NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The clue "Curve that gives one pause?" uses wordplay. A comma (",") is a punctuation mark shaped like a small curve, and it literally creates a pause in a sentence. The pun ties the "curve" to the visual shape of the comma and its function of pausing.

"U-boat" is short for "Unterseeboot," meaning "undersea boat" in German. These were German submarines used notably in World War I and II, making them a famous type of German war vessel. The clue directly refers to this historical term.

The clue "What a stepstool provides" leads to the answer "BOOST" because a stepstool physically elevates or "boosts" someone to a higher level, helping them reach something out of their normal range. The connection is straightforward, as a stepstool gives you a literal boost.

The clue "Mood" and the answer "SENTIMENT" are connected because both refer to an emotional state or feeling. SENTIMENT specifically conveys an attitude or emotion associated with a thought or situation, making it synonymous with "mood" in this context.

The clue "Reminder of a past fight, maybe" ends with "maybe," signaling wordplay or ambiguity. A SCAR is a physical mark left on the body from a wound, often from a fight or injury, serving as a literal reminder of that past battle or altercation. It fits both the figurative and literal context.

The clue "Karaoke choice" directly points to something you choose to perform at karaoke. Typically, participants select a SONG to sing, making it the perfect fit for the answer. It’s straightforward and ties directly to the primary activity of karaoke.

The answer "NOCAP" comes from Gen Z slang, meaning "no lie" or "for real." "Cap" refers to lying or exaggerating, so "no cap" emphasizes honesty or truthfulness, making it the perfect fit for the clue "For real, to Gen Z."

The answer "BEFELL" is correct because it means something that occurred or happened, often unexpectedly or by chance. "Happened to" directly aligns with this definition, as it signifies an event or occurrence that took place. The past tense of "befall" fits the clue's past tense phrasing.

The clue refers to Ilana Glazer, one of the creators, writers, and stars of the TV show Broad City. She portrays the character Ilana Wexler in the comedy series, making ILANA the fitting answer for this clue.

The answer is OLDER because Stonehenge predates the Parthenon by thousands of years. Stonehenge, constructed around 3000–2000 BCE, is a prehistoric monument, while the Parthenon, built in ancient Greece, dates back to 447–432 BCE. Thus, Stonehenge is chronologically "older" than the Parthenon.

The clue "Sibyls" refers to prophetic women in ancient mythology reputed for their ability to foresee the future. SEERS is the solution because it means individuals who can predict or foresee events, aligning directly with the role of Sibyls as oracles or prophets.

The clue "End of story!" is phrased in quotes, indicating it's a spoken phrase. "Period" is often used to emphasize finality or to signify the end of a statement, much like how a period is used to conclude a sentence, literally marking the "end" of a story.

The word "DECOR" refers to the style and design of a space, including furniture, lighting, and decorations. In a restaurant, décor is a key part of its ambience, setting the mood and atmosphere diners experience. Therefore, it fits as an element of a restaurant's ambience.

The answer "DLIST" refers to the term "D-list," which is used humorously to describe lower-tier celebrities. Kathy Griffin's Bravo show, "My Life on the D-List," revolved around her satirical view of her own career as a comedian and her status in Hollywood. This aligns perfectly with the clue.

The word "Possess" means to have or hold something as one's own. "Own" is a synonym for "possess," as it conveys the idea of having ownership or control over something. Hence, "Own" perfectly fits as the answer to the clue.

In a wedding, the best man traditionally gives a speech to honor the couple, often raising a glass to make a "toast" in celebration. The clue plays on the word "make," referring both to delivering a speech and offering a ceremonial drink. Thus, the answer is TOAST.

The clue "Part of a brass band" directly refers to an instrument found in a brass band. The tuba, a large, brass wind instrument, is a key component of such ensembles, known for producing low, resonant tones that provide the bass foundation. Hence, TUBA is the correct answer.

The clue "Checked like a bouncer, for short" refers to how bouncers check IDs at venues. "IDED" is the abbreviation for "ID-ed" (shortened form of "checked someone's ID"). The clue's phrasing "for short" signals the use of an abbreviation.

The clue "Blotto" is slang for being extremely drunk or intoxicated. "GONE" works as the answer because it is also slang for being heavily drunk or out of it, aligning with the informal tone of the clue.

The clue "Not straight up, in a way" uses wordplay. "Not straight up" hints at something slanted or indirect. "In a way" implies a phrase or idiom. The answer "ONICE" reflects the expression "on ice," meaning held in reserve or paused, figuratively not straightforwardly active.

The answer "BARK" fits because it refers to the sharp, loud sound a dog makes, which metaphorically describes giving curt, loud orders. "BARK" captures the tone of someone speaking abruptly and commandingly, matching the clue's description of delivering orders "loudly and curtly."

The clue "Corner" could be referencing the corner of a square space or structure, such as a room or a plot of land. A TREE can often be seen growing or placed in the corner of yards or parks, providing a fitting, figurative answer.

To determine why "USSR" fits as the answer for "See 36-Across," you need to reference the clue for 36-Across. Typically, "See [number]-Across" means the current answer is directly linked to or forms part of the phrase or relationship in 36-Across. Check that clue for context.

The answer is STAGENAME because both Nicki Minaj and Iggy Pop are not their real names but rather the pseudonyms they use professionally as performers. A "stage name" is commonly adopted by artists to craft a memorable public identity.

The clue "Neighbor of an Emirati" refers to someone from a country bordering the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Emirati denotes someone from the UAE. Oman borders the UAE to the southeast, and its citizens are called Omanis. Thus, OMANI is the correct answer as it represents the neighbor.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Some gummies, often labeled as edibles, are infused with THC as the active ingredient to produce its effects. The clue refers to these cannabis-derived products, making THC the correct answer.

"Submit" in this clue means to yield or agree to a request or demand, which matches the definition of ACCEDE. ACCEDE is often used to describe giving in or consenting, aligning perfectly with the clue’s meaning.

The answer "MIDIS" refers to midi skirts, which are a specific style of skirts that fall to the mid-calf length. The clue "Certain skirts" points to a particular category, and "midi" is a well-known term in fashion for this length of skirt.

The MEKONG River flows through six Asian countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It's one of Asia's most significant rivers, making it a perfect match for the clue. The clue directly describes this geographical fact, leading to MEKONG as the answer.

The clue "Throw out" directly aligns with the meaning of EJECT, which means to force out or expel something or someone. Both terms imply a physical or metaphorical act of removal, making EJECT the fitting solution for this straightforward clue.

The answer "SALMA" refers to Salma Hayek, a well-known Mexican-American actress recognized for her roles in films like Frida and Desperado. The clue directly asks for her last name and doesn’t involve wordplay, making the answer straightforward.

The answer "SCION" fits the clue "Notable descendant" because "scion" refers to a descendant, particularly of a notable or influential family, and is often used to describe heirs of distinguished lineages. It perfectly captures the idea of a prominent or significant descendant.

The answer "ERIVO" refers to Cynthia Erivo, a renowned actress and singer who played the role of Elphaba in the 2021 London production of the musical Wicked. Her acclaimed performances make her the fitting solution to the clue.

The clue "Standard" directly refers to something typical, customary, or routine, which aligns with the definition of "USUAL." Both words describe something occurring in a regular or expected manner, making USUAL the perfect solution for this straightforward clue.

The clue "Podiatric maladies" refers to foot-related health issues (podiatry deals with feet). CORNS are a common foot condition where thickened skin forms due to friction or pressure, classifying them as podiatric maladies. This makes CORNS the fitting solution for this clue.

The answer "ENSUE" fits the clue "Follow" because it means to occur as a result or consequence, or to come after in time or order. This aligns with the definition of "follow," making it a clear and logical solution.

The clue "Rare golf scores" points to very uncommon golf achievements. In golf, a score of "one" represents a hole-in-one, which is rare. "Scores" in the clue refers to specific results, and "ones" fits as the plural form, representing these rare occurrences. Hence, the answer is ONES.

Freelancers work independently and are self-employed, meaning they don't have a direct supervisor or employer to report to. A "BOSS" is someone who oversees or manages workers, which is something freelancers inherently lack in their professional structure. This wordplay fits perfectly.