With 31-Down, power-up that lets this puzzle's subject throw flames - NYT The Crossword Clue

The answer is "CCCP" because it represents the Cyrillic abbreviation for the Soviet Union in Russian: "Союз Советских Социалистических Республик" (Soyuz Sovetskikh Sotsialisticheskikh Respublik). The Cyrillic letters "С" correspond to the Latin "S," forming "CCCP," equivalent to "U.S.S.R." in English.

The clue "Short hand?" uses wordplay. On a clock, the "short hand" refers to the hour hand, which indicates the hour. The pun connects the physical "short hand" on a clock with the word "HOUR" as the answer.

"One Day More" is performed as the finale of Act I in the musical Les Misérables. The clue directly references when the song occurs, and the answer, ACT I, correctly identifies the first act where this pivotal number is sung.

Coins are the most common collectible in Super Mario games, often found floating in the air or inside question-mark blocks. Collecting them boosts your score, and gathering 100 coins typically rewards you with an extra life.

The answer "HOECAKES" refers to a type of fried cornbread, traditionally made from a simple batter of cornmeal, water, and salt. Historically, they were cooked on the flat surface of a hoe over an open fire, which explains their name. This matches the "fried cornbread concoctions" clue.

The answer "INSET" fits the clue "___ map" because an inset map is a smaller map placed within a larger one, often used to show a detailed area or provide additional information. The blank in the clue suggests a word that logically pairs with "map," and "inset" perfectly completes it.

A vine can sprout from a question-mark block, giving Mario a way to climb high above the main level. These secret routes often lead to bonus areas packed with coins or hidden shortcuts.

The answer is ENYA because she is an internationally renowned, best-selling solo artist from Ireland. Known for her ethereal, Celtic-inspired music, ENYA has sold millions of albums worldwide, including hits like Orinoco Flow. Her immense success and Irish heritage make her a fitting answer to this clue.

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the organization behind the NAACP Image Awards, which honor outstanding performances and contributions in film, television, music, and literature celebrating diversity and social justice. Hence, it fits as "Image Awards org."

The clue "Spills" uses wordplay. "Spills" can mean revealing gossip or secrets, often called "spilling the tea." Similarly, "DISHES" is slang for sharing juicy details or gossip. The connection lies in this figurative use of "spills" aligning with the slang term "dishes."

The clue "Madrid Mrs." points to a Spanish term because Madrid is in Spain. In Spanish, "Mrs." is abbreviated as "Sra." for "Señora," the formal title for a married woman. Thus, the solution is SRA.

The word "LIP" can precede both "service" (as in "lip service" meaning insincere praise or agreement) and "sync" (as in "lip sync," miming speech or singing). This makes "LIP" the appropriate answer for the clue, neatly fitting the pattern of combining with these terms.

The answer "ONUS" is fitting for the clue "Duty" because "onus" means a burden, responsibility, or obligation, which aligns with the concept of a duty—something one is accountable for or required to do. This is a direct definition-based clue with no wordplay involved.

Warp pipes are one of the most iconic features of the Mario series. Mario uses them to travel instantly to new areas, hidden rooms or even entirely different worlds, making them a core gameplay mechanic.

The answer is ENSUITE because a primary bathroom is often directly connected to the primary bedroom, making it "en suite." The French term "en suite" translates to "in sequence" or "connected," commonly referring to a private bathroom attached to a bedroom.

In the NCAA basketball tournament, often referred to as March Madness, teams are ranked, or "seeded," based on their performance. Higher-ranked teams are given lower numerical seeds (e.g., 1 or 2). The term "seeded" directly describes how these teams are organized in the event.

The Super Bowl is renowned for its costly commercial airtime due to massive viewership. A "TV SPOT" refers to a paid advertisement slot on TV. The clue’s phrasing emphasizes the high expense, which aligns with the millions spent on these ads during the Super Bowl.

The clue "In" can mean "trendy," "fashionable," or "popular," aligning with the slang meaning of "HIP," which describes someone or something that is cool, modern, or in style. The brevity of the clue matches the succinct nature of the answer.

The answer is SOY because soy lecithin is a common food additive derived from soybeans. It is widely used in processed foods as an emulsifier to stabilize mixtures and improve texture. The blank in the clue indicates the missing word, which is "soy" before "lecithin."

Raid is a well-known insecticidal product often used to eliminate pests like ants. The clue "Raid target, at times" suggests a potential pest that Raid targets, and ants are a common target. Hence, the answer ANT fits perfectly.

The clue "Space" directly relates to the word ROOM, as "room" is commonly used to describe an area or space within a building. Both terms convey the idea of a physical area, making ROOM a fitting synonym for "space."

The clue "Let down" can mean to descend or to decrease something. The word LOWER fits as it denotes bringing something down, either physically (e.g., lowering a rope) or metaphorically (e.g., lowering expectations), matching the clue's straightforward intent.

The answer "STRAITS" fits because straits are narrow waterways that connect two larger bodies of water, acting as "sea connectors." Examples include the Strait of Gibraltar. This definition aligns perfectly with the clue.

The clue "Obtains (from)" suggests acquiring or sourcing something from a specific origin. "DERIVES" means obtaining or originating from a source, aligning perfectly with the clue. The word "from" further emphasizes this relationship, confirming "DERIVES" as the correct answer.

Gold and silver are chemical elements on the periodic table, but bronze is not—it is an alloy made from copper and tin. The clue contrasts their classifications, identifying "ELEMENT" as the accurate answer for substances like gold or silver.

The clue "This might be stuffed inside a shell" refers to a type of pasta dish. Ricotta cheese is commonly used as a filling for large pasta shells (like manicotti). "Shell" in the clue hints at the pasta's shape, and Ricotta is a traditional ingredient for stuffing these.

The clue "Dot follower" refers to what commonly follows a dot in a web address. In this case, ".edu" is a domain suffix used for educational institutions, making "EDU" the correct answer. It fits the context of "dot follower" in internet terminology.

The answer "SHIED" fits "Recoiled" because "shied" means to draw back suddenly in fear, surprise, or discomfort, effectively recoiling. It is often used to describe a quick, instinctive reaction, aligning well with the clue's meaning.

The answer "HAMMON" refers to Jupiter Hammon, recognized as the first African American poet published in North America. His poem "An Evening Thought" was published in 1761. The blank in the clue points to his last name, making it the correct fit for the prompt.

The answer "ITSAMEMARIO" refers to the famous catchphrase of Mario, the iconic video game character from Nintendo. When Mario introduces himself in games, he often exclaims "It's-a me, Mario!" in his distinct, playful voice, making it his trademark phrase and fitting the clue perfectly.

The clue "Wilt" refers to drooping, losing strength, or becoming limp, which corresponds to the word SAG. Both terms describe something losing its firmness or structure, like a plant wilting or something sagging under weight. This synonym makes SAG the perfect fit for the clue.

The clue “Scented” directly refers to something having or giving off a smell. "ODORED" is a rarely used adjective form that means imbued with odor or having a smell, making it a fitting solution. The past-tense formation aligns with crossword wordplay conventions.

The answer is EL AL, Israel’s national airline. The name means "to the skies" in Hebrew, taken from Hosea 11:7, which uses "el al" to signify aspiration or elevation. The connection to the scripture reflects the airline's symbolic ties to Israel’s heritage and language.

The clue "___ cup" refers to a specific type of cup. A "sippy cup" is a spill-resistant drinking cup designed for toddlers, helping them transition from bottles to regular cups. The answer "SIPPY" fits the blank and matches the concept described in the clue.

The clue "Achieved" refers to successfully completing or carrying out something. The word "did" is the past tense of "do," which means to perform or accomplish. Therefore, "did" fits as it directly represents achieving or accomplishing something in the past.

The clue "Excite" suggests an action that stimulates or energizes. "Key up" is a phrase meaning to make someone or something tense, excited, or anxious. It's a play on words, tying the idea of becoming excited or "keyed up" to emotional stimulation.

The clue "Job for a stage assistant, maybe?" suggests a possible task on stage. The stage assistant helps coordinate performances, and "cuing" refers to prompting performers or crew for their next action or line. The wordplay emphasizes this specific role without directly stating it, making "CUING" the apt answer.

SHIRAZ, also known as Syrah, is a red wine grape very popular in Australia, where it thrives due to the warm climate. It is widely grown and celebrated, producing rich, bold wines. Australia is globally recognized for its high-quality Shiraz, making it a fitting answer to this clue.

A 1-Up is an extra life that lets Mario continue after losing all his health. It can be found in hidden blocks, earned by collecting 100 coins or obtained through special items and tricks.

The clue uses "total dummkopf," a German word for a foolish or incompetent person, hinting at ineptitude. "How ... might handle something" asks for an adverb describing poor execution. INEPTLY fits perfectly, as it means doing something in a clumsy or unskilled manner, matching the behaviors of a "dummkopf."

The phrase "In jest" means something said or done humorously or not seriously, which aligns with the expression "AS A JOKE." The answer captures the meaning of acting or speaking in a joking or playful manner, fitting perfectly with the clue's intent.

The answer "DENSEST" fits because New Jersey has the highest population density among U.S. states. Population density measures the number of people per unit area, and New Jersey, though small in size, has a very high population, making it the densest state population-wise.

The phrase "In the very recent past" refers to something that just happened or not long ago. The solution, ADAYAGO, breaks down as "a day ago," which perfectly fits the clue's description of a time very near the present.

The answer "SATINS" fits the clue "Gown fabrics" because satin is a luxurious, smooth, and shiny fabric often used to make elegant gowns and formal attire. The clue is plural, suggesting multiple fabrics, which aligns with "Satins," indicating different types or varieties of this material.

The answer is ARNE because Arne Duncan served as the U.S. Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2015. The blank in the clue asks for this specific person’s name, and "Arne" is his first name.

The clue "Razor blades?" with a question mark signals wordplay. Here, "Razor" refers to a lawn tool, and "blades" hints at grass blades. A lawn mower ("mow") cuts or "blades" through grass, making MOW the perfect pun-based solution.

The clue "Cozy corners" refers to small, comfortable, and snug spaces, often associated with corners of a room. The term "nooks" perfectly fits this description, as it means little, secluded spaces where one might relax or feel cozy. The plural also matches the plural in the clue.

The clue "Alternative to 'sparkling'" refers to types of water. "Sparkling" water is carbonated, while "tap" water is the non-carbonated, still alternative that comes directly from the faucet. Therefore, TAP is the logical answer.

"Mamma mia!" is one of Mario's signature exclamations, heard throughout many games when he's surprised, frustrated or reacting to something unexpected. Along with "It's-a me, Mario!", it's one of the character's most recognizable catchphrases.

Like FIREF, MUSH is intentionally incomplete. When combined with ROOM from 30-Down, it becomes MUSHROOM, the iconic Super Mushroom that makes Mario grow larger. The green pipes visually connect the two halves of the answer.

The clue "Flowed (from)" hints at something originating or spreading outward. "Emanated" means to flow out or issue from a source, perfectly matching the definition. The parenthetical "from" reinforces this, emphasizing the origin of the flow, making EMANATED the precise answer.

In film noir, private investigators often play key roles, unraveling dark mysteries and crimes. "For short" in the clue indicates an abbreviation, making "PIs" (short for private investigators) the correct answer. This term aligns with the clue's context of noir's classic detective characters.

The clue "Give for a time" suggests temporarily providing something. "Loan out" is a term used when lending items (like books or tools) for a limited period, fitting the clue perfectly. "Out" emphasizes the action of temporarily transferring possession, aligning with "for a time."

The abbreviation "STE" stands for "Suite," which is commonly used in business addresses to denote a specific office or unit within a larger building. As the clue specifies "abbr." (abbreviation), STE fits perfectly as it shortens "Suite" for concise address formatting.

The GMC Sierra is a well-known model of a pickup truck, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Popular GMC pickup." As "pickup" refers to the category of vehicle, and GMC is a brand specializing in trucks, SIERRA is the correct solution.

The clue "Proceeds like congested traffic" suggests movement that is extremely slow, mimicking how traffic advances during congestion. The word "CRAWLS" describes this sluggish, near-halted progress, capturing the imagery of traffic inching forward in a crawl-like manner. The pun-like nature fits well with the clue.

The answer is ELBERT because Mount Elbert, located in Colorado, is the tallest peak in the Rocky Mountains, standing at 14,440 feet. The clue directly references the highest peak in the Rockies, making ELBERT the precise and fitting solution.

The clue "Mumbled stumbles" plays on how people may stumble over their words when speaking. "Ers" mimics the hesitant, filler sounds like "er" or "um" that people often utter when struggling to articulate thoughts or stammering, hence representing verbal stumbles.

"Daises" hints at platforms or stages where people stand, like podiums. The plural form of "podium" is "podia," which fits both the pun and definition, making PODIA the correct answer.

The clue "Sorry, my calendar's full" is a conversational phrase expressing an inability to commit due to a busy schedule. The answer "ICANT" (short for "I can't") mirrors this spoken expression, making it a fitting and concise response to convey the same sentiment.

The term "LAGS" means to fall behind or move slower compared to others, aligning directly with the clue "Falls behind." It captures the idea of delay or reduction in pace, making it the perfect fit for the prompt’s meaning.

The clue "?!?!?!?!" reflects surprise, confusion, or disbelief, often expressed verbally as "WHAT." The punctuation mimics a reaction one might have when stunned or baffled, capturing the tone of bewilderment. Therefore, "WHAT" aptly matches the emotional and verbal response conveyed by the clue.

The clue "Sensible" aligns with the answer "SANE" because both suggest rationality or sound judgment. "SANE" is commonly used to describe someone who is mentally stable and reasonable, which directly ties to the concept of being "sensible" or practical in thinking and behavior.

The clue specifies "in German," indicating the answer is a German word. "Ein" translates to "one" in German, aligning with the phrase "once and for all" ("Ein für alle Mal"). Thus, EIN is the correct solution as part of this German expression.

The answer "STOP" fits because a rest in music signifies a pause or stopping point. Additionally, "STOP" can literally follow the word "rest" to form the phrase "rest stop," a place for pauses during travel. The double use of "rest" ties this answer neatly to the clue.

The clue "Small bite abroad" suggests a foreign term for a small portion of food. "Tapa" is a Spanish word referring to a small appetizer or snack often served with drinks in Spain. The use of "abroad" hints at a non-English term, making TAPA the correct answer.

The clue "Makeup of a certain web?" uses a pun. While it could suggest an actual spider's web, it metaphorically refers to a "web of lies," a term for deceit or falsehoods spun together. Thus, "LIES" is the appropriate answer for this misleading "web."

The clue "Docs who really get in your face?" uses a pun. "ENTs" stands for Ear, Nose, and Throat doctors, specialists who examine areas on your face and head closely. The playful wording of "get in your face" refers to their medical focus.

NIH stands for the National Institutes of Health, a U.S. government agency responsible for biomedical and public health research. As "Medical research ctr." suggests an abbreviation for a major medical research center, NIH fits perfectly as it spearheads crucial health-related studies and advancements.

The answer "RAS" stands for "Resident Assistants," who are student leaders in college dormitories. They provide guidance, enforce rules, and support fellow students. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating the use of an abbreviation, making "RAS" the correct, concise answer.