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NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

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Across

  • The clue, "Something tapped at a bar," uses a bit of wordplay. At a bar, beer is often served from kegs, large containers of liquid. To access the beer inside, the keg is "tapped" using a specialized tool to draw the beverage, making KEG the fitting answer.

  • The answer is GILA because the Gila monster is a species of venomous lizard native to the southwestern U.S. The blank in the clue represents “Gila,” which is part of its name. It is uniquely notable as the only venomous lizard found in the U.S.

  • The clue "Go caroling, say" refers to the act of singing holiday songs, which is what caroling involves. The phrase "say" indicates an example or synonym, and "SING" perfectly matches what one does while caroling: vocalizing festive tunes.

  • The answer "ECONOMIST" refers to The Economist, a renowned British weekly publication that covers topics like business, politics, and culture. The clue specifies it's a "British weekly" and confirms part of the title with "with 'The'," directly pointing to this publication's name.

  • The clue "Devils' center, appropriately" uses wordplay. The "center" of the word "Devils" is "VIL," which resembles "EVIL," fitting the devilish theme. The word "appropriately" confirms the pun, as devils are often associated with evil. Combining both elements, EVIL is the fitting answer.

  • The clue has a playful tone with "maybe," hinting at wordplay. "Proud papas" refers to fathers brimming with pride at their newborns. In delivery rooms, they often take baby photos to capture the moment. The answer fits the definition and conveys the pun of dads snapping pictures.

  • The word "Stead" means "place" or "position," often used in the phrase "in lieu of," which means "in place of." Therefore, the answer LIEU is directly synonymous with the definition of "stead."

  • The answer is TUFTS because Tufts University is located in Medford and Somerville, Massachusetts, directly north of Cambridge, where Harvard University is situated. The clue uses the geographical direction "just north" to pinpoint Tufts' relative location to Harvard.

  • The phrase "Overall impact" refers to the cumulative result or outcome of various factors. "Net effect" specifically means the final result after considering all positive and negative contributions, making it the perfect match for this clue.

  • The term "aerial" relates to activities or views from the air. Drones capture photography from above, often offering a bird's-eye perspective. The clue "Like drone photography" describes this perspective, making AERIAL the fitting solution.

  • The clue "Look here …" is in quotes, signaling it's a spoken phrase. "SEE" is commonly used to direct someone's attention to something, equivalent to saying "look here" conversationally. It fits naturally as the verbal counterpart to the clue.

  • The clue "Study of the mind, for short" refers to the academic discipline of cognitive science, which examines mental processes such as thinking, memory, and perception. The abbreviation "cog" (cognitive) combined with "sci" (science) forms "COGSCI," a commonly used shorthand for the field.

  • The answer is MOE because Moe Szyslak is the owner of Moe's Tavern in The Simpsons. He is frequently prank-called by Bart, who uses fake names that sound like jokes (e.g., "Hugh Jass"). This recurring gag makes MOE the perfect fit for the clue.

  • The answer "UNITARD" fits because it is a single-piece, form-fitting garment often worn in contemporary dance. It allows flexibility and ease of movement, crucial for dancers' performances, while emphasizing body lines for artistic expression—making it a practical and typical attire for this context.

  • The answer is TEATREE because tea tree oil is a well-known essential oil derived from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). It is widely used for its medicinal and antibacterial properties, making the tea tree the "source" of this essential oil mentioned in the clue.

  • The clue includes a question mark, indicating wordplay. "R" refers to the gear on a car's transmission for "Reverse." Rolls-Royce, a luxury car brand, has this gear like other vehicles. So, "R, as in a Rolls-Royce?" cleverly points to the gear "REVERSE."

  • The phrase "ON THE DL" is short for "on the down-low," which means something kept secret or confidential—essentially "hush-hush." The clue plays on this colloquial expression, matching the secrecy implied by "Hush-hush."

  • The clue "What the shepherd heard, perhaps?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Shepherd" suggests sheep, and the sound sheep make is a "bleat." Thus, "BLEAT" fits as the sound a shepherd might hear while tending their flock.

  • The answer is AAA because AAA (Triple-A) is the top tier of minor-league baseball, just below Major League Baseball (MLB). It represents the highest skill level in the minors and often serves as the last step for players before joining the MLB. This fits the clue perfectly.

  • The clue "They spike during the holidays" refers to retail SALES, which tend to increase sharply during holiday seasons like Christmas or Black Friday. "Spike" suggests a sudden rise, perfectly describing the surge in purchases and revenue during these periods.

  • The clue uses wordplay with the question mark. "Deb" is short for debutante, a young woman from a wealthy or high-society background formally introduced to social circles. A socialite is often associated with such circles, making "Deb" an aptly fitting name.

  • The clue "Some pre-streaming music purchases" refers to how people bought music before digital streaming platforms existed. CDs (compact discs) were a widely popular format for purchasing music during that era, making "CDS" the correct answer. The plural "Some" aligns perfectly with the format.

  • The answer is NENE, which refers to the Hawaiian goose, also known as the Nēnē. It is the state bird of Hawaii and endemic to the islands. The wordplay in "Goose of Hawaii" hints at this specific species rather than a general goose.

  • VDAY is the answer because it refers to V-Day, a global movement and campaign founded by Eve Ensler, aimed at ending violence against women and girls. The "V" symbolizes Victory, Valentine, and Vagina, aligning with the group's core mission of raising awareness and advocating for change worldwide.

  • The clue ends with an exclamation mark, signaling wordplay. "That's unbelievable!" can describe something untrue or deceptive—essentially, a lie. A lie is inherently unbelievable because it distorts the truth, making it a clever fit for the clue's tone and phrasing.

  • The clue "That's unbelievable!" is in quotes, signaling a spoken expression. "WHOA" is an exclamation commonly used to express astonishment, disbelief, or surprise, perfectly aligning with the meaning of the clue. It's a natural reaction to something unbelievable, making it the correct answer.

  • Eels are fish known for their elongated bodies and ability to burrow into substrates like sand and mud on the seabed. This behavior allows them to hide from predators and hunt prey, making "EEL" the fitting answer to this straightforward, fact-based clue.

  • The clue "Subtle acknowledgment" points to a small, nonverbal gesture of recognition or agreement. A "NOD" perfectly fits this definition, as it is a subtle action where one slightly moves their head to acknowledge or agree with someone, aligning with the clue's intent.

  • The clue "Carpenter or plumber's kit" refers to a collection of tools used by either profession to perform their work. A "TOOLSET" is precisely that—a set of tools typically required for specific tasks, making it the perfect fit for this clue.

  • The answer is SALMONBERRY because it is a fruit traditionally eaten with salmon. Its name combines "salmon," the fish, and "berry," reflecting its reddish-orange hue, similar to salmon flesh. The clue uses the naming for a direct association between the fruit and the fish it accompanies.

  • The clue "Toilette water" plays on the French word for "toilette," which refers to grooming or personal care. In this context, it hints at "eau de toilette," a light fragrance. "Eau" is French for "water," making it the fitting answer.

  • The clue "Like goods bought before they hit the shelves" describes items purchased in advance of their release or availability. The term for this is "PREORDERED," which means ordering a product before it's officially available in stores, matching the idea of obtaining it prior to it "hitting the shelves."

  • The clue "Alternative to AOL" refers to internet services/portals similar to AOL. MSN (Microsoft Network) is a comparable service, offering email, news, and online content, much like AOL did. They were both leading competitors in the early internet era, making MSN a fitting alternative.

  • The answer is ASYMMETRY, since the grid breaks the usual crossword rule of rotational balance. But the clue’s twist is that, read as “A SYMMETRY,” it also points to another trick: every A in the grid is placed symmetrically. A double reveal that highlights the puzzle’s construction flair.

  • ETA stands for "Estimated Time of Arrival," commonly used in travel and transportation to indicate when a plane (or other vehicle) is expected to arrive. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating an abbreviation, making ETA the correct answer.

Down

  • The clue "Didn't tell, as a secret" directly suggests someone maintained confidentiality or refrained from disclosing information. "KEPT" fits perfectly, as the phrase "kept a secret" means to hold onto it without sharing. It aligns with the clue's meaning of retaining secrecy.

  • ECRU is a pale, light beige color, derived from the French word "écru," meaning "raw" or "unbleached." It resembles the natural color of unbleached linen, which aligns perfectly with the clue "Light beige." This makes ECRU the accurate and logical answer.

  • The clue "Blooper" refers to a mistake or error, often in a lighthearted or informal sense. The word "GOOF" is a slang term for a careless mistake, aligning perfectly with the meaning of "blooper" in this context. Hence, GOOF is the correct solution.

  • The Titanomachy was a mythological war in Greek mythology between the Titans and the Olympian gods. Combatants of this war included the Olympian gods, such as Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon, who fought against the Titans for control of the cosmos. Hence, "GODS" fits as the answer.

  • The clue "Teacher's pest" uses wordplay. An "IMP" is a mischievous, troublesome child, often causing minor disruptions—exactly the kind of "pest" a teacher might deal with in class. Its playful tone matches the light-hearted "pest" description.

  • The answer is LIANE because Liane Hansen was a long-time host of NPR's "Weekend Edition Sunday," a role she held from 1989 to 2011. The clue directly references her by name and role, making it a straightforward connection.

  • The answer "ASPER" fits the clue "In line with" because "asper" is a Latin word meaning "rough" or "harsh," but it’s used to mean "in accordance with" or "aligned with" in some specialized contexts, such as in law or formal writing, aligning with the intent of the clue.

  • The clue "Beginning of consciousness?" uses wordplay with the question mark. "Consciousness" here refers to self-awareness or identity. The "beginning" of such awareness starts with an understanding of the SELF, making "SELF" a clever and fitting answer.

  • The answer "IVIES" refers to the Ivy League, a group of elite colleges in the northeastern United States, including Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. These schools are collectively called "Ivies," making it a perfect fit for the clue "Group of elite colleges."

  • The clue "Mother's daughter's daughter, perhaps" suggests a familial relationship. A mother's daughter is her child, and that daughter's daughter would be her granddaughter. For the mother's sibling, however, that granddaughter would be their NIECE. Hence, "perhaps" points to this indirect familial connection.

  • The largest human muscle is the gluteus maximus, which is key for movement and maintaining posture. Informally, it’s referred to as the "glute." The clue specifies "informally," leading to the shortened term. Additionally, "largest" directly relates to the glute’s size and significance.

  • The answer "NUT" refers to a small hardware fastener with a threaded hole, commonly used with a bolt to secure things together tightly. The clue "Little fastener" aptly describes the small size and fastening function of a nut in construction or mechanical contexts.

  • The answer is TATI because Jacques Tati was a renowned French comic actor and filmmaker, best known for his silent, physical humor in films like Playtime and Mon Oncle. The clue directly references his first name, making TATI the correct solution.

  • The clue "Sailors" directly points to SEAMEN, as "seamen" is a term used to describe individuals who work on ships or are part of a ship's crew, fitting the synonym for sailors perfectly. It’s a straightforward definition without wordplay.

  • The clue "A&W specialties" refers to A&W Restaurants, known for their root beer and iconic root beer floats. "FLOATS" is the answer as it specifically points to one of their signature offerings—root beer served with a scoop of ice cream, a classic treat.

  • The answer "AIRS" fits the clue "Broadcasts" because "airs" refers to the act of transmitting or broadcasting something, such as a TV or radio program being aired. The plural form matches the clue's plural wording, ensuring proper alignment.

  • The clue "Where the sidewalk ends" refers literally to the boundary or edge where a sidewalk stops. The curb is the edge of a sidewalk, often where it meets the street, making CURB the precise and fitting answer.

  • The term "1L" (read as "One L") is shorthand in law schools for a first-year legal student. Informally, this becomes "ONEL" in crossword puzzles, adapting to fit the grid while keeping the meaning intact. It’s a concise reference specific to legal education.

  • The clue "Donate" directly suggests an act of offering or transferring something to someone willingly. The word "GIVE" perfectly aligns with this meaning, as it signifies the act of offering, gifting, or donating something, whether it be money, items, or help. Hence, GIVE is the solution.

  • The answer is STEADY because a good sharpshooter requires a stable, controlled, and unwavering hand to aim accurately. "Steady" describes the physical and mental calmness essential for precision shooting, aligning perfectly with the clue's description of the sharpshooter's hand.

  • The phrase "À la ___" is French and translates to "according to the __" or "in the style of __." The common expression "à la carte" refers to ordering individual dishes from a menu, making "CARTE" the fitting answer.

  • ETHANOL is a renewable fuel commonly derived from fermenting plant materials like corn or sugarcane, making it a sustainable additive for gasoline. It helps reduce emissions and is widely blended with gasoline to enhance fuel efficiency, fitting the clue “Renewable gasoline additive.”

  • The DEA, or Drug Enforcement Administration, is a U.S. federal agency tasked with combating drug trafficking and distribution. The clue "Anti-trafficking org." refers to an organization focused on stopping illegal trafficking, which aligns with the DEA's mission to fight drug-related crimes.

  • The answer is TOAD because Toad Hall is the grand residence of the character Toad in The Wind in the Willows, a book by Kenneth Grahame. The blank in the clue refers to this famous home, fitting perfectly with TOAD.

  • The clue "Cry to a captor" suggests a plea or desperate request made by someone held against their will. "RELEASE ME" is a direct spoken plea, fitting the quotation format of the clue, making it the correct and logical answer.

  • The word "Eden" refers to the Garden of Eden from the Bible, a paradise described as an idyllic, perfect spot. As the clue "Idyllic spot" suggests an ideal or perfect place, EDEN fits this definition perfectly as a classic metaphor for utopia.

  • The clue "Ultimatum word" hints at a phrase often used in ultimatums, like “Do this, or ELSE.” “Else” conveys a warning or consequence, fitting the context of an ultimatum. It succinctly captures the implied threat or alternative in such statements.

  • The phrase "___ in the hole" refers to an advantage or hidden strength, especially in card games where an "ace in the hole" is a powerful card kept unrevealed. "ACE" is synonymous with "advantage" or "key card," perfectly fitting the clue.

  • The answer is BLONDE because both Marilyn Monroe and Britney Spears are iconic figures known for their blonde hair, which is a defining feature of their public image. The clue references their shared physical characteristic, leading to the solution BLONDE.

  • A "cutlass" is a type of short, curved sword historically used by sailors and pirates. The clue "Cutlass, e.g." uses "e.g." to indicate an example, so the broader category it belongs to is "SWORD," making it the correct answer.

  • VESPA is the solution because it is a well-known Italian scooter brand, iconic for its stylish and classic design. Founded in Italy in 1946, Vespa is synonymous with scooters worldwide. The clue explicitly specifies "Italian scooter brand," leading directly to this famous brand name.

  • The clue "Darlings" refers to affectionate terms for loved ones or cherished individuals. "Dears" is a common endearment used to address or describe loved ones, making it the perfect synonym and solution for this straightforward clue.

  • The clue "Spot for cats and rats?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. It's referencing the phrase "alley cat" (a stray cat often found in alleys) and "alley rat" (rats commonly found in alleys). Thus, "ALLEY" is the fitting shared location for both.

  • The clue "My gut says …" is conversational and suggests a personal instinct or belief. The answer "I'D BET" aligns with this phrasing as it represents a casual way of expressing confidence or a hunch, effectively meaning, "I trust my instinct to bet on this."

  • The clue "Today, in Tijuana" includes "in Tijuana," signaling the answer is in Spanish. Tijuana is a city in Mexico where Spanish is spoken, and the Spanish word for "today" is "HOY," making it the correct solution.

  • The clue ends with a question mark, indicating wordplay. "What you'd expect when you're expecting" plays on the idea of "normal expectations." The answer, NORM, refers to what is typical or standard—fitting the pun on expecting something usual during pregnancy or otherwise.

  • The answer "TREY" refers to a three-point shot in basketball, which debuted in the NBA during the 1979-80 season. "Trey" is a slang term for "three," making it a fitting and informal way to describe this type of shot.

  • "EAST" is the solution because the clue references the Big East, a prominent collegiate athletic conference in the United States. Known for its basketball prominence, the Big East includes schools primarily in the eastern U.S., aligning directly with "Big ___ (college conference)."

  • TUNA is a common fish used in sushi, often served raw in dishes like sashimi or nigiri. It is a popular choice in Japanese cuisine due to its rich flavor and smooth texture, making it a fitting answer for "Common sushi fish."

  • The clue "Certain parent" points to a specific type of parent. The word "certain" emphasizes a singular example, and "parent" refers to a mother or father. The answer "MOM" fits perfectly as a common term for a mother, a specific type of parent.

  • The clue "Make a typo, say" suggests making a mistake or error while typing. "Say" indicates interpreting broadly, as making any mistake, not just typing. "ERR" means to make a mistake, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning. The brevity fits typical crossword puzzle answers.

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Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights

Clever, low-key Tuesday with a zipper of a trick: the grid’s deliberate ASYMMETRY and the hidden “A SYMMETRY” (all the A’s placed to form a giant letter A) make this solve quietly memorable. The theme never shouts—rather it rewards observant solvers who notice the lopsided black-square pattern or, digitally, the completion overlay. Fill is lively and fair: PROUDPAPAS, NETEFFECT, SALMONBERRY, TEATREE and TOOLSET keep the momentum, while ONTHEDL and AAA add tasty Tuesday-level misdirections. Smart construction and tasteful sparkles make this a tidy, satisfying early-week puzzle.

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