NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The clue "It may lead to a second opinion" involves wordplay. The word "ALSO" suggests "too" or "in addition," which can metaphorically lead you to consider another perspective or opinion. It subtly implies reviewing an alternative viewpoint or adding more input to form a second opinion.

The clue "Shape-shifters?" includes a question mark, signaling wordplay. BLOBS, which are formless, irregular shapes, humorously fits as they can "shift" into various undefined forms, embodying the idea of mutable shapes. The pun plays on their lack of a fixed shape, making them "shifters."

The answer "MUSH" fits "Shapeless stuff" because mush is a soft, amorphous substance, often used to describe something lacking structure or form, like a soft mass of food or a formless mixture. It aptly captures the concept of something shapeless and undefined.

The answer is SIAM because it was the historic name for Thailand, and its flag from 1855 to 1916 featured a red background with a white elephant, symbolizing royalty and strength in Thai culture. This clue references the country's earlier identity and its distinctive flag design.

RADON is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in foundations. It’s odorless, colorless, and poses a serious health risk, as prolonged exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer. This makes RADON a fitting answer for the clue "Home health risk."

The answer is ASHE, referring to Arthur Ashe, a legendary tennis player and civil rights activist. Ashe, known for winning multiple Grand Slam titles and breaking racial barriers in tennis, was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993 for his contributions to sports and social justice.

The term "KEYBOARD WARRIOR" colloquially describes someone who engages in heated debates or arguments online, often from behind the safety of a keyboard. The phrase captures the idea of someone being bold or combative in internet discussions without face-to-face confrontation, fitting the clue perfectly.

The answer "SUTRA" fits because it refers to a scripture or teaching in Buddhism (and Hinduism). Sutras are texts containing the core teachings of the Buddha, often written concisely to guide spiritual practice and study. The clue directly points to this term as it describes Buddhist scripture.

The clue "Like some relations" refers to relationships that are tense or difficult. The word "STRAINED" describes such relations, as it means stressed or under tension, making it the perfect fit for the clue. The answer relates to interpersonal dynamics rather than familial ones specifically.

The answer "HERO" fits because first responders, such as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, are often seen as heroes by many due to their bravery and selflessness in emergency situations. The clue acknowledges public perception of their heroic acts.

The answer is OILING because a common maintenance task for sliding glass doors is applying oil or lubricant to the tracks or rollers. This reduces friction and ensures smooth operation, preventing squeaking or sticking. "Bit of maintenance" suggests routine care, and OILING fits this requirement perfectly.

The clue "Made a fast break?" involves a pun. "Fast" can mean abstaining from food, and "break" refers to breaking that fast. "Made a fast break" humorously describes eating after fasting, leading to the answer "ATE."

The answer "SWINE" fits the clue "Boorish sorts" because "swine" figuratively refers to people who behave poorly, rudely, or uncivilly—qualities associated with being "boorish." This metaphor draws on the negative connotations of pigs being messy or unrefined, paralleling the behavior of such individuals.

The answer is SATIN because "Satin Doll" is a famous jazz standard composed by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It’s one of Ellington's most iconic pieces, making SATIN the fitting word to complete the title in the clue.

The clue [Just like that!] is enclosed in brackets, signaling a nonverbal expression or sound. "BAM" is an exclamation often used to represent something happening suddenly or instantaneously, perfectly matching the meaning of "Just like that!" in an emphatic sense.

NSF stands for the National Science Foundation, a U.S. government agency that funds research and provides fellowships and grants to graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The clue directly points to a well-known organization offering such support.

The answer "JETHRO" refers to Jethro Tull, an 18th-century English agriculturist. He pioneered advancements in farming, most notably the seed drill, which revolutionized agriculture by planting seeds efficiently and uniformly. This innovation greatly boosted crop yields, making him a key figure in agricultural history.

The clue "Lemme be straight with you" is a spoken phrase signaling a straightforward or honest opinion. The answer, "ICALLEMASISEEEM," mirrors this idea, as it phonetically represents "I call 'em as I see 'em," a colloquial expression for being bluntly honest or calling things as they are.

The clue "Turndown?" with a question mark suggests wordplay or a pun. "Dogear" refers to the act of folding down the corner of a book page, resembling a "turning down" motion. It plays on the idea of both literally turning down and the shape of a dog's ear.

The answer "VAN" works because vans are commonly rented for short-term purposes like moving, group trips, or deliveries. The clue hints at this practical use, as many people rent vans temporarily rather than owning them. It's a straightforward, practical connection.

The answer "ONA" completes the phrase "on a power trip," a common idiom describing someone acting arrogantly or abusively due to authority or control. The clue's blank invites the phrase's natural continuation, and "on a" fits contextually and grammatically to form the expression.

The clue "Endorse virtually" leads to ESIGN because to "virtually endorse" something often refers to signing documents electronically, or e-signing. The "E" represents the digital aspect, and "sign" is the act of endorsement, making ESIGN the fitting solution.

The Clintons' White House cat, named Socks, was famous for its distinctive white paws, which resembled socks. The clue directly references this unique feature as the origin of the cat’s name, making "SOCKS" the fitting answer.

The answer "LED" works for the clue "Steered" because "led" is the past tense of "lead," which means to guide, direct, or steer something or someone. It fits as a synonym for "steered" in this context.

The South Pole-Aitken basin on the moon is a massive impact feature, created by an asteroid collision, and is classified as a CRATER. The clue describes it as an example ("e.g."), linking the basin to the general term "crater," which defines such formations caused by impacts.

The answer "SOLD" fits because it represents a common sign added above real estate signs to indicate a property is no longer available for purchase. The clue suggests a literal interpretation ("sign above") that aligns with real estate terminology, making "SOLD" the fitting and logical solution.

The answer is AIWEIWEI because he is a renowned Chinese contemporary artist and activist known for thought-provoking works. His "Map of China" piece, made from salvaged wood, represents his cultural critiques and commentary on identity, history, and politics. The clue directly references the artist behind this iconic work.

The term "blue-blooded" refers to aristocracy or nobility, stemming from the idea that nobility had "blue blood" due to their fair skin showing veins. Thus, the answer "NOBLE" directly ties to this traditional metaphor for someone of high social rank.

"CROSSATTHEGREEN" is the solution because it’s a directive to pedestrians to cross the street legally and safely at a green traffic signal, instead of jaywalking (crossing elsewhere or against traffic signals). The phrase emphasizes following traffic rules, directly aligning with the clue's context.

The word "Emporium" refers to a marketplace or trading center. Similarly, a "MART" is a place where goods are bought and sold, making it a synonym for Emporium. Both terms are often used to describe commercial establishments for shopping or trade.

The clue "According to reports ..." suggests something heard or reported. The phrase "I hear" is commonly used to indicate receiving information or rumors from others, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning. It's a conversational way of relaying hearsay or reports. Hence, the answer is IHEAR.

The answer "NANO" refers to the iPod Nano, a discontinued model of Apple's iPod music player. It was compact and notable for its small size, aligning with the term "nano," meaning tiny. The clue specifies "Onetime," highlighting the device is no longer produced.

The clue "Closes" directly relates to the word ENDS because "closes" can mean finishing or terminating something, which is synonymous with "ends." Both terms signify the conclusion of an event, action, or process, making ENDS the appropriate answer.

The answer "NESTS" fits because it evokes the image of something fitting snugly or cozily, just like a bird settles comfortably into its nest. The word also metaphorically suggests a cozy, secure, well-fitting space, aligning perfectly with the clue "Fits cozily."

The answer "ANTS" fits because ants are famously industrious and cooperative creatures, often symbolizing hard work and teamwork. The subtitle "Workers of the World" is a clever nod to their organized, collective labor, paralleling how ants tirelessly collaborate in colonies around the world.