Kitchen project with minimal cleanup - NYT The Crossword Clue

The clue "___ have thought?!" includes an ellipsis suggesting a conversational phrase, and the question mark hints at wordplay. "Who'd" (short for "Who would") fits naturally into the phrase, forming "Who'd have thought?!," a common expression of surprise or disbelief.

The word "Hone" means to sharpen or refine something, often referring to tools, skills, or abilities. The clue "Sharpen" directly aligns with this definition, making HONE the appropriate solution for enhancing or perfecting something to its sharpest or most effective form.

"Moves" figuratively refers to evoking strong emotions or amazement. To "awe" someone is to move them deeply, often with wonder or admiration. Hence, "AWES" fits as it captures this emotional "movement."

The clue "Wanes, with 'off'" refers to a gradual decrease or decline. "TAPERS off" is a common phrase used to describe something diminishing slowly or fading out, which aligns with the meaning of "wanes." Therefore, TAPERS is the correct solution.

The clue "Command from space command" refers to a directive that might be issued in a space mission scenario. "ABORT" is the command to stop or terminate a mission or operation, often used in critical or emergency conditions during space exploration, making it the fitting answer.

The answer "TOTTERS" fits the clue "Walks with a wobble" because "totter" means to move unsteadily or to sway while walking, often implying instability or a wobbling motion. This directly aligns with the description in the clue.

The answer is RUMI because Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, is renowned for his spiritual and mystical writings. His masterpiece, the "Masnavi," is a six-book epic poem often referred to as the "Quran in Persian," showcasing his profound teachings on love and spirituality.

The clue includes "French," signaling the answer is in French. “Qui êtes-vous?” translates to "Who are you?" in English. "Êtes" comes from the French verb "être" (to be) in its second-person plural form, matching the formal "vous." Thus, ETES fits grammatically and contextually.

The clue "Kind of clock" refers to a specific style or type of clock. ANALOG is the answer because it describes clocks with hands that move continuously around a dial to indicate time, as opposed to digital clocks that display numbers. It’s a straightforward, descriptive term for this clock type.

The solution is TOLEDO because it is geographically located in central Spain, situated between Madrid (to its north) and Ciudad Real (to its south). TOLEDO is a historic city known for its cultural significance, aligning perfectly with the clue's request for a city in that region.

The answer is GRAD because it's short for "graduate," a person who has completed their studies. Yard signs often celebrate graduates, especially during school graduations, making "GRAD" a fitting answer. The word "maybe" in the clue signals this as a common but not exclusive scenario.

The answer "LEGOBATMAN" fits the clue as it describes a toy (a LEGO figure) of the superhero Batman, who is well-known for wearing a cape. LEGO Batman figurines famously have tiny removable rubber capes, making this a playful and accurate solution to the pun-driven clue.

An "air current" refers to moving air, such as wind, which literally “blows.” The pun ties the idiomatic expression "blows" to the physical phenomenon of airflow, making AIRCURRENT the perfect fit.

DNA strands are key components of genetic material used in forensic testing. Forensic scientists analyze DNA strands to identify individuals, as DNA carries unique genetic information. This aligns perfectly with the clue, as DNA analysis is a common method in crime investigations to match evidence with suspects or victims.

The clue "Many a political piece" refers to a written work discussing political topics. The term "political piece" often describes articles, columns, or opinion-based writings on political issues. An ESSAY fits this description as it's a structured piece of writing often used to express political analysis or opinions.

The clue "Homages to a prior era" refers to something that evokes or pays tribute to the past. "THROWBACKS" fits perfectly as it describes things, styles, or moments that harken back to earlier times, serving as a nod or homage to past eras.

The clue "Look where you're going!" is in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "HEY, WATCH IT!" is a natural exclamation someone might yell when another person isn't paying attention and bumps into them or causes trouble. It fits perfectly as a conversational response.

The clue "Deliberately downplay" directly points to the definition of UNDERSTATE. To "understate" means to present something as less significant or serious than it actually is—essentially "downplaying" it intentionally, aligning perfectly with the clue's phrasing.

The suffix "ITE" is commonly used to denote inhabitants or natives of a place. For example, someone from an urban area might be referred to as an "urbanite." Hence, "ITE" fits as the suffix with "urban."

The clue "Out" with the answer NOTIN plays on the concept of being "out" as the opposite of being "in," signaling exclusion or absence. It's a straightforward interpretation of someone or something not being included, hence "not in."

The clue "Prom night rental" points to a common formalwear item often rented by attendees for such events. A TUX, short for tuxedo, is a classic, formal suit typically worn at proms, making it a fitting answer. "Rental" emphasizes its temporary use.

The answer "AROAR" fits the clue "Like a fired-up sports crowd" because it describes a state of being loud, excited, and roaring with enthusiasm, which perfectly captures the energy of an energized sports crowd. The prefix "A-" often adds emphasis, reinforcing the dynamic, booming nature of the scene.

The clue "Multipurpose shortening?" with a question mark hints at wordplay. "ETC" (et cetera) is a common abbreviation or "shortening" used to imply a continuation or extend a list ("and so on"). It’s multipurpose because it can be applied broadly in various contexts.

The answer "ATE" works for the clue "Put away" because "put away" can mean to consume or eat something in a figurative sense. For example, "I put away a big meal" means "I ate a big meal." The phrasing connects directly to the act of eating.

The clue "In a quietly dignified way" describes behaving in a reserved, composed, and serious manner. The word "staidly" means acting with restraint, seriousness, and decorum, aligning perfectly with the clue. It conveys quiet dignity without ostentation, making it the apt solution.

The answer "BAGGIE" fits because it is a small plastic bag often used to pack snacks or sandwiches in a lunchbox. Its pliable and resealable nature makes it a quintessential item for neatly storing food while keeping it fresh.

The answer is IJEOMA because Ijeoma Oluo is the full name of the author of the 2018 book So You Want to Talk About Race. This clue directly references her as the author, and the blank indicates her first name, Ijeoma. This aligns perfectly with her identity and work.

The answer is ARGYLE because it refers to a pattern featuring a diamond-shaped design, often seen in knitted items like socks or sweaters. The clue directly links "Diamond pattern" to this traditional geometric design, commonly associated with argyle.

The phrase "Finish up by" suggests the point where something concludes or stops. "END AT" directly aligns with this idea, as "end" means to finish, and "at" specifies the point or condition where it finishes. Together, they form a natural fit for the clue.

The answer "SPEW" fits "Eject" as both words relate to forcefully expelling something, often in a sudden or uncontrolled manner. For example, to "spew" can mean to eject liquid, gas, or words rapidly, perfectly aligning with the meaning of "eject" in this context.

The answer "TBAR" refers to a T-bar ski lift, a type of lift used to transport skiers and snowboarders uphill on a mountain. The "perhaps" in the clue suggests a non-traditional way "up a mountain." This fits the context of skiing areas.

The clue "Do ___ ..." suggests a phrase or action that completes the idea. "Do TELL" is a common expression used to encourage someone to share more information or elaborate. It's conversational and fits perfectly within the implied context of the clue.

The clue "Light wind?" features wordplay. "Light" suggests something not heavy, and "wind" refers to a musical instrument. The oboe is a wind instrument known for its light, delicate tone, making it the perfect fit for this punny clue.

The answer is LYNN because Lynn Swann was the Most Valuable Player (M.V.P.) of Super Bowl X, held in January 1976. As a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Swann's standout performance, including acrobatic catches, earned him this honor, making "LYNN" the correct match for the clue.

The clue "Diamond edges?" uses wordplay with the term "edges." The word "Diamond" hints at the letter "D," and its "edges" or outer parts are the two D's in "Diamond." Phonetically, D's is spelled as DEES, making it the solution.