NYT Crossword Yesterday's Solution - Solve Every Puzzle!

The answer "SATS" refers to the standardized tests often used for college admissions in the United States. These exams are increasingly becoming optional, as many colleges and universities adopt test-optional policies, allowing students to decide whether to submit their scores. Hence, "optional exams" fits SATS perfectly.

The clue "Florence farewell" hints at a goodbye phrase in Italian, as Florence is in Italy. "Ciao" is a common Italian word meaning "hello" or "goodbye," making it the fitting solution. The use of "Florence" signals the need for an Italian term.

The clue "Munitions" refers to weapons or military supplies used in combat. The term "ARMS" is another word for weapons or armaments, aligning perfectly with the definition of munitions. Both terms are commonly used interchangeably in military contexts.

The clue "Spreads on social media" refers to the act of sharing or reposting content others have posted, effectively "spreading" it further. REPOSTS fits as it means sharing someone else's social media post with your own audience, thus spreading the content online.

The FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, is the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating cosmetics to ensure they are safe for consumer use. As "org." indicates an organization, the FDA perfectly fits the clue "Cosmetics-regulating org."

The phrase "Couldn't get enough of" suggests being obsessed or overly enthusiastic about something. "ATE UP" is a figurative expression meaning being completely engrossed or consumed by something, often with excitement or admiration. It captures the idea of figuratively "devouring" something due to intense interest or enjoyment.

The clue "Reason for a tucked tail, perhaps?" uses wordplay. A tucked tail is often associated with a dog expressing submission or shame. Similarly, humans feel guilt when they’ve done something wrong, paralleling the "tucked tail" reaction metaphorically. This makes GUILT the fitting answer.

The term "Anglo-Saxon" refers to the people, culture, and language of early medieval England. "Anglo" is the first part of this compound term, commonly paired with "Saxon." The blank (___) in the clue indicates the missing "Anglo" to complete the full term. Hence, ANGLO is the answer.

The answer "RAE" refers to Issa Rae, the creator and star of the HBO series Insecure. Her name is directly stated in the clue, making it a straightforward reference to the actress. Hence, "RAE" is the correct solution.

The clue uses wordplay with "How a Dylan impersonator might sing?" referencing Bob Dylan’s distinctive singing style. Dylan is known for his nasal, drawn-out vocal delivery. A Dylan impersonator would mimic this trait, thus singing "NASALLY."

The Tate Modern is a famous institution that houses and exhibits art collections. The clue "Tate Modern and others" refers to places like this. "ARTMUSEUMS" is the correct answer because the Tate Modern and similar venues are categorized as museums dedicated to showcasing art collections.

The clue "That slaps," for something good, e.g., is asking for a category that the phrase belongs to. "That slaps" is modern informal language, often used to describe something great or impressive. This type of informal, trendy phrase falls under the category of SLANG.

The clue "One might be mounted" refers to something that can be physically ridden or attached onto something. A HORSE is commonly "mounted" by riders, making it a straightforward and logical answer to this clue.

The answer is BLIP because it refers to a minor, short-term interruption or variation in an otherwise consistent trend, such as a temporary anomaly in data or events. "Tiny deviation" perfectly aligns with this term, emphasizing its small, fleeting nature.

The answer is DYE because Rit is a well-known brand that specializes in fabric dyes. Their products are commonly used for coloring or rejuvenating fabrics, making "DYE" the correct and logical solution for this clue.

The answer "KATZ" refers to Katz's Delicatessen, an iconic and historic deli in New York City, famous for its pastrami sandwiches and old-school charm. The clue directly points to a renowned NYC deli name, making Katz a perfect fit for this solution.

The clue "It might be fixed at a chef's table" plays on the dual meaning of "fixed." A menu can be "fixed," meaning pre-set or unchanging, especially at a chef's table where a specific selection of dishes is often served. Thus, MENU fits perfectly.

The answer "TILL" refers to a cash register drawer or tray where cashiers store money during transactions. It fits the clue "Cashier's tray" as the TILL is a central part of a cashier's workstation for organizing and holding cash securely.

The answer "ALOO" refers to the Hindi word for "potato." Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian dish made with potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi), often served as a curry. The clue directly points to this traditional dish.

The answer "POPTHEHOOD" fits because, to prepare for an oil change, you need access to the car's engine, which requires opening the hood. The phrase "pop the hood" is a common way of describing this action, making it an apt, colloquial answer for the clue.

The clue signals wordplay. "Cut the mustard" is a phrase meaning to meet expectations, but this clue twists it into a humorous, play-on-words idea involving a sandwich knife. Such word-based humor defines a PUN, making it the correct answer.

AZT (azidothymidine) was the first antiviral medication approved to treat HIV in the late 1980s. It helps inhibit the replication of the virus. As the clue specifies "Early H.I.V. med," AZT is the clear answer as it was a pioneering treatment in HIV management.

The clue "___ knows?" is a conversational phrase often used rhetorically to express uncertainty or mystery. "Who knows?" fits perfectly as it’s commonly said in such contexts, completing the phrase in a natural and familiar way.

Phuket is a popular island in Thailand, and natives of Thailand are referred to as "Thai." The clue directly points to the nationality or identity of someone from Phuket, making THAI the correct answer.

The answer "ISNT" completes the question "___ she lovely?" from Stevie Wonder's famous song, "Isn't She Lovely?" The clue's quotation marks signal it’s a direct lyrical phrase, and "ISNT" fits grammatically and contextually with the song's title and meaning.

The answer is HOLA, a Spanish greeting meaning "hello." Adding an "A" creates "AHOLA," which reversed becomes "ALOHA," a Hawaiian greeting. Hence, HOLA fits as the greeting described.

The answer "PLUG" fits "Promote" because to "plug" something means to actively endorse or advertise it, often in the context of promoting a product, event, or idea. This aligns seamlessly with the clue's meaning, showcasing promotion through advocacy or recommendation.

The clue "Stinging insects" refers to creatures that can bite or sting. While red ants are not technically insects with stingers like bees, their bites inject venom, causing a stinging sensation. Thus, "REDANTS" fits as a valid answer, playing on the broader definition of "stinging."

"One iota" is a common English expression meaning "the smallest amount" or "a tiny bit." The clue asks for "The least amount a person might give," which aligns perfectly with the phrase, as "iota" refers to a very small quantity.

In tennis, a "let" is an umpire's call when a served ball touches the net but still lands in the correct service box. The point is replayed. It fits as the answer because it's a specific, concise term used by tennis umpires.

The answer is GENA because Gena Rowlands is the actress who starred in the acclaimed 1974 film A Woman Under the Influence, directed by John Cassavetes. The clue directly references her last name, making GENA the correct solution.

The answer "THEME" fits the clue "Subject" because a theme can refer to the main subject or topic of a work, discussion, or idea. In literature, art, or crosswords, the theme often encapsulates the overarching subject being explored.

The phrase "Hit on" means to stumble upon or discover something by chance. It aligns with the clue "Discover by chance," as it captures the idea of coming across something unexpectedly or through serendipity, making it the perfect fit for the answer.

The term "DEUCE" refers to the playing card with the value of two, commonly used in card games. "Two in a hand" hints at this, as "deuce" represents the number two, which could be held as one of the cards in a player’s hand.

The answer is SACHA because Sacha Baron Cohen is a well-known actor who portrayed activist Abbie Hoffman in the film "The Trial of the Chicago 7." The blank in the clue directly refers to his first name, SACHA, completing the name of the actor mentioned.

The clue "Ticked off" describes a state of annoyance or irritation. The word "IRKED" directly means annoyed or irritated, fitting the clue perfectly. There’s no wordplay or special indicators here—just a straightforward synonym. Hence, IRKED is the solution.

The clue "Twofold" refers to something that has two parts or aspects. The word "DUAL" directly means "having two components" or "double," making it a perfect synonym and fitting answer for this straightforward clue.

OGRE is the answer because it is a classic villainous character in many fairy tales, often depicted as a large, menacing, and cruel creature that poses a threat to heroes or princesses. This aligns perfectly with the term "baddie" in the clue, referring to an antagonist.

The clue "Some island rings?" uses wordplay. "Island" refers to Hawaii, and "rings" cleverly alludes to the floral garlands known as LEIS, which are often worn around the neck and form a ring-like shape. Thus, LEIS is the fitting answer.

The answer is BAR because many classic jokes begin with "A priest, a pastor, and a rabbi walk into a bar," setting a humorous scene. The clue's wording hints at this familiar setup used to introduce lighthearted or ironic punchlines.

The answer RAP fits because "rap" can mean a sharp knock or tap, such as a quick, forceful hit or sound, often on a surface like a door. This aligns perfectly with the straightforward clue "Sharp knock," describing the action without wordplay or additional layers.