NY Times Crossword Logo

Big dust-up [1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002] - NYT The Crossword Clue

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758596061626364656667686970

Across

  • The answer is ALF because Alf Landon was the Republican candidate who ran against Franklin D. Roosevelt (F.D.R.) in the 1936 U.S. presidential election. Despite his campaign, Landon was overwhelmingly defeated, as F.D.R. won re-election in a landslide.

  • A BRAWL is a fight or major dust-up. The circled letters BRA inside the answer form the country code for Brazil, and the years in the clue correspond to Brazil's five World Cup titles: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002.

  • The clue, "All That ___," directly references the famous Broadway musical and film All That Jazz. The phrase completes naturally with "Jazz," aligning with its title. This is a common cultural reference often used in crosswords, making JAZZ the perfect fit for the blank.

  • The answer SOO refers to Phillipa Soo, a renowned Broadway actress best known for originating the role of Eliza Hamilton in the hit musical Hamilton. Her standout performance earned her critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination, making her a prominent name in theater.

  • The term "LET OUT" refers to loosening or expanding something, such as a waistband, to make it larger. "Alter" signals a change, and the clue’s context implies adjusting the waistband's size. Thus, "LET OUT" perfectly matches as the solution for this alteration.

  • The answer "IDEA" fits because ideas are often described metaphorically. A "big idea" refers to an important or groundbreaking concept, while a "bright idea" refers to a clever or innovative thought. The clue's wording plays on these common expressions to lead you to the solution.

  • The clue "In the past" refers to something that happened earlier or previously. The word "AGO" is commonly used to indicate a point in time before the present, such as "years ago" or "moments ago," making it the perfect fit for this clue.

  • An AFFRAY is a public fight or disturbance. Hidden within the answer is FRA, the country code for France. The years 1998 and 2018 mark France's two World Cup championship victories.

  • A "tam-tam" refers to a type of percussion instrument, specifically a type of flat, circular gong used in orchestras. The answer "GONG" fits because it describes the instrument category to which the tam-tam belongs, making it a straightforward match.

  • A "Petri" dish is a shallow, cylindrical, lidded dish commonly used in laboratories to culture microorganisms. Invented by Julius Richard Petri, it provides the controlled environment necessary for growing bacteria, fungi, or other cells, fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The clue "Longs (for)" refers to a strong desire or yearning for something. "LUSTS" aligns perfectly, as it describes an intense longing or craving, often for something unattainable or passionate. The verb form matches the clue's context, making "LUSTS" the correct solution.

  • Mars was the Roman god of war, making WARGOD a fitting answer. The circled letters ARG form the country code for Argentina, whose World Cup titles came in 1978, 1986, and 2022.

  • The phrase "comes to" refers to regaining consciousness or awakening. "WAKES" fits as it describes the act of becoming alert after being unconscious, like waking up from sleep or fainting, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.

  • The clue "Little dust-up" suggests a minor conflict or quarrel. "Spat" is a short, informal term for a small argument or disagreement, aligning perfectly with the idea of a "little" (minor) clash or "dust-up" (dispute). Hence, SPAT is the fitting solution.

  • The abbreviation "ENC" stands for "enclosure," typically noted at the bottom of a business letter to indicate additional documents are included. As the clue specifies "Abbr.," it points toward a shortened form commonly used in formal correspondence.

  • The phrase "Not at all" means completely in no way, which aligns with the archaic term "NOWISE," meaning "in no way" or "by no means." The direct synonymy of the phrase and the word makes NOWISE the correct answer.

  • The answer is TIRE because Michelin is a renowned company primarily known for manufacturing tires. The clue directly refers to their primary product, making TIRE the straightforward solution to this clue.

  • Someone born around Cinco de Mayo falls under the zodiac sign Taurus. The hidden letters URU are the country code for Uruguay, which won the World Cup in 1930 and 1950.

  • CTR is the abbreviation for "center," the basketball position typically played by the team's tallest player. Centers often dominate near the basket, excelling in rebounding, shot-blocking, and close-range scoring. The clue specifies "Abbr.," indicating the answer uses the shortened form of the word.

  • The answer "ALMS" fits the clue "Donations for the poor" because "alms" traditionally refers to charitable offerings, typically money or goods, given to those in need. The term is commonly associated with acts of generosity or charity directed towards helping the poor.

  • The answer "WIPED" fits because after a marathon, a person typically feels utterly exhausted, physically and mentally drained—synonymous with "wiped out." The clue's phrasing directly implies this worn-out state through a natural interpretation of how one might feel post-marathon exertion.

  • The solution "SKAT" fits because it is a traditional three-player card game originating in Germany. Played with a 32-card deck, it involves bidding and gaining tricks. The clue directly describes the nature of the game, making SKAT the precise answer here.

  • The clue "Born" in Haiti hints at the French word for "born," as French is one of Haiti's official languages. The answer "NÉE" (feminine form) is used to indicate a woman's maiden name, meaning "born as" in French. Thus, "Born" connects to NÉE.

  • GERWIG refers to filmmaker Greta Gerwig. The letters GER inside the answer form the country code for Germany, whose World Cup titles came in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014.

  • ASTA is the name of the dog featured in "The Thin Man," a series of detective films from the 1930s and 1940s based on Dashiell Hammett's novel. ASTA is a Wire Fox Terrier and is prominently depicted as the beloved pet of the lead characters, Nick and Nora Charles.

  • The CORNET is a brass instrument closely related to the flugelhorn, both sharing a similar shape and sound. While the flugelhorn has a mellower tone, the cornet is common in brass bands and orchestras, making "Cousin of a flugelhorn" an apt descriptor.

  • The suffix "INE" is often used to form adjectives or nouns relating to or resembling something. When added to "serpent," it forms "serpentine," which describes something resembling a serpent in form or movement, such as winding or sinuous. This matches the clue perfectly.

  • The UTES are a Native American tribe indigenous to the Colorado Plateau region, which spans parts of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The clue directly refers to this group, making UTES the correct answer.

  • The answer "ENSUE" fits "Result" because "ensue" means to occur as a consequence or follow as a result of something. It's a direct synonym in this context, making it a precise match for the definition provided by the clue.

  • Narita International Airport serves as a major hub for Japan Airlines. Hidden inside NARITA is ITA, the country code for Italy, whose World Cup titles came in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006.

  • The answer "ASHEN" fits "Ghostly pale" because it describes a very pale, almost gray complexion, resembling the color of ash. This term is often used to depict someone who looks deathly or unnaturally pale, much like the eerie, ghostly imagery suggested in the clue.

  • The answer "TERPS" refers to the University of Maryland athletes because their mascot is the Terrapin, a type of turtle. "Terps" is a shortened nickname derived from "Terrapins," commonly used to refer to their sports teams and athletes.

  • The answer "PAWN" works because a pawn can metaphorically represent someone who is used or manipulated by others, aligning with "Used one." Additionally, in chess, pawns are often sacrificed or strategically "used" to achieve a larger goal. This dual meaning fits the clue's intention well.

  • To AVENGE is to get back at someone for a wrong. The hidden letters ENG form the country code for England, whose lone World Cup title came in 1966.

  • The answer is TET because it refers to the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, a major holiday celebrated in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring. Tết is short for "Tết Nguyên Đán," its full name in Vietnamese, making it the definitive answer for this clue.

  • The clue "Suit in a certain suite" includes wordplay. "Suite" refers to an office suite, and a "suit" can also mean a high-ranking businessperson, often wearing formal attire. An EXEC, short for executive, fits both definitions—a business "suit" working in a corporate "suite."

  • The answer is MIRIAM because Mrs. Maisel refers to the titular character from the TV show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The main character's full name is Miriam "Midge" Maisel, making MIRIAM her first name and the correct solution.

  • ELY is the county seat of White Pine County, Nevada. It is a small city known for its historical importance as a mining town. As the administrative center, it is referred to as the "seat" of the county, matching the clue perfectly.

  • The answer "CEDE" works for the clue "Deliver up" because "cede" means to surrender, give up, or hand over something, often formally, such as land, power, or authority. This aligns with the idea of delivering something over, fulfilling the meaning of the clue.

  • The ESPYS are annual sports awards presented by ESPN. The letters ESP hidden in the answer form the country code for Spain, which won its only World Cup title in 2010.

  • The answer "REX" fits the clue "Stereotypical dog's name" because REX is a classic, commonly used dog name, derived from the Latin word for "king." It's often associated with strong, loyal, and regal dogs, making it a stereotypical choice for a canine name.

Down

  • The clue "Quickly!" in quotes indicates a phrase or exclamation synonymous with urgency. ASAP stands for "As Soon As Possible," commonly expressing the need for speed or immediacy, perfectly matching the clue's intent. It’s a straightforward response to a direct call for quick action.

  • The answer "LOGE" refers to a specific section of seating in a theater or opera house, often a small, private balcony or box. The clue cleverly plays on "Balcony section," as a loge is commonly located in or near the balcony area.

  • The clue "Fluffy slippers, e.g." refers to a descriptive category. Fluffy slippers keep your feet warm, making them serve as "footwarmers." The "e.g." indicates the answer is a general term or broader category for such items, not just slippers themselves. Thus, FOOTWARMERS fits perfectly.

  • BLAIR is the solution because Blair House is the official guest residence for visiting dignitaries in Washington, D.C., located near the White House. It serves as a prestigious accommodation for foreign leaders and important guests visiting the U.S. government.

  • The clue "One making calls, informally" refers to a sports referee, often called a "ref" for short. A referee is responsible for making calls or decisions during games, such as fouls or penalties. The abbreviation "ref" aligns with the informal tone indicated in the clue.

  • ATF is the solution because it stands for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a U.S. federal agency tasked with regulating and combating illegal activities such as smuggling of firearms, alcohol, and tobacco. The clue refers to this group's antismuggling role.

  • The revealer explains the puzzle's entire theme. The circled letters hidden in several answers form country codes for the only eight nations that have won the FIFA World Cup, while the bracketed years indicate each country's championship victories.

  • The answer is LUAU because lomi salmon is a traditional Hawaiian dish often served at a luau, which is a Hawaiian feast featuring traditional foods, music, and hula. The clue hints at the cultural setting where this dish would commonly be offered.

  • Wikipedia's logo features a partially completed globe made up of interlocking puzzle pieces, symbolizing collaboration and the piecing together of knowledge. A "jigsaw" is a type of puzzle with interlocking pieces, making it a fitting description for this logo.

  • "Hullabaloo" means a commotion, fuss, or noisy disturbance. "ADO" is a synonym for this, often describing unnecessary or exaggerated trouble. The brevity of both the clue and answer aligns well in crossword conventions.

  • The answer is ZEN because it represents a meditative and mindful state of being, where one is fully present and aware of the moment. This aligns with the clue's suggestion of being "fully present," as Zen practice emphasizes living in the now with focus and tranquility.

  • The answer "ZAG" fits the clue "Veer quickly" because "zag" describes a sharp or sudden change in direction, typically paired with "zig" (as in "zigzag"). It perfectly matches the clue's definition of a fast veer, making it a concise and fitting solution.

  • The answer "TYS" stands for "Thank YouS," a shorthand often used online to express gratitude or appreciation in a casual manner. The clue specifies "online parlance," signaling the use of internet slang or abbreviations. Hence, "TYS" fits as "Notes of appreciation."

  • The clue "Money market account figures" refers to the interest rates associated with money market accounts. These accounts typically earn interest, and the "figures" mentioned point to the percentages or RATES of return that investors receive. Hence, RATES is the correct answer.

  • The clue "Deuces" refers to the number two, as "deuce" is a common term for it, especially in cards or dice. The plural "Deuces" means multiple twos, making the answer TWOS. This clue works as a straightforward synonym-based wordplay.

  • The clue "Lose a water balloon fight, say" suggests a playful scenario where getting wet is the direct consequence of losing. The phrase "say" hints at a potential outcome or general idea rather than a literal description. "Get wet" perfectly captures this result, fitting the context and wordplay.

  • The phrase "Studio sign" directly refers to the illuminated sign often displayed in recording or broadcasting studios to signal an active session. "ON AIR" is commonly shown to indicate that live recording or broadcasting is in progress, making it the perfect fit for this clue.

  • KICKSTARTER is the solution because it is a well-known online platform where individuals or groups can raise funds for creative projects, businesses, or ideas through contributions from supporters. It perfectly matches the definition "Online crowdfunding platform" provided in the clue.

  • The Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is famously known as America's largest privately owned home. "Estate" refers to a large property with extensive grounds, fitting the description of this historic, grand residence built by George Washington Vanderbilt II.

  • The answer "SERTAS" refers to a popular brand of mattresses, Serta. The plural form "SERTAS" aligns with the clue "Some mattresses," indicating multiple mattresses made by this brand. It's a straightforward reference to a well-known mattress manufacturer.

  • In baseball, a batter's position refers to how they stand at the plate while preparing to hit the ball. This positioning is called their "stance," which reflects their posture, orientation, and footing. Therefore, STANCE fits perfectly as the solution for "Batter's position."

  • The phrase "Keep adding to a heap" directly describes the act of piling more things onto an existing stack. "Pile on" is an idiomatic expression that means adding something, often excessively, which fits the clue perfectly as it reflects continually building up a heap.

  • A "nudger" motivates or prompts someone subtly by giving a literal or figurative "nudge." It fits the idea of being a gentle motivator, aligning with the clue's phrasing and hint of indirect encouragement.

  • The clue hints at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid, a famous art museum. "Reina" means "queen" in Spanish, referencing Queen Sofía of Spain, after whom the museum is named. The foreign language clue signals the Spanish connection for the answer.

  • The clue asks for a way to "prepare" zucchini, often involving cooking. Sautéing is a common cooking method where vegetables like zucchini are quickly cooked in a small amount of oil or butter over medium-high heat. "Prepare, in a way" precisely matches this cooking technique, making SAUTE the correct answer.

  • "Thousands, in slang" refers to the informal way people often use "G's" or "gees" to denote thousand-dollar amounts, as in "five G's" for $5,000. This slang has become widely recognized, making "GEES" the fitting answer for the clue.

  • The clue "Subtle difference" directly defines NUANCE, which refers to a slight or delicate distinction in meaning, expression, or tone. NUANCE captures the idea of a barely noticeable variation, aligning perfectly with "subtle difference." It's often used in contexts where fine details matter.

  • The clue "Total count in an online shopping cart" points to the number of products collected in the cart. "Items" is the term commonly used for individual products in online shopping. Therefore, the total count directly corresponds to the number of "ITEMS" in the cart.

  • The clue "Sandwich meat option" straightforwardly asks for a type of meat commonly used in sandwiches. HAM is a classic and popular sandwich filling made from cured pork, fitting perfectly as the answer. It’s recognized as a simple, versatile choice for sandwiches.

  • In E.M. Forster's novel Howards End, Evie Wilcox is the daughter of Henry Wilcox, a key character in the story. The clue directly references her role in the book, making EVIE the correct answer.

  • The answer is PELE because he is the only soccer player to win three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), making him synonymous with "three victorious teams." This clue references his unmatched achievement in soccer history, aligning perfectly with the description provided.

  • The answer is STYX because, in Greek mythology and Homeric epics, the River Styx is the underworld's dreaded river associated with solemn oaths. Gods swore binding oaths by it, and breaking these oaths incurred severe consequences, highlighting its fearful reputation.

  • "PEC" is short for "pectoral," which refers to the prominent chest muscles located in the upper body. The clue specifies "for short," indicating an abbreviation is required, making "PEC" the correct solution. It's a common term in fitness and anatomy contexts.

  • The phrase "let go" can mean to terminate someone's employment, which is often informally referred to as "axing" or "getting the axe." Therefore, "AXE" fits as the solution through this figurative usage.

  • "Hump day" is a common nickname for Wednesday, as it represents the middle of the workweek, akin to "getting over the hump." The abbreviation "Abbr." in the clue signals the answer is a shortened form, making WED (short for Wednesday) the solution.

  • The answer "NIP" fits the clue "Chill in the air" because "nip" can refer to a small, sharp chill or a sudden coldness in the air. It’s a succinct way to describe a slight but noticeable cold sensation.

  • The word "GAY" historically and commonly means "cheerful" or "lighthearted," aligning directly with the clue. Though the term has evolved in modern usage, its older definition fits perfectly here as a synonym for "cheerful."

Today’s Game Difficulty

5 / 5
Very Hard

Rate Your Difficulty

Rate This Solver

View Yesterday's Puzzle

Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 5-letter answer to the Big dust-up [1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002] clue? Don’t worry—Lady Puzzle Pro is here to help! Whether you need the answer right away, want to reveal it letter by letter, or just can’t figure out a tricky clue, we’ve got you. You can even solve the whole Crossword puzzle of the day right here!

Big dust-up [1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002] Answer Explained

The answer is BRAWL.

The answer BRAWL fits the clue "Big dust-up," but it also contains the hidden theme element BRA. Those three letters are the country code for Brazil, the most successful nation in World Cup history. The years listed in the clue—1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002—are the years Brazil won the tournament. At first the dates seem unrelated to the clue, but the revealer explains that they belong to World Cup-winning countries hidden inside the answers. This entry serves as a strong introduction to the theme, since Brazil's five titles are the most of any nation represented in the puzzle.

Now that you've cracked the 4A Big dust-up [1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002] clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s Mini Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry—we've got you covered. Explore more NYT Crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the NYT The Mini, Connections, or Strands.

Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights

David J. Kahn's 191st New York Times crossword and Ethan Quigley's debut puzzle make for a fitting World Cup-themed Wednesday challenge. The theme initially feels mysterious: several ordinary-looking answers contain circled letters, and their clues are followed by seemingly random lists of years. It isn't until the revealer, WORLD CUP WINNERS, that everything clicks into place. The circled letters form country codes such as BRA, GER, ARG, FRA, ITA, ENG, ESP, and URU, representing the only eight nations to have won the FIFA World Cup. The bracketed years in the clues correspond to each country's championship victories.

What makes the theme especially satisfying is how naturally the country codes are embedded inside unrelated answers like BRAWL, GERWIG, WARGOD, and NARITA. The puzzle strikes a nice balance between trivia and wordplay: soccer fans may spot the countries quickly, while everyone else can work backward from the years and crossings. PELE's appearance near the bottom is a particularly nice touch, as he remains the only player to win three World Cups.

Here’s what caught our attention today:

NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know

You can enjoy the New York Times Crossword puzzle in various formats:

  • Online: Visit nytimes.com/games.
  • Mobile Apps: Available in The New York Times Games app (iOS and Android) and the Play tab of the New York Times News app.
  • Print: Access the daily Crossword by subscribing to Home Delivery or purchasing a copy of The New York Times newspaper at your local newsstand.

NYT Crossword Puzzle Availability

Online and All Access Subscribers: Daily puzzles are available the evening before their print release.

  • Weekday and Saturday Puzzles: Available at 10 p.m. EST the previous day.
  • Sunday Puzzles: Available at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.

Notifications: Enable push notifications in the Games app settings to receive alerts when new puzzles are available.

How To Play

Fill the white squares with letters to form words or phrases that cross each other by solving clues in the Across and Down columns. The puzzles increase in difficulty from Monday to Saturday, with the Sunday puzzle being similar in difficulty to Wednesday or Thursday but larger in size.

Completion and Feedback

Successful Completion: A congratulatory message and music play when the puzzle is correctly solved. If no message appears, there might be an error in the filled squares.

Stars for Completion

  • Gold Stars: Awarded for puzzles solved consecutively before midnight EST without using Check or Reveal.
  • Blue Stars: Given for puzzles solved after midnight EST, with a skipped day, or using Check or Reveal.

Keyboard Shortcuts

For computer users, the following shortcuts can enhance gameplay:

  • Arrow Keys: Navigate in the puzzle.
  • Spacebar: Clear the current square and advance, toggle between Across and Down.
  • Backspace/Delete: Remove a letter or word.
  • Tab: Jump to the next clue.
  • Shift + Tab: Jump to the previous clue.
  • Escape: Enter Rebus mode.

App Customization Options

  • Cursor Movement: Customize cursor settings in the Puzzle Settings menu. Options include skipping filled squares, jumping to the first blank, or the next clue.
  • Secondary Keyboard: For symbols and numbers, switch by selecting the More button.
  • Adjust Puzzle Size: Zoom in with a pinch gesture or toggle Clue View.

Modes

Alternate between black (pen) and gray (pencil) letters.

Letter Colors

  • Black: Default pen mode.
  • Gray: Pencil mode.
  • Blue: Letters confirmed with Check.

Timer and Special Elements

  • Timer: Track your solving time. Pause and resume as needed, or hide the timer in the settings.
  • Rebus Elements: Enter letters, numbers, or symbols in a single square as part of the puzzle’s challenge or hint.

NYT Crossword Help

The New York Times provides various resources to aid in solving puzzles and improving solving skills.

In-Game Help

  • Information Icon ("i"): Flashing icon indicates available puzzle hint.
  • Lifesaver Icon: Offers options to check or reveal a square, an answer, or the entire puzzle.
  • Clear: Resets the entire puzzle.
  • Reveal: Displays correct letters for selected square, answer, or entire puzzle.
  • Check: Validates a square, word, or the entire puzzle; Autocheck option available.
  • Note: Using Reveal or Check resets the Crossword Streak.

Lady Puzzle Pro Help

Besides this page, meant to help you unblock or finish a puzzle we published a comprehensive guide on how to read the NYT Crossword Clues, which includes mini hints to assist you with both the NYT crosswords and the NYT Mini puzzle solving.

More Features

  • Statistics: Track Progress: View puzzle stats.
  • Settings: adjust settings for a personalized experience.
  • Access Archives: Download and play past puzzles offline for continued enjoyment and practice.