Amount that "ain't bad," so to speak … or what to make with six sets of answers in this puzzle? - NYT The Crossword Clue

RAGAS are melodic frameworks in Indian classical music, essential for compositions and improvisations. The clue "Pieces of Indian music" directly refers to these musical structures, which are integral "pieces" or components in Indian music traditions, fitting perfectly as the solution.

The "Gem State" is a nickname for Idaho. Tubers refer to potatoes, which Idaho is famous for producing. The plural form "Idahos" is a playful way to refer to these tubers as products of Idaho, making it a pun-based answer.

The phrase "Laid eyes on but good" implies seeing something thoroughly or intensely. "Got a load of" is an idiom meaning to take a good look at something, fitting perfectly as the answer to this informal, colloquial clue.

The clue refers to Ireland, whose flag is called "An Trídhathach" ("The Tricolor") in Irish Gaelic. The abbreviation "IRE" is commonly used for Ireland in various contexts, including geography and sports, making it the correct answer.

"Deal" hints at a deck of cards, which you handle or deal out in games. Thus, "DECK" aligns with the pun, relating to dealing cards from a deck. It's a clever play on words!

The answer is PANANG because it refers to a specific type of Thai red curry known for its thick, creamy texture and rich flavor, typically made with coconut milk, peanuts, and aromatic spices. It is a well-known and distinct dish in Thai cuisine, matching the clue perfectly.

The clue "Lofty pitches" uses wordplay. "Lofty" suggests something high, and "pitches" refers to musical notes. In music terminology, "high C" is a notably high-pitched note. Pluralizing it as "HIGHCS" fits the clue, capturing the idea of multiple lofty (high) pitches.

In a corrida, a Spanish bullfighting event, the crowd often shouts "¡Olé!" to cheer or express admiration for a matador's skillful moves. The clue refers to this loud, enthusiastic exclamation, making "OLE" the fitting answer. The Spanish context aligns with the foreign language aspect of the clue.

The answer "ESL" stands for English as a Second Language, which is a class designed to help immigrants (and others) learn English. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating an abbreviation, aligning with "ESL" being a commonly-used shorthand for such classes.

The clue "Tries to rile, as on social media" aligns with BAITS because "baiting" refers to deliberately provoking or antagonizing someone online to elicit a reaction. This behavior is common on social media, where users may post controversial or inflammatory comments to "bait" others into responding.

The clue "Leave one's mark, say" hints at creating a lasting impression. "Say" suggests a figurative or literal interpretation. To "etch" means to carve or inscribe permanently, leaving a mark, such as on glass or metal. This aligns perfectly with the concept of leaving one's mark.

The answer "SCENTS" fits because scratch-and-sniff items release specific smells when scratched, and "scents" refers to those smells or aromas. The clue directly describes what these samples offer: fragrances or odors to sniff, making "SCENTS" a perfect match.

The clue "How interesting!" is in quotes, signaling a conversational or expressive phrase. "OH, NEAT!" is a common exclamation used to convey interest or enthusiasm, fitting the context perfectly as a spoken reaction to something intriguing or surprising.

The answer is CASABLANCA because it is a 1942 classic film renowned for its memorable lines like "Here's looking at you, kid" and "We'll always have Paris." It is widely celebrated as one of the most quotable movies in cinema history, aligning perfectly with the clue's description.

The Wildcats of the Big 12 Conference refer to Kansas State University, whose sports teams are nicknamed the Wildcats. "KSU" is a common abbreviation for Kansas State University, making it the correct answer to the clue.

The answer "EER" fits this clue through wordplay. In sonnets or poetic language, adverbs ending in "-eer" (like "e'er" for "ever") are common. Additionally, "-eer" is a suffix in English, often attached to words. The punning question mark hints at this dual-layered interpretation.

The answer “TRE” refers to Tré Cool, the stage name of the drummer for the punk rock band Green Day. Born Frank Edwin Wright III, he adopted the playful name "Tré Cool," meaning "very cool" in French slang. The clue directly asks for his stage name.

The solution is SHASTA because Shasta is both a soda brand and the name of Mount Shasta, a volcano in California. This clue uses a proper noun (the volcano’s name) to cleverly point to the soda brand, aligning with the wordplay aspect of crosswords.

The answer is RABE because "Broccoli rabe" is a leafy green vegetable often associated with Italian cuisine. It has a slightly bitter taste and is commonly used in sautéed dishes or as a side. The blank in the clue is simply asking for the part of the full term "broccoli rabe."

The clue "Facts and figures" directly refers to statistical data or numerical information. "STATS" is a common shorthand for "statistics," which encompasses both facts and numerical figures, making it the correct answer. The brevity suits crossword conventions as well.

The answer "ESE" is the suffix because it indicates a direction. As Brooklyn is located southeast (SE) of Manhattan in New York City, adding "E" makes "ESE," SouthEeast. This type of clue tests knowledge of geographic directions and the structure of suffixes in wordplay.

The answer is INTROS because "phrases preceding lyrics" refers to introductory sections of songs, commonly known as "intros," where artists often speak, sing, or play music before the main lyrics begin. This matches the clue's context perfectly.

The clue "Basic school subj." refers to a standard subject taught in schools. "HIST" is an abbreviation for "history," which is a fundamental subject in education. It's common in crossword puzzles to use shortened forms for familiar terms like this, making "HIST" the correct answer.

The answer "EXPAT" is short for "expatriate," referring to a person living outside their native country. The clue indicates that about 88% of U.A.E. residents are foreign nationals, making them expatriates. This term aptly describes the demographic makeup of the U.A.E. population.

The answer "LENNON" refers to John Lennon, the famous musician and a member of The Beatles. Lennon was well-known for his insightful and imaginative quotes, including "Reality leaves a lot to the imagination," aligning perfectly with this clue about a thoughtful musician.

EUGENE Levy is a renowned actor and comedian who starred in the hit series "Schitt's Creek" alongside his son, Dan Levy. As the father in real life and on the show, EUGENE is the eldest Levy connected to the series, making it the correct answer.

The answer "SPIRED" refers to the architectural feature of many cathedrals: spires. Cathedrals are often adorned with tall, pointed structures reaching skyward, symbolizing a connection to the heavens. Thus, "Like many cathedrals" aptly describes their common trait of being spired.

The clue "Help in a pinch?" uses wordplay. "Help" hints at aiding or assisting, while "in a pinch" suggests urgency or difficulty. "ABET" means to assist, often in wrongdoing, but extends here figuratively as "help." The pun ties the literal meaning to an urgent situation, answering the clue.

"Ural demurral" refers to a refusal or objection (demurral) in the region of the Urals, which spans Russia. The Russian word for "no" or refusal is "nyet," making it the correct answer. The foreign context (Ural/Russia) suggests the answer is in Russian.

The answer "SPIRO" refers to Spiro T. Agnew, who served as the 39th vice president of the United States under President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973. His first name, Spiro, is distinct and directly connects to the clue "Vice president Agnew."

The answer "RTE" is short for "route," aligning with the clue "This is the way: Abbr." A route refers to a way or path to follow, and the abbreviation "RTE" is commonly used in signs, maps, or directions to indicate a roadway or path.

MSG, short for monosodium glutamate, is a seasoning often added to enhance the savory "umami" flavor in foods. "For short" in the clue signals an abbreviation, making MSG the fitting answer as it is a well-known enhancer of umami taste in cooking.

The clue "___ dreaming?" suggests a conversational phrase. The answer is "AMI" (short for "Am I"), completing the phrase "Am I dreaming?"—a common rhetorical expression used when something feels unbelievable or surreal.

Esau, a figure from the Book of Genesis, is described as being hairy and red-haired. He was also a skilled hunter and the elder twin brother of Jacob. This biblical description makes ESAU the correct answer to the clue "Red-haired hunter in Genesis."

The answer "CHIT" refers to a small slip or note acknowledging a debt, often used in informal or transactional settings. It serves as a "record of money owed" by documenting the amount due, making it a fitting and concise solution for the clue.

The answer "DECRY" fits because to "decry" means to publicly and strongly condemn or criticize something. It aligns with the clue "Condemn," as both share the idea of expressing strong disapproval. The connection is straightforward with no wordplay involved.

The clue "Response of comprehension" suggests an expression indicating understanding. "I SEE" is a common phrase used to confirm grasping or acknowledging something, aligning perfectly as an informal verbal reaction. The conversational nature of the clue matches the spoken phrase, making ISEE the appropriate solution.

The clue "Hems and ___" refers to the expression "hems and haws," which describes indecision or hesitation. "Hem" and "haw" are often used together to represent pausing, mumbling, or being unsure, making "HAWS" the correct solution to complete the familiar phrase.

A TOTEM is an object of spiritual significance in many indigenous cultures, often serving as a symbolic representation of ancestry, spiritual beliefs, or protective entities. Typically depicted as carved poles or items, TOTEMs embody sacred meaning, aligning directly with the clue's focus on spiritual importance.

The answer "NOM" is short for "nomination," which represents an opportunity to win an award. The phrase "in brief" signals the answer will be an abbreviation or shorthand, making NOM a fitting solution for this clue.

The word "LEST" is a conjunction used to indicate an action taken to avoid a feared outcome or prevent something undesirable. It directly aligns with the meaning of "Out of fear that," as both imply caution or preventative action motivated by concern.

The answer is TESS because Thomas Hardy's novel "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" features Tess Durbeyfield as the titular (title) character. She is the protagonist of the story, which explores her struggles with social expectations and moral dilemmas in Victorian England. This directly matches the clue.

The clue "Swinger's warning" refers to a golfer warning others of an incoming shot. In golf, players yell "FORE!" to alert anyone in the path of a potentially wayward ball. The "swinger" here playfully refers to a golf player swinging a club. Thus, the answer is FORE.

The clue "Shorten" directly aligns with the meaning of TRIM, as to trim something is to cut or remove parts of it, thereby making it shorter or smaller. This applies to hair, fabric, text, or other items. The relationship is literal, making TRIM the correct and fitting answer.

The clue "Underworld boss?" includes a pun, as indicated by the question mark. Hades is the ruler of the Underworld in Greek mythology, making him its "boss." The playful wordplay ties the mythological reference to the colloquial idea of a “boss” in charge.

The clue, "Confirm, as a friend request," directly refers to the action taken on social media platforms when someone sends a friend request. To confirm the request, you click "ACCEPT," which matches both the meaning and context of the clue.

The answer "RAHRAH" represents enthusiastic cheering, often associated with sports or spirited events. It uses repetition to convey high energy or excitement, aligning with the clue "Enthusiastic." This term mimics the sound of cheers, emphasizing its lively and motivational tone.

The clue "First responder's first response" refers to how emergency responders prioritize treatment in critical situations. "Triage" is the process of assessing injuries or conditions to determine the order of care based on urgency, making it the first logical step for first responders.

The answer "TEASERRATE" works because a "teaser rate" refers to an initially low interest rate or charge offered as an incentive, fitting "initially offered lesser charge." The clue uses wordplay to hint at this financial term, making it a pun-based solution.

The Battle of Shiloh was a significant Union victory during the American Civil War in April 1862. Fought in Tennessee, near Shiloh Church, it was a pivotal moment in the Union’s western campaign, making SHILOH the correct answer for this clue referencing that historical event.

The Declaration of Independence is a public, written declaration of principles or intentions—characteristic of a "manifesto." Similarly, "the like" implies other similar statements advocating ideas or beliefs. Thus, "MANIFESTOS" fits as it refers to such formal statements promoting specific ideologies or objectives.

The clue "Expose, in verse" hints at a poetic or literary term. "Ope" is an archaic or poetic contraction of "open," often used in older poetry to maintain rhythm or rhyme. To "ope" something is to expose or reveal it, fitting the clue perfectly.

The answer "GES" refers to General Electric (GE), a well-known manufacturer of home appliances, including microwaves. The clue "in brief" signals an abbreviation, and "Some microwaves" points specifically to GE's branded microwaves. The plural "GES" accounts for multiple appliances.

The word "MURK" is synonymous with gloom, as it refers to darkness, dimness, or an obscured, shadowy atmosphere. Both terms connote a lack of clarity or light, often linked to somber or depressing environments, perfectly explaining why "MURK" fits the clue "Gloom."

The USA is the answer because the 2028 Summer Olympics are set to be hosted in Los Angeles, California, a major city in the United States. The "host" refers to the country where the event will take place, making "USA" the correct solution.

The clue "Beat it!" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken command or exclamation. "SCRAM" is a slang term and an imperative often used to mean "Get lost!" or "Leave quickly!"—perfectly matching the tone and meaning of the clue.

The suffix "-stan" is common in country names, primarily in Central and South Asia, meaning "land" or "place" in Persian. Examples include Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Kazakhstan. It ranks third in commonality after "-ia" (e.g., India) and "-land" (e.g., Thailand), fitting the clue perfectly.

The answer "LEDE" refers to the opening sentence or paragraph of a news article, designed to grab the reader's attention and summarize the story. The spelling "lede" is a journalistic term to distinguish it from "lead" (a metal used in printing). Hence, "Journalist's opening line" fits perfectly.

The answer "NOSIR" fits because the clue asks for a polite refusal. "No, sir" is a respectful way to decline something, often used to show courtesy or deference, particularly in formal or professional settings. The solution aligns with the clue's tone of politeness.

Mott Street (MOTTST) is a well-known thoroughfare located in New York City's Chinatown. It serves as a central hub for the neighborhood, making it a key cultural and historical landmark. The abbreviation "ST" for "Street" completes the clue succinctly, pointing directly to this iconic location.

The answer is REUBEN because a Reuben sandwich traditionally consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut, all served on rye bread. The clue directly describes a key ingredient, sauerkraut, which is a defining element of this classic sandwich.

In basketball, a pass before a basket is often called an "assist." It refers to a pass that directly helps a teammate score. The "e.g." in the clue signals an example, confirming ASSIST as the fitting term for this action.

The answer "NTH" refers to an unspecified or arbitrary position in a sequence, often used in mathematics or general contexts (e.g., "to the Nth degree"). It conveys an indefinite value, fitting the clue's description of "unspecified position in a sequence."

The DAHLIA is the national flower of Mexico because it is native to the country and holds cultural and historical significance. This vibrant flower was cultivated by the Aztecs and later became a symbol of Mexican heritage and pride, officially declared the national flower in 1963.

SNEEZY is one of the Seven Dwarfs from Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Each dwarf has a name reflecting their personality or behavior—Sneezy's defining trait is frequent sneezing, making it the correct answer to this straightforward clue.

In British English, "afters" is an informal term used to refer to dessert or the sweet course of a meal. The clue specifically mentions "to Brits," indicating a British term for dessert, making AFTERS the correct answer.

The clue "Combined" suggests something unified or merged. The phrase "in one" directly indicates this concept, as it signifies being together or combined into a single entity. It succinctly describes the act of uniting multiple things into one.

The answer "TASE" fits the clue "Subdue by stunning" because "tase" refers to using a Taser, a device that delivers an electric shock to incapacitate or stun someone, effectively subduing them. The clue directly describes the function of a Taser, making "TASE" an apt solution.

The clue "Needing kneading, perhaps" uses wordplay with "kneading." Muscles that are tight or stiff often require massage (kneading) to relax, which implies they are "TENSE." Thus, "TENSE" fits as the solution, describing the state of needing this therapeutic action.

The clue "Leaning type: Abbr." hints at a font style where text is slanted or leaning. The abbreviation "Abbr." signals a shortened form. ITAL stands for "italic," a typeface style where the letters are slanted, commonly used for emphasis. Hence, ITAL is the correct answer.

The clue "Counterpart to nuts" is a playful reference to the phrase "soup to nuts," which denotes a complete range or sequence (like a full-course meal from soup to dessert). Thus, SOUP is the counterpart to "nuts" in this familiar expression.

"WED" is the solution because it directly means "to join in marriage," which is a way of bringing two people together. This clue uses the verb form of the word, aligning perfectly with the hint of uniting or "bringing together."

Kölsch and saison are types of beer originating from specific brewing traditions. Both fall under the category of ales, which are a broad type of beer brewed with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures. Therefore, the correct answer to the clue is "ALE."

The answer is SIC because "[Not my misspelling!]" indicates the editorial notation "sic," a Latin word meaning "thus" or "so." It’s used to show that an error or unusual spelling in a quoted text is intentional or from the original source, not a mistake by the writer.

The clue refers to Red No. 3, a type of synthetic coloring substance used in food and products. "E.g." signals an example category. Red No. 3 is a synthetic dye, specifically a coloring agent. Since it is banned as an ingredient, it fits the answer perfectly—DYE.

The clue "Big retail inits. in footwear" points to the initials of a well-known footwear retailer. DSW stands for Designer Shoe Warehouse, a large chain specializing in shoes. The clue's phrasing ("inits.") signals an abbreviation, directly leading to DSW as the fitting answer.

The clue references 119-Down, which is DYE. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is the U.S. organization responsible for regulating and banning potentially harmful substances, including Red No. 3.