December 22, 2020 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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• January 20 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 13 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• 0914 NYT Crossword Sat Sept 13 2024
• Tuesday Feb 11 2025 NYT Across

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Across Clues Explained - Tuesday NYT Crossword December 22, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Equine animal, in rural dialect	4
2A	5. Caper	5
3A	10. Take steps (into)	4
4A	14. One of two in the McDonald's logo	4
5A	15. Italian name of six popes	5
6A	16. Ice skating maneuver	4
7A	17. Dr. Zhivago's love	4
8A	18. Rapture	10
9A	20. Projecting rim of a metal beam	6
10A	22. Fake eyelash, in slang	6
11A	23. Org. whose members may be fore-warned?	3
12A	24. With this puzzle's central black squares, ecstasy	5
13A	27. Heating unit	5
14A	29. Heating fuel	3
15A	30. Hogs	5
16A	35. Perez whose film debut was in "Do the Right Thing"	5
17A	36. Join at the altar	3
18A	37. ___ Island (part of Brooklyn that isn't an island)	5
19A	38. "Let's be ___ about this"	6
20A	40. Mindless	5
21A	41. Affectionate nickname for the "Father of the Symphony"	9
22A	45. Beats by a whisker	5
23A	46. Face With Tears of Joy, for one	5
24A	47. Keanu Reeves's role in "The Matrix"	3
25A	48. Houston ballplayer	5
26A	52. Kind of computer port, in brief	3
27A	53. Protection for vampire hunters	5
28A	56. Bar "where everybody knows your name"	6
29A	58. Steadfastly maintained, as one's beliefs	6
30A	59. Comforting mental state	10
31A	63. Like a soldier who might be court-martialed	4
32A	64. Dunkable cookie	4
33A	65. Sign up for more	5
34A	66. Nickname for Grandma	4
35A	67. Volume from Horace	4
36A	68. Dingbats	5
37A	69. Colorist	4

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. Equine animal, in rural dialect"

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: HOSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Caper"

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 ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
• Words that mean the same thing: grotesque, clown around, clown
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Take steps (into)"

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 english tennis player who won many women's singles titles (born in 1945)
• Words that mean the same thing: Virginia Wade
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. One of two in the McDonald's logo"

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 curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
• Words that mean the same thing: archway, patronizing, impish
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Italian name of six popes"

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: PAOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Ice skating maneuver"

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: AXEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Dr. Zhivago's love"

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: LARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Rapture"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: SHEERBLISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Projecting rim of a metal beam"

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 projection used for strength or for attaching to another object
• Words that mean the same thing: rim
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLANGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Fake eyelash, in slang"

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 padding that is worn inside a brassiere
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FALSIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Org. whose members may be fore-warned?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard 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: PGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. With this puzzle's central black squares, ecstasy"

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 collection of particles (e.g., smoke or dust) or gases that is visible
• Words that mean the same thing: mottle, obnubilate, overcast
• The opposite would be: clear up
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLOUD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Heating unit"

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 unit of heat equal to 100,000 british thermal units
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THERM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Heating fuel"

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: petroleum, vegetable oil, oil color
• The 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 15 Across: "30. Hogs"

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 stout-bodied short-legged omnivorous animals
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Perez whose film debut was in "Do the Right Thing""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: ROSIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Join at the altar"

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 fourth day of the week; the third working day
• Words that mean the same thing: hook up with, espouse, splice
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. ___ Island (part of Brooklyn that isn't an island)"

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 black-spotted usually dusky-colored fish with reddish fins
• Words that mean the same thing: rock rabbit, rabbit, dassie
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CONEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. "Let's be ___ about this""

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 fully developed person from maturity onward
• Words that mean the same thing: grownup, adult
• The opposite would be: juvenile
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADULTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Mindless"

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 devoid of intelligence
• Words that mean the same thing: asinine, mindless, fatuous
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Affectionate nickname for the "Father of the Symphony""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert 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: PAPAHAYDN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Beats by a whisker"

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 boundary of a surface
• Words that mean the same thing: bound, butt on, border
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Face With Tears of Joy, for one"

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: EMOJI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Keanu Reeves's role in "The Matrix""

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 (used as a combining form) recent or new
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Houston ballplayer"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. Kind of computer port, in brief"

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: USB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. Protection for vampire hunters"

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 wooden structure consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece
• Words that mean the same thing: pass over, crossbreeding, fussy
• The opposite would be: uncross
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CROSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "56. Bar "where everybody knows your name""

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 cry or shout of approval
• Words that mean the same thing: root on, chirk up, cheer up
• The opposite would be: uncheerfulness, complain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHEERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "58. Steadfastly maintained, as one's beliefs"

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: HELDTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "59. Comforting mental state"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard 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: HAPPYPLACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Like a soldier who might be court-martialed"

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 one who is away or absent without leave
• Words that mean the same thing: truant
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWOL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. Dunkable cookie"

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 chocolate cookie with white cream filling
• Words that mean the same thing: oreo cookie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OREO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Sign up for more"

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 reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new
• Words that mean the same thing: regenerate, reincarnate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RENEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. Nickname for Grandma"

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: NANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Volume from Horace"

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 lyric poem with complex stanza forms
• Words that mean the same thing: ode
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "68. Dingbats"

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: YOYOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "69. Colorist"

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

  The answer is: DYER

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Tuesday Crossword Down Clues - December 22, 2020 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Either part of a yin-yang symbol, e.g.	4
2D	2. Unwritten exam	4
3D	3. Manages to gather, as cash	9
4D	4. Heaven	9
5D	5. Church recess	4
6D	6. "I'll pass"	3
7D	7. Something a wedge often leaves exposed	3
8D	8. Paris's ___ de la Cité	3
9D	9. Greek tourist destination	5
10D	10. Part of a squash court	4
11D	11. Center of rotation	4
12D	12. Arnaz of "I Love Lucy"	4
13D	13. Part of a coding conditional	4
14D	19. Research findings that can't be reproduced, say	10
15D	21. Field of mathematics pioneered by John von Neumann	10
16D	24. Word with cash or holy	3
17D	25. Take a risk when taking a polygraph test	3
18D	26. Aged	3
19D	27. Golfer's challenge	4
20D	28. Kotb of "Today"	4
21D	31. Realm of marvels	10
22D	32. Pleasantly	10
23D	33. Hawaii's state bird	4
24D	34. Peepers	4
25D	39. Uncle ___	3
26D	42. Whom 39-Down wants, in a classic poster	3
27D	43. Some SiriusXM workers, for short	3
28D	44. Pen tip	3
29D	48. Cause for a blessing	5
30D	49. Pottery fragment	5
31D	50. Plains dwelling	5
32D	51. Auto takebacks, for short	5
33D	54. A flat one is best to skip	5
34D	55. Kind of energy	5
35D	57. Lively for one's age	4
36D	58. Chops down	4
37D	60. Sign before Virgo	3
38D	61. Unspecified quantity	3
39D	62. Corporate V.I.P.	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. Either part of a yin-yang symbol, e.g."

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 one of two equal parts of a divisible whole
• Words that mean the same thing: one-half
• The opposite would be: whole
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HALF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Unwritten exam"

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 examination conducted by spoken communication
• Words that mean the same thing: oral exam, viva, unwritten
• The opposite would be: aboral, anal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Manages to gather, as cash"

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: SCRAPESUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Heaven"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: SHANGRILA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Church recess"

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 domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar
• Words that mean the same thing: apsis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "I'll pass""

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: NAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Something a wedge often leaves exposed"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one of the digits of the foot
• Words that mean the same thing: toenail
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Paris's ___ de la Cité"

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: ILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Greek tourist destination"

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: CORFU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Part of a squash court"

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 architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
• Words that mean the same thing: palisade, paries, fence
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Center of rotation"

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 straight line through a body or figure that satisfies certain conditions
• Words that mean the same thing: bloc, axis vertebra, axis of rotation
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AXIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Arnaz of "I Love Lucy""

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: DESI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Part of a coding conditional"

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: ELSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Research findings that can't be reproduced, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BADSCIENCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Field of mathematics pioneered by John von Neumann"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert 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: GAMETHEORY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Word with cash or holy"

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 female of domestic cattle:
• Words that mean the same thing: overawe, moo-cow
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Take a risk when taking a polygraph test"

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 statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
• Words that mean the same thing: Trygve Lie, consist, dwell
• 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 18 Down: "26. Aged"

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 past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
• Words that mean the same thing: erstwhile, former, previous
• The opposite would be: young, new
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Golfer's challenge"

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 device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
• Words that mean the same thing: immobilize, lying in wait, snare
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Kotb of "Today""

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: HODA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Realm of marvels"

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 a place or scene of great or strange beauty or wonder
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WONDERLAND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Pleasantly"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: INAGOODWAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Hawaii's state bird"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: NENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Peepers"

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 opinion or judgment
• Words that mean the same thing: oculus, centre, center
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Uncle ___"

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 guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
• Words that mean the same thing: surface-to-air missile
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Whom 39-Down wants, in a classic poster"

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: YOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Some SiriusXM workers, 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 a person who announces and plays popular recorded music
• Words that mean the same thing: disk jockey, disk-jockey, disc jockey
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DJS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Pen tip"

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 writing point of a pen
• Words that mean the same thing: bill, neb, pen nib
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Cause for a blessing"

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: ACHOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Pottery fragment"

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 broken piece of a brittle artifact
• Words that mean the same thing: sherd, fragment
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Plains dwelling"

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 native american tent; usually of conical shape
• Words that mean the same thing: tipi, teepee
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEPEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Auto takebacks, for short"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. A flat one is best to skip"

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 lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
• Words that mean the same thing: Harlan Fisk Stone, I. F. Stone, lapidate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. Kind of energy"

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 relating to or derived from the sun or utilizing the energies of the sun
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "57. Lively for one's age"

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 moving quickly and lightly
• Words that mean the same thing: nimble, agile, quick
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "58. Chops down"

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 make or shape as with an axe
• Words that mean the same thing: hew, hew 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: HEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. Sign before Virgo"

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 (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in leo
• Words that mean the same thing: Leo the Lion, Lion
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "61. Unspecified quantity"

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 one or some or every or all without specification
• Words that mean the same thing: whatever, whatsoever
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. Corporate V.I.P."

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 corporate executive responsible for the operations of the firm; reports to a board of directors; may appoint other managers (including a president)
• Words that mean the same thing: chief operating officer, chief executive officer
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	67.1%
Short Answer	16	21.1%
Geography	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
Science/Technology	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 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 medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 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:

• July 02 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 13 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 04 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 20 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 08 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Crossword Across Clues Only August
• May 27 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 12 1994 NYT Clues Answers

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 02:17 PM

September 09, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (32 clues)
• Down Clues (32 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, September 09, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 64 (32 Across, 32 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.9 letters

Across Clues Explained - Saturday NYT Crossword September 09, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Many opera villains, traditionally	6
2A	7. Top-notch	6
3A	13. Latin for "last"	6
4A	14. Clipper's bounty	7
5A	15. Political subject of the 2018 memoir "Nino and Me"	6
6A	16. Thieves who targeted pedestrians, in historic parlance	8
7A	17. Some futuristic personal transports	11
8A	19. Piddling amount	3
9A	20. Square	4
10A	21. Suss (out)	5
11A	22. Dance move done in a prone position, with "the"	4
12A	23. Sports bar fixture, in brief	5
13A	25. Like some tests	9
14A	27. Time for self-care	5
15A	29. Half sister of Meredith Grey on "Grey's Anatomy"	5
16A	30. Prepare to put in storage, in a way	5
17A	31. Worked steadily at	5
18A	32. Folds	5
19A	33. Kvetches	5
20A	34. Opening day?	9
21A	36. Some neighborhood mischief, informally	5
22A	40. Choice for checkout	4
23A	41. First coed and racially integrated college in the South	5
24A	43. Old concert halls	4
25A	44. ___ mission	3
26A	45. Branch of study that challenges heteronormativity	11
27A	47. Some client arrangements	8
28A	49. Grounds	6
29A	50. Temperature units in physics	7
30A	51. Has the stomach for	6
31A	52. Like a Lothario	6
32A	53. Complimentary	6

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Many opera villains, traditionally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the lowest part of the musical range
• Words that mean the same thing: freshwater bass, bass voice, bass
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Top-notch"

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: GRADEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "13. Latin for "last""

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

  The answer is: ULTIMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Clipper's bounty"

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 negotiable certificate that can be detached and redeemed as needed
• Words that mean the same thing: coupon, voucher
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COUPONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Political subject of the 2018 memoir "Nino and 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: SCALIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Thieves who targeted pedestrians, in historic parlance"

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 highwayman who robs on foot
• Words that mean the same thing: padder, footpad
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOOTPADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Some futuristic personal transports"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HOVERBOARDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Piddling amount"

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 former french coin of low denomination; often used of any small amount of money
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Square"

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 latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
• Words that mean the same thing: flush, fifty-fifty, regular
• The opposite would be: uneven, odd
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Suss (out)"

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 sensing an odor by inhaling through the nose
• Words that mean the same thing: sniffle, snuff, whiff
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNIFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Dance move done in a prone position, with "the""

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 numerous relatively small elongated soft-bodied animals especially of the phyla annelida and chaetognatha and nematoda and nemertea and platyhelminthes; also many insect larvae
• Words that mean the same thing: insect, dirt ball, squirm
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WORM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Sports bar fixture, in brief"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Like some tests"

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: TRUEFALSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Time for self-care"

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: MEDAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Half sister of Meredith Grey on "Grey's Anatomy""

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: LEXIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Prepare to put in storage, in a way"

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: BOXUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "31. Worked steadily at"

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 give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
• Words that mean the same thing: ply, cater, run
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLIED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "32. Folds"

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: cave, undermine, 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 19 Across: "33. Kvetches"

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 utterance expressing pain or disapproval
• Words that mean the same thing: moan, groan
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "34. Opening day?"

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 period extending from dec. 24 to jan. 6
• Words that mean the same thing: Christmastime, Christmas Day, Xmas
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHRISTMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "36. Some neighborhood mischief, 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: TPING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Choice for checkout"

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

  The answer is: LANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. First coed and racially integrated college in the South"

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: BEREA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "43. Old concert halls"

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: ODEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. ___ mission"

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: ONA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. Branch of study that challenges heteronormativity"

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: QUEERTHEORY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "47. Some client arrangements"

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 record or narrative description of past events
• Words that mean the same thing: story, bill, history
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACCOUNTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "49. Grounds"

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 psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
• Words that mean the same thing: motivating, motivative, motivation
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOTIVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. Temperature units in physics"

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 the basic unit of thermodynamic temperature adopted under the systeme international d'unites
• Words that mean the same thing: First Baron Kelvin, Kelvin, kelvin
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KELVINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "51. Has the stomach 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 put up with something or somebody unpleasant
• Words that mean the same thing: tolerate, stay, stick 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: ABIDES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "52. Like a Lothario"

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 of cloth; thin and loosely woven
• Words that mean the same thing: cheesy, bum, seedy
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLEAZY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "53. Complimentary"

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: NOCOST

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Saturday NYT Crossword September 09, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Apple quantity	6
2D	2. Spot to curl up with a book, maybe	6
3D	3. Fended (off)	6
4D	4. Art form accompanied by a theater organ	11
5D	5. Title that shares an etymology with "admiral"	4
6D	6. Onetime Scandinavian exports	5
7D	7. Family man?	9
8D	8. Monotonies	4
9D	9. Starter, for short	3
10D	10. Help out, informally	8
11D	11. Sign	7
12D	12. "So many ___. So little know" (proverb)	6
13D	14. Vacation destination in the Ionian Sea	5
14D	16. ___ cakes (cupcakes, in the U.K.)	5
15D	18. Coming up next	5
16D	22. Is windy, perhaps	11
17D	24. Makes cross	5
18D	26. Bit of deception	5
19D	28. Unwanted discovery under the bed	9
20D	30. Clingy type?	8
21D	31. Fake person	5
22D	32. Church part near the altar	7
23D	33. Certain zebras	5
24D	34. Attire for Count Dracula and Doctor Strange	6
25D	35. Gets with	5
26D	37. Overexcited volunteer's response	6
27D	38. Whim-whams	6
28D	39. Superlatively buoyant	6
29D	42. Universal self of Hinduism	5
30D	45. Pepper with questions, say	4
31D	46. ___ bag (purse type)	4
32D	48. Monthly releases?	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. Apple quantity"

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 united states dry measure equal to 4 pecks or 2152.42 cubic inches
• Words that mean the same thing: furbish up, touch on, restore
• The opposite would be: break
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUSHEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Spot to curl up with a book, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a expert clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small recess opening off a larger room
• Words that mean the same thing: bay
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALCOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Fended (off)"

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 furnish with staves
• Words that mean the same thing: stave, stave in
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAVED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Art form accompanied by a theater organ"

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: SILENTMOVIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Title that shares an etymology with "admiral""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an independent ruler or chieftain (especially in africa or arabia)
• Words that mean the same thing: amir, emeer, ameer
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Onetime Scandinavian exports"

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: SAABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Family man?"

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: GOODFELLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Monotonies"

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 groove or furrow (especially one in soft earth caused by wheels)
• Words that mean the same thing: furrow, oestrus, estrus
• The opposite would be: anestrus
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Starter, for short"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Help out, informally"

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: DOASOLID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Sign"

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 be behind; approve of
• Words that mean the same thing: support, plunk for, back
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENDORSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "So many ___. So little know" (proverb)"

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 take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
• Words that mean the same thing: accept, arrogate, take
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASSUME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Vacation destination in the Ionian Sea"

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: CORFU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. ___ cakes (cupcakes, in the U.K.)"

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

  The answer is: FAIRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "18. Coming up next"

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 16 Down: "22. Is windy, perhaps"

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: WAXESPOETIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Makes cross"

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 cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
• Words that mean the same thing: rile, stupefy, bewilder
• The opposite would be: reassure
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VEXES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Bit of deception"

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 distracting or deceptive maneuver (as a mock attack)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FEINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Unwanted discovery under the bed"

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: DUSTBUNNY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Clingy type?"

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 marine crustaceans with feathery food-catching appendages; free-swimming as larvae; as adults form a hard shell and live attached to submerged surfaces
• Words that mean the same thing: Branta leucopsis, cirriped, cirripede
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARNACLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Fake person"

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 person who habitually pretends to be something he is not
• Words that mean the same thing: toughie, stumper, model
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POSER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Church part near the altar"

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 area around the altar of a church for the clergy and choir; often enclosed by a lattice or railing
• Words that mean the same thing: sanctuary, bema
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHANCEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Certain zebras"

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 female equine animal
• Words that mean the same thing: maria, impair, mare
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Attire for Count Dracula and Doctor Strange"

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 anything that covers or conceals
• Words that mean the same thing: drape, robe, cloak
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLOAKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Gets with"

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 meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
• Words that mean the same thing: run into, adjoin, converge
• The opposite would be: diverge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Overexcited volunteer's response"

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: IDOIDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Whim-whams"

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 an uneasy psychological state
• Words that mean the same thing: boldness, heart, nervus
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NERVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "39. Superlatively buoyant"

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 bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
• Words that mean the same thing: jolly, homophile, festive
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAYEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Universal self of Hinduism"

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: ATMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Pepper with questions, 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 an examination consisting of a few short questions
• Words that mean the same thing: test
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: QUIZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. ___ bag (purse type)"

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 disreputable vagrant
• Words that mean the same thing: bum, tramp
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Monthly releases?"

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 female reproductive cell; the female gamete
• Words that mean the same thing: ovum, egg cell
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	85.9%
Short Answer	3	4.7%
History	2	3.1%
Sports	2	3.1%
Literature	1	1.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.6%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	32
Down Clues	32
Total Clues	64
Average Answer Length	5.9 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 Saturday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: August 30, 2025 at 10:18 PM