NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The clue "Packs" can be interpreted as groups or crowds, and "MOBS" fits as it refers to large, unruly gatherings of people that travel or move together in a pack-like manner. This aligns with the plural form of the clue and its meaning.

The answer is OPAH because this sea creature, also called the redfin ocean pan, is a brightly colored, round-bodied fish with red fins. Its unique shape and vibrant appearance have earned it the nickname "ocean pan," referencing its resemblance to a pan.

In the TV show "Cheers," VERA is Norm Peterson's wife. Although frequently mentioned, she is never seen on-screen, making her the "unseen wife." This aligns with the clue, as it references her unseen presence throughout the series.

The answer is INERTIA because, in physics, inertia is the property of an object to resist changes in its motion. Once something is moving, inertia keeps it going unless acted upon by an external force, fitting the clue perfectly. The clue metaphorically relates to this principle.

The answer "EMEKA" is correct because Emeka Okafor is a 6'10" basketball player who won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2005. He played for the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets). The blank in the clue refers to his first name, "Emeka."

The answer "TAS" refers to "Teaching Assistants," who are often informally called TAs. Teaching assistants frequently help instruct labs in universities, making this a fitting solution. The clue's use of "informally" signals the abbreviation.

The answer is IRS because the Internal Revenue Service’s logo includes scales, symbolizing fairness and balance, and an olive branch, representing peace. As a government organization, these elements reflect its role in administering tax laws impartially. This connects directly to the clue's description.

"CRESTED" is the solution because it refers to reaching the highest point, like the crest of a wave or hill. The word captures the idea of achieving the maximum level or peak, aligning perfectly with the clue’s meaning of reaching the utmost height or limit.

The answer is KINTE because Kunta Kinte is the central character in Alex Haley's novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The surname "Kinte" represents his African heritage and is pivotal to the story's exploration of ancestry and identity.

The phrase "Polished off" is often used idiomatically to mean finished or consumed entirely, especially in the context of food. "EATEN" fits perfectly as it describes something that has been consumed or finished, aligning with the clue's meaning.

The clue "Cry of relief" suggests an expression often spoken aloud, as indicated by quotation marks. TGIF stands for "Thank God It's Friday," a common phrase expressing relief and joy at the workweek ending and the weekend beginning, perfectly fitting the clue.

In Homer's "Odyssey," the term "wine-dark sea" poetically describes the Aegean Sea's deep, dark hues reminiscent of the color of wine. This metaphor emphasizes the natural, evocative imagery of the sea in ancient Greek literature, making SEA the fitting answer.

The clue "Pajamas" directly refers to clothing worn for sleeping. SLEEPWEAR is a general term encompassing all garments suitable for bedtime, including pajamas. It's a straightforward definition with no puns or tricks—SLEEPWEAR perfectly aligns with the clue as its broader synonym.

In soccer lingo, a "set piece" refers to a planned play that begins from a stationary position, such as a free kick, corner kick, or penalty kick. These are moments where play is "set" in place before execution, making "SETPIECE" the accurate term for the clue.

KEYNOTE is the solution because it refers to the key address or speech delivered at a conference, often setting the theme or tone of the event. The clue uses "special delivery" metaphorically, hinting at the importance of the keynote speech in such settings.

The answer "KNITS" works because knitting involves bringing threads together to create something unified. Additionally, it metaphorically aligns with healing or reuniting something broken, like a bone knitting back together after a fracture, matching "unites after a break."

In the British peerage system, an earl ranks above a viscount and below a marquess. This hierarchy determines levels of nobility, with earl being the higher title in comparison to viscount. Therefore, "Rank above viscount" directly points to the answer "EARL."

The answer is FUR because St. Louis and Detroit were pivotal trading hubs during the North American fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. This trade, involving animal pelts like beaver and mink, was a significant economic activity, shaping the establishment and growth of these cities.

The clue "Jazzed" suggests being excited or enthusiastic. "AMPED UP" is a phrase commonly used to describe being energized, excited, or hyped—perfectly aligning with the meaning of "jazzed" in this context. This match makes "AMPED UP" the appropriate solution.

The phrase "went at" can mean attacking, criticizing, or confronting someone aggressively. "LAID INTO" is a colloquial expression for harshly criticizing or going after someone, fitting the clue perfectly as a synonym for "went at."

The clue "Ones with big blocks?" involves wordplay. "Big blocks" refers metaphorically to mental blocks caused by memory loss. AMNESIACS are individuals who experience amnesia, leading to significant memory gaps or "blocks." The pun in the clue cleverly ties the literal and figurative meanings together.

The clue "Is worth the effort" suggests a payoff or benefit from effort. "PAYS" fits as it means to yield results or rewards, which aligns with being worth the effort. For example, "hard work pays off," signifying the effort was worthwhile. This defines the connection.

The clue "Some farm sounds" refers to animal noises commonly heard on a farm. "BAAS" represents the bleating sound made by sheep, which are typical farm animals. The plural "sounds" aligns with "BAAS," as it indicates multiple sheep noises, making it the correct answer.

The answer is DRAMA because much of the "Real Housewives" franchise centers on emotional conflicts, arguments, and exaggerated situations that embody dramatic behavior. The clue hints at this central aspect of the show's content, making DRAMA the perfect fit.

"Bang the drum for" is a figurative phrase meaning to promote, advocate, or publicize something enthusiastically. Similarly, the word "PLUG" can mean endorsing or advertising something, particularly in a public or energetic way. The connection lies in the shared sense of active promotion.

The clue "Makes some introductions, informally" refers to Masters of Ceremonies (MCs), who introduce speakers, performers, or events. The abbreviation "MCs" captures this role, and "informally" hints at this shortened, casual form.

CHAPATI is an Indian flatbread made from unleavened dough. A chakla is a flat, circular rolling board commonly used in Indian kitchens to roll chapati dough into thin, round shapes before cooking. The clue directly refers to this traditional preparation process, making CHAPATI the fitting answer.

The "Rod of Equity and Mercy" is one of the ceremonial scepters used during British coronations, symbolizing royal authority and justice. The clue references this specific royal item, making "SCEPTRE" the correct answer. The British spelling "SCEPTRE" also aligns with the clue’s British context.

The clue "Unprecedented" suggests something new, unique, or never seen before. The word "NOVEL" fits perfectly as it means new or original, aligning with the definition of "unprecedented." Additionally, "novel" can also evoke creativity or innovation, enhancing its connection to the clue.

The clue "Lip" can refer to the edge or rim of something, much like the "brink" of a cliff or precipice. "Lip" and "brink" both convey the idea of being at the outer verge or boundary of an object or situation.

The phrase "Be sassy, with 'off'" suggests a playful or cheeky expression. "MOUTH off" is a common phrase meaning to talk back or speak disrespectfully, which aligns with the "sassy" demeanor in the clue. Thus, "MOUTH" is the fitting answer.

The clue "Ball" refers to a formal, festive event, often involving dancing and celebration. A synonym for such an event is "GALA," which aligns perfectly with the clue. The simplicity and elegance of both terms make GALA the correct answer.

ELEA is the answer because it was an ancient Greek colony in southern Italy, home to several pre-Socratic philosophers, most notably Parmenides and Zeno. These thinkers influenced early philosophy, exploring concepts like logic and metaphysics, making Elea a significant center for pre-Socratic thought.

The answer "READ" fits because it connects both "lips" and "palms" metaphorically. You can "read lips" in speech or deciphering, and "read palms" relates to palmistry, interpreting lines on one's hand. The verb unifies both contexts appropriately, fitting the clue's play on dual meanings.

The phrase "They may be fine" uses wordplay. "Fine" refers to the "fine arts," which include disciplines like painting, sculpture, music, and more. The answer ARTS fits as it directly relates to this concept, aligning with the pun and plural form of "they."

The answer "TIT" refers to a small songbird found in the tit family, such as the great tit or blue tit. These birds are small in size and known for their melodious songs, fitting the clue "Small songbird" precisely.

"ERN" is a common suffix used to form directional words like "northern," "southern," "eastern," and "western." It signals a relationship to a specific direction, making it the perfect fit for the clue "Directional suffix."

The word "Solicit" means to ask for something earnestly or desperately, which matches the definition of "BEG." BEG is a direct and simple synonym for requesting or imploring someone for something, fitting the clue perfectly.