a poetic or figurative way of expressing a long passage of time, drawing from ancient or indigenous cultures where time was often measured in lunar cycles. MOONS fits the blank as it aligns with this idea of marking "a long time" symbolically.

  • The answer is DAS because Volkswagen is a German automaker, and "Das Auto" means "The Car" in German. This was a past slogan for Volkswagen, emphasizing their identity as the quintessential car brand. The clue hints at its association with the German language and Volkswagen's branding.

Down

  • "Net worth negatives" refers to factors that decrease a person’s financial net worth. DEBTS—money owed to others—reduce net worth, as liabilities are subtracted from assets in calculating net worth. Hence, DEBTS fits perfectly as the solution to this clue.

  • The answer "ISLAND" fits because the game Myst is set on a mysterious, deserted island. Players explore its landscapes and structures to solve puzzles, making the "setting" central to the game. The word "setting" directly refers to the game's isolated, scenic island environment.

  • The clue "Netminder" refers to a position in sports, specifically hockey or soccer, where a player guards the net to prevent the opposing team from scoring. A "goalie" (short for goalkeeper) is the player assigned this role, making it the fitting answer.

  • The answer is INK because "___ saver" refers to an option that reduces the use of ink when printing, typically by adjusting settings to lighter or more efficient printing. It's a common feature called "ink saver," making INK the fitting solution for the clue.

  • A PIER is a common spot for crabbing, as it extends over water and provides easy access to drop crab traps or lines. The clue is straightforward, referencing a specific location typically associated with this activity.

  • The clue includes a pun. "Long lines" can refer to memorizing lengthy scripts, a challenge actors often face in their profession. Thus, an ACTOR is someone who has to deal with long lines, making it the fitting answer.

  • The answer is SEPIA because the term originates from the Greek word "sepia," meaning "cuttlefish." This is due to the brown ink that was once made from cuttlefish ink sacs, which inspired the warm, reddish-brown color known as sepia today.

  • The answer "SRO" stands for "Standing Room Only." This term is commonly used in theaters, concert venues, or events to indicate that all seats are taken, leaving only standing space. It’s a clear "sign" of a full or "packed house."

  • A praline is a sweet confection typically made with sugar and nuts, commonly pecans. The word "nugget" suggests a small piece or component, making PECAN the perfect answer as the nut commonly used in pralines.

  • Galoshes and umbrellas are items typically used during rainy weather to stay dry. Collectively, they are categorized as "RAINGEAR." This term broadly refers to clothing or accessories designed to protect from rain, making it an apt solution for the clue.

  • The answer is EVE because, in the biblical story of Genesis, Eve is said to have used a fig leaf to cover herself after becoming aware of her nakedness upon eating the forbidden fruit. This makes her a historically "noted" wearer of a fig leaf.

  • In American Sign Language (ASL), a bobbing fist—formed by making a fist and moving it up and down—represents the affirmative response "YES." The motion mimics a nodding head, a universal gesture for agreement, aligning with the physical nature of ASL communication.

  • The term “Hard cap” refers to a strict or maximum boundary or ceiling, which aligns with the definition of LIMIT—a fixed point beyond which one cannot go. The word "hard" emphasizes the unchangeable or rigid nature of this restriction, making LIMIT the fitting answer.

  • NEPTUNE is the correct answer because it is the only planet in our solar system that cannot be seen without a telescope. Its great distance from Earth and low brightness make it invisible to the naked eye, distinguishing it from the other planets.

  • The answer "LOLA" refers to the Kinks' 1970 hit song "Lola," a classic rock track about an encounter with a person named Lola in Soho. It’s one of the band’s most iconic songs, making "Lola" synonymous with the Kinks' musical legacy.

  • SETI stands for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, an organization dedicated to researching and detecting signs of intelligent life beyond Earth. The clue directly references this focus, making SETI the ideal answer. The capitalization of "Org." hints at an abbreviation, aligning with SETI's acronym.

  • The answer is ITALY because the Italian national soccer team, known as the Azzurri, has won the FIFA World Cup four times: in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006. This remarkable achievement secures Italy's position as one of the most successful teams in World Cup history.

  • The answer is ARID because much of Utah has a desert climate, characterized by low rainfall and dry conditions. The term ARID specifically describes such regions with minimal moisture, aligning perfectly with Utah's geographic and climatic features.

  • The clue "Road crew goo" refers to a sticky substance used by construction crews on roads. TAR is a viscous material used in paving and road repairs, fitting the description of "goo." The straightforward description ties TAR to its primary road-related function, making it the correct answer.

  • The answer "ROT" works because rotting food emits smells that attract fruit flies. The phrase "start to attract" suggests the beginning of decomposition, leading to rotting, which draws these insects. 'Perhaps' signals a wordplay hinting at this process rather than a literal action.

  • In Bedřich Smetana's opera "The Bartered Bride," the polka is prominently featured. The polka, a lively dance of Czech origin, aligns with the opera's setting in a Czech village. Its cultural significance and presence in this composition make POLKA the correct answer for the clue.

  • IRA is the solution because it cleverly plays on the dual meaning: an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a financial savings tool, and "Ira" can function as a person’s name, suggesting a financial adviser. The question mark signals this pun or wordplay.

  • The clue "Huge supporter" uses wordplay to describe someone who is excessively enthusiastic or devoted, often to an extreme. "Fanatic" fits because it refers to a person with intense, uncritical zeal or support, making them a "huge supporter" in spirit or behavior.

  • The answer "MONO" refers to infectious mononucleosis, a common illness often transmitted through saliva, earning it the nickname "the kissing disease." The clue specifies "for short," hinting at the abbreviation MONO, which is how the illness is colloquially referred to.

  • The clue "Quirky types" describes individuals who are unconventional or eccentric, matching the meaning of "ODDBALLS." The term "oddballs" is a playful way to label people who stand out due to unusual or peculiar behavior, fitting the context of the clue.

  • The clue "Some Gmail convos" refers to types of digital communications within Gmail. "IMs" (instant messages) are a feature in Gmail through Google Chat, allowing for real-time conversations. The plural "convos" aligns with the plural abbreviation "IMs," making it the appropriate answer.

  • The clue "Throws in the microwave" uses wordplay. To "zap" something informally means to quickly heat or cook it in a microwave, matching the playful tone of the clue. So, "ZAPS" is the perfect fit as it captures this action.

  • The answer "RAM" fits because it means to forcefully crash or smash into something, aligning directly with the clue "Smash (into)." Additionally, "RAM" also conveys a sense of impact or collision, making it the perfect synonym for the described action.

  • The answer is ALTOS because altos are singers with a vocal range typically spanning F3 to F5 in choral arrangements. This range is lower than soprano but higher than tenor, and it is traditionally associated with lower female or higher male vocal parts.

  • The clue "Appear to be" directly aligns with the definition of "SEEM," which means to give the impression of being something, without necessarily being so. It's a precise synonym for the phrase, matching its sense of perception or appearance rather than certainty.

  • The clue mentions "el Museo del Prado," a famous museum located in Spain. The Spanish phrase "el Museo" hints at a city in Spain. Madrid, Spain's capital, is home to this world-renowned art museum, making MADRID the correct answer.

  • The answer is SILICA because silica gel is a desiccant, a substance used to absorb moisture and keep products dry. It is often found in small packets marked "Do not eat" in product packaging to prevent damage caused by humidity. The clue directly describes its function and labeling.

  • The "Realm of the Four Parts" refers to "Tahuantinsuyu," the historical name for the Inca Empire, which was divided into four regions. The INCAS were the residents and rulers of this empire, centered in present-day Peru, making them the correct answer to this clue.

  • The clue "Barbecue setting, often" points to a common outdoor area used for grilling. A "PATIO" is a paved space adjacent to a house, frequently used for outdoor gatherings, dining, and barbecues. The word "often" acknowledges that while not always, patios are a typical spot for such activities.

  • The clue "Insta post" plays on the idea of something posted on Instagram (Insta), a platform primarily used for sharing pictures. A "post" on Instagram is often a PHOTO, making this the fitting solution. This clue uses straightforward word association with no extra wordplay.

  • The clue "An eye for an I?" uses wordplay and puns, signaled by the question mark. A REBUS is a puzzle where symbols, pictures, or letters (like "eye" replacing "I") are used to represent words or sounds. It playfully swaps "eye" for "I," fitting perfectly!

  • The clue "Preach it!" ends with an exclamation mark, suggesting something emphatic or spoken aloud. "Amen" is often a spoken affirmation or agreement at the end of a sermon or statement in a religious context, effectively "preaching it" or endorsing what was said.

  • The answer "WAN" fits "Lacking color" as it describes someone pale or sickly looking, often due to illness or emotion, lacking healthy color in their complexion. It's a direct synonym in this context, making it an accurate and concise solution.

  • The clue references Strasbourg, a French city, signaling the answer is in French. "Shorts season" refers to summer, when shorts are commonly worn. The French word for summer is "été," and crossword puzzles often drop accents, making the answer ETE.

  • The answer is ELM because the elm tree is known for its serrated or saw-toothed leaves. This clue is literal, directly describing a tree type with a specific leaf edge pattern, which is characteristic of elms.

  • The clue "Mos. on end" uses abbreviation-based wordplay. "Mos." stands for "months," and "on end" suggests duration or time. Several months on end collectively span years. Hence, "YRS," the abbreviation for "years," is the answer, aligning with the clue’s shorthand structure.

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Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights

A lively Tuesday with bite! The CRIB set (BLANKET, RAILING, MONITOR, MOBILE) clicks under the playful “WELCOME TO MY CRIB” revealer, a smart wink to MTV heads. Cluing skews fresh: ACTOR for “long lines,” FAIR as a ticket-for-food exchange, and that tidy insurance “catchalls.” Mid-grid sparkle from FANATIC, ODDBALLS, RAINGEAR, SILICA, plus cultural seasoning in LOLA and POLKA. Classic staples (NESS, SETI, IRA) feel renewed, and NEPTUNE’s trivia lands clean. A touch tougher than typical Tuesday, yet fair. Minor glue like IMS and SRO is brief. Loved the house-tour click when the themers snapped together. Solid craft, witty vibe, memorable theme overall.

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