NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The clue "Managed well enough" implies dealing adequately or handling a situation sufficiently. "Coped" means successfully managing or dealing with something challenging, aligning perfectly with the clue's phrasing of performing "well enough," not exceptionally but sufficiently to get through.

The phrase "Higher than on the totem pole" metaphorically means ranking or positioning above something or someone. "ABOVE" fits perfectly as it directly conveys being in a higher position, either literally or figuratively, aligning with the totem pole imagery and the idea of hierarchy.

The answer is LOWES because Lowe’s is a well-known home improvement and hardware retail chain, making it a direct competitor to Home Depot. Both companies offer similar products and services, such as tools, appliances, and building supplies, catering to DIY enthusiasts and construction professionals alike.

The clue "Size between small and large: Abbr." asks for a common abbreviation for a size that fits between "small" and "large." The answer is "MED," which stands for "medium." It directly satisfies the clue as an abbreviated form of a middle size.

The term "FARM TEAM" refers to a minor-league sports team, particularly in baseball or hockey, affiliated with a major-league team. These teams develop or "farm" players for the majors, fitting the clue "Minor-league club" both literally (minor-league) and figuratively (club as a team).

The answer "RIPE" fits because it refers to fruit or crops that are mature and ready for harvesting, aligning directly with the clue "Ready to be picked." The word "ripe" is commonly used to describe readiness in this context.

The abbreviation "Y.A." stands for "Young Adult," a genre of books aimed at teenagers or young readers. Thus, the "Y" in "Y.A. books" refers to "Young," making it the correct answer to the clue.

The answer is ELF because Keebler is a brand known for its cookies, and its advertising features the fictional Keebler Elves who work in a magical tree to bake the products. Hence, a "Keebler worker" refers to these elves.

The term "Hunted (through)" suggests thoroughly searching or rummaging through something, often hastily or destructively. "RIFLED" perfectly matches this definition, as it refers to quickly and thoroughly going through items, often implying taking or disturbing them in the process. Hence, it's a fitting solution!

The clue "Bakery display piece" refers to an item often used to present baked goods. A CAKESTAND is a decorative pedestal typically used in bakeries or events to display cakes attractively, aligning perfectly with "display piece." Its functional and aesthetic role makes it the ideal match for this clue.

The clue "Iridescent stone" points to OPAL because opals are known for their unique iridescence, displaying a play of shifting colors when viewed from different angles. This optical phenomenon, called "play-of-color," is a defining characteristic of this gemstone, making it a perfect fit for the clue.

The House Ways and Means Committee is a key committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. It oversees taxation and revenue-related policies. "Ways" completes the official title of the committee, pairing with "Means" to refer to the methods ("ways") and resources ("means") of accomplishing governmental fiscal responsibilities.

The answer "POPTAB" fits the clue "Can-opening mechanism" because pop tabs are the small, metal levers on the tops of soda or beverage cans, designed to make opening the can easy by pulling them up and breaking the seal. This directly describes a can-opening mechanism.

The answer is "EARL" because it refers to "Earl Grey tea," a well-known type of tea flavored with bergamot oil. The blank in the clue suggests the missing part of the tea's name, and "Earl" completes it. It's a common crossword reference.

The clue "Slugger Judge" refers to Aaron Judge, a professional baseball player known for his powerful hitting. He is a star outfielder for the New York Yankees. "Slugger" describes his skills, and "Judge" is his last name, making the answer AARON (his first name).

"EPS" is short for "Extended Plays," which are music releases shorter than albums but longer than singles. On Spotify, these are often referred to informally as "limited releases" because they contain only a few tracks—fewer than a full album.

The answer "RACKET" fits the clue because a racket is a piece of sports equipment used in games like tennis, badminton, or squash. It needs strings to create the hitting surface required to play. The word "strung" directly refers to the process of stringing the racket.

"ACTONE" is the solution because plays are traditionally divided into acts, and the opening scene typically occurs in the first act, i.e., Act One. The clue directly references the structure of a play, making ACTONE the fitting answer.

The clue "Send off" can mean to release or discharge something. "Emit" fits as it means to give off, release, or send out, such as light, heat, sound, or signals. The phrase aligns with this synonym, making "EMIT" the correct answer.

The clue "100%" signifies totality or completeness. The answer "ALL" is appropriate here because "ALL" represents the entirety or the whole—covering everything, which aligns perfectly with the clue's meaning. It's a straightforward connection between "100%" and the concept of "ALL."

The answer "ROIL" fits because it means to agitate or disturb, often used to describe muddying water but also applies figuratively to annoying or troubling someone. The clue "Make annoyed" matches this figurative meaning, aligning with ROIL as the solution.

The clue "*Days off following October midterms" uses the academic calendar context. "October midterms" suggest a school or college timeframe, and "days off" points to a break. FALLBREAK is a common term for a short vacation in schools or colleges during the fall, aligning perfectly with the clue.

The clue "Hit on a vape pen" uses wordplay. While "hit" can mean taking a puff from a vape pen, "dab" is also a term in cannabis culture referring to concentrated doses, often vaped. The word cleverly ties both meanings, making DAB the fitting solution.

The clue "Off-roading transport, in brief" suggests an abbreviated answer for a vehicle used off-road. ATV stands for "All-Terrain Vehicle," a compact, motorized transport designed for rugged terrains, perfectly fitting the clue's description and the "in brief" indication for an abbreviation.

The clue "Strand during winter, say" uses the word "strand" metaphorically. "Ice in" refers to being stuck or stranded due to ice during winter conditions—such as a vehicle or a boat being unable to move because ice has trapped it. This creates a fitting, seasonal pun.

The clue "Superficially attractive sort" uses the phrase "superficially attractive" to hint at something appealing to the eye but lacking depth. The answer, EYECANDY, is a term for someone or something visually pleasing but not necessarily meaningful, fitting the playful and descriptive clue.

The answer is ABRAMS because Stacey Abrams is a prominent political figure from Georgia, widely recognized for her work as a voting rights activist, former Georgia House Minority Leader, and Democratic candidate for Georgia governor in 2018 and 2022.

The answer "HER" refers to the 2013 movie "Her," directed by Spike Jonze. It tells the story of a man who falls in love with an artificial intelligence (A.I.) system voiced by Scarlett Johansson, making "Her" a direct match for the clue about an A.I. crush.

The answer "ADDSON" works because "attaches" can mean incorporating something extra, which aligns with "adds on." The phrase "adds on" signifies attaching or including additional items, fitting the clue directly. Both suggest a process of increasing or connecting.

The answer is TUTU because it refers to the traditional skirt worn by ballerinas. It's a lightweight, typically frilly garment designed for ballet performances, allowing ease of movement and showcasing the dancer's grace. The clue "Ballerina's garb" directly describes this iconic attire.

SLATS are the horizontal wooden or metal strips that support a mattress within a bed frame. The clue "Some bed supports" directly refers to these components, making SLATS an ideal and literal fit for the answer.

The answer "TABLE" fits because "to table" something typically means postponing or setting it aside for discussion or consideration at a later time, especially in parliamentary or meeting contexts. This matches the clue's meaning of "Hold to discuss at a later time."

The answer is SHEET because "sheet metal" refers to metal formed into thin, flat pieces, and "sheet music" is musical notation printed on paper. Both phrases commonly use "sheet" as a descriptor, making it the fitting word to precede "metal" or "music."

The term "YARDS" is a standard measurement used to quantify fabric, as fabric is often sold by the yard. Thus, "Fabric amounts" directly refers to the unit "YARDS," making it the correct answer.

The answer is ETNA because Mount Etna is a famous active volcano in Italy, located on the island of Sicily. Known for its frequent eruptions, it is one of the most prominent natural features in Italy, making it the "Italian erupter" referenced in the clue.

The answer is "REDS" because the Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Cincinnati. The clue directly refers to their franchise name, making "REDS" the straightforward and correct solution.

The answer "STET" is a Latin term meaning "let it stand." In editing, it’s a mark used to indicate that previously made corrections or deletions should be ignored, and the original text should remain. It’s a classic editorial directive, fitting the clue "Editor's mark."

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating pesticides and enforcing laws that protect human health and the environment. The clue specifies "in brief," signaling the use of an abbreviation, and EPA is the commonly used abbreviation for this regulator.

The answer "MSG" stands for monosodium glutamate, a common seasoning and flavor enhancer used in cooking. The clue specifies "for short," indicating an abbreviation, which aligns with MSG. This additive is widely recognized for enhancing savory "umami" flavors in various cuisines.