Is behind - NYT The Crossword Clue

The answer is TAZO because it refers to a well-known tea brand that was previously owned by Starbucks. Starbucks acquired Tazo in 1999 and later sold it in 2017 to focus on its Teavana brand, making Tazo a fitting answer to this straightforward clue about tea brands.

The clue "Kind of sch. for grades one to six" refers to the type of school typically serving these grades. The abbreviation "sch." signals an abbreviated answer, making "ELEM" short for "elementary," the school level covering grades 1-6. Thus, ELEM is the solution.

The answer "ROBE" works because a robe is a common garment provided at spas for comfort and coverage during treatments. It fits the definition of "spa attire" as something typically worn in that setting, aligning perfectly with the clue.

MERLIN is the solution because he is the legendary wizard and advisor to King Arthur in Arthurian tales. Renowned for his magical abilities and wisdom, Merlin is a central figure in these medieval stories, making him the definitive "Magician of Arthurian legend."

The answer "SNOB" fits because a snob is someone who looks down on others, acting superior or "too good" for everyone else. The word "sort" in the clue hints at a type or kind of person, making it a perfect description.

The clue "Cuba y Puerto Rico" combines Spanish language ("y" meaning "and") and reference to both as geographical entities. Since they are both islands, and the clue is in Spanish, the answer "ISLAS" (Spanish for "islands") fits perfectly.

The answer "RETRO" fits because it describes something styled or influenced by past trends ("old-fashioned") while being currently trendy or stylish ("fashionably"). This term is often used in fashion, design, or culture to denote vintage-inspired aesthetics embraced in modern times.

The clue "___ a date!" is a phrase completion. The correct answer is "ITS" because the phrase becomes "It's a date!"—a common way to confirm or express agreement on plans for meeting up, often associated with scheduling or an event.

The answer "OPENFACE" describes a type of sandwich served with one slice of bread and visible toppings (i.e., "open-faced"). The clue "Like some sandwiches" refers directly to this style of preparation, where the sandwich components are exposed rather than enclosed by a second slice of bread.

The clue "Super-silly sort" suggests a playful or exaggerated term for someone behaving in an absurd, outlandish, or ridiculous way. "WACKO" is a slang term used to describe such a person, aligning with the informal and whimsical tone of "super-silly."

The phrase "Thin air" metaphorically describes something insubstantial or intangible. ETHER fits as it refers to the rarefied upper air or a clear, light substance. Historically, ether was believed to fill the heavens, further reinforcing its “thin air” connection. Perfect wordplay in this concise clue!

The clue "Brief" can mean something concise or of short duration, aligning with the synonym "SHORT." Additionally, "brief" can describe something fleeting or succinct, reinforcing "SHORT" as the correct answer. This straightforward connection makes the solution fitting.

The clue "It may be in the low 90s" refers to the octane rating of gasoline, which measures fuel quality. Gasoline commonly has octane levels in the low 90s (e.g., 91 or 93). The wordplay lies in interpreting "low 90s" as a range for octane ratings, not temperatures.

The solution "AERATE" fits "Make fizzy" because to aerate means to introduce air or gas into a liquid, often creating bubbles. This process is commonly used to make beverages fizzy, such as soda or sparkling water. The clue directly refers to this action.

The clue references actor Ian McKellen, who famously portrayed Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series. His first name, "Ian," is the three-letter solution to this straightforward clue.

The "2%" in 2% milk refers to the percentage of milk fat in the product. This labeling indicates that 2% of the milk's weight comes from fat content. Thus, "FAT" is the correct answer, as it directly represents the substance being measured in 2% milk.

Playboi Carti is a prominent rapper known for his music performances. The clue uses "performs" to indicate artistic expression, specifically through rap music. The phrase "like Playboi Carti" suggests the performing style, which aligns with "RAPS," referring to creating and delivering rap music.

The clue "The dark side" metaphorically refers to moral corruption, wrongdoing, or malevolence. "Evil" perfectly fits as it represents the embodiment of darkness and immorality. The phrase often contrasts with "good" in literature and culture, emphasizing its alignment with "the dark side."

The answer is MAXI because it refers to a longer length of skirts or dresses compared to "midi." Midi-length garments typically fall around the knee or mid-calf, while maxi-length garments extend to the ankle or floor, making "maxi" literally longer than "midi" in fashion terms.

Diplomats require the skill of handling delicate situations and people with sensitivity and finesse, ensuring smooth communication and avoiding offense. "Diplomat's skill" perfectly aligns with "TACT," which signifies careful and thoughtful handling of sensitive matters—the core of a diplomat's expertise.

The clue "Vietnamese soup" directly describes PHO, a traditional and popular Vietnamese dish. PHO is a flavorful noodle soup typically made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, often beef or chicken. Its simplicity and clear connection to the clue make PHO the correct answer.

The clue "That was clumsy of me!" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken exclamation. "OOPS" is a common, casual expression used when someone makes a mistake or does something clumsy, perfectly matching the tone and intent of the clue.

The answer is ACAI because acai berries are widely recognized as a "superfruit" due to their high levels of antioxidants and health benefits. They are a popular ingredient in smoothies, often blended for their rich, slightly tart flavor and nutritional value, perfectly fitting the clue.

The clue "NSFW stuff" refers to content deemed Not Safe For Work. This phrase usually denotes explicit or inappropriate material, such as pornography. PORN fits as the answer because it is a direct example of content that is unsuitable for professional settings, perfectly matching the clue.

The clue "Calc prerequisite" refers to a subject typically studied before calculus. TRIG, short for trigonometry, is foundational for understanding calculus concepts like derivatives and integrals, which often involve trigonometric functions. Therefore, TRIG is a logical and accurate answer to this clue.

The clue "Get me out of here!" is in quotes, signaling spoken dialogue. "I'M SO DONE" is a phrase expressing frustration or exhaustion, commonly used when someone wants to leave a situation immediately. It perfectly matches the emotional tone of the clue.

The phrase "in the red" refers to being in debt or owing money, as red ink is used to signify negative balances in accounting. A "debtor" is a person who owes money, making it the correct answer for this clue.

The clue "Good name for a chef?" uses wordplay. "Stu" phonetically resembles "stew," a dish that chefs commonly prepare. The pun lies in linking the name "Stu" with the concept of a chef associated with cooking stew, making it a fitting and humorous choice.

The answer "MOBILE" fits because a mobile is a decorative object often hung over a baby's crib. It typically consists of small, lightweight pieces that move or spin when touched or when air flows, providing visual and sensory stimulation for the baby.

The answer "ICY" fits the clue "Very cold and wet" because "icy" describes something that is extremely cold and covered in or containing ice, which is wet due to melting or condensation. It directly conveys the combination of coldness and moisture implied by the clue.

The answer is BUNYAN because John Bunyan (1628–1688) authored "The Pilgrim’s Progress", a famous Christian allegory published in 1678. The clue directly names "John" and specifies the notable work, pointing to the English writer known for this literary classic.

The answer "TBONE" fits the clue "Certain steak" because it refers to the T-bone steak, a specific cut of beef featuring a T-shaped bone. This cut is distinct and well-known, making it a clear fit for the clue's emphasis on a "certain" type of steak.

ORCAS is the answer because they are apex predators in the ocean, known for hunting in deep waters. Commonly called "killer whales," they target seals, fish, and even whales, making them fitting "deep-sea predators." The plural clue also matches the plural answer.

The answer "GOHAM" is a slang term meaning to give maximum effort or energy towards something. "Go ham" originates from hip-hop culture, where "HAM" is an acronym for "Hard As a M***********," signifying intense dedication or effort. It fits the clue as a modern, informal phrase for extreme effort.

The answer is PRESS because the saying "Any press is good press" embodies the idea in public relations that any media coverage, whether positive or negative, benefits attention and publicity. The repetition in the clue ("Any ___ is good ___") directly aligns with the word "press."

The solution "SAWTO" comes from splitting the phrase "saw to," which means "managed" or "handled" something. It's a past tense phrase where "saw" implies oversight or attending to a task, aligning perfectly with the clue.

The clue "Informal shirts" refers to casual clothing. "TEES" is short for T-shirts, which are casual, informal shirts commonly worn for their simplicity and comfort. The plural form matches the plural in the clue ("shirts"), making TEES the correct answer.

The clue "With dexterity" refers to performing something skillfully or with competence. The word "ably" directly means doing something in a capable or skillful manner, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning. Hence, ABLY is the solution.

The answer "LODE" fits the clue "Ore deposit" because a lode is a rich vein or deposit of valuable mineral or ore found in the earth. It directly describes a geological formation where minerals, like gold or silver, are concentrated and mined.

The clue "Opposite of entrance" directly contrasts two related terms. An "entrance" is a way in, while its opposite, an "exit," is a way out. EXIT perfectly fits as it signifies leaving or departing, contrasting entering through an entrance. This straightforward definition makes EXIT the accurate solution.

The answer is JET because hot tubs commonly use "jets" to release pressurized streams of water or air through nozzles. These jets provide a massaging effect, making "JET" the perfect term for a hot tub nozzle. It's a straightforward match between the clue and the function of the device.