NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The clue “It might be rigged” uses a pun. In sailing, a mast is part of a ship’s structure that supports its rigging (ropes, sails, etc.). The word "rigged" cleverly plays on its nautical meaning, making mast the fitting answer.

KPOP is the solution because it refers to the South Korean pop music genre, known for its catchy tunes, complex choreography, and global appeal. Blackpink and BTS are two of the most famous KPOP groups, making this genre synonymous with their music and style.

The clue refers to high-ranking individuals in the N.B.A. (National Basketball Association) or M.L.B. (Major League Baseball). "V.I.P.s" highlights their importance. G.M.s stands for "General Managers," who are key decision-makers overseeing team operations, trades, and strategies, making them vital figures in professional sports organizations.

The clue "No way!" is enclosed in quotes, indicating a spoken phrase. "UH UH" (commonly written as UHUH) is a casual, verbal expression used to deny or reject something, equivalent to saying "no" or "absolutely not," making it a fitting response to the clue.

The ARAL Sea was once the fourth-largest lake in the world (sometimes called the third-largest, depending on metrics) but has drastically shrunk due to Soviet-era irrigation projects diverting its rivers. As "___ Sea" specifies a shrinking water body, ARAL is the correct and historical answer.

The answer "IRON" refers to the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. The clue “Rock’s ___ Maiden” points to a well-known rock/metal music reference, with "rock" signaling the genre and "___ Maiden" completing the name of the iconic band.

The NENE, also known as the Hawaiian goose, is Hawaii’s state bird. It’s indigenous to the islands and known to frequent grassy areas like golf courses. The clue cleverly links their typical habitat (Hawaiian golf courses) with the bird's behavior (nesting). Thus, NENE is the fitting answer.

The answer "TOTE" fits because a tote bag is a type of bag commonly designed with two sturdy handles for carrying items. The clue directly refers to a "bag with handles," making TOTE an exact match for this description.

The answer "DADA" refers to Dadaism, an avant-garde art movement of the early 20th century. Known for its absurd, illogical, and anti-establishment approach, Dada embraced randomness and satire in art. The term "Some absurdist art" hints at Dada’s unconventional and absurdist qualities, making it the perfect fit.

The phrase can read either I’M UP FOR WHATEVER or I’M DOWN FOR WHATEVER. In the grid the rebus square holds UP/DOWN, so both idioms—one enthusiastic, one slangy—fit the same pattern and mirror the puzzle’s theme of interchangeable UPS and DOWNS.

The answer is AHI because poke bowls often feature raw tuna as a main ingredient, and "ahi" is a common name for yellowfin or bigeye tuna, which is widely used in Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine, including poke. The clue directly references this popular fish.

The clue "I'm so great!" is in quotes, signaling it's a spoken phrase. "YAYME" is a self-congratulatory exclamation someone might say when acknowledging their own greatness or achievement. It's playful and mirrors the tone of the clue, making it a perfect fit.

A couturier’s staple can be a BUTTON-UP (style) or a BUTTON-DOWN (collar), and the rebus square holding UP/DOWN lets the same across slot represent either garment type, reinforcing the theme’s twin possibilities.

UPS names the “highs” in the theme: the grid contains four rebus squares that can each read as UP, so the word UPS could legitimately appear four additional times (e.g., in IMUPFORWHATEVER, BUTTONUP, GOBBLEUP, GOINGUPINFLAMES).

The answer is ASHE because Arthur Ashe was a renowned tennis player, civil rights advocate, and humanitarian. Ashe made significant contributions both on and off the court. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993 by President Bill Clinton for his impactful legacy and dedication to social justice.

The clue "Same here" is in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "ASAMI" is a phonetically similar expression to "As am I," used to agree with someone by saying you feel or act the same way, making it a fitting solution for this clue.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a common label on moisturizer bottles that indicates the product's ability to protect skin from UV rays. These "letters" are found on many skincare products, making it the correct answer for this clue.

The answer is DEISM because Benjamin Franklin was known to embrace deism, a philosophical belief where a creator (God) is acknowledged but does not intervene in the universe. Deism emphasizes reason and nature, aligning with Franklin’s Enlightenment values and rejection of organized religion's authority.

The term "Rascals" refers to mischievous or naughty individuals, especially children. "IMPS" is a synonymous term often used to describe playful, troublemaking figures, echoing the same mischievous behavior. Hence, IMPS perfectly fits as the answer to this clue.

Taylor Swift refers to her albums as distinct "eras," representing unique themes and styles in her musical career. "Reputation" and "Midnights" are specific album titles, each defining its own Taylor Swift era, making ERA the fitting answer.

The answer "ARC" refers to the narrative structure of a story, which often follows a progression with a beginning, middle, and end—commonly called a story arc. It metaphorically represents how the story "goes" or develops over time, aligning with the clue's phrasing.

The clue "Ctrl+Z" refers to the common keyboard shortcut in many computer programs for reversing the last action—essentially, to "UNDO" a mistake or change. This directly explains why the correct answer is UNDO, as it matches what Ctrl+Z does functionally.

The clue "Talking point" directly refers to a subject or matter of discussion, which is the definition of "TOPIC." A topic is essentially the main point being talked about or debated in any conversation or speech, making it a perfect match for the clue.

The answer "TSK" represents a common sound used to express disapproval. The clue is in quotes, signaling a non-verbal response, and "TSK" mimics the sound someone might make when showing mild annoyance or disapproval without speaking. It's a concise, fitting answer for the clue.

The word "SPENT" directly means "exhausted" in the sense of being used up or drained of energy, resources, or vitality. Both terms can describe depletion, making SPENT a fitting synonym for "exhausted."

The clue "State of confusion" refers to a metaphorical or literal state where clarity is lacking. "HAZE" effectively captures this, as it describes a mist or cloud that blurs vision, often symbolizing mental fog or uncertainty. The answer aligns perfectly with the idea of confusion or unclear perception.

The answer "SIR" reflects the honorary title given to Gary Oldman and Ian McKellen, both of whom are knighted by the British monarchy for their contributions to acting. "Sir" precedes the names of knighted individuals in the UK, making it an apt solution.

To GOBBLE UP something or to GOBBLE DOWN it both mean to eat quickly. The rebus (UP/DOWN) sits in the entry, allowing either colloquial verb phrase to occupy the same slot and match the puzzle’s binary motif.

The clue "Extra" suggests something additional or supplementary. The answer, ADDON, fits well because an "add-on" is something extra or an additional feature added to a main item, aligning perfectly with the clue's straightforward meaning of "Extra."

The clue "Ticket seller's take" refers to what a ticket seller collects. The word "take" implies earnings or money received. A "FEE" is a charge or payment for a service, such as selling tickets, making it the seller's "take." Therefore, FEE is the correct answer.

You can “go up in flames” or “go down in flames” to mean spectacular failure. The rebus UP/DOWN occupies one square, so either idiom completes the long, fiery phrase and aligns with the puzzle’s UPS/DOWNS idea.

The clue "Not at home" directly means someone or something is not present at their residence. The word "AWAY" perfectly captures this idea, as it is commonly used to indicate being elsewhere or absent from home. It fits the literal meaning of the clue.

The clue "Foundation for a proposal?" includes a pun. When someone proposes marriage, they traditionally drop to one knee. Here, "foundation" cleverly refers to the base or part of the body supporting this act, thus making KNEE the apt answer.

In diving, a "pike" refers to a position where the diver's hips are bent and legs remain straight. This aligns perfectly with the clue, which describes the posture in technical terms. The term "pike" is widely used in diving to describe this elegant and precise form.

The Prancing Pony and the Admiral Benbow are notable locations in literature — both serve as places for lodging and social gatherings. The Prancing Pony appears in The Lord of the Rings, and the Admiral Benbow is from Treasure Island. Such establishments are INNS, making this the correct answer.

The clue "Latin 'Behold!'" specifies the answer is in Latin. "ECCE" directly translates to "Behold!" in Latin and was famously used in phrases like "Ecce homo" (Behold the man). It matches perfectly with the clue, making ECCE the correct answer.

The clue "All over" translates to starting or doing something from the beginning again, which matches the meaning of "ANEW." This term is often used to signify starting over or in a fresh manner, fitting the context perfectly.

The answer is NSA, which stands for the National Security Agency. The NSA is a government agency specializing in cryptography, codebreaking, and cybersecurity. Cryptologists, who analyze and decode secret communications, are a key part of the NSA’s staff, making this a perfect fit for the clue.

The clue "Goes on and on and on ..." hints at talking excessively, which matches "YAKS." As a slang term, "yaks" means to chat endlessly or ramble, perfectly fitting the description of something continuing without end in conversation. The plural form aligns with the clue's repetitive tone.

The clue "Screw them!" signals wordplay. LIDS is the solution because they "screw" onto jars, bottles, or containers to seal them. The pun lies in interpreting "screw" both literally (twisting motion) and figuratively, linking it to lids that secure items by screwing on.