December 25, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (33 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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• February 02 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
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• October 02 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, December 25, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (37 Across, 33 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

December 25, 2020 Friday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Temple figure	5
2A	6. Joins hands?	5
3A	11. Refresh, as the memory	3
4A	14. "All this kid stuff now, it's crazy"	5
5A	15. Fictional hero whose name is Spanish for "fox"	5
6A	16. Link, of a sort	3
7A	17. ___ code	5
8A	18. Setting for the start of "The Sound of Music"	5
9A	19. Locale traversed by Lewis and Clark: Abbr.	3
10A	20. Studio upgrade	10
11A	22. Standouts on the pitcher's mound	4
12A	23. ___ Bay (place mentioned in "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay")	6
13A	24. Provides	7
14A	26. Season ticket holder, presumably	3
15A	27. Dance traditionally performed to tell a story	4
16A	30. Reefer	6
17A	31. Wet-weather footwear	6
18A	33. Like someone associated with a blue, pink and white flag, for short	5
19A	34. Time magazine's 2019 Person of the Year	13
20A	37. Hard to pick up	5
21A	38. Command after a crash	6
22A	39. "Sure, that time works for me"	6
23A	41. Not handle ice well, say	4
24A	42. Tour grp.	3
25A	45. Whistle blower	7
26A	47. Watering hole	6
27A	49. They end in septembre	4
28A	50. Type of rental agreement	10
29A	53. Topper	3
30A	54. Book club leader on TV	5
31A	55. Sound	5
32A	56. "If u ask me ..."	3
33A	57. Madame___ (online lifestyle magazine)	5
34A	58. Pharmaceutical giant, informally	5
35A	59. Perfect score ... or half of one	3
36A	60. Parts of an assembly	5
37A	61. City NE of Manchester	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. Temple figure"

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 spiritual leader of a jewish congregation; qualified to expound and apply jewish law
• 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: RABBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Joins hands?"

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 sudden very loud noise
• Words that mean the same thing: clap, applaud, gonorrhea
• The opposite would be: boo
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Refresh, as the memory"

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 sharp change in direction
• Words that mean the same thing: lope, trot, ramble
• 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: JOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. "All this kid stuff now, it's crazy""

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: IMOLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Fictional hero whose name is Spanish for "fox""

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: ZORRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Link, of a sort"

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 address of a web page on the world wide web
• Words that mean the same thing: uniform resource locator, universal resource locator
• 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: URL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. ___ code"

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 of or relating to punishment
• Words that mean the same thing: punishable
• 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: PENAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Setting for the start of "The Sound of Music""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a church associated with a monastery or convent
• 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: ABBEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Locale traversed by Lewis and Clark: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an agency of the united nations affiliated with the world bank
• Words that mean the same thing: International Development Association
• 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: IDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Studio upgrade"

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: ONEBEDROOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Standouts on the pitcher's mound"

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: single, whiz, wiz
• 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: ACES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. ___ Bay (place mentioned in "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay")"

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: FRISCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. Provides"

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 a substance similar to stucco but exclusively applied to masonry walls
• Words that mean the same thing: give, generate, hand over
• 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: RENDERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Season ticket holder, presumably"

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 device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
• Words that mean the same thing: devotee, winnow, sports fan
• 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: FAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "27. Dance traditionally performed to tell a story"

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 polynesian rain dance performed by a woman
• Words that mean the same thing: Hawaiian dancing, hula-hula
• 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: HULA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Reefer"

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: DOOBIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "31. Wet-weather footwear"

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 waterproof overshoe that protects shoes from water or snow
• Words that mean the same thing: gumshoe, rubber, golosh
• 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: GALOSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. Like someone associated with a blue, pink and white flag, for short"

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

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: TRANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Time magazine's 2019 Person of the Year"

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: GRETATHUNBERG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. Hard to pick up"

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 spontaneous loss of consciousness caused by insufficient blood to the brain
• Words that mean the same thing: lightheaded, weak, pass out
• 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: FAINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Command after a crash"

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 place a new load on
• Words that mean the same thing: recharge
• 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: RELOAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "39. "Sure, that time works for me""

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: IMFREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. Not handle ice well, say"

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 a pair of planks used to make a track for rolling or sliding objects
• Words that mean the same thing: slue, slew, shoe
• 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: SKID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "42. Tour grp."

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: PGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Whistle blower"

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 (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
• Words that mean the same thing: reviewer, umpire, peer review
• 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: REFEREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Watering hole"

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 room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
• Words that mean the same thing: pub, bar, taphouse
• 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: SALOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. They end in septembre"

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: ETES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "50. Type of rental agreement"

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: LEASETOOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. Topper"

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 either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
• Words that mean the same thing: eyelid, chapeau, hat
• 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: LID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Book club leader on TV"

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: OPRAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Sound"

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 audible part of a transmitted signal
• Words that mean the same thing: audio frequency, sound recording, sound
• 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: AUDIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. "If u ask me ...""

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 united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
• Words that mean the same thing: International Maritime Organization
• 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: IMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "57. Madame___ (online lifestyle magazine)"

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: NOIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "58. Pharmaceutical giant, 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: LILLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "59. Perfect score ... or half of one"

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 cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Words that mean the same thing: 10, tenner, x
• 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: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "60. Parts of an assembly"

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 flight of stairs or a flight of steps
• Words that mean the same thing: tread, whole step, whole tone
• 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: STEPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "61. City NE of Manchester"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a city on the river aire in west yorkshire in northern england; a center of the clothing industry
• 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: LEEDS

  Great job if you got it right!

December 25, 2020 Friday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Con	6
2D	2. Supreme Egyptian god	6
3D	3. Rib-eye request	6
4D	4. Overindulges in 5-Down	5
5D	5. Activity by the water cooler	11
6D	6. Magnate	4
7D	7. Rebecca in the Basketball Hall of Fame	4
8D	8. Shaded area	5
9D	9. Like many biochem majors	6
10D	10. Kind of flour	3
11D	11. Spot to pick up a smoothie	8
12D	12. Process involving a server	8
13D	13. Readers, e.g.	7
14D	21. Labor leader?	5
15D	22. Was su-u-uper into	6
16D	25. "Better than I expected!"	11
17D	28. Popular fantasy film franchise, for short	4
18D	29. Word on either side of "to"	5
19D	31. Sorting header in a music app	6
20D	32. "The Avengers" role	4
21D	34. When the sports preshow ends	8
22D	35. Used as improv fodder, say	8
23D	36. Sound	5
24D	37. Like many a campsite at night	7
25D	40. Fishing gear left underwater	6
26D	42. Toy associated with France	6
27D	43. Throw away all inhibitions	6
28D	44. Gets to	6
29D	46. Like ghost stories	5
30D	48. One of Donald Duck's nephews	5
31D	51. Major D.C. lobby	4
32D	52. "___ Gotta Have It"	4
33D	54. Ending with clip or slip	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. Con"

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: RIPOFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Supreme Egyptian god"

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: AMENRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Rib-eye request"

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: BONEIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Overindulges in 5-Down"

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 divulge confidential information or secrets
• Words that mean the same thing: spill the beans, prattle, talk
• The opposite would be: keep quiet
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Activity by the water cooler"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: IDLECHATTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Magnate"

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 male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
• Words that mean the same thing: tzar, tsar
• 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: CZAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Rebecca in the Basketball Hall of Fame"

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: LOBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Shaded area"

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 tree (as opposed to shrub)
• Words that mean the same thing: arbour, spindle, pergola
• 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: ARBOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Like many biochem majors"

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: PREMED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Kind of flour"

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 source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
• Words that mean the same thing: soybean plant, soy sauce, soybean
• 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: SOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Spot to pick up a smoothie"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: JUICEBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Process involving a server"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that logical or comprehensible arrangement of separate elements
• Words that mean the same thing: prescribe, set up, grade
• The opposite would be: disorder, deregulate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORDERING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Readers, e.g."

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 optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
• Words that mean the same thing: Methedrine, glass in, looking glass
• 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: GLASSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. Labor leader?"

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 an assistant (often the father of the soon-to-be-born child) who provides support for a woman in labor by encouraging her to use techniques learned in childbirth-preparation classes
• Words that mean the same thing: birthing coach, monitrice, labor coach
• 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: DOULA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Was su-u-uper into"

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 love intensely
• Words that mean the same thing: adore, idolised, idolized
• 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: ADORED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. "Better than I expected!""

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: NOTBADATALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "28. Popular fantasy film franchise, for short"

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

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: LOTR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. Word on either side of "to""

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 residue that remains when something is burned
• Words that mean the same thing: ash, ash tree
• 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: ASHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "31. Sorting header in a music app"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a kind of literary or artistic work
• Words that mean the same thing: genre, literary genre, musical style
• 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: GENRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. "The Avengers" role"

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 very large person; impressive in size or qualities
• Words that mean the same thing: predominate, heavyweight, loom
• 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: HULK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. When the sports preshow ends"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard 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: GAMETIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Used as improv fodder, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: RIFFEDON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Sound"

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 sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
• Words that mean the same thing: resound, stochasticity, randomness
• 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: NOISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Like many a campsite at night"

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: FIRELIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Fishing gear left underwater"

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: EELPOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Toy associated with France"

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 an intelligent dog with a heavy curly solid-colored coat that is usually clipped; an old breed sometimes trained as sporting dogs or as performing dogs
• Words that mean the same thing: poodle dog
• 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: POODLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Throw away all inhibitions"

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: GOWILD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Gets to"

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 cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
• Words that mean the same thing: chafe, get to, nark
• 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: ANNOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Like ghost stories"

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 suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
• Words that mean the same thing: eery
• 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: EERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. One of Donald Duck's nephews"

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: LOUIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Major D.C. lobby"

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 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 32 Down: "52. "___ Gotta Have It""

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: SHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Ending with clip or slip"

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: ONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	75.7%
Short Answer	9	12.9%
Abbreviation	2	2.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	33
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.5 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	13 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!

More Crossword Resources

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

• February 02 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 28 2019 NYT Clues Answers
• May 26 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 12 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• All NYT Down Clues September 16 2025 41
• 27420 Fri Dec 06 2024 NYT By Robyn
• July 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 08 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Thursday March 22 2001 Crossword

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 20, 2025 at 12:39 PM

May 18, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

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• Tuesday NYT Mini Crossword Answers
• September 03 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle May 18, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Hospital scan, for short	3
2A	4. Word before line or hose	5
3A	9. Joins a rendition of "If You're Happy and You Know It," say	5
4A	14. ___ Lingus	3
5A	15. Fish tank buildup	5
6A	16. It clutches arrows and an olive branch on the Great Seal	5
7A	17. Fish eggs	3
8A	18. Rotten kid	11
9A	20. Reason for an Olympic diving demerit	6
10A	22. Birthday staple	7
11A	23. Heavy metal fan	10
12A	26. Opposite of WSW	3
13A	27. Bother	5
14A	28. New England catch	3
15A	29. Poet's cadence	5
16A	31. Trippy drug	3
17A	32. Khan who founded Khan Academy	3
18A	33. What the letters of "Roy G. Biv" stand for	6
19A	34. Brand of school supplies known for its dazzling rainbow designs	9
20A	37. What a lot of office work is spent on nowadays	6
21A	40. Highest point value for a Scrabble tile	3
22A	41. Ideology suffix	3
23A	44. Old battle clubs	5
24A	45. Sleep preventer, in a fairy tale	3
25A	46. Seasonal delivery driver?	5
26A	48. Loop in on the DL	3
27A	49. Certain emotional support animal	10
28A	51. 2016 film starring Amy Adams as a linguist who communicates with aliens	7
29A	54. Yellow henchman in "Despicable Me"	6
30A	55. Breakfast side order ... or a hint to the last words of 18-, 23-, 34- and 49-Across	11
31A	58. What tree rings indicate	3
32A	59. Process, as ore	5
33A	60. Spirit in a bottle	5
34A	61. "Nothing but ___!"	3
35A	62. Affirmatives	5
36A	63. Mythical king of Crete	5
37A	64. Braying animal	3

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. Hospital scan, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
• Words that mean the same thing: magnetic resonance imaging
• 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: MRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Word before line or hose"

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 short underpants for women or children (usually used in the plural)
• Words that mean the same thing: pantie, step-in, scanty
• 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: PANTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Joins a rendition of "If You're Happy and You Know It," say"

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 sudden very loud noise
• Words that mean the same thing: spat, blast, clap
• The opposite would be: boo
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. ___ Lingus"

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: AER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Fish tank buildup"

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 primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves
• Words that mean the same thing: alga
• 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: ALGAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. It clutches arrows and an olive branch on the Great Seal"

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 any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
• Words that mean the same thing: bird of Jove, double birdie
• 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: EAGLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Fish eggs"

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 fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
• Words that mean the same thing: hard roe
• 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: ROE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Rotten kid"

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: SPOILEDBRAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Reason for an Olympic diving demerit"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sound like water splashing
• Words that mean the same thing: spattering, slosh, splattering
• 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: SPLASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Birthday staple"

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 the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
• Words that mean the same thing: demo, demonstrate, deliver
• The opposite would be: future, absent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRESENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Heavy metal fan"

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: HEADBANGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Opposite of WSW"

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 compass point midway between northeast and east
• Words that mean the same thing: east northeast
• 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: ENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Bother"

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 cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
• Words that mean the same thing: nettle, irritate, bother
• 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: ANNOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. New England catch"

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 vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
• Words that mean the same thing: tantalise, taunt, put one over
• 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: COD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Poet's cadence"

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 basic unit of length adopted under the systeme international d'unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
• Words that mean the same thing: m, cadence, metre
• 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: METER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Trippy drug"

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 powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
• Words that mean the same thing: lysergic acid diethylamide
• 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: LSD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Khan who founded Khan Academy"

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: SAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. What the letters of "Roy G. Biv" stand for"

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 flag that shows its nationality
• Words that mean the same thing: vividness, colours, colouring material
• The opposite would be: colorlessness, discolor
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COLORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Brand of school supplies known for its dazzling rainbow designs"

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: LISAFRANK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. What a lot of office work is spent on nowadays"

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 (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in
• Words that mean the same thing: netmail, e-mail, email
• The opposite would be: snail mail
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMAILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Highest point value for a Scrabble tile"

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 cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Words that mean the same thing: decade, ten-spot, x
• 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: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Ideology 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 a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
• Words that mean the same thing: philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought
• 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: ISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Old battle clubs"

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 (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
• Words that mean the same thing: mace, Chemical Mace, Mace
• 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: MACES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Sleep preventer, in a fairy tale"

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 seed of a pea plant used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: pea plant
• 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: PEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Seasonal delivery driver?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at christmas
• Words that mean the same thing: Saint Nicholas, St. Nick, Kriss Kringle
• 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: SANTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Loop in on the DL"

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: BCC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. Certain emotional support animal"

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: THERAPYDOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. 2016 film starring Amy Adams as a linguist who communicates with aliens"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that accomplishment of an objective
• Words that mean the same thing: arriver, comer, reaching
• 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: ARRIVAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. Yellow henchman in "Despicable Me""

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 servile or fawning dependant
• 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: MINION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Breakfast side order ... or a hint to the last words of 18-, 23-, 34- and 49-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: SAUSAGELINK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. What tree rings indicate"

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 how long something has existed
• Words that mean the same thing: historic period, long time, geezerhood
• The opposite would be: rejuvenate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Process, as 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 small cold-water silvery fish; migrate between salt and fresh water
• Words that mean the same thing: smack, smell out, sense
• 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: SMELT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Spirit in a bottle"

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 (islam) an invisible spirit mentioned in the koran and believed by muslims to inhabit the earth and influence mankind by appearing in the form of humans or animals
• Words that mean the same thing: jinnee, djinny, djinn
• 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: GENIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. "Nothing but ___!""

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 computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: cyberspace, internet, net income
• The opposite would be: gross
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. Affirmatives"

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 an affirmative
• Words that mean the same thing: yes
• The opposite would be: no
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YESES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "63. Mythical king of Crete"

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 son of zeus and europa; king of ancient crete; ordered daedalus to build the labyrinth; after death minos became a judge in the underworld
• 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: MINOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "64. Braying animal"

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, rump, tail end
• 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!

Solve the Down: NYT Tuesday Puzzle May 18, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Chief of a fire department	7
2D	2. Gets back in business	7
3D	3. Where the band U2 hails from	7
4D	4. Elapse	6
5D	5. Pack leader	5
6D	6. Doctors Without Borders, e.g., for short	3
7D	7. ___ chi (martial art)	3
8D	8. Left a restaurant review, in a modern way	6
9D	9. Hand over	4
10D	10. Workplaces where white coats are worn	4
11D	11. Shake on, say	7
12D	12. Datebook	7
13D	13. Some volleyball players	7
14D	19. Blunder	3
15D	21. Fuss	3
16D	24. Org. for the Big East and Pac-12	4
17D	25. Driver's prop	7
18D	29. M.L.K. Day, e.g.: Abbr.	3
19D	30. Cousin of a caribou	3
20D	32. Radiator noise	3
21D	33. Soup container	3
22D	34. Tell a whopper	3
23D	35. French pronoun	3
24D	36. Tush	4
25D	37. ___ Row, part of Washington, D.C.	7
26D	38. Craft with knotted cords	7
27D	39. Builds up, as interest	7
28D	41. The Hoosier State	7
29D	42. Iggy Pop's band, with "the"	7
30D	43. Aids for affixing messages on refrigerators	7
31D	45. Cough it up!	6
32D	46. Hard volleyball shots	6
33D	47. Writer Rand	3
34D	49. Underwear irritant, at times	3
35D	50. Prenatal test, for short	5
36D	52. Dot in the ocean	4
37D	53. Fixtures in a chocolate factory	4
38D	56. Hawaiian garland	3
39D	57. Overnight stop on a road trip	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. Chief of a fire department"

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 law officer having duties similar to those of a sheriff in carrying out the judgments of a court of law
• Words that mean the same thing: marshall, mobilise, mobilize
• 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: MARSHAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Gets back in business"

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 open again or anew
• Words that mean the same thing: reopen
• 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: REOPENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Where the band U2 hails from"

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 republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of ireland; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1921
• Words that mean the same thing: Hibernia, Republic of Ireland, Emerald Isle
• 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: IRELAND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Elapse"

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: PASSBY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Pack leader"

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 1st 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: ALPHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Doctors Without Borders, e.g., for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
• Words that mean the same thing: nongovernmental organization
• 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: NGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. ___ chi (martial art)"

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 native or inhabitant of thailand
• Words that mean the same thing: Siamese, Thai
• 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: TAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Left a restaurant review, in a modern 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 bark in a high-pitched tone
• Words that mean the same thing: yip, yap, yelp
• 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: YELPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Hand over"

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 give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
• Words that mean the same thing: yield, give up, deliver
• 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: CEDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Workplaces where white coats are worn"

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 workplace for the conduct of scientific research
• Words that mean the same thing: science lab, science laboratory, research laboratory
• 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: LABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Shake on, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: AGREETO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Datebook"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who makes plans
• Words that mean the same thing: deviser, contriver
• 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: PLANNER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Some volleyball players"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one who sets written material into type
• Words that mean the same thing: typographer, typesetter, setter
• 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: SETTERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Blunder"

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 make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: drift, slip, mistake
• 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: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Fuss"

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 rapid active commotion
• Words that mean the same thing: flurry, bustle, hustle
• 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: ADO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Org. for the Big East and Pac-12"

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: NCAA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Driver's prop"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium 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: GOLFTEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. M.L.K. Day, e.g.: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the second day of the week; the first working day
• Words that mean the same thing: Monday
• 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: MON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Cousin of a caribou"

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 large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
• Words that mean the same thing: moose, Cervus elaphus, European elk
• 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: ELK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Radiator noise"

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 independent federal agency that administers compulsory military service
• Words that mean the same thing: United States Secret Service, SS, Secret Service
• 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: SSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Soup container"

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 airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: crapper, can buoy, force out
• The opposite would be: hire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Tell a whopper"

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 statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
• Words that mean the same thing: dwell, rest, lie down
• The opposite would be: arise, stand
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. French pronoun"

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 midwestern state in north-central united states
• Words that mean the same thing: IL, Prairie State, Illinois
• 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: ILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Tush"

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 the back of a military formation or procession
• Words that mean the same thing: fundament, rump, tail end
• The opposite would be: front, head
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. ___ Row, part of Washington, D.C."

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 diplomatic building where ambassadors live or work
• 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: EMBASSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Craft with knotted cords"

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 relatively coarse lace; made by weaving and knotting cords
• 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: MACRAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Builds up, as interest"

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 grow by addition
• Words that mean the same thing: fall, accrue
• 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: ACCRUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. The Hoosier State"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state in midwestern united states
• Words that mean the same thing: IN, Robert Indiana, Hoosier State
• 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: INDIANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Iggy Pop's band, with "the""

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 person of unquestioning obedience
• Words that mean the same thing: butt, laughingstock, flunky
• 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: STOOGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Aids for affixing messages on refrigerators"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field
• Words that mean the same thing: attraction, attractor, attractive feature
• 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: MAGNETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Cough it up!"

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 apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions
• Words that mean the same thing: impassivity, unemotionality, lethargy
• 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: PHLEGM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. Hard volleyball shots"

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 transient variation in voltage or current
• Words that mean the same thing: fortify, stiletto heel, transfix
• 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: SPIKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "47. Writer Rand"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy 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: AYN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Underwear irritant, at times"

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 label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: go after, tag end, dog
• 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: TAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. Prenatal test, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (pregnancy) extraction by centesis of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman (after the 15th week of pregnancy) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities
• Words that mean the same thing: amniocentesis
• 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: AMNIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "52. Dot in the ocean"

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 small island
• Words that mean the same thing: islet
• 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: ISLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "53. Fixtures in a chocolate factory"

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 a tax levied on the difference between a commodity's price before taxes and its cost of production
• Words that mean the same thing: value-added tax, tub, ad valorem tax
• 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: VATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Hawaiian garland"

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: garland, leu, chaplet
• 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 39 Down: "57. Overnight stop on a road trip"

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 hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
• Words that mean the same thing: lodge, auberge, 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: INN

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	37	48.7%
Short Answer	24	31.6%
Abbreviation	4	5.3%
Geography	4	5.3%
Sports	2	2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Literature	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 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!

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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 17, 2025 at 01:28 PM