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NYT Crossword Yesterday's Solution - Solve Every Puzzle!

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Across

  • The clue "Top dog?" has a question mark signaling wordplay. Here, "top dog" implies the best or leader, but the pun flips it: a "mutt" (a mixed-breed dog) contrasts with purebred "top-tier" dogs. A themer from the puzzle’s top edge. “Top” points to clue position, not status

  • The clue "Top hat?" has a question mark, signaling wordplay. This theme clue sits at the grid’s top. “Top” refers to its placement, while “hat” is the true clue. The answer, LID, is a slangy hat synonym.

  • Another themed entry from the top row. “Top” tells us where to look, while “gun” leads us to the answer PISTOL, not the action movie.

  • The answer is EPEE because it refers to one of the three fencing disciplines in the Olympics. In fencing, athletes wear protective gear, including masks, to ensure safety during competition. The épée is a specific type of sword used in this event, making it the correct solution.

  • The clue "Balmy time in Bordeaux" has a French indicator ("Bordeaux" is a city in France), so the answer is likely in French. "Été" is the French word for "summer," which is a warm, balmy time of year. Hence, the solution is ETE.

  • The clue "Squids' kin" refers to animals closely related to squids. Both squids and octopi are cephalopods, a class of marine animals with tentacles. "Octopi" is the plural form of octopus, making it a logical answer since the clue asks for a plural ("kin" implies multiple).

  • The answer is MOLE because Marilyn Monroe famously enhanced her natural beauty mark (a small mark on the skin) on her cheek using eyeliner. The word "mole" refers to such a feature, often considered attractive. This aligns perfectly with the clue's description.

  • The answer "VAL" refers to Val Kilmer, a well-known actor famous for roles in movies like Top Gun and Batman Forever. The clue specifies "Late actor," referencing his career's slowdown due to health issues, not his death. This aligns with VAL as the correct solution.

  • The clue "Be off the mark" refers to missing a target or not aiming correctly, which directly aligns with the definition of "MISAIM." To "mis-aim" means to aim incorrectly or fail to hit the intended mark, making it a perfect fit for the clue.

  • The term "one trillion" refers to 1,000,000,000,000 (12 zeros) in the U.S. using the short scale. In other parts of the world that use the long scale, "one trillion" equals 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 (18 zeros). This difference in numerical naming explains the clue.

  • The answer "DEB" refers to a debutante, a young woman making her formal debut into society, often presented at events like cotillions. A cotillion is a formal ball, and debutantes are key participants, hence a "V.I.P." at such an event. "DEB" is a common abbreviation for debutante.

  • The solution "HIT" refers to a successful and popular song, often charting in the Top 10 of music rankings. In this context, a "HIT" is a widely recognized and celebrated track that achieves commercial success and public acclaim. Hence, it fits the clue perfectly.

  • The answer is ANNES because it refers to Auntie Anne's, a popular food court chain known for its soft pretzels and snacks. The clue, "Auntie ___," directly points to this well-known brand, widely found in malls and food courts across the United States and beyond.

  • The clue refers to Abbott and Costello's famous comedy routine "Who's on First?" In the sketch, "Who," "What," and "I Don't Know" are the humorous names of the first, second, and third basemen, respectively. Thus, "Who, What or I Don't Know" collectively refers to a BASEMAN.

  • CASHAPP is the answer because it is a widely used digital wallet service that allows users to send, receive, and manage money electronically. The clue directly describes this functionality, and Cash App is one of the most recognized services in this category.

  • The clue "Non-Rx" refers to medications that do not require a prescription ("Rx"). The abbreviation "OTC" stands for "over-the-counter," which describes such medications. Therefore, OTC is the correct answer.

  • The clue "Dance instruction" refers to a basic command given during dance. A "step" is a fundamental movement or direction in dancing, often taught as part of choreography or during lessons, making it an apt and straightforward answer.

  • The answer is SEGEL because Jason Segel is the actor who portrayed Marshall Eriksen, one of the main characters, on the popular TV sitcom How I Met Your Mother. The clue directly references his first name and his role in the show.

  • The djellaba is a traditional long, loose-fitting robe historically worn in North Africa and the Middle East, regions predominantly inhabited by Arabs. As the clue says "typically," ARAB is the fitting answer, describing the cultural group commonly associated with wearing this garment.

  • The answer "EDGES" fits because "outer boundaries" literally refers to the edges of something. Additionally, this clue is the theme revealer. EDGES tells us that all theme clues appear on the puzzle’s outer edges. Words like “top,” “side,” and “bottom” in clues are red herrings, they indicate position, not meaning. For example, [Top dog?] is MUTT, and [Side dish?] is PLATE. The true definitions are the second words.

  • "SERA" is the plural of "serum," a vital fluid from blood commonly used in hospitals for diagnostic tests or treatments, such as antibody tests. The clue "Hospital fluids" indicates multiple types of such fluids, making "SERA" the correct pluralized answer.

  • The answer is RILEY because Pat Riley is a legendary N.B.A. coach who has won the "Coach of the Year" award three times (in 1990, 1993, and 1997). Known for coaching the Lakers, Knicks, and Heat, his success and fame make him the clear solution to this clue.

  • "STUB" refers to a ticket stub, which is a small piece of paper often discarded after entering a theater. It fits the clue as it physically represents "litter" associated with a theater visit. The wordplay connects the setting (theater) with the common trash left behind.

  • The clue "It may be picked by the picky" is a pun. A "nit" is the egg of a louse, commonly "picked" out of hair. The wordplay links "picked" literally and metaphorically to being meticulous or overly picky when scrutinizing small details. Hence, the answer is "NIT."

  • The answer "DAYTIME" refers to the Daytime Emmy Awards, which specifically honor excellence in daytime television programming, like soap operas and talk shows. The clue "Kind of Emmy" prompts you to identify a category of Emmy Awards, making "DAYTIME" a fitting solution.

  • The Last Supper, a famous biblical event, was attended by Jesus and his twelve disciples. These disciples were also known as apostles. Since the clue refers to a "guest" at this event, the correct answer is APOSTLE, aligning with the biblical narrative.

  • The ANODE is one terminal of a battery where oxidation occurs, releasing electrons. A battery has two ends: the ANODE (negative terminal, typically) and the cathode (positive terminal). The clue refers to this electrical component, making ANODE the correct answer for "One end of a battery."

  • The state animal of Utah is the elk, specifically the Rocky Mountain elk. It was chosen as a symbol of the state's wildlife in 1971 due to its prominence in Utah's ecosystems and cultural heritage. Thus, ELK fits perfectly as the answer to this clue.

  • The Ryder Cup is a biennial golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States. Its organizing body in the U.S. is the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America, hence "PGA" is the abbreviated answer for "Ryder Cup org."

  • The answer "YOUDIRTYRAT" comes from the famous misquote attributed to James Cagney. While Cagney never directly said this in "Taxi!" (1932), it's widely associated with his tough-guy persona in classic gangster movies. The clue hints at this cultural misattribution with the phrase "Famous misquote."

  • The phrase "Beyond belief" describes something extraordinary, incredible, or hard to comprehend. The word "UNREAL" captures this idea perfectly, as it conveys something amazing, unbelievable, or surreal—beyond what one might consider real or believable in normal circumstances. Thus, "UNREAL" is the fitting solution.

  • The clue "Hunk" refers to a large piece or portion of something. "Gob" is slang for a lump or chunk, often used in casual speech (e.g., "a gob of gum"). Therefore, "Gob" works as the solution, aligning with the idea of "hunk" as a chunk or mass.

  • The answer "LALA" refers to "La La Land," a popular phrase often describing a fanciful or dreamlike state, as well as the 2016 Oscar-winning film. The blank in the clue suggests filling in a common phrase, and "La-La Land" fits perfectly as a well-known expression.

  • The clue "Repeated sounds in 'Hey Jude'" refers to the song's iconic repetitive chorus, where "na-na-na-na" is sung multiple times. As the clue is in quotes, it signals nonverbal sounds. Thus, the answer NANANA appropriately captures this repeated lyrical phrase.

  • The phrase "From ___ Z" refers to the expression "From A to Z," meaning something covers everything comprehensively from beginning to end. The answer "ATO" represents "A to," preserving the meaning of the phrase while fitting the crossword format.

  • The clue "Many moons" uses figurative language. "Moons" can refer to long periods of time, and "many" suggests an extended span. Thus, the answer "AGES" fits, as it means a very long time, aligning with the phrase "many moons ago."

  • The question mark in "Bottom feeder?" signals wordplay. A bottom-edge themer. “Feeder” is the focus, not the aquatic misdirection of “bottom feeder.” The answer TROUGH is where animals feed, fittingly at the bottom.

  • The clue "Bottom line?" uses a pun. From the grid’s bottom edge, this theme clue plays with geometry. “Line” is the clue, yielding RAY, a type of line. “Bottom” signals placement.

  • The clue "Bottom dollar?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. A themed entry at the bottom. “Dollar” is the clue that matters, the answer BUCK is slang for money. “Bottom” just marks its puzzle position.

Down

  • The clue "Side note?" with a question mark signals wordplay. It's a side-edge theme clue. “Side” marks the clue’s grid location, and “note” refers to a written message. The answer MEMO fits both meanings cleverly.

  • The phrase "Agreed-___" hints at a commonly used term or expression. The answer "UPON" completes it as "Agreed upon," which is a standard phrase meaning mutually decided or consented to. The structure of the clue points to this familiar idiomatic pairing.

  • The prefix "TELE" originates from Greek, meaning "distant" or "far." Combining it with "communication" forms words like "telecommunication," describing communication over long distances (e.g., via telephone or television). Thus, "TELE" appropriately fits as the prefix for "communication."

  • The clue "Grow choppers" uses wordplay. "Choppers" is a playful term for teeth, and "grow" suggests the process of developing or cutting teeth, especially in babies. Therefore, the answer "TEETHE" perfectly fits, as it describes the process of growing or cutting new teeth.

  • The clue "Get off the ground?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. "Get off the ground" figuratively describes rising or lifting, and "LEVITATE" directly means to rise or hover above the ground, often implying something seemingly magical or supernatural. Thus, LEVITATE fits perfectly.

  • The answer "ITAL" refers to italicized text, which is often used in writing to emphasize or "stress" certain words. "Abbr." in the clue signals that the answer is an abbreviation, and "ITAL" is the common shorthand for "italic."

  • The answer "DELLA" refers to Della Reese, a famous American jazz and gospel singer, actress, and television personality. She was renowned for her powerful voice and career in music and acting, which makes "Singer Reese" a fitting clue. Her prominence makes her a recognizable fit here.

  • POMONA is the correct answer because David Foster Wallace, the acclaimed author, taught English at Pomona College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Claremont, California. Known for its rigorous academics and focus on humanities, Pomona aligns with Wallace's literary contributions and teaching career.

  • The clue "Unfriendly quality" refers to a cold or distant demeanor. "ICINESS" directly conveys coldness, both literally (as in ice) and figuratively (lack of warmth or friendliness). It's a perfect fit for describing an unfriendly or aloof attitude.

  • The clue "Ave. crossers" refers to streets, as "Ave." is short for "avenue," which streets (STS) intersect or cross. This abbreviation-focused clue aligns with the common format of streets crossing avenues in city layouts. Hence, the answer is STS.

  • The term "lowly sort" suggests someone or something considered humble or insignificant. A toad fits this description metaphorically, as it's often stereotyped as an unattractive or undesirable creature, making it a fitting answer for this clue.

  • The answer is OPIE because Opie Taylor was a redheaded boy in the 1960s TV series The Andy Griffith Show. Played by Ron Howard, Opie is Sheriff Andy Taylor's son, making him a well-known character from that era, matching the clue perfectly.

  • The clue "Side arm?" ends with a question mark, signaling a pun or wordplay. On the grid’s side, this themer uses “side” to indicate position. “Arm” is the clue, leading to LIMB, a body part, not a weapon.

  • The solution "RIMS" refers to the outer parts of eyeglass frames that encircle and hold the lenses in place. This term specifically describes the structural component of frames that supports and houses the lenses, making it a precise answer to the clue "Parts of eyeglass frames."

  • The answer "INC" refers to Inc. Magazine, a publication focused on entrepreneurship and business. In October 1981, Inc. became the first magazine to feature Steve Jobs on its cover, recognizing his innovative impact and success with Apple during its early years.

  • The clue refers to the 1954 Elvis song "She's Not You." The blank in "___ Not You" is filled with "She's," matching the song's title. Quotes in the clue signal a direct lyric or phrase, confirming that "SHES" is the correct answer.

  • The clue "Side plank?" uses wordplay. Another side-themer. “Side” flags its position on the puzzle’s edge. “Plank” is the key definition, with BOARD as the correct fill.

  • The answer ATRIA refers to the plural of atrium, which are the two upper chambers of the heart in human anatomy. They receive blood entering the heart, making them literal "parts of hearts." This clue draws on knowledge of heart anatomy for the solution.

  • The solution "SCALY" fits the clue "Like snakes" because snakes are reptiles covered in scales, which protect their bodies and aid in movement. The word directly describes this defining characteristic of snakes, making it a precise and logical answer.

  • The answer is NED, referring to Ned Flanders, a character on The Simpsons. Known for his prominent mustache, Ned is the Simpson family's cheerful, devoutly Christian neighbor, making his iconic facial hair and kind demeanor integral to his recognition in this clue.

  • The clue "007, for one" refers to the famous fictional character James Bond, whose codename is "007." James Bond works as a secret AGENT for MI6, the British Secret Intelligence Service. Thus, the answer "AGENT" fits perfectly.

  • The clue "Jeopardy" directly refers to a synonym for danger or risk, which is the word "PERIL." Jeopardy and peril are interchangeable in meaning, both denoting a state of being in harm's way or exposed to danger. This is a straightforward definition-based clue.

  • The clue "Side dish?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. A themed clue from the puzzle’s side. Don’t look for mashed potatoes, “dish” leads to PLATE, with “side” pointing only to the clue’s location.

  • The answer "PGS" refers to "PG" movie ratings, which stand for "Parental Guidance Suggested." These are family-friendly ratings given by the Motion Picture Association for content suitable for children but may require some parental discretion. The plural "PGs" implies multiple family-friendly ratings across movies.

  • BETA refers to Betamax, a videotape format developed by Sony in the 1970s, which directly competed with VHS (Video Home System). Both were popular for recording and playing videos, but VHS eventually dominated the market, making Betamax a discontinued, "onetime" alternative to VHS.

  • The clue "Gate info" refers to information often displayed at airport gates. "ETA" stands for "Estimated Time of Arrival," a common term used to indicate when a flight is expected to reach its destination, making it relevant and fitting for this context.

  • The answer is SUPERBOY because Conner Kent is the secret identity of the comic book character known as Superboy in the DC Comics universe. He is a younger version of Superman, created as a clone combining Superman and Lex Luthor's DNA.

  • The symbol YINYANG represents dualistic and contrasting principles, such as light and dark, or good and bad, that together create balance and harmony. It is a direct emblem of opposing yet interconnected forces, making it apt for the clue "Symbol of contrasting principles."

  • The answer "BOLT" fits because to "bolt" means to move suddenly and quickly, much like starting a race at high speed, as one would when "getting out of the starting gate fast." It captures the idea of an immediate, rapid action.

  • The clue "Bread" is a playful, slang-based term. "Bread" is often used informally to refer to money, and "MOOLAH" is a similarly informal/slang term for money. Therefore, the answer "MOOLAH" fits perfectly.

  • The answer "EDU" refers to the top-level domain used by educational institutions in website addresses, such as those for universities where professors work. A professor's email or webpage often ends in ".edu," making it the "end" of their online address.

  • The answer "SKYLAB" refers to the United States' first space station, which was launched and operated by NASA in the 1970s (1973-1979). It orbited Earth, hosting astronaut crews for scientific research and marking a significant milestone in space exploration during that era.

  • The 2011 Clint Eastwood biopic "J. Edgar" focuses on the life of J. Edgar Hoover, the first director of the FBI. The clue "J. ___" directly points to his name, and "Edgar" completes it as the movie's title.

  • The clue "Side kick?" uses a pun. This side-located theme clue riffs on “kick,” not a superhero buddy. The answer PUNT is a type of kick, tying back to the real definition.

  • The answer "GNAR" is a synonym for "growl," particularly describing a low, snarling sound often made by animals. It’s a less common but valid word for such a noise, fitting the crossword clue’s concise nature.

  • The Ponte Vecchio is a historic bridge in Florence, Italy. The Arno River flows beneath it, making ARNO the correct answer. Since the clue references the location directly, knowledge of Florence and its famous bridge-river pairing leads to this solution.

  • "Itty bit" refers to something extremely small, and "IOTA" is often used to mean a tiny or minuscule amount. The word originates from the Greek alphabet (the smallest letter, iota), making it a fitting synonym for the clue's meaning.

  • The clue "Prego rival" refers to two competing brands of pasta sauce. Prego and RAGU are both well-known sauces commonly found in grocery stores, making RAGU the correct answer as a direct competitor to Prego in the pasta sauce market.

  • The answer is ALEC because Alec Guinness was the actor who famously portrayed Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy. The clue directly references his last name, linking it to his first name. This straightforward clue relies on familiarity with the actor's name and role.

  • The clue “Side job?” with a question mark signals wordplay. A themer on the grid’s side. “Side” plays no part in the meaning; “job” is the clue, and TASK is the straightforward answer.

  • The clue specifies a "French 101 word," meaning a basic French term, and the phrase "sounds like a letter" indicates wordplay. In French, "EAU" means "water" and is pronounced like the English letter "O." Hence, EAU fits both the linguistic and phonetic requirements of the clue.

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NYT The Crossword Archive

Yesterday’s Crossword in a Nutshell

This clever Wednesday puzzle by Desirée Penner and Jeff Sinnock plays with position and language in a delightful way. The gimmick is all about misdirection: clues on the EDGES of the grid contain words like “top,” “bottom,” and “side,” but those words just signal clue placement, not clue meaning. So “Top dog?” (1A) isn’t ALPHA — it’s MUTT. “Side arm?” (13D) isn’t GUN — it’s LIMB. Each theme clue plays on a common phrase while flipping expectations, a classic bit of wordplay that feels fresh thanks to how well it ties into the grid’s physical structure. Smart, symmetrical, and satisfying.

Notable Clues from Yesterday

Some clues just stand out—whether they fit the theme in a cool way, were extra tricky, or just made us laugh. Here are a few from yesterday’s puzzle that caught our attention. Did they stump you too?

NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know

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NYT Crossword Themes and Titles

The difficulty of the NYT Crossword evolves throughout the week, and a big part of that progression comes from its use of themes and titles.

Themes

  • Monday to Wednesday: These puzzles almost always have a theme, with several long answers connected by a common thread. Many include a “revealer” clue—a final answer that explains the theme’s pattern.
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  • Sunday: The largest puzzle of the week is always themed, and its title offers a hint about the underlying concept.

Titles

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  • Monday through Saturday puzzles generally don’t have official titles.

While these patterns hold most of the time, creativity and playfulness are at the heart of crossword construction—so expect occasional surprises!

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Besides this page, meant to help you unblock or finish a puzzle we published a comprehensive guide on how to read the NYT Crossword Clues, which while filled with hints for The Mini puzzle assists you with both the NYT crosswords and the NYT Mini puzzle solving.

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