Where boxers trade jabs - NYT The Crossword Clue

The answer is FUDD because Elmer Fudd is a classic Looney Tunes character famously known for hunting "wabbits" (his mispronunciation of "rabbits"). This clue uses humor and wordplay by referencing his speech quirk while describing his well-known antics involving Bugs Bunny.

The answer "ASEA" refers to being "on the ocean" or at sea. The prefix "A-" often means "in the state of," and "sea" literally refers to the ocean. Combined, "ASEA" means being in or on the ocean, matching the clue precisely.

The word "levy" means to impose or collect, often used in the context of taxes. Governments "levy" taxes to collect revenue. This makes it a perfect fit for the clue "Impose, as a tax," directly addressing the definition of the term.

The answer is SRI because Sri Lanka is the full name of the island nation in South Asia. The clue "___ Lanka" is asking for what commonly precedes "Lanka," and SRI forms the official name of the country.

The clue "Make a break from jail" directly hints at the act of fleeing or breaking out of incarceration. The most fitting single-word synonym for this action is "ESCAPE," which precisely describes the act of getting free from confinement or imprisonment.

A "spelunker" is someone who explores caves for hobby or study. The answer "CAVER" directly describes such a person, as it denotes someone who engages in caving, also known as spelunking. The two terms are essentially synonyms, making "CAVER" the precise solution.

The answer "BRIAR" fits the clue "Thorny patch" because a briar is a type of plant or shrub known for its thorny or prickly branches. This aligns directly with the definition of a patch of thorny vegetation, making it a suitable choice for this clue.

GMC stands for General Motors Company, a prominent division of General Motors that manufactures pickup trucks and vans. The clue specifies "Big inits." to hint at initials of a major vehicle brand, making GMC the correct answer due to its association with these vehicle types.

The clue "Ta-ta!" is in quotes, signaling a spoken expression. "Ta-ta" is a casual way of saying goodbye, and "BYE" is a concise synonym for it. Both are informal farewells, making BYE the perfect fit for this clue.

The clue "Spread, as cream cheese" refers to the action of evenly applying cream cheese, often on a bagel. The word "SMEAR" precisely describes this action, commonly used to indicate spreading a soft substance like cream cheese. Hence, SMEAR is the correct answer.

Saguaros are a type of tall, tree-like cactus native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The term "e.g." in the clue signals an example, so the plural form "CACTI" (the plural of cactus) correctly describes saguaros as a group.

The clue "Pale" refers to a lack of color, similar to how someone might look when they're frightened or ill. "Ashen" describes a pale, grayish tone, like ash. It's often used to depict someone's complexion when drained of normal color, matching the clue perfectly.

The clue "Underwear that's barely there" hints at minimal coverage. A thong is a type of underwear known for its minimal design, offering little coverage and often described as "barely there." The wording directly aligns with this type of undergarment.

The abbreviation Q.E.D. stands for the Latin phrase "quod erat demonstrandum," which means "that which was to be demonstrated." The "E" represents "erat," the Latin word for "was." Hence, ERAT is the correct answer.

The Sphinx is an iconic limestone statue with a lion's body and a human head, located in Giza, Egypt. It is one of the world's most famous monuments and a hallmark of ancient Egyptian culture, making "EGYPT" the correct answer to the clue "Home to the Sphinx."

The average person spends about one-third of their life sleeping. Thus, "a quarter or more of one's life, typically" refers to the significant time spent asleep, making SLEEP the accurate answer. The clue points to this common life activity quantified over a lifetime.

Majorca and Minorca are two islands located in the Balearic Islands, a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The term "isles" is commonly used to describe smaller islands, making ISLES the fitting answer for this clue.

The clue "Indian bread" directly describes a type of bread commonly associated with Indian cuisine. NAAN is a soft, leavened flatbread, often baked in a tandoor oven, making it a staple in Indian meals. Its straightforward definition perfectly matches the clue, requiring no additional wordplay.

The rubbery part of a handlebar is called a GRIP. It’s designed to provide a comfortable and non-slip surface for holding onto handlebars on bikes, scooters, or similar equipment. The clue directly describes its material and function, making GRIP the fitting solution.

The answer is IONE because it refers to Ione Skye, a well-known actress famous for her role in the 1989 film Say Anything. The clue directly points to her name, making it a straightforward reference to this actress.

The clue "Mixed-breed dog" directly defines "MUTT," which is a common term for a dog of mixed or unknown breeds. It’s a straightforward definition clue, with no wordplay or additional layers, making MUTT the correct and fitting answer.

The word "JIVES" means to talk in a playful, teasing, or unserious manner, often joking or not being entirely sincere. This fits the clue "Talks in an unserious way," as it directly describes the informal and lighthearted nature of such conversations.

The answer is AGE because wines and cheeses improve or develop their flavor, texture, and quality as they mature over time. "Age" refers to this natural process of maturation, making it the perfect fit for the clue.

The answer EGRET fits the clue "Wading bird" because egrets are long-legged water birds often found wading in shallow waters like marshes and wetlands to hunt for food. They are a common representative of the wading bird category.

The answer is NEAL because Neal Stephenson is a well-known American novelist, famous for his works of speculative fiction, such as Snow Crash and Cryptonomicon. The clue directly refers to the author's last name, pointing to the first name "Neal" as the solution.

The clue "My treat!" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "ON ME" is often said when someone is offering to pay for something, like a meal or treat. It matches the idea of treating someone and fits the conversational tone of the clue.

The Big Dipper is an asterism within the constellation Ursa Major, consisting of seven bright points of light. Each point is a star, making "STAR" the correct answer for "One of seven in the Big Dipper," as it refers to any one of these celestial objects.

The name "Leila" has Arabic origins, where it directly translates to "night" (ليل, layl). It is a common name for women in many cultures, stemming from its poetic association with beauty and mystery linked to the night. Thus, "Leila" fits perfectly as the answer.

LEVI is the correct answer because Levi Strauss & Co. is a famous clothing company founded by Levi Strauss, best known for creating blue jeans. The blank in the clue directly refers to the company's name, which is "Levi."

The answer is FINN because "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is a classic novel by Mark Twain. Huckleberry Finn is the main character, and the book is widely known, making it a straightforward literary reference for the blank in the clue.

The clue "Regard" directly relates to the word "esteem" as both signify respect or admiration. "Esteem" is commonly used to describe the act of holding someone or something in high regard, making it a fitting synonym and solution for the clue.

The clue "Like the force of an armada" refers to an armada, which is a large fleet of warships. Such a fleet is associated with naval operations conducted at sea. Therefore, "NAVAL" perfectly describes the nature of the armada's force, as it relates to maritime warfare.

The answer "OSAKA" is correct because Universal Studios Japan, a major theme park, is located in the city of Osaka, Japan. The clue directly refers to the geographical location of this famous attraction, making OSAKA the logical solution.

The phrase "On a need-to-know ____" is commonly completed as "basis," meaning information is shared only when deemed necessary. "BASIS" perfectly fits as it completes the idiom, aligning with standard phrasing in contexts of limited information sharing.

The clue "Utopias" refers to idealized, perfect places, often described as paradises. "Edens" aligns with this because the Garden of Eden is a biblical symbol of an unspoiled, ideal paradise—a utopia. The plural form "Edens" suggests multiple such idyllic places, matching the plural "Utopias."

The answer "TALON" fits because a talon refers to the sharp, hooked claw of a bird of prey, like an eagle or hawk. The clue "Claw" directly describes this physical feature, making TALON a precise and fitting synonym. There’s no wordplay or additional context here.

The clue refers to the famous Nintendo video game series, Super Mario, which stars Mario and his brother, Luigi. Luigi is one of the two main characters, making him "one of the Super Mario brothers." This is a straightforward reference to the duo.

Pride and gluttony are two of the "seven deadly sins," a concept from Christian teachings that highlights these as moral failings. The clue specifies "for two," signaling two examples from this group. Thus, the correct answer is SINS.

In college, a "unit" is a measure of academic work, often tied to credit hours. It reflects the amount of coursework completed for a class, and transcripts list credits earned as "units." This aligns with the clue's focus on work tracked on a transcript.

The clue "Drones, e.g." refers to male bees in a hive, which are called drones. This is a straightforward definition clue. Male bees (drones) exist to mate with the queen, and the term "bees" encompasses drones, worker bees, and the queen, making BEES the correct answer.

The solution "FAT" fits because bacon's high fat content is what causes it to sizzle when cooked. As the fat heats up, it liquefies and interacts with the pan, creating the iconic sizzling sound. The clue subtly points to this culinary phenomenon.

In Freudian psychology, the "I" refers to the ego, the part of the psyche that mediates between the conscious mind, instincts, and reality. The use of "Freudian" in the clue signals this psychological concept, making EGO the fitting answer.

A "LEI" is a traditional Hawaiian garland or wreath made of flowers, typically worn around the neck as a necklace. It is commonly associated with Hawaiian culture and often given as a gesture of welcome or celebration, perfectly fitting the clue "Floral necklace."