Show to be fabricating? - NYT The Crossword Clue

The solution "ATLAST" refers to the closing words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech. Near the end, he proclaims “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” These iconic words define the powerful conclusion.

The clue "Sinister cackle" refers to an evil or maniacal laugh, often associated with villains in movies or stories. "MWAHAHA" mimics the exaggerated, menacing laughter of such characters, making it the perfect onomatopoeic representation for a "sinister cackle."

The answer "AIMODEL" fits because many modern chess-playing programs are powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These programs use AI models to analyze moves, predict strategies, and play at advanced levels, consistently outperforming traditional algorithms or human players. The clue describes these sophisticated AI-driven systems concisely.

The phrase "Totally kill it" is slang for excelling or doing something exceptionally well, often used in a figurative sense. "SLAY" aligns perfectly with this usage, as it means to impress, succeed overwhelmingly, or perform brilliantly, matching the clue's meaning.

SLR stands for "Single-Lens Reflex," a type of camera known for its use of a mirror and prism system to let the photographer see exactly what the lens captures. "Camera spec" in the clue hints at this technical term, often associated with high-quality photography equipment.

In this clue, "Heel" is used metaphorically to describe a despicable or dishonorable person, often a man. CAD is an older term for such a person, particularly someone who behaves dishonorably to women. The connection lies in the figurative meaning of "Heel" as a dishonorable character.

Adrien Brody is a well-known actor, best recognized for his Oscar-winning role in The Pianist (2002). The clue "Actor Brody" directly points to his first name, Adrien, making it the correct and straightforward solution.

The answer is IRENE because Irène Joliot-Curie, the daughter of Marie Curie, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1935 for her work on artificial radioactivity, continuing her family’s groundbreaking contributions to science. The clue directly references her as Marie Curie's Nobel-winning daughter.

The clue “The 'rents, perhaps” uses casual slang for "parents." The answer, MAANDPA, is a playful, shortened way to reference "Mom and Dad" or "Ma and Pa," common informal terms for parents.

ACMILAN is the solution because A.C. Milan (Associazione Calcio Milan) is a famous European football club based in Milan, Italy. It was founded in 1899, fitting the clue precisely. Known globally for its success in football, it matches the historic and geographic hint provided.

The clue "Birds and tree squirrels" refers to creatures that reside in nests. Both birds build nests for shelter and raising young, and tree squirrels use nests, often called dreys, as their homes. The term "NESTERS" collectively describes them as creatures that nest.

The answer "REGGIE JACKSON" fits the clue because he was a legendary baseball player known for performing exceptionally well in crucial postseason games, earning him the nickname "Mr. October." His iconic clutch hitting, particularly during World Series games, cemented his legacy in Major League Baseball.

The answer is OXO because it is a well-known kitchen brand specializing in tools and gadgets, including peelers, spatulas, and storage containers. The clue "Kitchen brand" directly points to a company associated with kitchen products, and OXO is a prominent, fitting match.

The clue "Flight restriction?" includes a pun signaled by the question mark. A SEATBELT restricts movement during a flight, ensuring passenger safety. The wordplay lies in "restriction," as the seatbelt physically restrains passengers while on a plane. Thus, SEATBELT cleverly fits the clue's double meaning.

The clue "Obsolescent office accessory" refers to an item becoming outdated in modern workplaces. A STAMPPAD, used with rubber stamps to ink documents, has largely been replaced by digital alternatives such as electronic signatures or online approvals, making it a fitting solution for the clue.

The answer "SERA" is correct because "sera" is the plural form of "serum," which is a component of blood. Blood banks often collect and store sera for medical testing, transfusions, or research purposes, making it a logical answer for "Blood bank supply."

The clue uses "boundless ambition," implying someone who doesn't see boundaries or restrictions. The quotation marks around "knows" suggest a figurative or spoken phrase. Someone with boundless ambition "knows" there are no limits to their goals or potential, aligning perfectly with the answer: NOLIMITS.

The clue "Multibillionaire, e.g." suggests a person who possesses great wealth. The word "have" denotes possession or ownership, which aligns with what a multibillionaire represents – someone who has immense financial resources. It's a concise, metaphorical description of wealth.

The clue "Certain brain freezers" includes a pun with "brain freezers," commonly used to describe the cold sensation from consuming icy treats too quickly. SLUSHIES are icy beverages that fit this description perfectly, combining the cold factor with the "certain" specificity in the clue.

"BETA" is often used informally to describe someone who is submissive, less dominant, or a follower, as opposed to an "alpha" who is more assertive or leading. It draws from animal hierarchy terms where "beta" represents second-in-command or less dominant behavior.

The clue "Sugar source" refers to a plant known for producing sugar. Sugarcane, commonly called CANE, is one of the primary plants used to extract sugar. It’s grown in tropical regions and processed to make table sugar, explaining why CANE is the correct answer.

The clue involves wordplay with "when the chips are downed," referring to consuming chips, which often leaves a bag partially full. A BAG CLIP is handy to reseal the bag, keeping the chips fresh. The pun on "downed" (eaten) cleverly ties to the solution.

In music terminology, "amoroso" is an Italian term meaning "lovingly" or "tenderly." Since musical scores often use Italian directives to convey emotion or playing style, "amoroso" fits perfectly as the answer to the clue "Lovingly, in a score."

The clue involves wordplay and a metaphor. "Dating up" refers to pursuing someone perceived as out of one's league in attractiveness, status, or some other quality. "Courting" aligns with "dates," and "up" reflects the aspirational element, making DATESUP the fitting solution for the playful phrasing.

The clue "Poster of TikTok tutorials, e.g." points to someone who creates and posts video content online. A person sharing TikTok tutorials would typically record and upload videos, making them a video blogger, or "VLOGGER" for short. This aligns perfectly with the clue's context.

The clue “Some hits, in music and baseball” involves a double meaning. In music, "singles" are individual hit songs. In baseball, a "single" is a hit where the batter reaches first base. The plural "SINGLES" fits as both interpretations of the word apply here.

In square dancing, the "caller" is the person who gives instructions to dancers, guiding them through specific moves or figures. The clue "Square dance figure" refers to this role, making "CALLER" the fitting solution.

EEYORE, the lovable, gloomy donkey from A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories, is known for frequently losing his tail, which is pinned on. This recurring element in the books is a hallmark of his character, making him the perfect fit for the clue.

The answer is MEARA because Anne Meara was the comedy partner and wife of Jerry Stiller. Together, they formed the duo "Stiller and Meara," famous for their comedic acts in the 1960s and beyond. This clue refers to their celebrated partnership in comedy history.

The answer is UMA because Uma Thurman is the lead actress in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" films. Her name prominently appears on the movie's posters as she plays "The Bride," the iconic main character in the series. The clue directly refers to her name.

The phrase "Hooked on" implies being very interested or absorbed in something. "INTO" colloquially means having a strong interest, passion, or obsession with something, fitting perfectly as the solution to the clue.

The answer "ACT" fits because an Act is a formal statute or law passed by a legislative body. In this clue, "It's the law" directly equates "Act" with a legal enactment or regulation, making it a precise and straightforward match.

The clue “Shade of gray” refers to ASH because ash is a pale gray color, similar to the ashy residue left after something burns. It fits the description of a specific tone of gray, making it the appropriate answer.