Fantasizes about - NYT The Crossword Clue

The solution "STAT" comes from the medical term "statim," meaning "immediately" in Latin. The clue "Right now!" implies urgency, often used in medical or emergency contexts, aligning perfectly with the shorthand "STAT." The quotation marks signal a spoken or urgent exclamation, matching this rapid-action term.

The clue references "this clue's number," which is the clue number itself. For example, if the clue is number 2, cubing 2 (2 × 2 × 2) equals 8. Thus, the answer is EIGHT, as it's the result of cubing the clue's number.

The EDGAR haircut is a trendy hairstyle among men, particularly in Latino communities, characterized by a straight fringe cut across the forehead and short, even sides—resembling a modernized bowl cut. Its distinct shape makes it comparable to the classic bowl cut mentioned in the clue.

The phrase "Top priority on the agenda" refers to the most important subject or focus in a meeting or plan. "MAINITEM" directly fits as it means the key or principal point to address—matching the idea of a top priority on an agenda.

The answer is ELEKTRA because it is a well-known opera by Richard Strauss, based on Sophocles' Greek tragedy "Electra." The story explores themes of revenge and familial conflict, closely following Sophocles' original tale, making it a direct inspiration.

Normally, LIMA is simply the capital of Peru. Here, though, the clue says "See title," directing you to Raising Capital. The title tells you to "raise" the capital by reading it upward instead of downward. Doing that transforms LIMA into the sequence A-M-I-L, which perfectly fills the gap between the Across fragments. Without reversing the capital, the phrase doesn't work. It's an elegant thematic device because the capital city itself becomes part of a completely different answer.

LSU, short for Louisiana State University, is a prominent institution located in Baton Rouge. The clue uses "familiarly," indicating an abbreviated or colloquial term is the answer. LSU is well-known for its athletic programs and academics, making it an iconic Baton Rouge institution.

The clue "Five Pillars religion" refers to the foundational principles of a faith. Islam is the religion centered around the "Five Pillars of Islam," which are core practices: Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). Hence, the answer is ISLAM.

The clue "Defeat in competition" directly refers to surpassing or performing better than an opponent, particularly in terms of points or scores. OUTSCORE fits perfectly, as it means scoring more than the opponent, thereby achieving victory or "defeating" them in a competitive context.

The answer is NEIL because Vince Neil is the lead singer of Mötley Crüe, a famous rock band. His name completes the clue referring to the band's frontman, making "NEIL" the accurate and logical solution.

The phrase "Accepts a deal from the D.A., say" refers to a legal situation where a defendant agrees to a plea bargain offered by the District Attorney (D.A.) instead of going to trial. This action is commonly described as "pleading out," hence the answer PLEADSOUT.

The answer is ELCID because El Cid, also known as Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, was a real-life Spanish knight and military leader in the 11th century, celebrated as a national hero in Spanish history and folklore. His exploits are immortalized in the epic "El Cantar de Mio Cid."

The clue "Meets head-on?" includes a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Head-on" suggests a direct impact or crash. "Meets" here cleverly plays on the idea of collision or crashing together head-on. Therefore, the answer "COLLIDES" appropriately describes such an encounter or impact.

The clue "See title" tells you that BERN, Switzerland's capital, isn't simply a geography answer. Instead, the title Raising Capital instructs you to read it upward. Reversed, BERN becomes N-R-E-B, precisely the letters needed to connect MAIL IN and BATE into MAIL-IN REBATE. It's a clever use of a capital city as a hidden bridge instead of a standalone entry.

The answer "ADA" refers to Ada, or Ardor: A Family Chronicle, a novel by Vladimir Nabokov. First published in 1969, it is a complex narrative blending romance, philosophy, and Nabokov’s signature wordplay, exploring themes of time, memory, and forbidden love within a fictional universe.

A whitesmith is a metalworker specializing in tin or similar light metals, typically working on creating or finishing objects like utensils or decorative items. Therefore, "TIN" is the material associated with their craft, making it the fitting solution to the clue.

An otoscope is used to examine ears, a key tool for an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist. ENT doctors diagnose and treat issues related to these areas, making "ENT" the perfect answer for "Doc using an otoscope."

The answer is ADMEN because Don Draper and his co-workers are advertising professionals in the TV show Mad Men. "Admen" is a common term for people working in advertising, cleverly linking their profession to the clue. The clue plays on this connection without direct mention of ads.

"Took orders" can refer to serving as a waiter, taking customer orders at a restaurant. "Waited" plays on this double meaning, describing both the act of serving and the expression "waited on" someone.

The answer "SEER" fits the clue "Fortuneteller" because a seer is someone who claims to perceive or predict the future, akin to a fortuneteller. Both terms are synonymous, and "seer" commonly refers to a person with prophetic insight. This aligns perfectly with the clue's straightforward definition.

The phrase "At ease" is commonly used in the military to signify a relaxed posture or state, meaning "calm" or "not tense." The clue directly connects this phrase to "calm," making ATEASE the correct solution.

Kylo Ren is a major character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Born Ben Solo, he becomes Kylo Ren after joining the dark side and aligning with the First Order. "Ren" refers to his chosen name as part of the dark side's Knights of Ren.

The clue "Plastic cap?" uses wordplay. "Plastic" refers to credit cards, often called "plastic," and "cap" suggests a limit or maximum. Together, "Plastic cap" cleverly hints at "CREDIT LIMIT," the maximum amount a person can spend on a credit card.

The answer is PENNE because it is a type of pasta that is tubular in shape, with angled ends resembling quills. The clue directly describes its characteristic shape, making PENNE the precise solution. This is a straightforward, literal clue with no wordplay involved.

The answer "RETAR" refers to reapplying tar to a road, a common method of road maintenance. The prefix "re-" implies doing something again, and "tar" is used to pave or repair road surfaces. Thus, "RETAR" fits perfectly as the solution.

The clue "Et cetera" suggests something that continues or goes on without end, much like a list that includes "and so forth." The playful answer "ANDONANDON" mimics the phrase "and on and on," capturing the idea of endless continuation in a pun-like manner.

The phrase "Clear as ___ (not clear)" plays on the ironic saying "clear as mud," which humorously means something is unclear or confusing. Here, "mud" directly contrasts with "clear," fitting the clue perfectly. It’s a common expression, making MUD the fitting answer.

The clue "Western mountain range, informally" points to "SIERRAS" as the answer because the Sierra Nevada mountain range is prominent in the western United States. "Informally" suggests a casual term, and "Sierras" is a common shorthand used to refer to this range.

The clue "Arm bones" refers to specific bones found in the human arm. The ulna is one of the two main bones in the forearm (the other being the radius). "ULNAE" is the plural form of "ulna," matching the plural "bones" in the clue.

The answer "NUTCRACKERS" fits the clue "Christmas display pieces" because nutcrackers, often decorative and soldier-like, are iconic holiday figures commonly displayed during Christmas. They are deeply associated with the season, stemming from traditions and popularized by "The Nutcracker" ballet, making them fitting for festive decor.

The clue "E.R. V.I.P.s" refers to important figures in an Emergency Room. The abbreviation "E.R." points to medical contexts, and "V.I.P.s" to notable individuals. The answer "DRS" is short for "doctors," who are indeed the key professionals in an Emergency Room.

BRUSCHETTA is a classic Italian appetizer consisting of toasted bread topped with olive oil, garlic, and often a tomato mixture. The clue directly references its traditional Italian origin and its role as a starter dish, making BRUSCHETTA the fitting solution.

The clue "Paper source?" with a question mark signals wordplay. An ATM (Automated Teller Machine) dispenses cash (paper money), making it a "source" of paper.

The clue "Rage" directly defines an intense, violent anger, which matches the meaning of "FURY." Both words are synonyms describing extreme anger or wrath. This straightforward clue aligns closely with its equally simple and powerful answer.

Instead of treating CAIRO as Egypt's capital, the title asks you to "raise" it by reading it from bottom to top. That produces O-R-I-A-C, exactly the sequence needed to bridge VICTO and CROSS. Without reversing the capital, the Across answer remains incomplete. It's another example of the capitals serving as connecting tissue rather than standalone answers.

The clue "Puerto ___" refers to Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island and U.S. territory. "Rico" completes the name of this well-known location. In Spanish, "rico" means "rich," which reflects the island's historical name, "Rich Port." The clue directly hints at this geographical name.

Instead of referring to a literal club (like a golf club), it hints at a group or "club" of players working together. A "TEAM" is a group of players, making it the perfect fit here.

The capital of Morocco, RABAT, becomes part of a larger answer once read upward. Instead of solving it as geography, the title instructs you to reverse its direction. The resulting letters fit perfectly between ERECT and RRIER, producing ERECT A BARRIER. The capitals consistently act as the missing middle of each long phrase.

The clue "Despises" directly aligns with the definition of "LOATHES," as both express an intense hatred or strong dislike. "Loathes" is a synonym for "despises," making it the perfect fit for the solution. Always check the number of letters for confirmation in crossword puzzles!

The capital of Norway hides a second purpose. Following the title's instruction, OSLO is read upward rather than downward, producing O-L-S-O. Those letters finish DROOLS and lead directly into OVER, creating DROOLS OVER. The capitals repeatedly serve as invisible connectors that make the split entries read like ordinary phrases.

The clue “Brandy letters” refers to classifications of brandy based on its aging process. VSO stands for Very Superior Old, a label often used on Cognac or Armagnac to denote premium quality brandy aged longer than typical. Hence, "VSO" fits as the answer.

The clue "Artist Chagall" directly refers to Marc Chagall, a renowned 20th-century modernist artist known for his vibrant, dreamlike paintings and stained glass art. "Marc" is his first name, making it the straightforward solution to this clue.

The clue "Big heads" uses wordplay. It doesn't literally refer to large physical heads but rather metaphorically to people with inflated self-importance or pride. "Egos" perfectly fits as it represents a self-centered or prideful attitude, often associated with someone who has a "big head" personality.

The answer is SNAKE because the verb "snake" means to move or travel in a winding, curving, or twisting path, much like the movement of an actual snake. This matches "Travel a winding route" perfectly, describing a sinuous or meandering journey.

Rainbows are created by light dispersion through water droplets, mimicking how light refracts and disperses into colors through PRISMS. "Ends of some rainbows" hints at the literal association with prisms splitting light, making PRISMS the fitting answer.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test often required for admission to graduate programs, including M.A. (Master of Arts) programs. The clue directly hints at a test for those seeking advanced degrees, making GRE the correct solution.

The answer is VASCO because Vasco da Gama was a famous Portuguese explorer who discovered the sea route to India in the late 15th century. His achievements make him one of the most well-known explorers in history, directly linking his first name, Vasco, to the clue.

The phrase "in tow" means being accompanied or following closely behind someone or something, such as a car towing another or someone being led along. It matches the clue "Following behind" perfectly in a figurative sense, making INTOW the correct solution.

The word "resurgent" directly means "rising again" or "making a comeback." It describes something or someone regaining vitality, prominence, or activity after a decline or absence, perfectly aligning with the clue for "making a comeback." The definition matches the straightforward nature of the clue.

The clue "Ambulance initials" directly hints at the abbreviation used for emergency medical services, often associated with ambulances. EMS stands for "Emergency Medical Services," which are the medical professionals and services responding to emergencies via ambulances, making EMS the straightforward solution.

The clue "Keep it together!" ends with an exclamation mark, signaling wordplay. "Get a grip" is a common phrase meaning to regain composure or control, tying directly to the idea of keeping oneself together emotionally or mentally, aligning with the clue’s intent.

The clue "Summer mo." refers to a summer month. "Mo." is an abbreviation for "month," and AUG is the abbreviation for August, one of the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere. The shortened form reflects the clue's abbreviation for consistency.

The clue "Expression of frustration" refers to a nonverbal response or action. A "deep sigh" is a physical and audible reaction often made when someone feels exasperated, annoyed, or stressed, perfectly fitting the description in the clue. This phrase matches the emotional nuance of frustration.

Sam Elliott plays the narrator in The Big Lebowski, providing voiceovers that frame the story and guide the audience, even appearing on screen as "The Stranger." His iconic voice sets the tone, making "NARRATOR" the fitting answer for the role he plays in the film.

The phrase "PENT UP" describes emotions or feelings that are held inside or restrained instead of being expressed. "Pent" originates from "pen," meaning to confine. Thus, "Suppressed, as emotions" aligns perfectly with the concept of emotions being trapped or bottled up.

The clue "It's in the pipeline" refers to something that flows through a pipeline. GAS is the answer because natural gas is commonly transported via pipelines. The clue plays on the literal meaning of a pipeline as well as what it typically carries.

The clue "___ never fly" is a common phrase implying something won't succeed or be accepted. The contraction "It'll" (short for "It will") fits here, completing the phrase as "It'll never fly," which means an idea or plan won't work.

The clue "Asking for a human's attention, perhaps" includes "perhaps," signaling wordplay. MEOWING is a nonverbal action often associated with cats seeking attention from humans, making it a fitting and playful solution. It aligns with the behavior of pets using sounds to prompt interaction.

The answer "SEEDS" fits because seeds are typically planted in soil (dirt) to grow. The clue uses "covered with dirt" to describe how seeds are buried during planting, making this a straightforward, logical connection to gardening or farming practices.

The answer is CANOE because "canoe slalom" is a competitive event in the Summer Olympics where athletes navigate through a whitewater course using a canoe. The blank in the clue represents this specific sporting event, making CANOE the fitting solution.

IONIA fits as the answer because it was an ancient region located along the central western coast of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and was a prominent coastal area in ancient Greece. Known for its historical and cultural significance, Ionia played a key role in Greek history, philosophy, and art.

The clue “The ’gram” is a slangy reference to Instagram, a popular social media platform often nicknamed “Insta.” The casual tone matches the answer, highlighting the shortened, conversational form of the app's name. Thus, "INSTA" fits the clue perfectly.

The clue "Pound the pavement?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Pound" suggests forceful movement, and "pavement" relates to the ground. To "STOMP" means to forcefully step or pound one's feet on the ground, matching the clue's playful hint. It’s a figurative and literal match.

Rather than simply identifying Italy's capital, ROME becomes a thematic connector. Reading it upward yields E-M-O-R, which bridges HOME and RTGAGE into HOME MORTGAGE. Once you understand the title, every capital transforms from an ordinary Down answer into an essential part of a long Across phrase.

The clue "You don't need to tell me" is a conversational phrase indicating someone is already aware of something. The answer "ISAW" reflects this sentiment—responding as if to say, "I already noticed it myself, no need to explain further."

Latvia's capital, RIGA, follows the same pattern as the other capitals. Instead of being read normally, it's read upward to produce A-G-I-R. Those letters complete the middle of WHAT A GIRL WANTS, joining the beginning and ending Across fragments into the full song title. The consistency across all seven examples makes the theme especially satisfying.

The answer "SKEE" refers to "Skee-Ball," a popular arcade game where players roll balls up an inclined lane aiming to score points by landing them in numbered holes. The blank in the clue "___-Ball" indicates the missing part of this compound term, and "SKEE" completes it perfectly.

The clue "Any of the U.C.s" refers to the University of California system, which consists of multiple schools (e.g., UCLA, UC Berkeley). "SCH" is shorthand for "school," fitting as all U.C.s are schools within the system. Hence, SCH is the correct answer.

The answer "OHO" fits the clue "Cry of playful discovery" as it represents an exclamation often used to indicate surprise, realization, or excitement in a playful or lighthearted way. The clue suggests an interjection, and "OHO" conveys exactly that sense of discovery or recognition.

"Traffic ___" suggests "Traffic jam," a common phrase for congested roads. The pun lies in "sticky," which also describes jam (the fruit spread). Thus, "JAM" connects both meanings: road congestion and literal stickiness.

The clue "Kitchen intruder" refers to a common pest that invades kitchens in search of food crumbs. Ants are well-known for being small insects attracted to kitchens, making "ANT" a fitting, concise answer to the clue. No wordplay is involved here.