NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The clue "Crack expert?" includes a question mark, signaling wordplay. Here, "crack" is used as a pun referring to jokes or humor, not expertise in fissures. A "comic" (stand-up comedian) is an expert at delivering "crack-up" jokes, making "COMIC" the fitting answer.

AVEDA is a well-known cosmetics and beauty brand specializing in skin care, hair care, and body products. It fits the clue "Cosmetics brand" as it is a globally recognized name in the beauty industry, making it a straightforward answer given no wordplay or alternative indicators.

The clue "Four-door, typically" refers to a type of car. A SEDAN is a common car style that typically features four doors, making it a suitable answer. The word "typically" signals this is a general characteristic, not a strict rule, aligning perfectly with the SEDAN definition.

"The Beat With ___ Melber" refers to a political news show on MSNBC hosted by journalist Ari Melber. The blank is filled with "ARI," his first name, making it the correct answer.

The lyric is from Eminem's song "Without Me," where he raps about his public persona. "Marshall" refers to his real name, Marshall Mathers, highlighting how people prefer his rap identity, Eminem. Thus, the solution to the clue is EMINEM, his stage name.

In "Beowulf," many characters, including King Hrothgar and his people, are Danes, inhabitants of Denmark. They play a central role as the kingdom Beowulf aids by defeating Grendel and his mother. The term "Some" in the clue refers to this group of key figures.

The answer is AGES because bourbon matures and develops flavor over time as it is stored in barrels. "Ages" refers to the passage of time required for this process, aligning with the clue’s context of development. This is a straightforward use of the word "ages" to describe aging.

The phrase "___ drop" refers to "mic drop," a dramatic gesture where someone drops a microphone after delivering a powerful or impressive statement. "Mic" is short for microphone, fitting the blank. The clue hints at this cultural expression without directly saying it, making "MIC" the perfect answer.

The answer "CABARET" fits because a cabaret is a type of nightclub or entertainment venue where patrons enjoy dinner and live performances, often involving music, dancing, and theatrical acts. The clue succinctly describes this setting, making CABARET the perfect match for "Club with dinner and dancing."

The clue "Handy" describes something useful or practical. The term "UTILE" means useful or practical, aligning perfectly with the definition of "handy." It's a less commonly used synonym but fits the clue's definition exactly. Hence, UTILE is the correct answer.

PINECONES are commonly used as natural, rustic decorations during winter and the holiday season. They are often associated with pine trees and evoke a wintry, festive atmosphere, making them fitting as "Some winter decorations." The plural matches with "Some" in the clue.

The answer "IVE" completes the title of Linkin Park's song "What I've Done." The phrase fits naturally as "I've" is a contraction of "I have," aligning with the song's title and lyrical theme. Clues in quotation marks often hint at exact phrasing or titles.

"DET" is the abbreviation for Detroit, also known as "The Motor City" due to its historic ties to the automobile industry. On sports scoreboards, cities are often abbreviated, making DET the appropriate shorthand for Detroit in this context.

The term "ICONIC" describes something or someone widely recognized and revered, often symbolic in nature. "Well-known by everyone" aligns perfectly with this definition, as something iconic is universally identifiable or famous, embodying cultural significance or widespread familiarity.

The clue "Not taught" refers to something innate or untaught. The answer "NATURAL" fits because it describes qualities, abilities, or behaviors that come instinctively or inherently, without external teaching or instruction. It's a straightforward synonym in this context.

The clue "Body part that might be blue" hints at the iris, the colored part of the eye that controls the pupil's size. Irises can naturally be blue (as well as other colors like brown or green), making IRIS the perfect fit for this clue.

The clue "Begat" refers to the act of fathering or producing offspring. "Sired" specifically means fathered, often used in the context of animals or lineage. It's a past tense verb aligning perfectly with the clue, which implies the generation of descendants.

The answer is ALINE because an A-line skirt is a commonly known style in fashion. It is named for its shape, which resembles the letter "A" — narrow at the waist and flaring out gradually towards the hem, making it a classic and recognizable skirt design.

The clue "Hub" refers to a central connection point or core. A "nexus" is defined as a central or focal point where multiple elements connect or come together, making it synonymous with "hub" in this context. The answer fits both the meaning and brevity of the clue.

The clue "Blew away" uses figurative language to mean deeply impressed or amazed. "WOWED" fits perfectly as it directly conveys the sense of astonishing or impressing someone deeply, aligning with the metaphorical use of "blew away."

The clue "One on Santa's team" refers to one of Santa Claus's reindeer. COMET is one of the eight reindeer traditionally named in the Christmas poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" ("'Twas the Night Before Christmas"). Hence, COMET fits as an answer.

The phrase "In ___ (not yet born)" refers to the state of being unborn, specifically developing in the womb. "In utero" is a Latin term meaning "in the uterus," commonly used to describe the prenatal stage of life. Thus, UTERO is the correct answer.

BILATERAL is the solution because many treaties involve two parties or nations coming to an agreement, which is the definition of "bilateral." "Like some treaties" hints at this type of agreement that operates between two sides.

The clue "Daydreaming, say" hints at a state of mind often associated with disinterest or disengagement. When someone is bored, they frequently drift into daydreams as a way to pass the time. The "say" indicates an example or description, making BORED the fitting answer.

The clue "Narco nabber" refers to someone who catches drug-related criminals ("narco" being short for narcotics). A VICE COP works in the vice unit of law enforcement, specializing in crimes like drug trafficking. This makes VICECOP a fitting solution, tying "narco" to their role.

The answer "MUNI" refers to "municipal bond," which is a type of bond issued by local governments or municipalities to fund public projects. The clue specifies "informally," so the shorthand "MUNI" is used. It's a common abbreviation in finance for these local bonds.

The answer "HILITER" refers to highlighters, which are often neon-colored markers used for emphasizing text. The spelling "HILITER" mimics a brand name style, aligning with the clue's context of a "Brand of neon markers." This creative spelling matches the descriptive clue.

The clue asks what "F" can represent. "F" is commonly associated as an abbreviation for "Female," such as in forms or documents denoting gender. The answer aligns perfectly with this straightforward, recognized usage.

The clue "Erase" matches the answer "DELETE" as both involve removing or eliminating something. "Erase" is often used in the context of wiping out text or data, and "DELETE" is a common command or action to remove content, particularly in digital or written formats, fitting perfectly.

The clue "Playground retort" suggests a phrase often heard in playful arguments. "ARE SO" (written as ARESO in crosswords) is a typical comeback in disputes, like "Yes, you are!" or "ARE SO!" The conversational tone aligns with what children might say in such situations.

The answer is DUMAS because Alexandre Dumas, a renowned French author, wrote The Count of Monte Cristo, published in 1844. It's one of his most famous works, alongside The Three Musketeers. His name directly answers the clue, as no additional wordplay or puns are involved.

The clue "It bites" refers to an animal known for its powerful bite. "GATOR" is short for alligator, a reptile with sharp teeth and a strong bite. This straightforward clue plays on the biting behavior of this creature, making GATOR the fitting answer.

The answer is OLETA because Oleta Adams is a renowned soul and gospel singer known for her hits like "Get Here." The clue references her directly by her last name (Adams), making OLETA the correct answer. This is a straightforward, fact-based clue.

The clue "Starts of some pranks" hints at actions or challenges that kick off mischievous behavior. DARES are commonly the instigating prompts in pranks, where someone is dared to perform a bold or risky act, fitting the clue's theme perfectly.

The answer "HORA" fits because it is a traditional Jewish circle dance commonly performed at weddings. Participants join hands, move in a circle, and often lift the bride and groom on chairs to celebrate their union, making it a quintessential element of Jewish wedding celebrations.

The answer "MOC" refers to "moccasin," a soft, comfortable shoe often made of leather or suede. The clue describes footwear known for its coziness, and "MOC" is a common abbreviation used in crosswords for moccasins. Thus, it fits both the clue and the brevity of crossword answers.

The answer "ONO" refers to Yoko Ono, a prominent artist and musician who co-founded the Plastic Ono Band with John Lennon. It was an experimental music group formed in 1969, blending art and music, and the clue directly references this iconic band name.

The clue "Taxi" directly refers to a vehicle used for paid passenger transport. A "CAB" is a common synonym for a taxi, making it the correct answer. Both terms are often used interchangeably in English to describe the same mode of transportation.

The answer "ANI" refers to "ANI Phone," representing Automatic Number Identification technology often used commercially by phone services to identify incoming calls. The question mark signals wordplay, hinting at this technical/commercial term rather than a straightforward "phone" prefix.