Renounced … or a phonetic hint to reading the answers to the starred clues - NYT The Crossword Clue

The answer "CYST" fits the clue "Anatomical pouch" because a cyst is a closed, sac-like structure within body tissues that can contain fluid, air, or other substances. It is essentially a pouch or cavity that appears in anatomical contexts, aligning perfectly with the definition provided in the clue.

The answer is HOTH because it's the icy planet from "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" where Luke Skywalker rides a tauntaun, a snow lizard-like creature, to traverse the frozen landscape. This setting is iconic in the "Star Wars" universe.

The name "Iguanodon" is derived from the Latin words "iguana" (a type of lizard) and "odon" (meaning tooth), referencing its iguana-like teeth. This dinosaur, discovered in the 19th century, was named for its tooth structure resembling a lizard's. Hence, the solution is IGUANODON.

The clue "Quick timeouts?" ends with a question mark, signaling a pun. CATNAPS fits as it describes short, quick naps (timeouts). The playful angle comes from "cat," as catnaps are often quick and casual, like how cats nap sporadically throughout the day.

The clue "AAA or B.B.B." hints at organizations, as both are well-known entities: AAA (American Automobile Association) and B.B.B. (Better Business Bureau). Abbreviated names often indicate abbreviations in the answer, so the correct answer is ORG, short for "organization."

The answer "REAP" works for the clue "Bring in" because it refers to harvesting or collecting, often as a result of effort or work. For example, you "reap" rewards or crops. It aligns metaphorically with "bringing in" what you've earned or gathered.

The answer "CARAT" refers to the unit of weight used for measuring gemstones, where one carat equals 200 milligrams. The clue directly defines this measurement, making "CARAT" the precise solution. This is a straightforward, factual clue with no wordplay involved.

The clue "Sketchy activities?" uses a pun. "Sketchy" refers to sketching, an activity typically associated with art. Adding "activities" hints at educating or practicing, leading to "ART LESSONS." These are sessions involving sketching and other art skills, fitting the playful use of "sketchy."

The clue "Kudo" refers to praise or an award given in recognition of achievement. The answer, ACCOLADE, directly means an expression of praise or an honor. It's a fitting synonym, making it the solution to the clue.

"Bro" is slang for a guy or male friend, and "date" implies a planned outing or event. Together, "BRODATE" cleverly describes a fun outing or hangout specifically among male friends.

The answer "CAVIL" fits the clue "Trivial objection" because "cavil" means to raise petty or unnecessary objections. It perfectly matches the definition of a minor, nitpicking complaint, making it the ideal solution for this straightforward clue.

STEEL is an alloy known for its exceptional strength and durability, symbolizing resilience and solidity both literally (as a material in construction and tools) and figuratively (as in "nerves of steel"). Its physical and metaphorical qualities make it the perfect answer to the clue.

The answer "ENTS" refers to ear, nose, and throat specialists, also known as otolaryngologists. These doctors often perform tonsillectomies, making "Tonsillectomy docs" a fitting clue. The abbreviation ENT represents their medical specialty, which involves treating conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat.

The clue "French crown?" uses wordplay and a foreign language hint. "Crown" can refer to the top of the head, and in French, "head" is "tête." The question mark signals a playful reinterpretation of "crown" as "head" in this context, making TETE the correct answer.

The solution "ELL" refers to the shape of the letter "L," which resembles a right-angle wing or extension in architecture or design. This clue uses wordplay, comparing the shape of a wing to the angular "L" formation.

The answer is OREO because Hydrox was the original cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie, and OREO is its more famous competitor. Since OREO closely resembles Hydrox in appearance and structure, this makes it a fitting "lookalike" in the context of the clue.

The clue "Lomond, for one" refers to Loch Lomond, a famous lake in Scotland. The term "loch" is the Scottish Gaelic word for a lake or sea inlet. Thus, the body of water type (loch) is the answer.

ODEA is the plural of "odeon," which refers to ancient Greek or Roman buildings used for musical performances, poetry readings, and gatherings. As "Old theaters," the clue directly points to these historical venues, making ODEA the fitting answer.

The clue's question mark signals wordplay. A "show" could mean a performance, and a "striptease" is a type of show where performers remove clothing, literally ending in "disarray" as clothes are scattered. The pun cleverly ties the performance to the disorderly ending.

The clue "Long time follower?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. "Long time" refers to the past, and "follower" suggests what comes after it. "Ago" is commonly used to indicate something that happened in the past, following a time reference (e.g., "years ago"), making it the correct answer.

A "Tatami Mat" is a traditional Japanese floor mat made of rice straw and woven rush, commonly used in dojos, which are Japanese martial arts training spaces. Its association with Japanese culture and dojos makes it the fitting answer to "Dojo furnishing."

The answer "EPIC" works because an epic is a lengthy narrative poem or story, often grand in scope and detail. The clue plays on the phrase "a long story" in a literal sense, making "EPIC" the perfect fit.

The answer is RUTH because Babe Ruth was one of the legendary sluggers on the New York Yankees’ 1927 lineup famously nicknamed "Murderer's Row" for their incredible batting power. Ruth, one of baseball's greatest players, was a standout member of this group.

The definition of "spent" aligns directly with "finished," as both refer to something being completed, used up, or exhausted. If something is "spent," it is no longer active or available, much like how "finished" denotes the end of a process or state.

The "Curly W" is the nickname for the Washington Nationals' logo, which features a distinct curly "W." The Nationals, also called NATS, are MLB's Washington, D.C. team. "Curly W" directly refers to this iconic logo, making NATS the correct answer.

OSSETIA is a region in the Caucasus, spanning North Ossetia (part of Russia) and South Ossetia (a disputed territory). The Caucasus is a mountainous area between Europe and Asia, known for its diverse regions and ethnic groups, making OSSETIA a fitting answer to "Caucasus region."

The answer is AMIDALA because Padmé Amidala is a key character from the Star Wars franchise. She is the mother of Luke and Leia Skywalker, making her integral to the story's lineage. The clue directly references her identity within the Star Wars universe.

The answer "ASP" fits because the asp is a type of venomous snake, historically referenced in Egypt and surrounding regions, and is part of the viper family. The term "horned" could relate to the horned viper, a species in the same category. Thus, ASP is a correct synonym.

The phrase "Is underwater" is a metaphor for being in debt, as in financially "drowning." To owe money means you're in debt, hence "OWES" fits as the solution because it directly relates to the metaphorical use of "underwater."

BAMA is the informal nickname for the University of Alabama, a dominant football program in the Southeastern Conference (S.E.C.). Known for its powerhouse status, Alabama consistently excels in college football, making "BAMA" a fitting, casual answer to the clue.

The clue "United" directly refers to being together, unified, or in agreement. The phrase "AS ONE" means acting collectively or in unity, which perfectly matches the concept of being united. This makes ASONE the correct and fitting solution for the clue.

The clue "Tried to hit a baseball" refers to the motion a batter makes in attempting to connect with the ball. The past tense "tried" aligns with "SWUNG," which describes the action of swinging the bat in an effort to hit the ball.

The answer "SAPOR" comes from a less common term meaning "taste" or "flavor," particularly in literary or formal contexts. The clue's straightforward nature aligns with the word's definition, making it a precise match. It enriches vocabulary while fitting perfectly into the puzzle.

The clue "Double-decker checker?" hints at wordplay. In checkers, the term "king" refers to a piece crowned (double-decker) after reaching the opponent’s side, gaining extra moves. The pun ties "double-decker" to the crowned piece, making "KING" the apt solution.

The clue "Benin neighbor" refers to the geography of West Africa. Benin shares a border with several countries, including Togo to its west. Therefore, "Togo" is the correct answer as it directly neighbors Benin.

A HASP is a type of door fastener consisting of a metal loop and a hinged clasp, often secured with a padlock. The clue "Door fastener" directly refers to this simple yet effective mechanism commonly used to lock doors, securing them tightly.

"Jerk" is a term often used to describe someone behaving foolishly or rudely, which aligns with "ASS," commonly used as slang for an annoying or obnoxious person.