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Across

  • The clue "Girlfriend, in Guadalajara" includes "in Guadalajara," signaling a Spanish translation. In Spanish, "amiga" means "female friend" or "girlfriend," fitting the context. The word "novia" would be the more direct term for a romantic girlfriend. Since the clue does not specify romance, "amiga" is the more general and fitting choice for this puzzle.

  • ASPEN is a famous ski resort town in Colorado, renowned for its luxurious accommodations and excellent ski slopes. The clue explicitly states "Colorado ski resort," and Aspen is one of the most iconic and recognized locations fitting this description.

  • BETA is the solution because it refers to a "beta version," a pre-release stage of software. This version is shared with users for testing purposes to identify and fix bugs before the final release. The clue directly describes this phase of software development.

  • The clue plays on the dual meaning of "miner." A miner traditionally works with ore, extracting minerals from mines. In the context of data, miners analyze large datasets (e.g., "data mining") to extract useful information. This clever wordplay links both interpretations, making "MINER" the perfect answer.

  • The clue "Crown for the prom queen" refers to a decorative headpiece traditionally worn by prom queens, symbolizing their title. A TIARA is a small, jeweled crown often given during such events, perfectly aligning with the clue’s imagery of a royal-like, celebratory crown.

  • Here, the scribble AVER is a misdirect. The correct answer is "AVOW" meaning to declare or affirm something openly and confidently. It fits the clue "Declare openly" perfectly, as both share the sense of making a clear, public statement of truth or belief. The straightforward nature of the clue matches the definition of "AVOW."

  • This clue uses clever wordplay. "Publication where this puzzle might be found." It seems like this crossword appears in an in-flight magazine, the kind found on airplanes. The joke begins here—such magazines are often left behind, sometimes with puzzles already filled in by previous passengers.

  • The answer "EEL" fits the clue "Slippery fish" because eels are a type of fish known for their long, smooth, and slimy bodies. Their slippery nature makes them difficult to grasp, aligning perfectly with the description in the clue.

  • The answer is LES because "Les Misérables" is the title of the famous novel by Victor Hugo. The blank in the clue represents the missing part of the title, which is "Les," the French article meaning "The." This aligns with the novel’s original French title and the scribble here is correct.

  • AIOLIS is correct because it refers to Mediterranean sauces made primarily of garlic, olive oil, and sometimes egg yolks or lemon. The clue specifies "Garlicky sauces," directly pointing to this garlicky condiment that is often served as a dip or accompaniment. Its plural form matches the clue.

  • The clue "Apply to, as the skin" directly suggests putting something onto the surface of the skin, such as lotion or ointment. "USE ON" fits perfectly as it describes the act of applying a product onto the skin.

  • The clue "___ Domingo" hints at the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo. "Santo" is Spanish for "Saint," fitting the foreign language context. Together, they form the city's full name, making "SANTO" the correct answer.

  • The clue "Where the 18-Across is commonly found" refers to the location of the answer to 18-Across in the puzzle. Typically, magazines are stored in the SEATBACK POCKET of airplane seats, making it the correct answer. It reinforces the idea that a past traveler has already interacted with it.

  • The answer "SUNDAE" fits because a sundae is a classic dessert often served with various toppings like chocolate syrup, sprinkles, and traditionally, a cherry on top. The clue describes this iconic presentation, making "SUNDAE" the perfect solution.

  • The answer "HUP" represents the sharp, rhythmic command often used by drill sergeants to keep soldiers in sync during marching. As the introductory cadence before counting "Two, three, four," it helps establish the tempo and discipline, fitting the military context suggested in the clue.

  • The clue "Alternative to Jockey" refers to popular brands of underwear. Jockey is a well-known brand, and HANES is another widely recognized brand in the same category, making it a fitting "alternative." This straightforward brand comparison provides the solution.

  • AMC is the solution because it refers to AMC Theatres, the largest movie theater chain globally, operating thousands of theaters and screens. AMC has built its reputation as a major entertainment brand, making it the logical answer to describe the "world's largest movie theater chain" in the clue.

  • The answer is SHINTO because it is an indigenous religion of Japan deeply tied to nature and ancestor worship. It features numerous public shrines (over 100,000) dedicated to kami (spirits or deities), reflecting its cultural significance and presence throughout Japan.

  • The answer is DNA (and not RNA as the scribble) because DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that carries genetic instructions in most living organisms. It stores and transmits hereditary information, making it the fundamental "genetic material" referenced in the clue. No wordplay or additional context is involved here—it's a direct scientific definition.

  • The clue "What you might do if you don't know an answer" directly describes the act of making a GUESS. When unsure of something, a logical or random GUESS is a common response, perfectly matching the clue's intent. The phrasing suggests a typical action in uncertain situations.

  • The answer "ICK" fits the clue because "ick" is a common exclamation used to express disgust or grossness. The phrase "___ factor" implies a word measuring grossness, and "ick" perfectly conveys that sense of repulsion or unpleasantness.

  • The answer "NEURON" fits the clue "Brain cell" because a neuron is the fundamental unit of the nervous system. It transmits information in the brain and throughout the body. This biological term directly relates to the clue's description of a type of cell in the brain.

  • The clue uses wordplay. "Person who may have ruined your puzzle experience" hints at someone responsible for the scribbles in the crossword, making solving frustrating - a "PRIOR PASSENGER." This is the “prankster” of the April Fool’s puzzle.

  • The clue "Tumbler, e.g." refers to an object used for drinking, often a short, flat-bottomed cup. Tumblers are commonly made of glass, making GLASS the correct answer. The "e.g." suggests an example of what a tumbler could be, leading to this material.

  • The clue "Trackways" refers to routes or courses people or animals follow, often for travel or movement. "Paths" fits as the answer because paths are tracks or trails created or used for walking, biking, or other forms of travel, perfectly aligning with the meaning of "trackways."

  • The phrase "See red" is a common idiom meaning to become very angry or upset. When someone "sees red," they often "GET MAD," perfectly fitting the clue's intent and matching the emotional connotation of the phrase. Thus, the answer is GETMAD.

  • The clue "___ and cheese" refers to a popular comfort food made with macaroni and cheese. "Mac" is the common shorthand for macaroni, making it the perfect fit for the blank. This straightforward clue plays on the well-known phrase "Mac and cheese."

  • The clue references "E.T.," the iconic extraterrestrial from the movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. He arrived on Earth in a spacecraft. "UFO" stands for "Unidentified Flying Object," which matches the description of an alien's transport craft. This straightforward connection makes UFO the fitting answer.

  • RETURN TRAY TABLES – The airline’s pre-landing announcement, signaling the flight (and crossword prank) is coming to an end.

  • The phrase "Privy to" means being aware of or informed about something. "In on" is a common expression used to convey inclusion in a secret or knowledge, aligning with the clue's meaning. Thus, "INON" fits perfectly as the answer.

  • The answer "EBIKE" fits because it refers to an electric bike, which is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by a rechargeable battery. The "rechargeable" part of the clue signals its electric nature, and "two-wheeler" refers to its form as a bicycle-like vehicle.

  • The clue "Hall's partner in rock" refers to the famous music duo Hall & Oates, known for their rock and soul hits in the 1970s and 1980s. Daryl Hall is one member, and his musical partner is John Oates, making "OATES" the correct answer.

  • The answer "NYPD" refers to "NYPD Blue," a popular police drama that aired from 1993 to 2005. NYPD stands for the New York Police Department, reflecting the show's focus on the lives of police officers within this organization.

  • The clue "Went postal" uses a playful expression meaning to go into an intense, uncontrolled rage or frenzy. "RAGED" fits as it directly aligns with the idea of becoming extremely angry or losing one's temper dramatically, matching the idiomatic meaning of the clue.

  • The clue "Cowboy's coil" directly refers to a lasso, which is a loop of rope used by cowboys to catch livestock. The word "coil" describes the way a lasso is often coiled up when not in use, making "LASSO" the perfect fit for the clue.

Down

  • The clue specifies "in Grenoble," indicating the answer is in French, as Grenoble is a city in France. In French, "amie" means "female friend" or "girlfriend," fitting the clue perfectly. The feminine form aligns with "girlfriend." Thus, the answer is AMIE.

  • The clue "Outfielder's call" refers to something commonly yelled by an outfielder in baseball to claim ownership of a fly ball and avoid collisions with teammates. The outfielder shouts "MINE" to indicate they are taking the ball. Thus, the answer is "MINE."

  • The clue "Big shot on the internet" uses wordplay—"big shot" signifies someone influential, and "on the internet" points to those with a prominent online presence. An "INFLUENCER" is a person with significant online influence, shaping opinions or trends, making it the perfect answer for this clue.

  • The answer "GEL" fits "Solidify" because "gel" describes a substance transitioning from a liquid to a semi-solid state, effectively solidifying. This aligns with the literal meaning of the clue, making "GEL" an appropriate, concise solution.

  • The answer is ARI because Ari Melber is a well-known TV journalist and the host of The Beat with Ari Melber on MSNBC. His first name, Ari, is the direct solution to this straightforward clue referring to him by name.

  • ATHENA is the correct answer because she is a central figure in Greek mythology, widely revered as the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and skill. Known for her intelligence and guidance, she is often associated with war and knowledge, making her a fitting solution for "Greek goddess of wisdom."

  • The phrase "Takes a load off" means to rest or relax. The answer "SITS" fits as sitting offers physical relief, metaphorically "taking a load off" one's feet or body. It’s a straightforward, literal interpretation without any wordplay.

  • The answer is PAM because PAM is a widely recognized brand of nonstick cooking spray used to prevent food from sticking to cookware. Its popularity and frequent presence in kitchens align perfectly with the clue "Popular cooking spray."

  • The answer "ERA" fits the clue "Long stretch" because "ERA" refers to a significant and extended period of time in history, sports, or life. Its brevity aligns with the crossword's concise format, making it an apt match for a "long stretch" conceptually.

  • The 1998 Winter Olympics were held in Nagano, Japan. "Site" in the clue refers to the location of the event. Nagano hosted various sports like skiing and figure skating, making it a fitting answer for this historical Olympic clue.

  • The answer is BAZOOKA because it refers to the popular gum brand "Bazooka" known for its distinctive red, white, and blue packaging. This iconic branding has been associated with the product since its introduction, making it a fitting solution to the clue describing a chewing gum brand with those colors.

  • The answer is EVIL because it commonly precedes the words "eye" and "spirit" to form well-known phrases: "evil eye," referring to a superstitious glance thought to bring harm, and "evil spirit," which describes a malevolent supernatural being. The clue asks for a word that fits both contexts.

  • The answer is TONI because Toni Morrison was a renowned American author awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Celebrated for her powerful novels like Beloved and Song of Solomon, her work explored African American identity and culture, making her a fitting response to "Nobel winner Morrison."

  • The answer "AWES" comes from the verb "awe," meaning to inspire amazement or wonder. "Amazes" and "awes" are synonyms, both conveying feelings of astonishment or reverential admiration, making "AWES" a fitting solution to the clue.

  • The answer "GLOBES" fits the clue "Educational items that spin" because globes are physical models of Earth often used as educational tools. They spin on their axis to mimic Earth's rotation, making them both instructional and literal representations of the clue's description.

  • The clue uses wordplay, referencing the pronunciation of letters. "Gee" and "eye" represent the letters G and I. The letter H falls between G and I in the alphabet. Its spoken form is "aitch," making AITCH the correct solution.

  • The phrase "Down in the dumps" is a common expression meaning feeling unhappy or gloomy. The answer “SAD” directly matches this sentiment, as it signifies a state of unhappiness or dejection, making it a perfect fit for the clue.

  • The answer is "ETA," which stands for Estimated Time of Arrival. A GPS calculates ETA by considering factors like traffic congestion, route distance, and road conditions, making it a perfect fit for the clue’s context of a traffic-aware prediction.

  • The clue "Real stinkers" is a playful reference to skunks, animals notably associated with their strong, unpleasant odor used for defense. The clue signals wordplay, hinting at this metaphorical connection to an actual "stinker." Hence, SKUNKS is the fitting answer.

  • The clue "Handwritten entry on a calendar: Abbr." suggests a shorthand term used for a common calendar notation. "APPT" is the abbreviation for "appointment", which is often written on calendars to denote scheduled meetings or events. The abbreviation aligns with the "Abbr." hint in the clue.

  • The clue "Recapitulate" means to summarize or condense the main points, and the phrase "sum up" perfectly captures this definition. "Sum up" is commonly used to convey the idea of briefly reviewing or restating key information, making it the correct answer to this clue.

  • The clue "Young women, affectionately" suggests a term of endearment for young women. "Chicas" is the Spanish word for "girls" or "young women" and is often used affectionately, fitting the clue perfectly. The language context ("affectionately") hints at this casual, friendly Spanish term.

  • The clue "Final outcomes" leads to the answer ENDRESULTS because "end" and "results" both refer to outcomes or conclusions. Together, they directly describe the ultimate or final outcomes of a process, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.

  • The clue "Choir voice" directly refers to a specific vocal range in a choir. TENOR is a standard male voice type in choral arrangements, sitting between bass (lower range) and alto (higher range). The clue seeks the name of a specific voice type, making TENOR the correct and fitting answer.

  • The answer "SAG" fits the clue "Droop" as both share the meaning of bending or hanging downward due to weakness, weight, or lack of support. "Droop" and "sag" are synonyms, often used to describe something losing firmness or tension, such as a line or posture.

  • The clue "___ Bernardino" refers to San Bernardino, a well-known city in California. "San" is a common prefix in place names, derived from Spanish, meaning "Saint." San Bernardino is named after Saint Bernardino of Siena, making "SAN" the correct and logical answer.

  • HIPS is the solution because the hips are body parts that allow rotational and swiveling movement. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, enabling flexibility, rotation, and mobility, which makes it the primary part of the body responsible for swiveling motion.

  • The clue "Like short plays, typically" refers to plays that are concise in structure. Short plays are most commonly "ONE-ACT" plays, meaning they unfold in a single act instead of multiple, aligning perfectly with "short" in the clue. Hence, the answer is ONEACT.

  • The clue "Doctor Freud" refers to the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, often called "Doctor Freud." His first name, SIGMUND, is the straightforward answer since the clue specifically identifies him by title and surname. No additional wordplay or tricks are involved here.

  • HORSE is an April 1st misdirect here. The answer is SOLAR because solar power is energy harnessed from the sun's rays, making it a common and widely recognized form of renewable energy that fits perfectly in the blank.

  • The solution "ENT" stands for Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist, a type of doctor who treats conditions related to these areas, including sinus issues. The clue "Sinus doc." refers to a medical professional who would handle sinus-related problems, making ENT the correct answer.

  • The clue "That's disgusting!" in quotes signals a nonverbal, emotional response. "UGH" is a common exclamation used to express disgust, frustration, or displeasure, perfectly aligning with the clue's context. Its brevity matches the concise tone of the clue, making it the ideal one-word solution.

  • The answer is RADNER because Gilda Radner was one of the original cast members of "Saturday Night Live" (S.N.L.) when the show premiered in 1975. She was known for her comedic brilliance and iconic characters. This clue references her prominent role in the show's history.

  • The clue "Fixed, as at the vet's" refers to a common procedure performed by veterinarians. "Fixed" is a synonym for spayed or neutered, procedures that prevent animals from reproducing. Since the clue specifies "as at the vet's," the correct answer for female animals is SPAYED.

  • The clue "Toothy look" directly describes the facial expression of a GRIN, where teeth are typically visible due to the wide, cheerful smile. It's a straightforward synonym, as a GRIN inherently involves showing teeth, aligning perfectly with the clue.

  • The clue "___, meeny, miney, mo" refers to a well-known children's rhyme used for counting or choosing. "EENY" is the first word in the rhyme, making it the correct answer. The clue uses ellipses to indicate a missing word from the sequence.

  • The answer "TTOP" refers to a T-top roof, a common feature in some Corvette Stingray models. This is a specific car design element where removable roof panels create a semi-convertible experience, leaving a bar running across the middle for structural support. It's a signature Corvette feature.

  • In the automotive industry, "make" refers to the brand or manufacturer of a car, such as Toyota, Ford, or Honda. The clue "Car brand" directly points to this definition, making MAKE the apt solution. It's a straightforward, industry-specific term for "brand."

  • The clue "Charges to get in" directly refers to payments required for admission or entry, which are commonly called "FEES." The word "charges" indicates a monetary cost, fitting perfectly with "FEES" in this context. No wordplay or alternate meanings are involved here—it's a straightforward definition.

  • The answer "OSSO" comes from "osso buco," an Italian dish. In Italian, "osso" means "bone," and "buco" means "hole," referring to the bone marrow at the dish's center. The blank indicates the first word of this classic recipe.

  • The clue "Letters on an incomplete schedule" hints at something typically noted when details like times or dates are yet to be confirmed. "TBA," short for "To Be Announced," is commonly used to indicate undecided or pending information on schedules, making it the perfect fit.

  • An "18-wheeler" is a common nickname for a large truck or semi-truck, which consists of a tractor and trailer with 18 wheels. "RIG" is a slang term often used to refer to such trucks, making it the fitting answer for this clue.

  • The answer is AOL because it was one of the pioneering companies providing internet access to households in the 1990s. Its full name, America Online, became synonymous with early internet use, offering dial-up services and popularizing email and instant messaging during the internet's early era.

  • The clue "Sheep's bleat" directly refers to the sound sheep make. A sheep's characteristic vocalization is spelled phonetically as "BAA." This is a straightforward clue with no wordplay; the answer reflects the onomatopoeic representation of a sheep's sound.

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Yesterday’s Crossword in a Nutshell

This April Fool’s Day puzzle by Sande Milton is a brilliant prank. The theme unfolds like a mystery, where the solver realizes that their IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE has been defaced by a PRIOR PASSENGER, leaving misleading scribbles. The chaos builds as the answers reveal the scenario—found in the SEATBACK POCKET, with the final clue delivering justice: "RETURN TRAY TABLES", as if the airline crew is ending the nightmare. The theme is clever, immersive, and uniquely frustrating in a fun way. A perfectly executed April Fool’s joke that messes with solvers in the best way!

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