Preferring to keep one's feet on the ground? - NYT The Crossword Clue

The answer "THAW" fits because in spring, temperatures rise, causing frozen snow and ice to melt—a natural event associated with the season. The term "thaw" specifically refers to this transition from freezing to melting, making it a fitting response to "Spring event."

The clue "Twin city?" with a question mark signals wordplay or a pun. This refers to Rome's historic and mythological founding by twin brothers, Romulus and Remus. Hence, "Twin city?" cleverly alludes to Rome without explicitly naming it, making ROME the perfect answer.

The answer "IMUP" fits as a morning announcement because it's a casual, spoken phrase signaling someone is awake and ready to start the day. The clue's conversational tone matches the informal nature of "I'm up," often said first thing in the morning.

The clue "Tries to identify, as a medical issue" suggests an action taken to determine or diagnose a problem. "TESTS FOR" directly describes the process of conducting tests to identify a medical condition, aligning with the phrasing "tries to identify." Thus, TESTSFOR is the appropriate answer.

The clue "Red state" uses wordplay. "Red" figuratively represents anger, and "state" can mean a condition or emotion. "IRE" is a synonym for anger or rage, fitting the idea of being in an angry "state." Thus, "IRE" is the elegant answer.

Fish and chips is a classic example of pub fare, meaning the simple, hearty food commonly served in pubs and bars. The clue points back to 20-Across, FISHNCHIPS, which is one of the most iconic dishes associated with British pub menus.

The answer "ARCH" fits because military parades often ceremonially pass through triumphal or commemorative arches, such as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This clue plays on the visual and historical association of arches with grand, formal events like parades.

The answer is JOHNWOO because he is a renowned Hong Kong film director famous for his action movies. He directed both Face/Off (1997), a high-octane action thriller, and Mission: Impossible II (2000), part of the popular spy franchise, making him the correct solution for this clue.

The phrase "admitted fault" suggests a metaphorical expression for accepting wrongdoing. "Ate crow" is an idiom meaning to humbly admit a mistake or fault after being proved wrong, often grudgingly. The answer uses this figurative phrase to align with the clue’s meaning.

PERIPETEIA is a term from Greek drama and literary theory, describing a sudden and dramatic reversal of fortune or circumstances, often shifting a story's direction unexpectedly. It directly aligns with the clue "Sudden reversal of fortune, in literature," making it the accurate and precise answer.

"Dropping a hint" subtly suggests something without directly stating it, like casually mentioning a ring size to imply a desire for jewelry or engagement. The phrase perfectly matches the indirect nature of the clue.

The clue "They're hot, until they're not" refers to trends or crazes that gain sudden, intense popularity ("hot") but fade quickly over time ("not"). The word "FADS" accurately describes such short-lived enthusiasms, making it the ideal answer for this clue.

The answer "NOIR" completes the phrase "Film ___" because "Film Noir" refers to a popular cinematic genre characterized by dark, moody visuals, crime stories, and morally complex characters. It originated in the 1940s-50s and remains a significant style in filmmaking. Noir means "black" in French, reflecting its tone.

The clue "Certain canine" uses wordplay. While "canine" often refers to dogs or their teeth, the pun here points to "canine teeth" found in animals like elephants, where their "canines" grow into elongated tusks. Thus, TUSK is the correct answer.

The clue "Conned" with the answer HAD uses a past-tense interpretation. To "con" someone is to deceive or trick them, and if someone was "had," they were tricked or duped. Thus, HAD fits as it conveys being deceived in a straightforward way.

The clue "Clothing line" is a play on words. A HEM is the stitched edge at the bottom of clothing, making it a "line" that’s part of a garment. This clever wordplay ties the literal line in clothing to the crafting term "hem."

The clue "Too bad!" is in quotation marks, indicating it's a phrase commonly said aloud. "What a shame!" is a sympathetic, exclamatory phrase often used to express disappointment or pity, matching the sentiment of "Too bad!" Hence, the answer is WHATASHAME.

The WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) is the professional women's basketball league in the United States. This cross-reference works with 7-Across, where A'ja Wilson is identified as a four-time league MVP.

The clue "French director Clair" directly refers to René Clair, a renowned French filmmaker known for his work in the early 20th century. René Clair directed classic films such as À Nous la Liberté and Le Million. The answer “RENE” is his first name, fitting the clue perfectly.

The clue "Last words?" with a question mark hints at wordplay. OBIT, short for obituary, represents the final words written about someone after their death—literally their "last words." The question mark suggests a pun, playing on the double meaning of "words" and the context of "last."

The OBOE is a woodwind instrument commonly pitched in C, meaning it produces concert pitch without transposition. Unlike some other woodwinds (like clarinets or saxophones), it’s a non-transposing instrument, directly aligning its written notes with its sounding pitch, making it fit the clue perfectly.

The clue "Awards season announcement, for short" refers to the shortened term "NOM," which stands for "nomination." During awards season, announcements about nominees are abbreviated as "NOMs," making this a fitting answer. The clue specifies "for short," indicating the use of an abbreviation.

The clue "What might go off the rails?" uses wordplay, implying something unpredictable or diverging. A BANKSHOT in pool or billiards involves hitting a ball off the rails (the table’s edges) to redirect it. This fits the clue both literally (rails) and figuratively (going off course).

THEEDGE is the stage name of David Howell Evans, the guitarist for the band U2. He played the historic first rock concert at the Sistine Chapel in 2016, a landmark event blending rock music with the iconic religious and artistic venue. The clue references his unique name and milestone performance.

The answer "HOTROLL" fits because baskets at the dinner table often contain bread or rolls served warm. "Hot" specifies their temperature, making them desirable and freshly served, a common sight at meals, especially in restaurants or family dinners.

The phrase "Felt completely confident in" suggests strong belief or reliance on something. "Swore by" is an idiom meaning to have complete trust or confidence in something, aligning perfectly with the clue. It reflects unwavering assurance or belief, making it the appropriate solution.

On Instagram (commonly shortened to "Insta"), users often upload pictures or "pics." The playful "post?" hints at what is commonly shared on the platform, making the answer PIC, short for picture.

The clue "Patch, say" points to an action. To patch something often involves mending or repairing fabric, which can be done by sewing. "Say" in the clue suggests an example or method, making SEW the fitting answer.

The phrase “All bets are off!” is an idiom meaning rules or expectations no longer apply, often due to unexpected changes. The blank in "All ___ are off!" completes the common phrase, making “BETS” the correct answer.

The Battle of Shiloh during the American Civil War was a Union victory, meaning the Confederates, or "Rebels," were the losing side. "Rebs" is an informal, shortened term for "Rebels," fitting the clue's use of "informally." Hence, "REBS" is the correct answer.

The answer "SLAP" works because a slap is not only a physical action but also metaphorically represents an insult or offense. It conveys the notion of an emotional sting or humiliation, aligning with the clue's figurative language. This metaphorical use makes "SLAP" the fitting solution.

The clue specifies "in Hebrew," indicating the answer is in Hebrew. "B'nai" (or BNAI) is the Hebrew word for "children of" or "sons of," often used in phrases like "B'nai Israel" (Children of Israel). Hence, it fits perfectly with the clue.

The clue "What's going on" asks for a term that describes current events or developments. "NEWS" effectively fits, as it refers to information about recent happenings or things presently occurring, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning. The conversational tone of the clue matches the straightforwardness of the answer.

The answer is OREE because Willie O'Ree was the first Black player in the NHL. He broke the league's racial barrier when he debuted with the Boston Bruins in 1958. The clue references his historical significance in hockey history.

The clue "Run-down" can describe something deteriorated or in poor condition, much like the word WORN. When something is "worn," it shows signs of age or extensive use, aligning with the meaning of "run-down." This connection makes WORN the correct answer.

The answer "ALA" is derived from the phrase "like" as in "in the style of" or "resembling." For example, "Spaghetti ALA carbonara" means spaghetti "like" carbonara. It's a shorthand way of expressing similarity or style.