Did some birding, in Valleyspeak? - NYT The Crossword Clue

The clue refers to Santa Rosa, a city in California that is home to the Charles M. Schulz Museum. Charles M. Schulz is the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, and the museum honors his legacy. "Rosa" completes "Santa ___," the city's name.

The answer "AXON" fits because an axon is part of a nerve cell (neuron) that transmits electrical impulses in the body. The pun in the clue ("acting on impulse?") cleverly refers to the role of an axon in conducting nerve impulses, making it the "actor."

The answer "JILT" fits because it means to suddenly break off a romantic relationship, aligning with "split from suddenly." It's a direct and abrupt action, which makes it the perfect match for the clue's phrasing.

The clue "Extras" refers to additional items or features that supplement something. The answer "ADDONS" aptly fits, as "add-ons" are extra components added to enhance or expand functionality, commonly used in contexts like software, games, or products, aligning perfectly with the clue’s meaning.

The answer is HELIOS because in Greek mythology, Helios is the god and personification of the sun. He is often depicted riding a chariot across the sky, symbolizing the movement of the sun. The clue explicitly refers to the "Greek" sun god, making HELIOS the correct solution.

The phrase "Let this be a lesson!" implies paying attention to a warning or example. TAKE HEED means to be careful or attentive, aligning perfectly with the idea of observing and learning from a situation or cautionary example. Thus, it's a fitting solution to the clue.

The answer "ERE" is correct because it is an archaic conjunction frequently used in Shakespearean language, meaning "before." Shakespeare often used such language for time or sequence in his plays and poetry. The clue specifies "Shakespearean," indicating older, poetic language like ERE.

The answer "ACHES" fits because deep-seated desires are often intense, heartfelt longings or cravings—a figurative way to describe a "persistent ache" for something. Just as physical aches are felt deeply, these desires metaphorically "ache" within, making "ACHES" an apt solution.

The answer "TOOTHY" fits because a "wide and uninhibited grin" typically displays a lot of teeth. The word "toothy" directly describes something showing teeth prominently, perfectly matching the imagery of a broad, open grin. It's a straightforward descriptive match to the clue.

The answer is ABC because the "ABC Song" is sung to the same melody as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Both share the tune of a French melody ("Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman"), making "ABC" the starting phrase of this familiar educational song.

The answer is QUARK because quarks are fundamental particles that combine to form hadrons, such as protons and neutrons. Hadrons are not elementary particles; they are composed of quarks held together by the strong nuclear force, making quarks essential components of hadrons.

The answer is URKEL because it refers to Steve Urkel, a highly recognizable fictional character from the 1990s sitcom Family Matters. Known for his thick glasses, suspenders, and distinctive nasally voice, Urkel epitomized the stereotypical "nerd" and became a cultural icon of the decade.

The answer "ANEMIC" fits because anemia is a condition where the blood lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells, often due to iron deficiency. People with this condition typically need iron supplements to increase their iron levels, making "ANEMIC" a precise match for the clue.

The clue "Lines on some grids: Abbr." refers to streets, abbreviated as "STS." Streets are represented as lines on grid maps, aligning with the crossword's context of abbreviated terms. Hence, "STS" is the correct answer.

The clue "Get even?" with a question mark signals wordplay. "Make level" means to smooth or flatten something, effectively making it "even." This phrase cleverly answers the clue by playing on the dual meaning of "even" as both equalizing and physically leveling.

The clue "Oily fruits" refers to olives because olives are fruits that naturally contain oil. Olive oil is famously extracted from them, making them well-known for their oily characteristic. Thus, the answer "OLIVES" aligns both with their classification as fruits and their oily nature.

The answer "SOREAT" fits because "sore" is a synonym for irritated, and when combined with "at," it conveys the phrase "sore at," which means being upset or annoyed with someone or something. This matches the intended meaning of "Irritated with" in the clue.

The clue "Wolf (down)" uses "wolf" as a verb, meaning to eat something greedily or quickly. The phrase “wolfing down” food aligns perfectly with the colloquial term "snarf," which also means to eat or consume something hastily. Hence, the answer is SNARF.

The clue "Course in a Brazilian meal" points to a dish typically served in Brazil. The use of "Brazilian" signals the answer may be in Portuguese, Brazil's main language. "Salada" is Portuguese for "salad," a common course in Brazilian meals, making it the correct answer.

The answer "INSIDE" fits because it forms common phrases: "inside job" refers to an internal scheme, often involving someone within an organization, and "inside track" refers to having an advantage or privileged position, as in a competitive situation. Both terms pair naturally with "inside."

The clue refers to both a county and its seat. Taos is a county in New Mexico, and its county seat (the administrative center) shares the same name: Taos. This dual reference makes TAOS the correct answer.

The clue "Neuron, e.g." points to what a neuron is fundamentally classified as in biology. A neuron is a type of CELL, specifically a nerve cell that transmits electrical signals in the body. The "e.g." indicates an example of this classification.

The answer is OLGA because Olga Kurylenko is a Ukrainian-French actress who played the Bond girl Camille Montes in the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace. Her first name fits the clue perfectly, identifying her by her role and movie.

The answer "KOOK" fits the clue "Eccentric sort" because "kook" is an informal term used to describe someone who behaves in a peculiar, quirky, or eccentric manner. It aligns perfectly as a synonym for an unusual or odd person.

The clue "They shine during the day?" uses wordplay with a pun. "Shine" refers to the fame or prominence of "soap stars"—actors in daytime soap operas, which air during the day. These "stars" figuratively "shine" because of their celebrity status in daytime TV dramas.

The clue "Great heights" directly refers to the term "ALTITUDES," which describes the measurement of height above sea level or ground, often associated with lofty or elevated places. This aligns perfectly with the idea of significant or "great" heights. Hence, "ALTITUDES" is the correct answer.

The answer "RELO" is short for relocation, commonly used in real estate to describe clients moving to a new area for work or other reasons. "Move, in Realtor-speak" highlights this industry-specific shorthand. This abbreviation is frequently used among realtors to save time when discussing relocations.

The answer "VWS" refers to Volkswagen vehicles, often abbreviated as VW. Volkswagen is famous for its microbuses, like the iconic VW Bus. The clue says "in brief," indicating an abbreviation, and "some" highlights that only a subset of microbuses (Volkswagen's) fits.

The answer "TIDAL" refers to tidal forces caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on Earth's oceans, creating tides. These forces significantly shape Earth's natural systems, making "tidal" directly relate to forces impacting our planet. The clue seeks this scientific connection.

The clue "I knew it!" is in quotation marks, indicating a spoken reaction or exclamation. "AHA" fits because it's a common vocalization used when someone has a realization or confirms their suspicion – a perfect match for the phrase "I knew it!"

The answer "PAX" comes from the Latin word for "peace." It commonly refers to periods of peace, such as the "Pax Romana" (Roman Peace), a long era of stability within the Roman Empire. Thus, "Peaceful period" corresponds directly to "PAX."

The answer "CROC" refers to a crocodile, a well-known reptile commonly found in swampy or marshy areas. Swamp critter directly points to animals inhabiting such environments, and "CROC" is a concise nickname for crocodile, fitting both the definition and the brevity typical for crossword solutions.

The clue "Keep dreaming" is in quotation marks, signaling a spoken phrase. "HECK NO" is a conversational, emphatic way of rejecting or denying something, implying disbelief or dismissal—essentially telling someone their idea is far-fetched or unlikely, fitting the clue perfectly.

The answer is KIWI because it is a small flightless bird native to New Zealand and a close relative of larger flightless birds like the ostrich, emu, and cassowary. Though they all belong to a group called ratites, kiwis are the smallest in size within this family.

ENOKI is the solution because enoki mushrooms are a type of thin, long-stemmed mushrooms that naturally grow in bundles or clusters. They are commonly used in East Asian cuisine and their bundled appearance directly fits the clue description.

The clue "What can ___ to help?" suggests a conversational phrase. When completed, it forms "What can we do to help?", a common expression offering assistance. The answer, WEDO, completes the phrase naturally, aligning with the clue’s structure and intent as a spoken phrase.

The clue "What took so long?!" is conversational and expresses frustration or relief about a delay. The phrase "ABOUT TIME" is a common response in such situations, meaning something finally happened after waiting too long. The exclamation and phrasing suggest this spoken reaction.

The answer "TERMSHEET" fits because a term sheet is a document summarizing the key details, conditions, and terms of a contract or agreement. It provides an outlined summary before finalizing a detailed contract, perfectly aligning with the clue "Summary of a contract's details."

The phrase "wild guess" is often colloquially expressed as "taking a stab" at something—an attempt or guess made without much certainty or evidence. Here, "STAB" metaphorically conveys that uncertain attempt, aligning perfectly with the clue.

The clue "Treats, in a way, as a swelling" uses the word "treats" to suggest a method of care. Applying ice to a swelling is a common treatment to reduce inflammation or pain. "ICES" captures this action, fitting the clue's phrasing.

The clue "So many" refers to a large quantity or abundance. The phrase "LOTS OF" is a direct, natural expression in English that conveys this meaning, matching the clue perfectly. It is a straightforward, literal interpretation without wordplay or pun involved.

In Zen Buddhism, a "koan" is a paradoxical riddle or statement used to provoke deep thought and challenge logical reasoning, often aiding in meditation and enlightenment. The clue directly defines this term, as a "riddle in Zen Buddhism" perfectly describes what a koan is.

"SUS" is short for "suspicious," a modern slang term often implying something is untrustworthy or "fishy." The playful phrasing ties directly to this informal usage, making "SUS" the ideal answer.

The phrase "Leave alone" directly translates to "LET BE," meaning to not interfere or disturb something. It's a common expression that aligns perfectly with the clue's straightforward instruction to leave something as it is. Hence, LETBE is the fitting solution.

The answer "ERA" fits because periods in history are often named after monarchs, such as the Victorian Era (Queen Victoria) or the Elizabethan Era (Queen Elizabeth I). The clue's phrasing hints at a royal namesake for a specific historical timeframe.

The clue "Pump, say" ends with "say," signaling a word with multiple meanings. A "pump" can refer to a type of footwear, specifically a heeled shoe. Thus, "SHOE" is the solution as it matches the wordplay relating to this meaning of "pump."

The answer is THOR because, in Norse mythology, Thor is the god of thunder who famously rides a chariot pulled by two magical goats, Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr. This distinct imagery ties directly to Thor’s character and modes of travel in mythological lore.

The answer "ACED" fits because the clue "Got just right" signifies achieving something perfectly, often used in contexts like "aced a test" or "aced a performance," meaning performed flawlessly or with precision. It conveys mastery or excellence, aligning perfectly with "got just right."

The answer is SHELL because shells are commonly found on seashores, brought in by waves. They are natural, collectible items that people often take home as souvenirs to remember their time by the sea, perfectly fitting the clue.

The clue "Improve" aligns with the answer "HEAL" because to heal is to restore something to a better condition, particularly after injury or damage. Both words relate to processes of recovery, repair, or progress, making HEAL a fitting synonym for "improve."

The answer "GOODLOSER" fits the clue "Competitor who has manners" because it describes someone who loses gracefully, showing politeness and sportsmanship despite not winning—traits that align with having good manners. The phrase humorously contrasts the idea of competition with decorum in defeat.

The phrase "You had one ___!" is commonly used to express frustration when someone fails at a single responsibility or task. The missing word, "JOB," fits perfectly, completing the phrase "You had one job!" and matching the clue’s tone and context. It's a humorous and popular expression.

The answer is SPY because the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. is a well-known institution dedicated to the history, artifacts, and tradecraft of espionage and intelligence. The clue directly refers to this museum, making SPY the fitting solution.

The answer is BIEL because Jessica Biel, a well-known actress, starred in the thriller TV movie The Better Sister. The clue specifically references her by name, making this a straightforward proper noun answer. This clue relies on familiarity with the actress and the title of her work.

The answer "SSN" refers to "Social Security Number," a key identifier required on a W-2 form, which reports wages and taxes for U.S. employees. The clue specifies "in brief," signaling an abbreviation fits. SSNs are essential for tax reporting, aligning perfectly with this requirement.

DESI is derived from the Sanskrit word "desh," meaning "country" or "land." It is commonly used to refer to people of South Asian origin, including those from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, making it a fitting solution for "Person from South Asia."

PEAT is the solution because it is a natural, organic material commonly used in the production of Scotch whisky. When dried and burned, peat imparts a distinctive smoky, earthy flavor to the malt during the drying process, which is a hallmark of many whiskies, particularly Scotch.

The phrase "knee-deep" metaphorically describes being very involved or immersed in something, much like being physically knee-deep in water. The clue "Very involved (in)" uses this figurative expression, making KNEEDEEP the perfect fit.

The answer "ETALIA" comes from the Latin phrase "et alia," meaning "and others" or "and the rest." It is often used as a catchall term, especially in formal writing or bibliographies, to refer to additional unnamed people or items in a group.

The clue "Stepped up to the plate" uses a metaphor from baseball. To "step up to the plate" refers to a batter taking their turn to hit. The past tense "stepped" aligns with the past tense verb "BATTED," making it the correct answer.

The clue "Woes" refers to troubles or problems, which align in meaning with "ILLS." Both words describe hardships or difficulties, making ILLS a fitting synonym for "Woes."

The answer "AURORA" refers to the natural phenomenon, the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) or Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). These stunning light shows occur near polar regions, caused by charged solar particles interacting with Earth's atmosphere, creating vibrant, colorful displays—truly awe-inspiring.

The clue describes a specific type of sushi: thin slices of fish placed over a small mound of rice. This matches nigiri, a traditional sushi style where raw or cooked fish is delicately placed over seasoned rice, often with a dab of wasabi in between.

The clue "Whew! Finished!" is in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "OKDONE" is a casual expression someone might say to signify relief and completion of a task, matching the tone and meaning of "Whew! Finished!" perfectly. It's informal and conversational, fitting the clue.

The clue "Extol" directly means to praise or commend highly. The word "LAUD" is a synonym for extol, as it also means to praise or glorify someone or something. Both words share the same positive connotation, making LAUD the exact match for this clue.

The clue refers to body joints typically revealed when wearing no-show socks, which don't cover much of the lower leg. ANKLES are the joints connecting your feet to your legs, and they’re fully exposed when no-show socks are worn, making ANKLES the fitting answer.

The word "FLOCKS" refers to groups that gather together, typically animals like birds or sheep. The verb form also means to come together in a mass or group, fitting the clue "Gathers (together)" as a plural noun. Both meanings align perfectly with the clue.

The clue "Light into" suggests a figurative meaning. To "light into" someone means to criticize or reprimand them sharply, which aligns with "LASH AT"—a phrase representing a verbal attack or scolding. This wordplay leads to the answer, fitting the clue's intent.

The answer "BABEL" refers to the Tower of Babel, a biblical story from Genesis 11:1-9. The tower was built in the region of Shinar (interpreted as Babel), where humans aimed to reach heaven. God disrupted their plans by confusing their language, scattering them. Thus, BABEL is the tower's locale.

The answer "EARNS" fits the clue "Clears, as profit" because in financial terms, to "clear" means to gain or secure an amount, typically as income or profit. To "earn" profit aligns directly with this concept, as earning money clears it for your use or benefit.

The clue "Welcome at the door" suggests a casual, conversational action of greeting or admitting someone. The answer, ASKIN, plays on dropping the "g" from "asking," implying you are inquiring who is visiting or if they'd like to enter—something you would naturally do at the door.

The answer is KRILL because these tiny crustaceans are a primary food source for many whale species, like blue whales, which consume them in massive quantities—literally by the ton. The clue emphasizes the sheer volume of their consumption, aligning perfectly with the feeding habits of whales.

The Road to Hana is a famous scenic drive located on Maui, Hawaii. Known for its winding 64-mile stretch with over 600 curves, it takes travelers through lush rainforests, waterfalls, and stunning coastal views. This makes Maui the fitting answer to the clue.

The answer is IRAN because Persia is the historical name for the region that is now the modern-day country of Iran. The name was officially changed to Iran in 1935, reflecting its local usage. Thus, "Modern-day Persia" directly refers to IRAN.

The clue "Neglect to include" directly means to leave something out or fail to incorporate it. The word "OMIT" precisely fits this definition, as it means to exclude or neglect to include something intentionally or unintentionally. Hence, "OMIT" is the correct answer.

The answer "WAY" fits because "Route" refers to a path or direction taken to reach a destination, which aligns with the definition of "WAY" as a method or course of travel. Both terms are synonyms in this context.

EEO stands for "Equal Employment Opportunity," commonly included in job postings to indicate that an employer does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, or other personal attributes. The clue specifies "Abbr.," signaling that the answer is a shortened form of a term often seen in hiring contexts.

The answer is KIA because the Kia Carnival is a popular minivan manufactured by Kia Motors. The clue is capitalized ("Carnival"), subtly hinting that it's a proper name, referring to the vehicle model rather than an actual festive event maker.