Bull rings? - NYT The Crossword Clue

The answer is ELBA because Idris Elba is a well-known actor, recognized for roles in films like Thor and Beasts of No Nation. The clue directly references his first and last name, making ELBA the correct and straightforward solution.

The clue "German dissent" hints at the German language. The German word for "no," expressing dissent or disagreement, is "NEIN." Since the clue points to a simple expression of refusal or rejection in German, NEIN is the correct answer.

The answer "YETI" refers to the mythical creature, also known as the "Abominable Snowman," said to inhabit the Himalayan region. The term "menace" playfully reflects its legendary status as a possibly fearsome, though unproven, creature, fitting the clue's tone and context.

The term "akimbo" describes a stance where hands are placed on the hips with elbows bent outward. This matches "With hands on hips" in the clue, directly referring to the body posture associated with the word. It’s a precise, descriptive term for that position.

The term "scratch golfers" refers to highly skilled players with a handicap of zero, meaning they play at par for each hole on average. Hence, "common occurrences" for them are PARS, as they often meet the expected number of strokes for each hole.

The clue "Apple consumer" is a clever play on words. It refers to Eve from the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, where she famously consumed the forbidden fruit, often depicted as an apple. This pun connects "consumer" with eating the apple, leading to the answer EVE.

The answer is TAMALE because tamales are a traditional Mesoamerican dish. They consist of masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients, wrapped in a cornhusk, and steamed. The clue directly describes this preparation method, making TAMALE the fitting solution.

The clue "Equilibria" directly refers to states of balance or stability. The plural form of "equilibrium" aligns with "STASES," which also means periods of inactivity or stability, matching the concept of balance in multiple states. Thus, "STASES" is the appropriate answer.

The clue "Heavy coats" refers to garments designed for extreme cold weather. PARKAS are long, insulated jackets with hoods, commonly worn in freezing temperatures, making them a perfect fit for the clue. The plural "coats" matches the plural form "PARKAS," ensuring consistency in the answer's form.

The Torah is traditionally housed in a sacred vessel called an Ark within synagogues. These Arks, often beautifully adorned, serve as storage for Torah scrolls, thus making "ARKS" the appropriate answer to the clue "Torah vessels."

The answer is ABSENCES because during attendance, teachers typically mark or note when a student is not present. "Things marked" refers to these recorded absences, which are tracked to indicate who is missing from a class or gathering. This aligns directly with the clue's straightforward context.

The solution "BREAKUP" fits the clue "End it" because a breakup signifies ending a relationship or partnership. "End it" is a direct and concise way of describing the act of a breakup, aligning perfectly with this meaning.

The clue "They might be green or red" refers to the common colors of salsas, which can be made with green (tomatillos, green chilies) or red (tomatoes, red chilies) ingredients. This wordplay hints at the variety of salsa types, making "SALSAS" the correct answer.

The clue uses wordplay and humor ("Dress for a job you probably don't want?"). A HAZMATSUIT is protective gear for handling hazardous materials, often worn in dangerous or undesirable jobs, fitting the clue's humorous implication that such work might not be appealing.

The solution "OREO" is a pun. Tuxedo cats are black and white, resembling the color scheme of an Oreo cookie, which is black on the outside with white filling. The clue hints at the matching coloration through wordplay, making "Oreo" an apt and humorous name.

The word "LARD" can mean to excessively embellish or pad something, such as speech or writing, with unnecessary or excessive content. This aligns metaphorically with its literal meaning of adding fat (lard) to food, making it "heavier" or more indulgent.

The clue "Alternatively" suggests an option or choice. The word "else" is often used to present an alternative, as in "something else" or "what else." It perfectly fits the idea of providing another possibility, making it the correct answer.

The answer "SNAFU" fits the clue "Screw-up" because SNAFU is an acronym for "Situation Normal, All Fouled Up," originating from military slang. It has come to mean a chaotic or messed-up situation, directly matching the idea of a "screw-up."

The clue "Ricochet" hints at something that deflects or bounces off quickly, often briefly touching something. "Glance" fits as it describes a quick, momentary look, akin to how a ricochet is a fleeting bounce or redirection. Both involve brevity and quick motion.

The clue "Supermodel Banks" directly refers to Tyra Banks, a famous supermodel, television personality, and businesswoman. Tyra Banks is well-known for her successful modeling career and as the creator and host of "America's Next Top Model," making "TYRA" the correct answer.

The clue "Groovy" plays on slang. In 1960s-70s terms, "groovy" meant stylish or cool, which aligns with FLY as a slang term for fashionable, trendy, or cool—commonly used in similar contexts. The connection is the shared sense of being "fashionably impressive."

The clue "Crushed, in a way" uses wordplay. "Aced" is slang for excelling or succeeding completely, often in a game, test, or competition. Crushing something in this context means performing exceptionally well, dominating, or achieving perfection—hence, ACED fits perfectly.

The clue "Rarin' to go" suggests enthusiasm or eagerness, which aligns perfectly with "gung-ho." "Gung-ho" is an informal term derived from Chinese, meaning overly zealous or extremely enthusiastic, fitting the spirited connotation of "Rarin' to go."

The clue "Land, as a fish" plays on the action of reeling in a fish with a fishing rod. When you catch (or "land") a fish, you use the reel to pull it in. Thus, the answer "REELIN" fits perfectly.

The clue "Palindromic family member" refers to a family title that reads the same backward and forward. "DAD" is a palindrome because it is spelled identically in reverse, satisfying both the requirement of being a family member and a palindromic word.

The clue "Contributed" directly aligns with the definition of "ADDED," as both refer to the act of offering, giving, or supplementing something to a whole. For example, someone who contributes to a discussion adds their input or ideas, making "ADDED" a fitting synonym.

The answer is IAGO because in Shakespeare's Othello, Iago, the cunning and deceitful antagonist, says, "I am not what I am" (Act 1, Scene 1). This line reflects his duplicitous nature, as he hides his true intentions while manipulating others.

The clue “Baker’s necessity” points to an essential tool for baking. An OVEN is crucial for cooking goods like bread, cakes, or pastries, as it provides the consistent heat required for baking. The straightforward nature of the clue directly aligns with the answer, OVEN.

The clue "Loch ___" refers to Loch Ness, a famous lake in Scotland. It's widely known for the legend of the Loch Ness Monster ("Nessie"). The blank is completed with "NESS" to form the full name of this iconic body of water.

The clue "Sketches" refers to short, humorous scenes or performances, which are also known as SKITS. This is a straightforward synonym clue, with "sketches" used to describe brief, comedic acts often performed on stage or in shows. Hence, SKITS fits perfectly.

The answer "EON" fits the clue "Vast span" because an eon is an extremely long period of time, often used to describe an indefinite or immeasurable span, like geologic time. It's synonymous with something vast and almost incomprehensibly lengthy, matching the clue perfectly.

The bracketed clue [That was a good one] suggests a spoken reaction to a joke or funny remark. "LOL," meaning "laugh out loud," is a concise, modern response that matches perfectly as an expression of amusement or laughter. This aligns with the playful, conversational tone of the clue.

The answer is ALIEN because "The Thing" is a classic sci-fi horror film where the titular "Thing" is revealed to be an extraterrestrial (alien) lifeform. The clue uses "for one" to indicate that the "Thing" is an example of an alien.

The clue "Open ___ midnight" refers to a phrase commonly used to describe hours of operation for businesses, often seen as "Open til midnight." "Til" is a contraction of "until," fitting perfectly to complete the phrase. This explains why the answer is TIL.

The clue "United" suggests a state of being unified or singular. "One" fits as it represents a single entity, symbolizing unity or oneness. Additionally, "United" could invoke ideas of being combined into one, aligning directly with the answer: ONE.

The clue "No es ___ (Spanish put-down)" signals a phrase in Spanish. "No es bueno" translates to "It’s not good," a dismissive or critical statement, making "BUENO" (meaning "good" in Spanish) the solution. The clue’s language indicator hints the answer must match.

RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a key molecule in cellular processes. It acts as a "messenger" by carrying genetic instructions from DNA to ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized. The clue "Cellular messenger" directly describes RNA's primary biological role, making it the correct solution.

The clue "Audience stat" refers to a demographic statistic, often shortened to "demo." In media and marketing, "demo" is used to describe audience segments, such as age, gender, or other characteristics. It's a succinct term for understanding audience-specific data.

The phrase “bric-a-brac” refers to small decorative objects or trinkets. The missing part is “BRIC,” which completes the familiar term. The clue’s structure, “___-a-brac,” directly points to filling the blank with “BRIC” to form the full phrase.

The answer "YATES" refers to David Yates, the director of the last four films in the Harry Potter movie series (Order of the Phoenix through Deathly Hallows: Part 2). His extensive work on this franchise solidifies him as the correct solution to this clue.

The clue "Tape players" refers to devices that play video tapes, commonly known as VCRs (Video Cassette Recorders). This is a plural form ("players"), matching the plural abbreviation "VCRs," used to watch or record on magnetic tape in the pre-DVD era.

TENET is the answer because it is the title of Christopher Nolan's 2020 sci-fi thriller. The movie revolves around a secret organization using "time inversion" to prevent a global catastrophe, fitting Nolan’s complex storytelling style. The palindrome nature of "TENET" also reflects the film's themes of symmetry and time manipulation.

The answer "HOGS" fits because the verb "hog" means to take or use more than one’s fair share, often selfishly—like hogging the spotlight or resources. The plural "HOGS" matches the clue's subject, which refers to people or things excessively taking more than their share.

SEITAN is the answer because it is a plant-based protein often used as a meat substitute, like tofu. Unlike tofu, which is made from soybeans, seitan is made from wheat gluten. As both are popular vegan protein options, "Tofu alternative" aptly describes seitan.

"In jest" means to say or do something humorously or jokingly. The playful spelling "INJEST" resembles "ingest," adding a pun element to emphasize the clue’s humor. Hence, INJEST is the correct answer.

The term "STANS" originates from Eminem's song "Stan," describing an overly obsessive fan. In modern lingo, "stans" refer to intensely devoted supporters of a celebrity, cause, or fandom, aptly fitting the clue "Obsessive supporters, in modern lingo." This slang perfectly matches the description.

The answer "ACS" refers to "A/Cs," a common informal abbreviation for air conditioners. Air conditioners are popular purchases during the summer to combat the heat, making "ACS" the fitting solution to the clue "Some summer purchases, informally." The clue hints at the shortened, informal phrasing.

The clue "Laid off" refers to being inactive or not working, often temporarily. "IDLED" means to stop working or to be inactive, mirroring the idea of someone being laid off. The past tense aligns both the clue and the answer grammatically.

The clue "Madhouse" uses wordplay, hinting at a chaotic, wild place. A ZOO, though literally housing animals, is also metaphorically associated with disorder or chaos, aligning with the concept of a "madhouse." This makes ZOO the apt solution.

The clue "Texter's qualifier" refers to a phrase or abbreviation used in texting to soften or qualify a statement. "IMO" stands for "In My Opinion," commonly used when expressing subjective thoughts or viewpoints in texts, making it the perfect solution for this clue.

The answer is MON because "mon" is a common Jamaican Patois term for "man" or "dude." It's frequently used in casual speech in Jamaica to refer to a person, aligning perfectly with the clue's playfulness and cultural reference.

The answer "MUG" fits because root beer is commonly served in a mug, especially in restaurants or at home. The clue suggests a straightforward interpretation: when ordering root beer, it is often requested or served in a mug. It refers to the container associated with root beer.

The clue "Clutch" refers to the act of holding onto something tightly or quickly taking hold of something. "GRAB" fits as both words imply a sudden, firm grasp or seize, aligning with the literal meaning of "clutch" in this context.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is a U.S. government organization that coordinates disaster response and relief efforts during emergencies like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. It fits the clue "Disaster relief org." as it specifically deals with managing and aiding in disaster recovery.

OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is a group of oil-producing nations that collectively control a significant portion of global oil supply, exemplifying an oligopoly. In an oligopoly, a few entities dominate the market, and here, OPEC regulates oil production and prices, fitting the clue “in brief.”

The clue "Have a safe trip" is a wish often expressed before someone's journey. "GODSPEED" is a traditional phrase used to express good wishes for success and safety, especially when someone is embarking on a journey or endeavor, making it the perfect fit.

The clue "Fivers" uses wordplay. A "fiver" is slang for a five-dollar bill. U.S. five-dollar bills feature Abraham Lincoln, whose nickname is "Abe." In plural form, "fivers" cleverly corresponds to "ABES," representing multiple five-dollar bills.

The answer is HAL because HAL 9000 is the name of the artificial intelligence system in the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. It becomes the antagonist when it malfunctions, prioritizing its mission over the human crew's safety, thus fitting the description of a "villain" in "2001."

The clue "Far from basic" refers to the pH scale, where substances are classified as acidic (low pH) or basic (high pH). "Far from basic" cleverly points to the opposite of basic—acidic. Thus, ACIDIC is the correct answer as it aligns with this chemistry concept.

The answer "KNEADIN" is a playful shortening of "kneading," a common baking instruction. Kneading is a process where dough is worked to develop gluten, giving baked goods structure. The informal spelling aligns with the clue's conversational tone, making it fitting as the solution.

The clue refers to Joe Biden and George H.W. Bush, who both served as Vice Presidents (VPs) before becoming U.S. Presidents. "In brief" signals an abbreviation, leading to VPS as the shorthand for "Vice Presidents."

The answer is HATS because the phrase "wearing many hats" is a common idiom used colloquially to describe taking on multiple professional roles or responsibilities. Here, "HATS" metaphorically represents those varied tasks or duties within one's job.

The clue "Show up" means to appear, attend, or be present somewhere. ARRIVE is synonymous with this definition, as it describes the action of reaching a place or making one’s presence known, aligning perfectly with the clue.

The clue "Cubans, e.g." uses wordplay by referring not to people from Cuba but to a famous product associated with the country: Cuban cigars. Known for their premium quality, cigars are an iconic export of Cuba, making "CIGARS" the perfect solution.

The answer "OCELOT" fits because an ocelot is a wildcat commonly found in the Americas, known for its distinct, spotted coat. The word "spotted" in the clue directly refers to the ocelot's patterned fur, matching the descriptive clue "Spotted wildcat."

The phrase "Put your nose where it doesn't belong" is a figurative way of describing unnecessary interference in others' affairs. The word "MEDDLE" means to interfere or involve oneself in matters that don't concern you, perfectly matching the clue's meaning. The "say" indicates a playful or interpretive phrasing.

The clue "Flowing tresses" refers to long, flowing hair. The word "manes" typically describes the long, lush hair of a lion or, figuratively, someone's thick, flowing head of hair. Thus, MANES fits perfectly as the answer.

The clue "One looking after pupils, for short" involves a play on words. "Pupils" can refer to both students and the part of the eye. An "EYEDOC" (short for eye doctor, like an optometrist or ophthalmologist) looks after the health of eye pupils. Hence, the wordplay makes EYEDOC the fitting answer.

The answer "IPOD" fits because the iPod, once a popular device for playing music, has been largely replaced by smartphones, which offer the same functionality along with numerous additional features like calling, texting, and apps. Smartphones have essentially made standalone music players like iPods obsolete.

The clue "Holesome" figures is a pun involving "wholesome" and "holes." In mathematics, "tori" (plural of torus) are donut-shaped figures with a central hole, fitting the "holes" aspect. The pun on "wholesome" cleverly directs to these "hole-some" shapes. Thus, the answer is TORI.

SOAP is the solution because it is soft and easy to carve, making it ideal for beginners practicing carving techniques. The clue plays on the idea of a material that's simple to work with, especially for those just starting.

The solution is ABBA because ABBA Arena is a purpose-built concert venue in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, hosting the "ABBA Voyage" virtual concert series. The clue refers directly to this famous venue named after the iconic Swedish pop group.

"Fans" works as it describes waving a hand to create airflow, resembling the action of using a fan. The "maybe" allows for interpretation, connecting waving motions to the function of fanning.

The clue "___ Romeo" refers to the NATO phonetic alphabet, where "ALFA" corresponds to the letter "A" and "Romeo" corresponds to "R." Together, they are both part of this standardized system used for clear communication. "ALFA Romeo" is also an automaker, reinforcing the connection.

The answer is RIAN because Rian Johnson is the renowned director and writer of the 2019 mystery film Knives Out. His distinctive storytelling style and direction garnered critical acclaim, making his name closely associated with the movie.

The answer is "TEST" because when checking a microphone to ensure it works, people often repeat "Test, test" into it. This is a common practice, making "TEST" the perfect fit for the clue indicating a word repeated into a mic.

The solution "FIR" refers to the Douglas fir tree, an iconic symbol of Oregon and its natural landscapes. Oregon license plates prominently feature the silhouette of a Douglas fir, making it a recognizable state emblem and fitting for this clue.