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NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

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Across

  • In bowling, a "frame" refers to one of the ten divisions of a game. Each frame allows the player to roll twice (or thrice in the final frame) to knock down pins. It's the standard scoring unit in the game, making "FRAME" the fitting answer.

  • The answer is DUST because a Roomba, a robotic vacuum, is designed specifically to clean floors by picking up particles like dust and debris. "Target" in the clue refers to what the Roomba is aimed at removing during its cleaning process.

  • This entry works only with 70-Across. Together they make the phrase HIGH FIVE, a celebratory gesture.

  • The clue "Touch-and-go" is a metaphor for something risky or uncertain, similar to the unpredictability of rolling dice. "Dicey" is a term that means precarious, uncertain, or risky, making it a perfect match for the clue's wordplay element.

  • "Opening stake" refers to the initial money placed in games like poker before the deal begins. The term for this mandatory bet is "ANTE," which players must contribute to participate, making it an apt fit for the clue.

  • The solution "AGOG" fits the clue "Awestruck" because "agog" means being highly excited, eager, or full of wonder, which aligns perfectly with the state of being awestruck—overwhelmed with amazement or admiration. It's a direct synonym, making it an accurate and fitting choice.

  • The answer "ICARE" fits the clue "Words of empathy" because it is a simple, direct phrase that conveys compassion or concern. When someone says, "I care," they express empathy for another person's feelings or situation, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.

  • The solution "MIRE" fits the clue "Bog down" because "mire" literally refers to wet, swampy ground, like a bog. Figuratively, "mire" means to become stuck or entangled in difficulty, aligning perfectly with the phrase "bog down." Both convey being trapped or hindered.

  • ROLO is the solution because it is a well-known brand of candy that consists of caramel filled inside a milk chocolate shell. The clue directly describes its signature feature, making ROLO a fitting answer.

  • The clue "Fast-food alternative to a nugget" points to another popular chicken-based menu item at fast-food restaurants. CHICKEN TENDERS are strips of breaded and fried chicken, typically larger and more substantial than nuggets, making them a clear alternative. The phrase emphasizes their widespread availability and similarity.

  • The clue "Hyphenated brand of fruit-flavored drinks" refers to Hi-C, a well-known fruit drink brand. The hyphen in the brand name ("Hi-C") matches the clue's "hyphenated" description. Additionally, Hi-C is famous for its fruit flavor options, making it the perfect fit for this clue.

  • The phrase "Pie ___ mode" refers to the dessert serving style "pie à la mode," which means pie served with ice cream. The word "à la" is commonly shortened to "ALA" in crosswords for simplicity, making it the correct answer here.

  • In golf, "par" is the standard number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a hole. This number is typically 3, 4, or 5 depending on the hole's length and difficulty, making "PAR" the correct answer to the clue.

  • The clue "Headwear usually worn metaphorically" hints at something figurative, not literal. A "thinking cap" is an imaginary headpiece symbolizing concentration or problem-solving. It's "worn" metaphorically when one is deep in thought or brainstorming, perfectly matching the clue's playful tone and intent.

  • The clue "Free souvenirs" suggests wordplay. SWAG refers to promotional items like t-shirts, tote bags, or keychains, given away for free at events or by companies as souvenirs. It's a creative use of "free" to imply giveaway items rather than monetary cost.

  • The answer is ONO because "Oh Yoko!" is a 1971 song by John Lennon, dedicated to his wife, Yoko Ono. As a prominent figure in his life, Yoko Ono's last name fits perfectly as the three-letter solution for this clue.

  • The answer is TEPEES because they were traditional, portable homes used by Plains tribes, such as the Lakota and Cheyenne. Made from wooden poles and animal hides, tepees (or tipis) were ideal for nomadic lifestyles, offering easy setup and transport across the open Plains.

  • The clue "Feel me?" mimics casual, colloquial speech, often used to ask if someone understands or agrees. "Ya dig?" is slang for "Do you understand?" making "YADIG" the perfect fit for this conversational phrase in its written form.

  • The clue "Walgreens rival" refers to another major pharmacy chain competing with Walgreens. CVS is a well-known competitor in the same industry, offering similar products and services. This clue is straightforward, relying on the common knowledge of big pharmacy retailers in the U.S.

  • The answer is SALSA because it has a dual meaning. SALSA is both a lively Latin dance and a spicy, flavorful dip commonly enjoyed with chips. The clue's "or" indicates a word with multiple associations, making SALSA the perfect fit. The wordplay adds to the clue's charm!

  • The answer "OSIRIS" fits because Osiris is a major deity in Egyptian mythology known as the god of the underworld and the afterlife. He ruled over judgment of the souls and resurrection, making him the quintessential choice for this clue about an Egyptian underworld god.

  • The term "hunky-dory" means "everything is fine" or "okay," which aligns with the informal phrase "AOK" (short for "all OK"). Both express a state of being good or satisfactory, making AOK the correct and fitting solution for this clue.

  • "SLOT" fits as the solution for "Schedule opening" because a "slot" refers to a specific time or position reserved in a schedule for an event or activity. Essentially, it represents an "opening" or available spot within a timetable.

  • The answer is PHIL JACKSON because he was the head coach of the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan's career peak and the Los Angeles Lakers during Kobe Bryant's prime. Jackson is renowned for his success, winning 11 NBA championships as a coach, often with these two legendary players.

  • The answer "OPS" is short for "operations," commonly used to refer to "photo ops" or "photo opportunities." These are staged media events designed specifically for photographs or publicity, matching the clue's context. The blank indicates the common phrase "photo ops."

  • The answer "OVA" is correct because "ova" is the plural of "ovum," which are egg cells in female organisms. In biological fertilization, sperm cells target these ova to combine genetic material and create embryos, making them literal "fertilization targets."

  • The answer "NEW" fits "Without precedent" since something new has not been seen, done, or experienced before—hence, without prior example or precedent. This aligns with the definition of the word "new," emphasizing originality or novelty.

  • The solution "GREETINGCARDS" works because Hallmark is famously known for producing greeting cards. Additionally, the "hint to what to find in the circled squares" suggests that phrases or words related to types of greeting cards (e.g., "Birthday," "Thank You") might appear within the circled squares in the puzzle.

  • MPAA stands for the Motion Picture Association of America, which was responsible for rating films in the U.S. from 1968 to 2019. It assigned ratings like G, PG, and R to guide viewers on content suitability, fitting "Longtime film rating org." perfectly.

  • The clue "Encouraging start?" with a question mark suggests wordplay. "ATTA" is a common exclamation of encouragement, often part of the phrase "Atta boy!" or "Atta girl!" The wordplay here hints at "atta" as the start of an encouraging phrase.

  • The clue "Secure with ropes" directly describes the action of fastening or binding something using ropes. "TIEUP" refers to tying or fastening an object securely, often with ropes. It perfectly fits the clue's intention, aligning with the literal meaning of securing something tightly.

  • The answer "EONS" fits because it refers to extremely long periods of time, often perceived as "seeming eternities." This aligns perfectly with the clue's implication of vastness or endless spans, making "EONS" the appropriate choice.

  • The answer "LOAM" fits because loam is a type of soil that is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, making it ideal for plant growth. Its fertility and ability to retain moisture and nutrients make it a perfect match for the clue "Fertile soil."

  • AVEDA is the solution because it is a well-known brand that offers vegan, cruelty-free skin, hair, and beauty products. The company is recognized for its commitment to using plant-based ingredients and sustainable practices, aligning with the clue's reference to vegan skin products.

  • Paired with 10-Across, it forms HIGH FIVE, clued as another friendly greeting or gesture.

  • The answer "LYLE" refers to Lyle Lovett, a renowned American singer-songwriter and actor known for his unique blend of country, folk, and jazz music. The clue directly points to the surname of this famous artist, making "LYLE" the correct and straightforward solution.

  • The answer "REFER" fits because when someone is sent to a specialist, such as a doctor, they are often "referred" by another professional. "Send" aligns with the act of referring, and "to a specialist" specifies the context where referral commonly occurs.

Down

  • FDIC stands for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, established in 1933 after the Great Depression to restore trust in the banking system. It “backs” banks by insuring depositors' money in case of bank failures. As a “group” since 1933, FDIC fits perfectly with the clue.

  • The clue "Very well-off" directly links to the word "RICH," which describes someone with significant wealth or prosperity. Both phrases are synonymous, as "rich" commonly means affluent or having an abundance of resources, aligning perfectly with the given clue.

  • The answer is ACAI because the açaí berry is widely regarded as a "superfood" due to its high levels of antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats. Known for its deep purple color, it’s often used in smoothie bowls and health foods, fitting the category described in the clue.

  • The clue "Purchased souvenirs, informally" suggests a casual or shorthand term for items bought as memorabilia. "MERCH" is short for "merchandise," often referring to souvenir items like t-shirts, hats, or memorabilia from events or places, aligning perfectly with the casual tone of the clue.

  • The answer is EYEKIT because it refers to a specific set of makeup products designed for the eyes, including items like eyeshadow ("shadow") and mascara. The clue describes exactly what an "eye kit" typically contains, making it the fitting solution.

  • The clue "Shucks!," only stronger suggests a word expressing slightly more intense frustration or disappointment. "Shucks!" is mild, while "Damn" is a stronger yet still colloquial expression of dismay. The quotation marks in the clue indicate a spoken exclamation, making DAMN the perfect fit.

  • The answer "UNIT" fits because a condo is an individual section or part of a larger building, often referred to as a "unit." The clue uses "e.g." (for example) to indicate that a condo is one example of this type of division.

  • The clue "Run out of clothes?" ends with a question mark, signaling a pun. "Run" can refer to dashing or sprinting, and "out of clothes" suggests being naked. Together, this hints at "STREAK," which means running while nude – often in a humorous or rebellious context.

  • The answer is TEENLIT because "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games" are popular books primarily targeted at teenage audiences, fitting the "teen literature" or TEENLIT genre. The clue directly refers to the literary category these series belong to.

  • The clue "Uber cost" directly refers to the price you pay for an Uber ride, which is commonly referred to as a "FARE." It's a straightforward term used for the cost of transportation services, such as taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber.

  • The answer is IGOR because Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971) was a renowned composer known for his groundbreaking works like The Rite of Spring and The Firebird. The clue directly refers to him, using his last name to prompt his first name. This is a straightforward general knowledge clue.

  • The clue "Button on a remote: Abbr." suggests the answer is an abbreviated term commonly found on remote controls. "VOL" is short for "volume," a standard button on remotes for adjusting audio levels, making it the fitting solution here.

  • In Freudian psychology, the "Id" represents primal desires, while the "Ego" acts as the rational mediator, balancing the Id and Superego. Hence, "Id's counterpart" refers to the EGO, as they are opposing components of the human psyche in this framework.

  • The clue "Amazon speaker" refers to a product made by Amazon. The Amazon Echo is a smart speaker equipped with the virtual assistant Alexa. The word "speaker" directly points to the Echo device, which plays music, answers questions, and performs tasks. Hence, ECHO is the correct answer.

  • The clue "Copenhageners, e.g." refers to people from Copenhagen, which is the capital of Denmark. The term "Danes" specifically describes people from Denmark. Since Copenhageners are Danish, the correct answer is "DANES." The "e.g." indicates an example of such people.

  • The answer "PSYOP" stands for "Psychological Operations," a military strategy using psychological tactics to influence perceptions and behaviors of adversaries, allies, or civilians. The clue's "mind game" hints at psychological manipulation, and "for short" indicates an abbreviation, leading to PSYOP as the solution.

  • The answer "AWASH" fits the clue "Covered with water" because the word describes something flooded, submerged, or overflowing with water, like a surface or area. It directly matches the meaning of being enveloped or drenched in water, hence "covered with water."

  • The diameter of a circle is twice the length of its radius. Halving a diameter gives you the radius. "Radii" is the plural form of radius, fitting grammatically with "diameters." Thus, RADII is the correct answer to "Diameters halved."

  • The answer "INC" refers to Inc. magazine, a well-known American business publication focused on entrepreneurship and growing companies. The clue plays directly on the exact title of the magazine, making this a straightforward solution.

  • The clue "Tennis star Djokovic" directly refers to Novak Djokovic, a world-renowned professional tennis player from Serbia. His first name, NOVAK, is the solution to this straightforward clue, as it identifies him by his commonly used name in the sport.

  • The clue "4.0s are excellent ones" refers to grade point averages (GPAs), a measure of academic performance. A 4.0 GPA represents perfect or excellent grades in the U.S. education system, aligning perfectly with the clue's description of "excellent ones."

  • The answer is CELLO because it's a stringed instrument played while seated and supported by a spike on the floor. Its size often matches or exceeds the height of the seated musician, making it distinctive among such instruments. Its rich tone and recognizable shape further confirm this solution.

  • AESOP is the famed ancient Greek storyteller known for his fables, which often conveyed moral lessons. His works, like "The Tortoise and the Hare," epitomize the teaching of morals through storytelling, making him fittingly described as a "Man of morals" in the clue.

  • The answer "PSATS" refers to the Preliminary SAT, a standardized test commonly taken by high school sophomores (sophs.) and juniors (jrs.) as preparation for the SAT. It also qualifies juniors for the National Merit Scholarship. The clue abbreviates "high school," matching the shortened form of "PSATs."

  • The clue "You go, ___!" is a common supportive phrase, often used to cheer someone on. The missing word completes the phrase “You go, girl!”—a popular expression of encouragement or empowerment, especially directed at a woman. Hence, the correct answer is GIRL.

  • The answer is "GIJOE" because GI Joe is a well-known action figure representing a soldier. As a figurine, it can "stand at attention indefinitely," playing on the literal ability of the toy to stand still forever, while the clue uses a pun on military discipline.

  • "SOS" is the solution because it’s the universally recognized distress signal used in emergencies, often by castaways stranded on an island. It's simple, easy to signal (e.g., with lights or writing in the sand), and aligns perfectly with the idea of a "call for help."

  • The phrase "SAVEALL" fits as a "Loss-prevention command" because it refers to a directive often used in computing to prevent data loss. By saving all progress or work at once, the command ensures no information is accidentally lost—a perfect connection to loss prevention.

  • The clue "Donkey ___ (game)" refers to the classic arcade video game "Donkey Kong." In this game, players control Mario as he navigates levels to rescue a character from Donkey Kong, the titular antagonist. The blank is filled with "KONG" to complete the game's name.

  • The clue "Laser pointer or rubber mouse" hints at items associated with cats. Both a laser pointer and a rubber mouse are popular objects used to entertain or engage cats, making them "cat toys." The playful nature of the clue matches the straightforward answer: CATTOY.

  • The solution "NECTAR" fits the clue "Sweet drink" because nectar is a naturally sweet liquid produced by flowers, often consumed by pollinators like bees. Additionally, in mythological contexts, it is referred to as a divine, sweet drink of the gods, perfectly aligning with the clue's description.

  • The word "WAIVE" precisely means to voluntarily give up or relinquish a right or claim, aligning directly with the clue. This legal term is often used to describe the act of surrendering a right willingly, without coercion. It fits the definition provided by the clue seamlessly.

  • The clue "Jets or Sharks not found in the N.H.L.?" uses wordplay. While "Jets" might suggest the Winnipeg Jets (an NHL team), here it refers to the rival gangs in West Side Story (Jets and Sharks). Since they aren't NHL teams, the answer is "GANG."

  • The answer "RASH" fits the clue "Reckless" because both describe acting without sufficient thought or consideration. "Reckless" conveys impulsiveness or carelessness, just as "RASH" suggests hasty, unwise decisions without regard for consequences. The terms are essentially synonymous in this context.

  • The clue "Slanted type: Abbr." refers to a style of text formatting known as italic, where text is slanted to the right. The abbreviation "Abbr." signals the answer will be shortened, making "ITAL" (short for italic) the correct solution.

  • The answer is NAME because "pen name," "pet name," and "proper name" are all common phrases. Each term represents a type of name: a pseudonym (pen name), an affectionate nickname (pet name), and a formal designation (proper name), making NAME the fitting word to follow each.

  • The answer is REEF because coral reefs are underwater ecosystems that support diverse marine life but are endangered due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing. The clue directly references these ecosystems, making REEF the correct fit.

  • The clue "Bro" suggests an informal term used to address or refer to someone in a friendly way, typically among males. "DUDE" is a slang term similar in meaning and tone to "bro," making it the perfect solution. Both words are casual and interchangeable in context.

  • The clue "Trade punches" refers to a friendly or practice fight, particularly in boxing. To "spar" means to engage in such an exchange of punches, often as a training exercise or verbal back-and-forth, fitting the clue's meaning.

  • The answer "MEH" fits because it is a commonly used, nonchalant expression of indifference or lack of enthusiasm, perfectly capturing an "Unimpressed reaction." It's informal, often spoken, and conveys apathy, matching the tone of the clue. The brevity aligns with crossword conventions for concise answers.

  • The answer is POI because it is a traditional Hawaiian dish made by mashing cooked taro root into a paste, often associated with luaus. As the clue specifies "Luau paste," this directly points to POI, a staple food commonly served at Hawaiian feasts.

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Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights

The theme in Brian Keller’s New York Times Sunday crossword is a clever play on “Hallmark products,” with circled letters hiding greetings that double as playing cards — HI, TEN; HI, KING; HI, JACK; and even the split HI, FIVE. When revealed at 56-Across as GREETING CARDS, the whole pun clicks into place. The title, Greeting Cards, adds that extra wink, since we’re literally spotting greetings inside the grid. I especially liked how the constructor squeezed in the split HI, FIVE across two separate entries — a construction trick that feels inventive without disrupting the grid’s smooth flow.

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