NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The clue "Stops" directly defines the answer "HALTS." Both words mean to cease movement, progress, or activity. This straightforward clue aligns with the synonym relationship between "stops" (verb) and "halts," making it a perfect match for the solution.

IDAHO is the solution because its narrow northern panhandle extends to the Canadian border, directly touching British Columbia. Geographically, it’s one of the few U.S. states where this is true, making it a factual match for the clue.

The clue "A smile, perhaps?" signals wordplay or a figurative meaning. In poker, a "tell" is a subtle behavior or expression, like a smile, that unintentionally reveals a player's hand or strategy. Hence, "POKERTELL" fits perfectly as the solution.

The clue "Ambulance worker, for short" points to a common abbreviation for a medical responder. EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician, a professional who provides immediate care in emergencies, often seen working in ambulances. The phrase "for short" signals that the answer is an abbreviation.

The clue "Only once in a while" suggests something infrequent or uncommon. The word "RARELY" means occurring infrequently or not often, directly aligning with the idea of something happening "only once in a while." This makes RARELY the correct and fitting answer.

The clue "Love, in Italy" includes "in Italy," indicating the answer is the Italian word for love. In Italian, "amore" translates to "love," making AMORE the correct solution. This clue directly points to the word's meaning in a specific language.

The answer "SMURF" fits because the Smurfs are small, blue humanoid creatures featured in various kids' movies and the iconic animated series. They are widely recognized for their blue skin and are central characters in films such as "The Smurfs" (2011), making them the perfect match for this clue.

The phrase "Put away, as dinner" is a straightforward clue. "Put away" can mean consuming or eating, especially in the context of food. Adding "as dinner" confirms the focus on a meal. Therefore, the correct answer, EAT, directly matches the action of consuming dinner.

The answer is BOBCAT because Ohio University's athletic teams are called the Bobcats. This nickname represents the university's mascot, Rufus the Bobcat, making "Bobcat" the correct term for an Ohio University athlete.

The answer "UNLACES" works because it directly describes the action of loosening a shoe by undoing the laces. The verb "loosens" aligns with the act of untying, and the phrase "as a shoe" specifies the context, making UNLACES the precise fit.

The answer is STORK because folklore often depicts storks as delivering babies to families, symbolizing childbirth. This myth is widespread in European tales and traditions, where the stork flies with a baby bundled in cloth, making it a fitting "baby deliverer" in the context of the clue.

The clue "Dry (off)" refers to the action of removing moisture from something. A TOWEL is an object commonly used to dry off water from your body, making it a fitting answer. The parentheses hint at the specific physical action of drying oneself off after, for instance, a shower or swim.

The clue "Have a feeling" directly relates to the word SENSE, as "sense" means to perceive or feel something through physical sensation or intuition. Both the clue and the answer align in their focus on awareness or perception, making SENSE the perfect solution.

The clue "___-level job" refers to a position suitable for newcomers just starting in a field or industry. The prefix "entry" perfectly fits as it forms the term "entry-level job," which describes such beginner roles. Hence, ENTRY is the correct answer.

The clue "Part of a flight" uses a common metaphor. A "flight" can refer to a set of stairs, and a "STAIR" is a single step within that flight. This interpretation plays on the dual meaning of "flight," beyond its association with air travel.

The clue "Sounds of heavy things hitting the ground" directly describes the answer "THUDS." A "thud" is the dull, heavy sound typically made when something substantial falls to the ground, aligning perfectly with the description in the clue. The plural "thuds" matches the plural "sounds" in the clue.

The answer "ASL" stands for American Sign Language, a visual language used primarily by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It allows silent communication through hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. The clue specifies "in brief," signaling an abbreviated form, making ASL the correct fit.

The clue "___-la-la!" suggests a verbal expression often used to convey excitement or delight. The phrase "ooh-la-la!" is an exclamation commonly associated with something impressive, fancy, or surprising. The blank is filled with "OOH" to complete this familiar phrase accurately.

The clue says "Science class, for short." The answer is BIO because it's a common abbreviation for biology, a fundamental science subject often taught in schools. The phrase "for short" hints at an abbreviated form rather than the full word.

The clue "Many a public artwork" points to something commonly displayed in public spaces as art. A "MURAL" is a large artwork painted or created directly on walls, often in public places like streets or buildings, making it a fitting answer reflecting public art.

The answer "ANI" refers to Ani DiFranco, a well-known singer, songwriter, and activist. She is an influential figure in folk and indie music, recognized for her poetic lyrics and political activism. The clue directly points to her by mentioning "Singer DiFranco," making ANI the correct answer.

The clue "Fifth wheel" uses wordplay. A "spare tire" is literally a fifth wheel carried in a vehicle as a backup. Figuratively, "fifth wheel" can mean something unnecessary or extra, just like a spare tire is only used if needed. Hence, SPARETIRE fits perfectly.

The answer "NIC" refers to actor Nicolas Cage's first name, shortened informally. In casual conversation or writing, "Nic" is a common shorthand for "Nicolas," matching the clue's note of informality. Thus, "NIC" fits perfectly as the solution.

In tennis, a match is divided into sets, and players compete to win a predetermined number of them (e.g., best of 3 or 5). Thus, "Part of a tennis match" directly refers to a "SET." It's a fundamental unit in scoring within the sport.

ATLAS is the correct answer because, in Greek mythology, he was a Titan condemned to hold up the heavens (or sky) as punishment. This specific role directly ties to the clue, making ATLAS a perfect fit.

The clue "___-haw!" represents an exclamation commonly associated with excitement, joy, or enthusiasm, particularly in a country or cowboy/Western context. "YEE-haw!" is a well-known phrase expressing that sentiment. The missing part is "YEE," completing the phrase "YEE-haw!" perfectly.

The San Andreas Fault is a well-known tectonic boundary in California where two tectonic plates meet. The blank "San ___ Fault" in the clue is filled with "Andreas" to form the proper name of this geological feature. It directly references this famous fault line.

Mount Everest is situated in the Himalayas, and its southern side lies within Nepal. The clue's phrase "holding one side" hints at geographical positioning. Nepal shares the mountain with Tibet (China) on the north, making it the correct answer for the "one side" referenced.

The clue "Start of a play" refers to the structure of theatrical works, which are divided into acts. The first act of a play is "Act One," marking its beginning. This answer fits both the clue's meaning and the wordplay commonly used in crossword puzzles.

The clue "Greeting between buddies" suggests a friendly and informal gesture exchanged between close friends. "BROHUG" perfectly fits as it's a casual, often semi-playful embrace typically shared between male friends, combining the conversational term "bro" (buddy) with "hug," the physical greeting.

The term "CAVED" is commonly used as a metaphor to describe someone giving in or surrendering under pressure, much like "capitulated." In the context of negotiations, it means abandoning one's stance and yielding to the other party’s demands, aligning perfectly with the clue's phrasing.

The answer "OLIVE" fits because olive is a well-known shade of green, named after the color of unripe olives. This clue straightforwardly asks for a specific green hue without wordplay or trickery, and OLIVE is a direct match.

The clue "Opposite of ushered out" hints at a reversal of leading someone out. "Ushered out" implies guiding someone away, so the opposite would involve guiding someone inside or inward. "LED IN" means to guide or direct someone into a space, making it the correct answer.

The clue "Unsociable type" defines someone who prefers solitude and avoids social interactions. A "LONER" perfectly fits this description, as it refers to an individual who tends to be alone by choice, embodying the essence of being unsociable or detached.

The answer "EXTRA" fits because traditionally, newsboys would shout "Extra! Extra!" to announce special editions of newspapers with breaking news. The clue specifies "when repeated," referencing this iconic cry. Hence, "EXTRA" is the solution.

The phrase "Prima ___" refers to "prima donna," an Italian term meaning "first lady." It commonly describes the leading female singer in an opera or someone with a demanding, diva-like attitude. "Donna" completes the phrase, making it the correct answer.

The term "SMEAR" refers to an unintended smudge or streak of mascara, which commonly results from tears, rubbing, or improper application. This aligns with the clue "Mascara mishap," as a smear is a common, accidental flaw when using mascara. It directly matches the context of a makeup mishap.

The clue "Sphere" directly refers to a round, three-dimensional object, which matches the definition of the word "ORB." An orb is often used to describe spherical shapes, making it a perfectly fitting synonym for "Sphere."

"Nav. rank." is an abbreviation for a naval rank, and "ENS" stands for "Ensign," the lowest commissioned officer rank in the U.S. Navy. Both the clue and answer use abbreviations, matching crossword convention for consistency.