Montréal traffic sign - NYT The Crossword Clue

The Swiss currency is the "Swiss Franc," which aligns directly with the clue. Switzerland has used the franc (CHF) as its official currency since the 19th century, making "FRANC" the precise and accurate answer to represent Swiss money in this crossword clue.

The viola primarily uses the alto clef, a type of musical notation. The alto clef positions the note C on the middle line of the staff, making it well-suited for the viola's range. This distinguishes it from the treble or bass clefs used by other instruments.

The clue "Command to Rover" refers to a command commonly given to dogs, as "Rover" is a traditional name for a dog. "STAY" is a direct command instructing a dog to remain in its current position, fitting perfectly as the solution.

The answer is DEVIL because "lucky devil" is a common phrase meaning someone fortunate, and "little devil" refers to a playful or mischievous person. Both expressions incorporate "devil" after "lucky" or "little," making it the fitting solution.

The answer "BOOK" fits because to "reserve in advance" is to schedule or secure something ahead of time, like a hotel room, a table at a restaurant, or tickets. The word "book" is commonly used in this context, making it a direct and apt solution for the clue.

The clue refers to something mild or not explicit, aligning with "PG-rated" content. "TAME" means subdued or lacking intensity, especially in terms of sexual content. The word perfectly matches the description of being mild or non-provocative, as indicated by the clue.

The answer is IDINA because Idina Menzel is a famous actress and singer who won a Tony Award for her role as Elphaba in the Broadway musical Wicked. The clue directly references her name and her notable achievement in this iconic production.

The clue "___ fresca (Latin American refreshment)" refers to agua fresca, a popular Latin American beverage made by blending water (agua in Spanish) with fruits, seeds, or flavors. The phrase includes a Spanish language indicator, so the answer, AGUA, is the correct Spanish word for "water."

The answer is AXON because an axon is a long, slender structure in a neuron that conducts electrical impulses (neural signals) from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. It serves as the primary conduit for transmitting information in the nervous system.

A cover story is an invented explanation used to conceal the truth. In this puzzle, it contains the bent circled word VERITY, creating a clever contrast between a truth-related word hidden inside something associated with deception.

The answer "TSKS" represents the nonverbal sound "tsk-tsk," often used to express disapproval or judgment. The clue, "Judgmental sounds," hints at critical or disapproving noises, aligning with "tsk" (a clicking sound made with the tongue) repeated as "TSKS."

The clue "Outrage" is asking for a synonym. "IRE" is an emotion that means intense anger or fury, which matches the sentiment of outrage. It's a concise, single-word answer that directly relates to the definition provided by the clue.

OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of oil-producing nations that collaborates to regulate oil production to influence global oil prices. "Grp." in the clue shortens "group," aligning with OPEC's purpose of adjusting oil output among its member countries.

The answer "CSPOTS" comes from the slang term "C-notes" for $100 bills. The "C" refers to the Roman numeral for 100, and "spots" is another informal term for paper money. Together, this forms a playful slang reference to $100 bills.

FAKE NAME is a straightforward term for an alias, pseudonym, or invented identity. People use fake names for privacy, security, entertainment, or deception. Thematically, the answer represents another example of something that obscures the truth. Hidden within the entry is the circled word HONESTY, one of several truth-related words featured in the puzzle. However, the letters don't appear in a straight line—they bend at a right angle. This visual gimmick ties directly to the revealer BEND THE TRUTH. The result is a nicely layered joke: a word meaning truthfulness is literally bent and tucked inside a phrase associated with concealing the truth.

The clue "Casual greeting" suggests an informal, friendly way to say hello. "OHHEY" fits well, as it's a colloquial, conversational phrase often used when casually acknowledging someone or starting a light interaction. It's playful and directly reflects the casual tone mentioned in the clue.

The Reverend Leonard Clement is the narrator and a central character in Agatha Christie's novel The Murder at the Vicarage. As a "vicar" (a clergyman in the Church of England), his title, "The Rev.," directly identifies him by his profession, making "VICAR" the correct answer.

The phrase "Hide nor hair" is an idiom meaning no trace or sign of someone or something. "Nor" completes the phrase, as in "neither hide nor hair." This reflects the complete absence of something, fitting the clue perfectly.

The answer "MOOD" fits the clue "Emotional state" because "mood" directly describes a temporary emotional condition or state of mind, such as happiness, sadness, or anger. It's a straightforward and synonymous match to the clue with no additional wordplay or trickery involved.

The clue "Rash" refers to being impetuous or acting without careful thought. "HASTY" captures this meaning, as it describes actions done quickly, often without reflection, which aligns with the meaning of "Rash" in this context. It’s a straightforward definition-based clue.

The clue "Target of Glade or Febreze" points to what these products aim to eliminate or neutralize, which is unpleasant smells. ODOR refers to a smell, often an undesirable one, making it the perfect solution for this clue.

The clue "Tidy updo, say" refers to a neatly arranged hairstyle. A "bun" is a classic updo where hair is gathered and secured in a compact, tidy style, often associated with neatness and elegance. The "say" indicates this is an example of such a hairstyle.

The answer "SALTS" fits because road deicing often involves spreading salt to melt ice and improve traction. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, making it an effective method for clearing icy roads during winter conditions.

The clue "Wipe out" directly connects to the meaning of ERASE, as both involve removing or eliminating something completely—such as text, marks, or evidence. "Erase" is commonly used to describe wiping out written or recorded material, making it a perfect synonym here.

Charleston, S.C., is famously known as the "Holy City" due to its abundance of historic churches. These churches feature steeples, which are tall, pointed architectural structures that dominate the city’s skyline, making "STEEPLES" a fitting answer to the clue.

The solution "GABLED" refers to roofs having a gable, which is a triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches. A "gable roof" is a common roof style featuring this design, making "GABLED" a fitting descriptor for "Like some roofs."

The answer "STYE" fits the clue "Eye irritation" because a stye is a common eye condition—a painful, red bump caused by an infected gland along the eyelid. It directly relates to irritation in or around the eye, aligning perfectly with the clue's description.

The clue "Some small batteries" refers to a common type of battery. The AA batteries, widely used in small devices, fit this description. Adding "Some" implies a plural, so the answer is "AAS," denoting multiple AA batteries.

The Inca Empire was a dominant ancient civilization in what is now Peru, flourishing from the early 13th century until the Spanish conquest in 1572. "INCA" directly refers to the members of this empire, known for their advanced society, architecture, and agriculture, making it the correct answer.

The clue uses wordplay: "Doesn't lie, exactly" suggests it twists or distorts the truth, leading to "BENDS THE TR(uth)." To bend the truth is to distort or exaggerate without outright lying. The revealer explains the puzzle's gimmick: truth-related words are literally bent into L-shapes within the grid.

The clue "Babe in a stable" refers to a young animal found in a stable. A "foal" is a baby horse, fitting both "babe" (young offspring) and "stable" (where horses are kept). Thus, FOAL is the correct answer.

The answer "OLEO" refers to margarine, a nondairy spread made from vegetable oils, distinguishing it from butter, which is dairy-based. Often seen in crossword puzzles, it's a concise term for this butter substitute, fitting the "nondairy" aspect of the clue perfectly.

The answer is BAYOU because Linda Ronstadt's 1977 hit Blue Bayou refers to a picturesque, Southern wetlands locale. The "Blue" in the title alludes to nostalgia and longing, and a bayou is a waterway commonly associated with such serene, emotional settings in the American South.

The answer SEMI refers to a "semi-truck" or "semi-trailer," which is a type of large truck often called a "big rig" in the trucking industry. The term SEMI comes from the semi-trailer that the truck hauls, commonly recognized on highways as massive transport vehicles.

The word "PLOP" is an onomatopoeic term representing the sound or action of something falling or sitting heavily. In this clue, "Sit (down) heavily" suggests a sudden, ungraceful action, perfectly captured by "PLOP." The parentheses further emphasize the casual, sound-like nature of the word.

OSSA is the solution because Mount Ossa is a peak in Greek mythology, notably featured in the tale of the Aloadae twins. They attempted to stack Mount Ossa on Mount Pelion to reach Olympus. As a prominent mythological peak, it fits the "Peak in Greek myth" clue perfectly.

The clue "Huff and puff" describes the act of breathing heavily, often due to exertion or exhaustion. "Pant" directly refers to this heavy, labored breathing, making it the perfect match for the clue. It’s a straightforward, literal connection.

The clue "Geez-o-Pete!" is in quotation marks, indicating the answer is a spoken exclamation. "YEESH" is a slang expression of surprise, dismay, or mild frustration, matching the exclamatory tone of the clue. Both "Geez-o-Pete!" and "YEESH" convey a similar emotional reaction, making it the fitting solution.