October 15, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (35 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

October 15, 2020 Across Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Key for Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture"	5
2A	6. A house may be built on it	4
3A	10. Burlesque accessories	4
4A	14. Web-footed mammals	10
5A	15. A goose egg	4
6A	16. Gimlet garnish	4
7A	18. Locale suggested by this puzzle's theme	9
8A	20. Malcolm Gladwell best seller that explores the 10,000-hour rule	8
9A	22. Ice cream container	3
10A	23. Virginia Woolf's "___ Dalloway"	3
11A	24. Statue of ___, figure atop the U.S. Capitol	7
12A	26. ___ culpa	3
13A	29. Autobahn hazard	3
14A	30. Elflike	3
15A	31. Big hopper	8
16A	32. Things with perks?	10
17A	37. "I need to speak with you," briefly	5
18A	38. Capote sobriquet	3
19A	39. Cartomancy tool	5
20A	40. Brand of spread for sandwiches and toast	8
21A	41. Bouncer's equipment	10
22A	44. Ingredient in a Cuban sandwich	3
23A	45. Spanish 23-Across: Abbr.	3
24A	46. Holy Trinity part	3
25A	47. Ones coming for a ride?	7
26A	49. Select	3
27A	52. Wood rich in tannins	3
28A	53. "Yankee Doodle" epithet that's also the name of a food	8
29A	55. Nickname for 18-Across, and a hint to how four answers in this puzzle are to be entered	9
30A	59. Instrument played using circular breathing	10
31A	60. Nashville music mecca, informally	4
32A	61. "Old MacDonald" sound	4
33A	63. Where Achilles took a dip?	4
34A	64. Little ones	4
35A	65. They can be treated with warm compresses	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. Key for Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture""

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: EFLAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. A house may be built on it"

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 detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
• Words that mean the same thing: specification
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Burlesque accessories"

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 long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
• Words that mean the same thing: boa, feather boa
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Web-footed mammals"

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 small densely furred aquatic monotreme of australia and tasmania having a broad bill and tail and webbed feet; only species in the family ornithorhynchidae
• Words that mean the same thing: duck-billed platypus, duckbilled platypus, platypus
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLATYPUSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. A goose egg"

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 quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: nothing, naught, zero
• The 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 6 Across: "16. Gimlet garnish"

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 caustic substance produced by heating limestone
• Words that mean the same thing: calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, fluxing lime
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Locale suggested by this puzzle's theme"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a nation occupying the whole of the australian continent; aboriginal tribes are thought to have migrated from southeastern asia 20,000 years ago; first europeans were british convicts sent there as a penal colony
• Words that mean the same thing: Commonwealth of Australia
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUSTRALIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Malcolm Gladwell best seller that explores the 10,000-hour rule"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who lives away from his place of work
• Words that mean the same thing: outlier
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OUTLIERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "22. Ice cream 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 a relatively large open container that you fill with water and use to wash the body
• Words that mean the same thing: vat, bath, tubful
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. Virginia Woolf's "___ Dalloway""

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 form of address for a married woman
• Words that mean the same thing: Mrs., Mr, Mr.
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Statue of ___, figure atop the U.S. Capitol"

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 condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
• Words that mean the same thing: exemption
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FREEDOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. ___ culpa"

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: MEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "29. Autobahn hazard"

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: EIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Elflike"

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 small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
• Words that mean the same thing: faerie, fairy, sprite
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Big hopper"

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 any of several herbivorous leaping marsupials of australia and new guinea having large powerful hind legs and a long thick tail
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KANGAROO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Things with perks?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that tall pot in which coffee is brewed
• Words that mean the same thing: coffeepot
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COFFEEPOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. "I need to speak with you," briefly"

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: AWORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Capote sobriquet"

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: TRU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Cartomancy tool"

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 a set of (usually 72) cards that include 22 cards representing virtues and vices and death and fortune etc.; used by fortunetellers
• Words that mean the same thing: tarot card
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAROT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Brand of spread for sandwiches and toast"

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: VEGEMITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Bouncer's equipment"

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 gymnastic apparatus consisting of a strong canvas sheet attached with springs to a metal frame; used for tumbling
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRAMPOLINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Ingredient in a Cuban sandwich"

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 meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
• Words that mean the same thing: jambon, ham actor, overact
• The opposite would be: underact
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Spanish 23-Across: Abbr."

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Holy Trinity part"

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 male human offspring
• Words that mean the same thing: Logos, Word, boy
• The opposite would be: daughter, girl
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Ones coming for a ride?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: REPOMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Select"

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 sound made by a gentle blow
• Words that mean the same thing: rap, beg, exploit
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Wood rich in tannins"

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 hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
• Words that mean the same thing: oak 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: OAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. "Yankee Doodle" epithet that's also the name of a food"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a british dandy in the 18th century who affected continental mannerisms
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MACARONI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Nickname for 18-Across, and a hint to how four answers in this puzzle are to be entered"

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: DOWNUNDER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "59. Instrument played using circular breathing"

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: DIDGERIDOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. Nashville music mecca, informally"

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

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: OPRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. "Old MacDonald" sound"

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 short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs
• Words that mean the same thing: grunt, squeal
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OINK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. Where Achilles took a dip?"

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 (greek mythology) a river in hades across which charon carried dead souls
• Words that mean the same thing: River Styx
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STYX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "64. Little ones"

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 small amount (especially of a drink)
• Words that mean the same thing: tot up, bambino, tote 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: TOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "65. They can be treated with warm compresses"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
• Words that mean the same thing: sty, hordeolum, eye infection
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STYES

  Great job if you got it right!

October 15, 2020 Thursday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. English town known for its salt	5
2D	2. ___ de sel	5
3D	3. Goes the distance	5
4D	4. ___ Gawande, author of the 2014 best seller "Being Mortal"	4
5D	5. Embodied	8
6D	6. Catch	5
7D	7. Take five	15
8D	8. S.I. V.I.P.s	3
9D	9. Balls of yarn, fake mice, etc.	7
10D	10. Gossip	4
11D	11. Big Alaska export	3
12D	12. "You think that's true about me?"	3
13D	13. "SpongeBob SquarePants" setting	3
14D	19. ___ Rebellion, 1808 uprising in New South Wales	3
15D	21. Language that gave us "spunk" and "slogan"	4
16D	25. Piece of information	5
17D	26. Performers of the ceremonial haka dance	5
18D	27. Noted example of corporate misconduct	5
19D	28. Stone with curved bands	5
20D	29. Violinist Zimbalist	5
21D	31. Dweller in a eucalyptus forest	5
22D	32. Capitulates	5
23D	33. Have a loan from	5
24D	34. Strand at the airport, maybe	5
25D	35. Letter-shaped part of a sink	5
26D	39. Whirled powers?	8
27D	41. What it takes two to tie	7
28D	42. Time it takes light to travel .3 mm: Abbr.	4
29D	47. Novelist Santha Rama ___	3
30D	48. Grades	5
31D	49. Hot alcoholic drink	5
32D	50. 1973 #1 Rolling Stones love ballad	5
33D	51. Fishing spots	5
34D	52. Traditional gemstone for a seventh wedding anniversary	4
35D	54. Gas	4
36D	55. Galas	3
37D	56. Make a decision	3
38D	57. Sardonic	3
39D	58. Italian god	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. English town known for its salt"

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: EPSOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. ___ de sel"

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: FLEUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Goes the distance"

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 temporal end; the concluding time
• Words that mean the same thing: shoemaker's last, hold out, 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: LASTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. ___ Gawande, author of the 2014 best seller "Being Mortal""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard 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: ATUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Embodied"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that embody the essential characteristics of or be a typical example of
• Words that mean the same thing: symbolise, symbolize, epitomise
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TYPIFIED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Catch"

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 something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares
• Words that mean the same thing: gin, entrap, hook
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Take five"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: PAUSEFORAMOMENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. S.I. V.I.P.s"

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 automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
• Words that mean the same thing: erectile dysfunction, explosive detection system, male erecticle dysfunction
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Balls of yarn, fake mice, etc."

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: CATTOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Gossip"

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 divulge confidential information or secrets
• Words that mean the same thing: prate, tittle-tattle, babble
• 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: BLAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Big Alaska export"

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 slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
• Words that mean the same thing: vegetable oil, crude, fossil oil
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "You think that's true about me?""

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: AMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. "SpongeBob SquarePants" setting"

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 division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
• Words that mean the same thing: ocean
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. ___ Rebellion, 1808 uprising in New South Wales"

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 liquor distilled from fermented molasses
• Words that mean the same thing: funny, curious, rummy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Language that gave us "spunk" and "slogan""

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 any of several related languages of the celts in ireland and scotland
• Words that mean the same thing: Gaelic, Goidelic
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Piece of information"

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 an item of factual information derived from measurement or research
• Words that mean the same thing: data point
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DATUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Performers of the ceremonial haka dance"

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 ethnic minority of polynesian and melanesian descent who speak maori and live in new zealand
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAORI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Noted example of corporate misconduct"

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: ENRON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Stone with curved bands"

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 an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Violinist Zimbalist"

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: EFREM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Dweller in a eucalyptus forest"

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 sluggish tailless australian arboreal marsupial with grey furry ears and coat; feeds on eucalyptus leaves and bark
• Words that mean the same thing: Phascolarctos cinereus, native bear, koala bear
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KOALA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Capitulates"

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 a geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
• Words that mean the same thing: undermine, cave, spelunk
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Have a loan from"

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: OWETO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Strand at the airport, maybe"

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: FOGIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Letter-shaped part of a sink"

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: PTRAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Whirled powers?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a localized and violently destructive windstorm occurring over land characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud extending toward the ground
• Words that mean the same thing: tornado, crack, twister
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TORNADOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. What it takes two to tie"

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: THEKNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Time it takes light to travel .3 mm: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: PSEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Novelist Santha Rama ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: RAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Grades"

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 english businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)
• Words that mean the same thing: grade, German mark, bell ringer
• 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: MARKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Hot alcoholic drink"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mixed drink made of liquor and water with sugar and spices and served hot
• Words that mean the same thing: hot toddy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TODDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. 1973 #1 Rolling Stones love ballad"

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: ANGIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Fishing spots"

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 platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
• Words that mean the same thing: dock, wharf, pier
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Traditional gemstone for a seventh wedding anniversary"

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 chalcedony with alternating black and white bands; used in making cameos
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONYX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. Gas"

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 public act of violence by an unruly mob
• Words that mean the same thing: bacchanalia, saturnalia, bacchanal
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Galas"

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 federal department in the united states that sets and maintains foreign policies
• Words that mean the same thing: manage, disk operating system, exercise
• The opposite would be: unmake
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Make a decision"

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 select as an alternative over another
• Words that mean the same thing: prefer, choose
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. Sardonic"

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 humorously sarcastic or mocking
• Words that mean the same thing: dry, ironic, ironical
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Italian god"

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: DIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	46	62.2%
Short Answer	19	25.7%
Abbreviation	3	4.1%
Food & Drink	2	2.7%
Music	1	1.4%
History	1	1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 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 Thursday, 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:

• Friday Oct 11 2024 Ny Times Crossword
• March 15 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 09 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• 27392 Wed Nov 06 2024 NYT By Adam
• October 26 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 08 2025
• February 16 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 26 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 15 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 07 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

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 21, 2025 at 10:18 PM

December 22, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (33 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

December 22, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "Darn it!"	4
2A	5. In base eight	5
3A	10. "Resident Alien" channel	4
4A	14. Sound heard in a long hall	4
5A	15. Tennis champ Osaka	5
6A	16. City with a beef	4
7A	17. Jovial seasonal mood	15
8A	20. ___-Seltzer	4
9A	21. Take a snooze, with "out"	4
10A	22. Cost of not doing business, maybe	15
11A	29. Significant ___	5
12A	30. Hubbub	3
13A	31. Like many a go-getter	5
14A	32. Warrior in the Greek pantheon	4
15A	33. Regional wildlife	5
16A	35. Lovable goofball, say	4
17A	36. NASA endeavors whose vehicles can be found at the ends of 17-, 22-, 51- and 57-Across	15
18A	39. Sketch show since '75	3
19A	40. Fist bump	3
20A	41. Walkie-talkie band, briefly	3
21A	44. Place to catch up over a hot drink	7
22A	48. When repeated, slangy sound of eating	3
23A	51. Why everyone loves a good train wreck	15
24A	54. Fish also known as a bluegill	5
25A	55. Make a bow	3
26A	56. Title woman in a classic 1973 breakup tune	5
27A	57. Uniquely American cleverness	15
28A	60. ___ homo	4
29A	61. Rest atop	5
30A	62. Cheeseboard choice	4
31A	63. Quizzical Quebec questions?	3
32A	64. "I ___ know" (common excuse)	5
33A	65. Member of the fam	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. "Darn it!""

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 of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
• Words that mean the same thing: rotter, bum, rat
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. In base eight"

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 pertaining to a number system having 8 as its base
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCTAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. "Resident Alien" channel"

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: SYFY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Sound heard in a long hall"

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 the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
• Words that mean the same thing: reverberation, replication, sound reflection
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ECHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Tennis champ Osaka"

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 mother-in-law of ruth whose story is told in the book of ruth in the old testament
• Words that mean the same thing: Noemi
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAOMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. City with a beef"

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 port city in japan on osaka bay in southern honshu; was damaged by an earthquake in 1995
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Jovial seasonal mood"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: CHRISTMASSPIRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. ___-Seltzer"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ALKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Take a snooze, with "out""

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: ZONK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Cost of not doing business, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: LOSTOPPORTUNITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "29. Significant ___"

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 not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied; - the white queen
• Words that mean the same thing: former, early
• The opposite would be: same
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "30. Hubbub"

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: stir, hustle, flurry
• The 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 13 Across: "31. Like many a go-getter"

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: TYPEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Warrior in the Greek pantheon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
• Words that mean the same thing: ar, are
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Regional wildlife"

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 all the plant and animal life of a particular region
• Words that mean the same thing: biology
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BIOTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Lovable goofball, 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 a dull stupid fatuous person
• Words that mean the same thing: jerk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. NASA endeavors whose vehicles can be found at the ends of 17-, 22-, 51- and 57-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: MARTIANMISSIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Sketch show since '75"

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: SNL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Fist bump"

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: DAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Walkie-talkie band, briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that 300 to 3000 megahertz
• Words that mean the same thing: ultrahigh frequency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UHF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Place to catch up over a hot drink"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a restaurant where tea and light meals are available
• Words that mean the same thing: teashop, tea parlor, tea parlour
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEAROOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. When repeated, slangy sound of eating"

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: NOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "51. Why everyone loves a good train wreck"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: MORBIDCURIOSITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "54. Fish also known as a bluegill"

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 flesh of various freshwater fishes of north america or of europe
• Words that mean the same thing: sea bream, freshwater bream
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BREAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "55. Make a bow"

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 neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
• Words that mean the same thing: affiliation, connect, attach
• The opposite would be: untie, disconnect
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "56. Title woman in a classic 1973 breakup tune"

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: ANGIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Uniquely American cleverness"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: YANKEEINGENUITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "60. ___ homo"

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: ECCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "61. Rest atop"

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: LIEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "62. Cheeseboard choice"

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 soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Quizzical Quebec questions?"

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: EHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. "I ___ know" (common excuse)"

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: DIDNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Member of the fam"

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 female person who has the same parents as another person
• Words that mean the same thing: silicon, Si, International System of Units
• The opposite would be: brother
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIS

  Great job if you got it right!

December 22, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. College app element	3
2D	2. "___ Tannenbaum" (16th-century folk song that inspired a carol)	3
3D	3. Avid skateboarder, in lingo	8
4D	4. Gardeners' orders, at times	9
5D	5. Straight out of the barrel	5
6D	6. Nanny ___	3
7D	7. Ode words	3
8D	8. Morning hrs.	3
9D	9. Composer of the piano piece played by Bugs Bunny in "Rhapsody Rabbit"	5
10D	10. Lose the suit, say	9
11D	11. Certain designer dog	8
12D	12. Clarice Starling's employer in "The Silence of the Lambs," in brief	3
13D	13. Nevertheless	3
14D	18. Hershey toffee confection	4
15D	19. Fit of sullenness	4
16D	22. Fertile ground	4
17D	23. "___ vez" ("Again," in Valencia)	4
18D	24. Bother	4
19D	25. "Hamilton" actor Leslie ___ Jr.	4
20D	26. Indian flatbread	4
21D	27. Cousin of a gull	4
22D	28. Gabs	4
23D	33. Like hay on a farm	5
24D	34. "Same here"	5
25D	37. Eventually	6
26D	38. ___ Islands, Polynesian archipelago	6
27D	41. Awkward farewell	5
28D	42. Poet who coined the term "carpe diem"	6
29D	43. Kind of kiss	6
30D	45. Timing of the Mercutio/Tybalt duel in "Romeo and Juliet"	6
31D	46. Unfixable	6
32D	47. Home to the deepest lake and river gorge in the U.S.	6
33D	48. Cold rice topped with wasabi and raw fish	6
34D	49. Likely cause of a cranky toddler's ear-tugging	6
35D	50. "Ridiculous!"	5
36D	52. Soaks up the hot sun	5
37D	53. Ignores	5
38D	58. Days gone by, in bygone days	3
39D	59. Fangorn Forest dweller	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. College app element"

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

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: REC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "___ Tannenbaum" (16th-century folk song that inspired a carol)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: ACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Avid skateboarder, in lingo"

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 a farm machine for separating seeds or grain from the husks and straw
• Words that mean the same thing: Alopius vulpinus, mocking thrush, thresher shark
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THRASHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Gardeners' orders, at times"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: SOILTESTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Straight out of the barrel"

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: ONTAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Nanny ___"

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 river in east central england that flows past cambridge to join the ouse river
• Words that mean the same thing: Cam River, River Cam
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Ode words"

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: TOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Morning hrs."

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 radioactive transuranic metallic element; discovered by bombarding uranium with helium atoms
• Words that mean the same thing: Artium Magister, americium, amplitude modulation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Composer of the piano piece played by Bugs Bunny in "Rhapsody Rabbit""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that hungarian composer and piano virtuoso (1811-1886)
• Words that mean the same thing: Franz Liszt
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LISZT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Lose the suit, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: SKINNYDIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Certain designer dog"

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: YORKIPOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Clarice Starling's employer in "The Silence of the Lambs," in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the department of justice
• Words that mean the same thing: Federal Bureau of Investigation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Nevertheless"

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 up to the present time
• Words that mean the same thing: nonetheless, notwithstanding, in 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: YET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Hershey toffee confection"

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: SKOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Fit of sullenness"

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 disdainful grimace
• Words that mean the same thing: sulk, mop, horned pout
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Fertile ground"

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 rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. "___ vez" ("Again," in Valencia)"

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: OTRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Bother"

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 symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
• Words that mean the same thing: pain sensation, ail, painful sensation
• The opposite would be: pleasure
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. "Hamilton" actor Leslie ___ Jr."

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: ODOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Indian flatbread"

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: ROTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. Cousin of a gull"

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 small slender gull having narrow wings and a forked tail
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TERN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "28. Gabs"

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 large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
• Words that mean the same thing: yack, gab, chatter
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YAKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Like hay on a farm"

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 make into a bale
• Words that mean the same thing: bale
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. "Same here""

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: ASDOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Eventually"

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: INTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. ___ Islands, Polynesian archipelago"

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

  The answer is: SAMOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Awkward farewell"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium 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: UMBYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Poet who coined the term "carpe diem""

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 roman lyric poet said to have influenced english poetry (65-8 bc)
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HORACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Kind of kiss"

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 the romance language spoken in france and in countries colonized by france
• Words that mean the same thing: Daniel Chester French, French people, Gallic
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRENCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Timing of the Mercutio/Tybalt duel in "Romeo and Juliet""

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: ACTIII

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Unfixable"

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 destroy completely; damage irreparably
• Words that mean the same thing: undone, smash, ruin
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUINED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. Home to the deepest lake and river gorge in the U.S."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
• Words that mean the same thing: OR, Beaver 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: OREGON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. Cold rice topped with wasabi and raw fish"

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: NIGIRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Likely cause of a cranky toddler's ear-tugging"

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

  The answer is: OTITIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. "Ridiculous!""

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: MYEYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "52. Soaks up the hot sun"

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 cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven
• Words that mean the same thing: broil, bake
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "53. Ignores"

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 instance of driving away or warding off
• Words that mean the same thing: repulse, disregard, repel
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNUBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Days gone by, in bygone days"

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 late time of life
• Words that mean the same thing: geezerhood, age, years
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "59. Fangorn Forest dweller"

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: ENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	48	66.7%
Short Answer	13	18.1%
History	3	4.2%
Geography	2	2.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.8%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
Science/Technology	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 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 Wednesday, 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 12, 2025 at 11:38 PM