"Will Ruby go to prom with me?" - NYT The Crossword Clue

This clue uses geography for its trick: Armenia and Iran share a short, 27-mile border in the South Caucasus region. Knowing 27-Across is IRAN helps confirm this neighboring country.

The answer "GEYSERS" fits because geysers are natural hot springs that periodically erupt with steam and hot water due to geothermal heat. The clue directly describes this unique phenomenon, making it the perfect match for "Erupting hot springs."

The phrases "New and improved" and "For a limited time only" are commonly used marketing slogans filled with exaggerated, persuasive language typical of advertising. This type of promotional jargon is colloquially referred to as "ADSPEAK," making it the perfect fit for the clue.

In A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories, Kanga is a kangaroo and the mother of her lively child, Roo. The clue directly references this well-known literary relationship, making "Roo" the correct answer.

The clue "Truth's alternative" refers to the popular game "Truth or Dare," where participants choose between answering a truth or performing a dare. Since "Truth" is one choice, its alternative in this context is "DARE," making it the fitting solution.

YMCA is the answer because both volleyball and racquetball were invented at YMCAs in the U.S. Volleyball was created at a YMCA in Massachusetts in 1895, and racquetball originated at a YMCA in Connecticut in 1950. The clue uses "in brief" to indicate an abbreviation, fitting YMCA.

ESE is a common suffix used in demonyms, which are words that describe the inhabitants of a specific place. For example, people from Japan are Japanese, and those from Genoa are Genoese. The suffix "-ese" denotes origin or residence, fitting perfectly as the answer here.

The clue mentions "Elm and Maple" and uses "Abbr." signaling an abbreviation is needed. Elm and Maple are common names for streets, and "STS" is the abbreviation for "streets," fitting the context perfectly.

CRAB is the solution for "Grouch" because "crab" is a term used to describe someone bad-tempered or irritable, synonymous with being grouchy. It reflects the figurative use of the word to describe a person’s sour or grumpy demeanor.

Dreyer's and Edy's are sister brands of ice cream, with Dreyer's sold in the western U.S. and Edy's in the East. The clue highlights this regional distinction. Both names honor founders Joseph Edy and William Dreyer. In the East, the name Edy's is used, making it the correct answer.

The answer "RANOVER" works for "Trampled" because to trample means to run over something or someone forcefully. It evokes physical action, directly linking "ran over" to trampling. The phrasing of the clue matches the straightforward interpretation of the action described.

The answer "AMORAL" fits "Lacking principles" because "amoral" describes someone or something that is indifferent to moral standards or principles, neither adhering to nor rejecting them. It literally means "without morals," directly aligning with the clue's phrasing.

The answer "ESAU" is correct because, in the Bible, Esau is the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is the twin brother of Jacob, and his story is prominently featured in the Book of Genesis. This clue directly references his familial role as Isaac's elder son.

The clue "Positive swings" uses wordplay. "Swings" suggests movement, and "positive" ties to the direction. In this case, swings moving upward represent "UPS," as in upward movements or increases. It's a succinct and clever way to represent the concept of positive changes or motions.

The answer "BCE" stands for "Before Common Era," a secular term equivalent to "BC" (Before Christ) used in historical dating. More than 2,000 years ago would fall in the BCE timeline, making it the concise, fitting answer for this short clue.

The answer "DNAKIT" refers to the kits 23andMe mails to customers for genetic testing. These kits include the tools needed to collect saliva samples, allowing users to analyze their DNA for ancestry and health insights—23andMe's core service. The clue directly points to what they send out.

The answer is GIN because both a Martini and a Negroni are classic cocktails made with gin as a primary ingredient. In a Martini, gin is mixed with dry vermouth, while in a Negroni, it’s combined with Campari and sweet vermouth. Hence, GIN fits the clue perfectly.

The clue "I can ___" is an incomplete phrase that seeks a word to form a familiar expression. "I can relate" is a common phrase used when expressing empathy or understanding of someone's experience. Thus, RELATE completes the clue meaningfully.

The phrase "under oath" refers to the formal promise made to tell the truth while testifying in court. The clue's wordplay involves this idiomatic expression, as being "under" something in court alludes to this legal obligation. Thus, the answer is "OATH."

The phrase "Go extinct" refers to the process of a species or group ceasing to exist. "DIE OUT" is a fitting answer because it literally describes the act of dying until none are left, effectively explaining extinction. It's a direct and literal interpretation of the clue.

The phrase "a tad" is a common English idiom meaning "somewhat" or "a small amount." In this instance, the clue "Somewhat" directly corresponds to the expression "a tad," which is written as ATAD in the crossword answer.

The answer is DEBOSE because Ariana DeBose won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2021 for her role as Anita in the film adaptation of West Side Story. This clue directly refers to her accomplishment and surname.

The clue "Receipts" is a playful way of referring to "GATE" in the sense of entry or access, as receipts can symbolize confirmation of access (like entry through a gate at an event); it’s short for “gate receipts”.

The clue "Cries of enlightenment" hints at expressions made when realizing or understanding something. "AHAS" represents the sound or exclamation people often make when experiencing a sudden insight or clarity, aligning with the clue's description of such moments of enlightenment.

The answer "WARRANT" fits the clue "Official authorization" because a warrant is a formal, legally authorized document granting permission for specific actions, such as searches or arrests, often issued by a court or official authority. It directly aligns with the idea of official certification or approval.

The answer is "USA" because "Conference USA" is a real college athletic association in the United States. The clue directly references this specific organization, and the blank is logically completed with "USA" as part of its name.

The clue "Brouhahas" refers to commotions, uproars, or noisy disturbances. "UPROARS" is a direct synonym for such tumultuous situations, making it the perfect solution. The plural form in the clue matches the plural answer, ensuring consistency in number.

The phrase "bundles up" is a common expression meaning to layer clothing or dress warmly, especially in cold weather. In this context, "Dresses warmly, with 'up'" directly points to "bundles," completing the familiar phrase "bundles up."

The clue “Place to buy a fir at Christmas” refers to a location where people typically purchase Christmas trees, like fir trees. A "TREE LOT" is a designated area, often seasonal, where Christmas trees are sold, making it the fitting answer.

The clue "Elaborate" suggests a meaning like "expand upon" or "give more details," which is what "ADD" entails: to increase or contribute further. It's a concise synonym in this context, where one might "elaborate" by adding more information to something.

The clue "Tundras and deserts, e.g." points to large ecological zones. Tundras and deserts are examples of biomes, which are regions defined by their climate, vegetation, and wildlife. The plural form "e.g." matches BIOMES, as these habitats represent categories within Earth's ecosystems.

The clue refers to "Mexican salsa" and provides a blank for ___ de gallo. "Pico de gallo" is a well-known Mexican salsa made from fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. "Pico" completes the phrase, directly pointing to the traditional salsa's name.

The answer "VET" fits because "vet" as a verb means to examine or scrutinize something carefully, often used when reviewing details, credentials, or qualifications. In the context of the clue, it matches the definition of scrutinize succinctly.

The answer "EGGY" fits because soufflés are made primarily with eggs, particularly whipped egg whites, which provide their signature airy texture. The clue describes a key characteristic of soufflés—being egg-rich—making "EGGY" a straightforward and accurate solution.

The word "Bog" refers to wet, muddy ground often hard to navigate, which aligns with the definition of "MIRE." Both indicate a swampy, sticky situation or terrain, making "MIRE" the perfect synonym and solution for this clue.

The clue "10 and up" preceder refers to the phrase "Ages 10 and up," commonly used on product labels like toys or games to indicate suitability for certain age groups. "AGES" fits as the preceding term in this context, completing the phrase accurately.

The clue "Degrees of success, for short?" is a pun. "Degrees of success" refers to academic achievements, specifically doctoral degrees, which are abbreviated as "PhDs." The phrase's playful wording ties "degrees" to both academic qualifications and measures of success, making PHDS the fitting answer.

The answer "ESL" stands for "English as a Second Language." It refers to courses designed to teach English to non-native speakers, aiding them in becoming bilingual. The clue specifies "for short," indicating an abbreviation, which aligns perfectly with "ESL."

"ISO-" is a prefix meaning "equal" or "same," derived from the Greek word "isos." When combined with "-morphic" (meaning "form" or "shape"), it forms "isomorphic," which refers to things that have the same shape, structure, or form. Thus, ISO is the correct prefix here.

The clue "Noggin knock" uses playful word association. "Noggin" is slang for head, and "knock" suggests a hitting motion. A "BOP" is a light, playful hit, often on the head, making it the perfect fit for this clue’s punny, casual tone.