NYT Crossword Yesterday's Solution - Solve Every Puzzle!

The solution "MOCHI" fits the clue "Japanese rice cake" because mochi is a traditional Japanese treat made by pounding sticky rice into a chewy, dense consistency. It is a well-known rice-based dessert and matches the straightforward description in the clue.

The word "ABOUT" is synonymous with "approximately," as both indicate an estimation or lack of exactness. For example, "about 10 miles" means roughly or approximately 10 miles, making "ABOUT" the perfect fit for this straightforward clue.

The Sun Devils represent Arizona State University, whose main campus is located in Tempe, Arizona. The clue refers to their "home," which is the city of Tempe. This use of a proper noun and reference to a team directly identifies TEMPE as the correct answer.

The answer is ELM because New Haven, Connecticut, is famously nicknamed "Elm City" due to the abundance of elm trees that were planted there in the 18th and 19th centuries as part of an urban beautification project. The nickname reflects this legacy.

Joseph Cornell was an artist known for creating intricate shadow boxes, which are essentially DIORAMAs. These miniature worlds often included found objects and collaged elements, encapsulating small, artistic scenes or narratives. The clue "Many a Joseph Cornell artwork" refers to his distinct style, making DIORAMA the perfect answer.

The answer "LUSTER" aligns with the clue "Shine" because "luster" refers to a soft glow, gloss, or radiance, which matches the concept of shining or emitting light. It is a synonym often used to describe brightness or brilliance, making it the perfect fit for this straightforward clue.

The answer "INN" works because both "tavern" and "inn" refer to establishments that provide lodging and often serve food and drink. While "tavern" emphasizes the drinking/eating aspect, inns historically included these services as part of their accommodations. The shared features make them synonymous in certain contexts.

The answer is SHIM because a shim is a small, flat object used to stabilize or level something uneven, like a wobbly table. A matchbook can serve as an improvised shim by being wedged under one of the table legs to stop the wobble.

The clue "___ down!" ("Shut up!") uses a common idiom "pipe down," meaning to be quiet or stop talking. The phrase originates from naval terminology where a boatswain's pipe signaled silence. "Pipe" fits the blank, making "Pipe down!" synonymous with "Shut up!" in casual speech.

The answer is SPELUNK because "spelunking" is the act of exploring caves. The clue directly defines the action, and "spelunk" is the verb form meaning to explore caves as a hobby or activity. It matches perfectly with the straightforward definition provided in the clue.

The Roman Empire around 48 B.C. was under the rule of Julius Caesar, making it "Caesarean" in nature. The term "Caesarean" refers to Caesar, symbolizing his dominance during that era. This clue cleverly uses historical context to lead to the answer.

The answer is CLAM because "clams casino" is a popular dish where clams are topped with breadcrumbs, bacon, and other seasonings before being baked. The clue refers to this specific cooking style, making CLAM the logical answer.

The clue "Will be, in Spanish" specifies a translation into Spanish. "Will be" corresponds to the future tense of "ser" (to be) in Spanish. The third-person singular future tense of "ser" is "será," without the accent here to match crossword conventions. Thus, the answer is SERA.

The answer "NOTE" fits the clue "Musical building block" because in music, a note represents a single pitch or tone, which is a fundamental element in creating melodies, harmonies, and compositions. Each note serves as a basic unit in musical structure, making it the "building block" of music.

"INC" is short for "incorporated," a common designation used at the end of company names to denote a legally registered corporation. As the clue specifies "Company name ender," INC is a concise and fitting solution as it often appears at the end of many business names.

The South African currency is the Rand, abbreviated as ZAR. It has been the official currency in South Africa since 1961. The clue explicitly refers to the currency of South Africa, directly leading to RAND as the correct solution. No wordplay or alternate interpretation is involved here.

The clue "Doesn't get hit, say" involves wordplay, specifically a metaphorical phrase. "SITS PAT" means staying firm or not making a move, which aligns with avoiding "getting hit" in a figurative sense, such as in a game or negotiation, by not changing position.

The clue "Hard animal to herd" uses wordplay, indicating a playful or figurative interpretation. Cats are notoriously independent and not easily controlled or organized, making them "hard to herd." The phrase "herding cats" humorously describes managing chaos or uncooperative individuals. Hence, the answer is CAT.

The clue "Bad ending?" uses wordplay, indicated by the question mark. Here, "Bad" can humorously refer to one’s backside (synonym: ASS). Thus, the "ending" of "Bad" alludes to this pun, making ASS the fitting answer. It’s a clever play on words!

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway, during an annual ceremony on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. While most Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, the Peace Prize uniquely takes place in Oslo as specified by Nobel's will.

The clue "Lasting lash effect" hints at a mark or injury caused by a lash (like from a whip). A "welt" is a raised bump or ridge on the skin caused by a lash or impact, often lasting for some time, making it the fitting answer.

The answer is ABRA because she is a key female character in John Steinbeck's novel East of Eden. Abra Bacon is involved in a romantic subplot and plays a significant role in the lives of the Trask family, making her the "girl" referenced in the clue.

The answer is SIAM because "The King and I," a famous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, is set in 19th-century Siam, the historical name for modern-day Thailand. The story revolves around the relationship between Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam.

The answer is ARMADILLO because this mammal is distinct for its ability to curl its body into a tight ball as a defense mechanism. Its armored shell provides protection from predators, a trait that directly matches the clue description.

The clue "One might help you move" hints at something used to transport belongings. A "van" is a common vehicle used for moving furniture and items during a relocation, making it the fitting answer for this clue.

The clue "Medium capacity?" includes a question mark, signaling wordplay. "Medium" refers to a psychic or someone with extrasensory perception (ESP), often considered their "capacity" or ability. ESP (extrasensory perception) aligns with the pun in "Medium capacity."

The answer is CITI because Citi Field is the home stadium of the New York Mets, a Major League Baseball team. The stadium, named after Citi (Citigroup), has been the Mets' venue since it opened in 2009, replacing Shea Stadium. The clue directly references this iconic venue.

The answer is ROSACEA because it is a common skin condition specifically known for causing facial redness, flushing, and blushing. These symptoms often appear prominently on the cheeks, nose, and forehead, perfectly aligning with the clue “Skin condition that causes facial flushing.”

The clue refers to a college major, and "International Relations" and "U.S. Government" are core subjects studied in Political Science. "POLISCI" is an informal abbreviation for Political Science, fitting both the subject matter and the clue's tone.

The clue "Pimple" refers to a common skin blemish, particularly associated with acne. One informal, slang term for a pimple is "ZIT," which fits the clue directly in meaning and length. Thus, "ZIT" is the correct, succinct answer.

The clue "Ties another knot, so to speak" uses a pun. "Tying the knot" is a phrase for getting married. Adding "another" suggests doing it again, i.e., remarrying. "Reweds" perfectly captures this idea, as it means marrying again. The phrase "so to speak" confirms the wordplay.

The clue "Comical growl" includes a humorous tone, indicated by "comical." RAWR mimics the sound of an animal growl but is often used playfully or in jest, especially in internet culture or cartoons. Its exaggerated nature makes it comical, fitting the clue perfectly.

The answer "GLASS" fits because it pairs naturally with both "cut" and "shot" in common phrases. A "glass cut" refers to shaping or cutting glass, while a "glass shot" refers to a drink served in a glass or a camera shot involving glass (e.g., a window).

The phrase "HEW TO" means to adhere to or follow something strictly, such as rules or orders. In the context of the clue "Observe closely, as orders," it suggests obeying or following the orders precisely—aligning with the definition of "hew to."

The word "TOKEN" can signify a "symbol" in the sense of a representation or emblem of something else, such as a token of appreciation symbolizing gratitude. Both words share the idea of standing for something beyond their immediate form, making "TOKEN" the apt solution.

The ulna is one of the two long bones in the forearm, alongside the radius. Located on the side opposite the thumb, it forms part of the elbow joint with the humerus and the wrist joint. "Forearm bone" accurately describes it anatomically, making ULNA the correct answer.

The solution "NOIR" fits because "Double Indemnity" is a classic example of film noir, a cinematic genre characterized by crime, moral ambiguity, dark visuals, and moody atmosphere. The French word "noir," meaning "black," reflects these dark themes central to the genre's style.

The first line of the classic American folk song "Home on the Range" is, "Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam." The last word in this line is "roam," referring to the buffalo wandering freely. Thus, the answer "ROAM" fits perfectly.

The clue "One tablespoon, maybe" suggests a quantity, but 'maybe' hints at wordplay. A "dose" is often measured in small, precise amounts like a tablespoon (e.g., for medicine). The pun here equates a tablespoon to a potential "dose," making DOSE the fitting answer.

The answer "PEN" fits the clue "Write" because a pen is a common tool used for writing. This clue is straightforward, with no pun or alternative wordplay. It directly connects the act of writing to the instrument typically used for it.

The answer is HAT because a porkpie is a specific style of hat. It has a flat crown and a circular, narrow brim, often associated with fashion or jazz culture. The clue indicates a type or example (e.g.), and "HAT" is the general category it belongs to.