February 15, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (36 clues)
• Down Clues (38 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (36 Across, 38 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle February 15, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Rise to the challenge	6
2A	7. Anthony Hopkins's role in the "Thor" film franchise	4
3A	11. Foldable bed	3
4A	14. Element essential to thyroid function	6
5A	15. Director/screenwriter Ephron	4
6A	16. "___ you good?"	3
7A	17. Might have, informally	6
8A	18. Parched, as land	4
9A	19. Upstate N.Y. campus	3
10A	20. Catastrophe at a tennis match?	13
11A	23. Overjoy	5
12A	25. "%&$@," in comics	4
13A	26. Author Morrison	4
14A	27. Leased	3
15A	28. Prefix with futurism	4
16A	29. Ransacks like a pirate	5
17A	30. Uncertainties at a football game?	14
18A	34. Promise to pay	3
19A	35. !!!!, in a text	3
20A	36. Security alerts at a boxing match?	14
21A	44. Country singer LeAnn	5
22A	45. Stars might have big ones	4
23A	46. "A mouse!"	3
24A	47. Two times quadri-	4
25A	48. Signify	4
26A	49. Pal, in Pamplona	5
27A	51. Supplies at a swim meet?	13
28A	54. Traveler's approx.	3
29A	55. Honolulu's island	4
30A	56. Season for pumpkin-spiced everything	6
31A	59. "Oh, ___ on!"	3
32A	60. Common songbird	4
33A	61. Rude looks	6
34A	62. Revolutionary Turner	3
35A	63. Campus anti-D.U.I. group	4
36A	64. Montana's capital	6

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Rise to the challenge"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEPUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Anthony Hopkins's role in the "Thor" film franchise"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (norse mythology) ruler of the aesir; supreme god of war and poetry and knowledge and wisdom (for which he gave an eye) and husband of frigg; identified with the teutonic wotan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Foldable bed"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sheath worn to protect a finger
• Words that mean the same thing: camp bed, crib, fingerstall
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Element essential to thyroid function"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about science/technology.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)
• Words that mean the same thing: iodin, tincture of iodine, atomic number 53
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IODINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Director/screenwriter Ephron"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. "___ you good?""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Words that mean the same thing: equal, make up, comprise
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Might have, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COULDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Parched, as land"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that lacking sufficient water or rainfall
• Words that mean the same thing: waterless, desiccated, desiccate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Upstate N.Y. campus"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Catastrophe at a tennis match?"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COURTDISASTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Overjoy"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
• Words that mean the same thing: lift up, pick up, uplift
• The opposite would be: depress
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. "%&$@," in comics"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
• Words that mean the same thing: expletive, curse, curse word
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Author Morrison"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Leased"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
• Words that mean the same thing: get, Army of the Righteous, Army of the Pure
• The opposite would be: prevent, disallow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Prefix with futurism"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a rounded thickly curled hairdo
• Words that mean the same thing: Afro hairdo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Ransacks like a pirate"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that goods or money obtained illegally
• Words that mean the same thing: pelf, wampum, despoil
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "30. Uncertainties at a football game?"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FIELDQUESTIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Promise to pay"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. !!!!, in a text"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Security alerts at a boxing match?"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RINGALARMBELLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Country singer LeAnn"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
• Words that mean the same thing: hoarfrost, frost, hoar
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Stars might have big ones"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: self-importance, egotism, self
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. "A mouse!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Two times quadri-"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Signify"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
• Words that mean the same thing: stain, scrape, pock
• The opposite would be: ignore
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Pal, in Pamplona"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMIGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. Supplies at a swim meet?"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POOLRESOURCES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. Traveler's approx."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
• Words that mean the same thing: Basque Homeland and Freedom, Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Euskadi ta Askatasuna
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Honolulu's island"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
• Words that mean the same thing: Oahu Island
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAHU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Season for pumpkin-spiced everything"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the season when the leaves fall from the trees
• Words that mean the same thing: fall
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUTUMN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. "Oh, ___ on!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the branch of engineering that deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to retrieve and store and transmit information
• Words that mean the same thing: IT, information technology
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "60. Common songbird"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that english architect who designed more than fifty london churches (1632-1723)
• Words that mean the same thing: Sir Christopher Wren, jenny wren
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WREN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. Rude looks"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a fixed look with eyes open wide
• Words that mean the same thing: asterisk, gaze, star
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STARES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "62. Revolutionary Turner"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "63. Campus anti-D.U.I. group"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SADD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "64. Montana's capital"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that capital of the state of montana; located in western montana
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Montana
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HELENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Tuesday Puzzle February 15, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Editor's bracketed disclaimer	3
2D	2. "___ cute!"	3
3D	3. Teach	7
4D	4. Spirit guide?	5
5D	5. Excessive	5
6D	6. Prickly ___ (cactus variety)	4
7D	7. How some risks are taken	7
8D	8. Chips brand whose "Cool Ranch" flavor is called "Cool American" in Europe	7
9D	9. "Fighting" Notre Dame team	5
10D	10. Diddly-squat	4
11D	11. "SpongeBob SquarePants," for one	7
12D	12. Points in the right direction	7
13D	13. Falling block game	6
14D	21. Stir-fry protein option	4
15D	22. Moe, Larry or Curly	6
16D	23. Figure in a Grimm story	3
17D	24. Neckwear in Honolulu	3
18D	28. Ocean shade	4
19D	29. Arm or branch	4
20D	31. Of direct descent	6
21D	32. Some four-footed friends	4
22D	33. Casual shoe brand	4
23D	36. Lasagna filling	7
24D	37. "Things don't look good for me!"	7
25D	38. Restrained	7
26D	39. Beached, as a boat in sand	7
27D	40. TV streaming device	4
28D	41. Off-duty time	7
29D	42. Part of a relay race	3
30D	43. Reggae relative	3
31D	44. Ensnare using deceptive strategies	6
32D	48. Comedian Anne	5
33D	49. Less than 90º	5
34D	50. Valuable part of ore	5
35D	52. Exercises on an ergometer	4
36D	53. Not well thought through	4
37D	57. "___ Explain Things to Me" (Rebecca Solnit essay collection)	3
38D	58. Covert org.	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Editor's bracketed disclaimer"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that urge to attack someone
• Words that mean the same thing: set
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "___ cute!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
• Words that mean the same thing: to a fault, as well, also
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Teach"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that give an education to
• Words that mean the same thing: civilize, civilise, school
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDUCATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Spirit guide?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
• Words that mean the same thing: pilot program, buffer, fender
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PILOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Excessive"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not yet payable
• Words that mean the same thing: unreasonable, unwarranted, excessive
• The opposite would be: due
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNDUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Prickly ___ (cactus variety)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit available in many varieties
• Words that mean the same thing: pear tree, Pyrus communis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. How some risks are taken"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONADARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Chips brand whose "Cool Ranch" flavor is called "Cool American" in Europe"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DORITOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "Fighting" Notre Dame team"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that people of ireland or of irish extraction
• Words that mean the same thing: Irish whiskey, Irish Gaelic, Irish people
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Diddly-squat"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: naught, nix, zippo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "SpongeBob SquarePants," for one"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine
• Words that mean the same thing: sketch, toon, animated cartoon
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CARTOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Points in the right direction"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the countries of asia
• Words that mean the same thing: eastern hemisphere, East, orientate
• The opposite would be: disorient
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORIENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Falling block game"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that 100 tetri equal 1 lari in georgia
• Words that mean the same thing: tetri
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TETRIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. Stir-fry protein option"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cheeselike food made of curdled soybean milk
• Words that mean the same thing: bean curd
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOFU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Moe, Larry or Curly"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person of unquestioning obedience
• Words that mean the same thing: flunky, flunkey, goat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STOOGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Figure in a Grimm story"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
• Words that mean the same thing: gremlin, extremely low frequency, brownie
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Neckwear in Honolulu"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
• Words that mean the same thing: leu, coronal, wreath
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Ocean shade"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a shade of blue tinged with green
• Words that mean the same thing: cobalt blue, peacock blue, turquoise
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AQUA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Arm or branch"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper
• Words that mean the same thing: branch, tree branch, arm
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIMB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Of direct descent"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that in a straight unbroken line of descent from parent to child
• Words that mean the same thing: direct
• The opposite would be: collateral
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LINEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Some four-footed friends"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the genus canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
• Words that mean the same thing: chase after, frank, tag
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Casual shoe brand"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (ethnic slur) offensive and derogatory name for a black man who is abjectly servile and deferential to whites
• Words that mean the same thing: turkey cock, tomcat, tom turkey
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Lasagna filling"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that soft italian cheese like cottage cheese
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RICOTTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. "Things don't look good for me!""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IMTOAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Restrained"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fasten with a rope
• Words that mean the same thing: leash, rope
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEASHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Beached, as a boat in sand"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that stuck in a place where a ship can no longer float
• The opposite would be: afloat
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGROUND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. TV streaming device"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROKU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Off-duty time"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that time available for ease and relaxation
• Words that mean the same thing: leisure time
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEISURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Part of a relay race"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle
• Words that mean the same thing: stage, peg, pegleg
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Reggae relative"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "44. Ensnare using deceptive strategies"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROPEIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Comedian Anne"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Less than 90º"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mark (') placed above a vowel to indicate pronunciation
• Words that mean the same thing: knifelike, penetrating, acuate
• The opposite would be: chronic, obtuse
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACUTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Valuable part of ore"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: metallic element, alloy, metallic
• The opposite would be: nonmetallic
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: METAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Exercises on an ergometer"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
• Words that mean the same thing: dustup, row, words
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. Not well thought through"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any red eruption of the skin
• Words that mean the same thing: heady, reckless, blizzard
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "57. "___ Explain Things to Me" (Rebecca Solnit essay collection)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the force of workers available
• Words that mean the same thing: serviceman, gentleman, military personnel
• The opposite would be: woman, civilian
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Covert org."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
• Words that mean the same thing: National Security Agency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	44	59.5%
Short Answer	17	23.0%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.4%
Geography	3	4.1%
Sports	3	4.1%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Science/Technology	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	36
Down Clues	38
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 11, 2025 at 09:17 PM

December 22, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, December 22, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Friday Puzzle December 22, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Numbers can be read in this	5
2A	6. Org. that offers free at-home hearing tests	4
3A	10. Scholz of German politics	4
4A	14. Spanish count	10
5A	16. Make it up?	4
6A	17. Making headlines, say	10
7A	18. Bed cover	4
8A	19. Emphatic suffix	3
9A	20. Big name in vegan cheese	5
10A	21. Like conventional music	5
11A	22. Children's TV character whose last name is Márquez	4
12A	23. Big break	6
13A	25. Some break dancers, informally	5
14A	27. Plays the wrong way	6
15A	28. Telenovela profession	5
16A	29. Rama is one, in Arthur C. Clarke's sci-fi novel "Rendezvous With Rama"	9
17A	32. Locale dubbed the "Las Vegas of the East"	5
18A	33. Knock hard	3
19A	34. Who wrote "Beauty is truth, truth beauty"	5
20A	35. Words from someone who doesn't want to be taken seriously	9
21A	37. Deservingness	5
22A	38. Elitists	6
23A	39. Riffs on, modernly	5
24A	40. Lovely, in Spanish	6
25A	41. Buds	4
26A	42. Tackles	5
27A	43. Lewis who played Grizabella on Broadway	5
28A	45. Texter's "Ta-ta!"	3
29A	48. Little bit of make-up?	4
30A	49. One working on a keynote	10
31A	51. Card-dealing casino device	4
32A	52. Last-ditch remedies for computer problems	10
33A	53. Authors	4
34A	54. Cloverleaf cluster?	4
35A	55. Fix, as a bowline	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Numbers can be read in this"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the whole body of the jewish sacred writings and tradition including the oral tradition
• Words that mean the same thing: Pentateuch, Laws
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TORAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Org. that offers free at-home hearing tests"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an association of people to promote the welfare of senior citizens
• Words that mean the same thing: Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AARP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Scholz of German politics"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Spanish count"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNODOSTRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Make it up?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a growth in strength or number or importance
• Words that mean the same thing: rebel, ascending, spring up
• The opposite would be: go to bed, descent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Making headlines, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that sufficiently interesting to be reported in a newspaper
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEWSWORTHY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Bed cover"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of being covered with unclean things
• Words that mean the same thing: ground, begrime, dirt
• The opposite would be: clean
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Emphatic suffix"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• Words that mean the same thing: fundament, fanny, backside
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Big name in vegan cheese"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAIYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Like conventional music"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that employing variations in pitch to distinguish meanings of otherwise similar words
• Words that mean the same thing: tonic
• The opposite would be: atonal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Children's TV character whose last name is Márquez"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Big break"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that division of a group into opposing factions
• Words that mean the same thing: split
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCHISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Some break dancers, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BBOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Plays the wrong way"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that weedy annual grass often occurs in grainfields and other cultivated land; seeds sometimes considered poisonous
• Words that mean the same thing: rig, chouse, chess
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHEATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Telenovela profession"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEAMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Rama is one, in Arthur C. Clarke's sci-fi novel "Rendezvous With Rama""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALIENSHIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Locale dubbed the "Las Vegas of the East""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a former portuguese province on the south coast of china and two islands in the south china sea; reverted to china in 1999
• Words that mean the same thing: Macao
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MACAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. Knock hard"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal vessel
• Words that mean the same thing: trash, genus Pan, pan off
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Who wrote "Beauty is truth, truth beauty""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that englishman and romantic poet (1795-1821)
• Words that mean the same thing: John Keats
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KEATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "35. Words from someone who doesn't want to be taken seriously"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IMKIDDING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "37. Deservingness"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any admirable quality or attribute
• Words that mean the same thing: meritoriousness, deserve, virtue
• The opposite would be: demerit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MERIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "38. Elitists"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person regarded as arrogant and annoying
• Words that mean the same thing: beak, hooter, snob
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNOOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "39. Riffs on, modernly"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation)
• Words that mean the same thing: meme
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "40. Lovely, in Spanish"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BONITA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "41. Buds"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
• Words that mean the same thing: brother, buddy, pal up
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "42. Tackles"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HASAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "43. Lewis who played Grizabella on Broadway"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEONA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "45. Texter's "Ta-ta!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "48. Little bit of make-up?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
• Words that mean the same thing: speck, particle, mote
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "49. One working on a keynote"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIANOTUNER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "51. Card-dealing casino device"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
• Words that mean the same thing: brake shoe, skid, horseshoe
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "52. Last-ditch remedies for computer problems"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARDRESETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "53. Authors"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
• Words that mean the same thing: pen, penitentiary, write
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "54. Cloverleaf cluster?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
• Words that mean the same thing: lodge, inn, hostel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "55. Fix, as a bowline"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that tie again or anew
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RETIE

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Friday Crossword Down Clues - December 22, 2023 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Bigeye, for one	4
2D	2. Gender-neutral possessive	4
3D	3. Parts of tables	4
4D	4. Stream interrupters	3
5D	5. Question expressing amazement	12
6D	6. They may have glass ceilings	5
7D	7. Appealing to an indie audience, maybe	4
8D	8. Meeting extender	9
9D	9. ___.D (therapist's deg.)	3
10D	10. "… apparently"	11
11D	11. Largest part	10
12D	12. Exactly the way you see me	5
13D	13. Was defeated	4
14D	15. Skyrockets	5
15D	21. "Take my word for it, you're going to love this"	12
16D	22. Address components	11
17D	24. Acrylic finish?	3
18D	25. Support piece	4
19D	26. "Didn't you just leave?"	10
20D	27. Family units	5
21D	28. Letters that might make a long story short?	3
22D	29. Course that may cover Dante and Ferrante, familiarly	9
23D	30. Terse affirmation	4
24D	31. Setting for most Laker home games: Abbr.	3
25D	36. One of three in Fiji?	3
26D	39. Misselthwaite ___, setting of "The Secret Garden"	5
27D	40. Soak (in)	5
28D	41. Scummy locales	5
29D	42. Gate feature	4
30D	44. Get on the job	4
31D	45. "Your guide to a better future" website	4
32D	46. Figure in Sherpa folklore	4
33D	47. 19-Across, to a Brit	4
34D	49. Preantepenultimate letter	3
35D	50. Single-___	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Bigeye, for one"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that tropical american prickly pear of jamaica
• Words that mean the same thing: tuna fish, tunny, Anguilla sucklandii
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Gender-neutral possessive"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: ace, I, one
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Parts of tables"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
• Words that mean the same thing: run-in, row, wrangle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Stream interrupters"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a public promotion of some product or service
• Words that mean the same thing: advertizing, advertisement, advert
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Question expressing amazement"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOWDOYOUDOIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. They may have glass ceilings"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways (especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart)
• Words that mean the same thing: atrium
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATRIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Appealing to an indie audience, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that showily imitative of art or artists
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Meeting extender"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that present or use over, with no or few changes
• Words that mean the same thing: rehash, hash over, retrograde
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REHASHING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. ___.D (therapist's deg.)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "… apparently""

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORSOITSEEMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Largest part"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIONSSHARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Exactly the way you see me"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Was defeated"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
• Words that mean the same thing: flow, cut down, accrue
• The opposite would be: ascend, rise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Skyrockets"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of rising upward into the air
• Words that mean the same thing: soar up, soar upwards, soar
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. "Take my word for it, you're going to love this""

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THANKMELATER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Address components"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOMAINNAMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Acrylic finish?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Support piece"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
• Words that mean the same thing: ray, radiate, broadcast
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. "Didn't you just leave?""

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BACKSOSOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Family units"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that group of people related by blood or marriage
• Words that mean the same thing: kin group, kindred, tribe
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Letters that might make a long story short?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. Course that may cover Dante and Ferrante, familiarly"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APITALIAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Terse affirmation"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ITIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "31. Setting for most Laker home games: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that standard time in the 8th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 120th meridian west; used in far western states of the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: Pacific Time, Pacific Standard Time
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. One of three in Fiji?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a very small circular shape
• Words that mean the same thing: window pane, Transportation, superman
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Misselthwaite ___, setting of "The Secret Garden""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the mansion of a lord or wealthy person
• Words that mean the same thing: manor house
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MANOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Soak (in)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of swimming
• Words that mean the same thing: bath
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BATHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Scummy locales"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small lake
• Words that mean the same thing: pond, pool
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PONDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Gate feature"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a fastener for a door or lid; a hinged metal plate is fitted over a staple and is locked with a pin or padlock
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HASP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. Get on the job"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
• Words that mean the same thing: pull in, bring in, clear
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EARN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. "Your guide to a better future" website"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CNET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. Figure in Sherpa folklore"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
• Words that mean the same thing: abominable snowman
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YETI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "47. 19-Across, to a Brit"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• Words that mean the same thing: fundament, fanny, backside
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Preantepenultimate letter"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the 21st letter of the greek alphabet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. Single-___"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of using
• Words that mean the same thing: habit, utilize, purpose
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	78.6%
Short Answer	9	12.9%
Literature	2	2.9%
Music	1	1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
History	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.5 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: August 28, 2025 at 07:17 PM