What those close to failure are said to be on - NYT The Crossword Clue

The clue "Spreads out in the morning?" includes a pun indicated by the question mark. "Spreads" refers to spreads like cream cheese or butter, often put on bagels or toast in the morning. "Schmears," a Yiddish term for spreading, fits both the wordplay and breakfast context perfectly.

The answer "ICESAW" fits because, in the opening scene of Disney's Frozen, ice harvesters are shown cutting through a frozen lake using ice saws. This tool is crucial for their work of extracting blocks of ice, setting the scene for the film's wintry theme.

The clue "Moving day rental" refers to a vehicle commonly rented for moving purposes. "U-Haul" is a well-known company specializing in moving rentals, and "van" specifies the type of vehicle often rented. Together, "UHAULVAN" perfectly describes a moving day rental vehicle.

The answer "MOMALA" is a portmanteau combining "Mom" and "Kamala," referencing Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President. Her stepchildren affectionately call her "Momala," blending maternal warmth with her first name. The clue highlights this personal nickname tied to her family and public identity.

The answer "BURNSAGE" refers to the Indigenous practice of smudging, where sage is burned to cleanse spaces or individuals of negative energy. This sacred tradition, rooted in various Indigenous cultures, uses the aromatic properties of sage to purify and create spiritual clarity.

The clue "Lacy" directly describes something delicate, ornamental, and decorated with lace-like details. "FRILLY" refers to items adorned with ruffles, lace, or similar embellishments, perfectly matching the descriptor "Lacy." It conveys the same decorative and ornate quality.

The quote by Igor Stravinsky suggests that an artist gains acclaim or PRESTIGE when others imitate their work. Prestige aligns with the idea of recognition or respect derived from influence, as imitators highlight the artist's significance and impact within their field.

The phrase "Showing signs of spring, say" refers to the renewal and growth associated with spring. "In leaf" describes trees or plants developing or displaying leaves, which is a clear sign of springtime. The wording "say" signals interpretive language, fitting the metaphorical sense of INLEAF.

The clue "T-slots?" with a question mark suggests wordplay. A "T" resembles the shape of a torso and arms, and "slots" hints at openings. The answer, ARMHOLES, are the openings (slots) in a shirt or garment where your arms (extensions of the "T" shape) go through.

The answer "NCISLA" refers to NCIS: Los Angeles, a CBS procedural TV show that starred LL Cool J. The clue specifies it's an informal reference, so the abbreviation "NCISLA" is used. This show is a spinoff of NCIS and fits the description perfectly.

The clue "Like bows, at times" refers to violin (or similar instrument) bows, which are often coated with rosin to improve grip on the strings. "ROSINED" is the correct answer as it describes the state of being treated with rosin, fitting the clue perfectly.

The answer is AERATOR because it is a device used in aquariums to introduce oxygen into the water. Fish and aquatic life require oxygenated water to survive, and an aerator ensures proper circulation and oxygen levels, making it essential for maintaining a healthy aquarium environment.

The clue "Judge" can mean to consider or regard something in a certain way. "Deem" is a synonym for this, as it means to judge, believe, or regard. Both words share the sense of forming an opinion or decision, making DEEM the correct solution.

The clue "Hare-brained" suggests something foolish or lacking sense, playing on the idea of a hare being jumpy or erratic. "INANE" means silly, senseless, or empty-headed, which aligns perfectly with the whimsical, impractical nature implied by "Hare-brained."

The clue "Dealt with something" refers to handling or managing a challenging situation. "Coped" fits as it means successfully dealing with difficulties or struggles, aligning with the clue’s phrasing. The past tense matches the clue's verb form.

The answer is DRE because Dr. Dre, the iconic rapper and producer, performed at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show in 2022. "Familiarly" in the clue signifies the use of his well-known stage name, "Dre," rather than his full name.

A BOXER is a master of the "ring," referring to a boxing ring. The pun connects the idea of a physical ring (used in boxing) to the expertise of a boxer in that space.

The answer is LUISE because Luise Rainer was a German-born actress who made history by winning back-to-back Academy Awards for Best Actress in 1936 ("The Great Ziegfeld") and 1937 ("The Good Earth"). She was the first person ever to achieve this rare feat.

The clue "Tough crowd" uses wordplay. "Tough" refers to a rough or intimidating group, while "crowd" suggests a group of people. GANG fits as it commonly describes a group that can be tough or intimidating, playing on both parts of the clue.

The clue "Took Marie Antoinette's advice?" is a playful reference to the famous (though likely apocryphal) quote, "Let them eat cake."

The answer "DESKSET" refers to a collection of office accessories typically found on a desk, such as a pen holder, paper tray, and memo pad. The clue lists these items, which collectively form a "desk set," making it the perfect match.

The clue "Wild chase?" includes a question mark, signaling a pun or wordplay. A safari is a wild chase or expedition to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. The word "wild" cleverly connects to the natural wildlife, while "chase" hints at the adventurous pursuit involved in a safari.

The clue "Certain radio components" refers to parts of a radio specifically related to FM (Frequency Modulation) broadcasting. FM tuners are essential components in radios, allowing users to tune into FM radio stations. "Certain" specifies the FM aspect, distinguishing it from AM or other forms of broadcasting. Hence, FMTUNERS fits.

The clue "Contribute to the pot" plays on a double meaning. In cooking, "stir in" means to mix ingredients into a pot. Figuratively, it can mean to add something (like funds or effort) to a collective pool, aligning with "contribute." Thus, STIRIN fits both interpretations perfectly.

The clue "Yes" or "No" suggests something that encompasses these possible answers or reactions. Both "Yes" and "No" are types of replies or answers to a question. The word RESPONSE perfectly fits as it broadly covers any type of reply, including "Yes" or "No."

The phrase "binged, with 'out'" suggests overindulgence, often in eating or drinking. To "pig out" is an idiomatic expression for eating excessively or greedily. Therefore, the past-tense form "pigged" fits as the solution to describe having binged.

INTELSAT is the solution because it is a global satellite communications organization established in 1964. It stands for "International Telecommunications Satellite Organization," making it a multinational communications giant as described in the clue. It played a key role in pioneering satellite-based global telecommunications.

The clue, "Words after 'Honey!'" is enclosed in quotes, indicating a spoken phrase. When someone says "Honey!" at the door, the common follow-up is "I'm home!" to announce their arrival. Therefore, the answer is "IMHOME," reflecting this familiar expression.

The clue "Budding actresses" refers to young or aspiring actresses beginning their careers, aiming for fame. The word "starlets" traditionally describes these actresses, highlighting their potential to become stars. "Budding" hints at their early stage, tying directly to the term "starlets."

A lepidopterist studies butterflies and moths, often capturing them for research. They use a net to catch these insects, making them a "NETTER." The use of "often" hints at this common association without being definitive, aligning with this wordplay.

The clue "Giant, as a mattress" uses "giant" metaphorically to describe something large. In mattress terminology, "king-size" is a widely recognized term for a very large mattress. The pun-like structure connects "giant" to the oversized nature of a king-size mattress, making KINGSIZE the perfect fit.