April 30, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (41 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• December 31 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 18 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 30 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 02 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 29 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, April 30, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (41 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

NYT Thursday Crossword Across Clues - April 30, 2020 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Pirates, say	8
2A	6. "Like, no way!"	4
3A	10. Refilling site	7
4A	14. "The City of a Thousand Minarets"	5
5A	15. Sound from a toy train	4
6A	16. First name of an early explorer of Vinland	4
7A	17. Tweak	5
8A	18. Point for Poseidon	4
9A	19. Bombeck who wrote "I Lost Everything in the Post-Natal Depression"	4
10A	20. ___-jongg	3
11A	21. Whittles down	5
12A	23. Rap	5
13A	24. Something heard in court	4
14A	26. Michigan, e.g.: Abbr.	3
15A	27. Mysterious monster, familiarly	6
16A	28. Rush-hour subway commuter, metaphorically	7
17A	30. Fig. on some I.R.S. forms	3
18A	31. Extra periods, for short	3
19A	32. "Oh, baloney!"	7
20A	34. Artful	3
21A	35. Goal-scoring opportunities in soccer ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme	11
22A	37. Efron of Hollywood	3
23A	38. "When We Were Very Young" author, 1924	7
24A	39. Snazzy dresser	3
25A	40. Christmas season purchase	3
26A	41. 20 Questions category	7
27A	45. 20 Questions category	6
28A	47. One of the Cyclades	3
29A	48. Place for un béret	4
30A	49. Free to attack	5
31A	50. "Go ahead, shoot!"	5
32A	52. Role for Vin Diesel in the "Fast & Furious" movies	3
33A	53. Student ___	4
34A	54. Easy-to-park car	4
35A	55. "Don't make me laugh!"	5
36A	57. Role for John Cho in the "Star Trek" movies	4
37A	58. Troubles	4
38A	59. Easiest rating for a ski slope	5
39A	60. Type of short haircut	7
40A	61. Picks up	4
41A	62. Bunker need	9

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. Pirates, say"

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 whiskey illegally distilled from a corn mash
• Words that mean the same thing: corn liquor, moonshine, bootleg
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOTLEGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. "Like, no way!""

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: ASIF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Refilling site"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GASPUMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. "The City of a Thousand Minarets""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a town at the southern tip of illinois at the confluence of the ohio and mississippi rivers
• Words that mean the same thing: Al Qahira, Egyptian capital, capital of Egypt
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAIRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Sound from a toy train"

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: CHOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. First name of an early explorer of Vinland"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LEIF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Tweak"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
• Words that mean the same thing: neuter, castrate, change
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Point for Poseidon"

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 prong on a fork or pitchfork or antler
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Bombeck who wrote "I Lost Everything in the Post-Natal Depression""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ERMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. ___-jongg"

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: MAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "21. Whittles down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that lose thickness; become thin or thinner
• Words that mean the same thing: slim down, slim, slenderize
• The opposite would be: gain, thicken
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Rap"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sound of knocking (as on a door or in an engine or bearing)
• Words that mean the same thing: smash, criticize, whack
• The opposite would be: praise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KNOCK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. Something heard in 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 a humble request for help from someone in authority
• Words that mean the same thing: supplication
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Michigan, e.g.: 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: AVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "27. Mysterious monster, familiarly"

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 large aquatic animal supposed to resemble a serpent or plesiosaur of loch ness in scotland
• Words that mean the same thing: Loch Ness monster
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NESSIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "28. Rush-hour subway commuter, metaphorically"

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 small fatty fish usually canned
• Words that mean the same thing: sard, Sardina pilchardus, pilchard
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SARDINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "30. Fig. on some I.R.S. forms"

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: EIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "31. Extra periods, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: OTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "32. "Oh, baloney!""

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 unacceptable behavior (especially ludicrously false statements)
• Words that mean the same thing: bunkum, guff, bunk
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOGWASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "34. Artful"

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 marked by skill in deception
• Words that mean the same thing: dodgy, slick, guileful
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "35. Goal-scoring opportunities in soccer ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme"

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: CORNERKICKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "37. Efron of Hollywood"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "38. "When We Were Very Young" author, 1924"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: AAMILNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "39. Snazzy dresser"

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 man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
• Words that mean the same thing: fashion plate, clotheshorse, dude
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "40. Christmas season purchase"

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 nonresinous wood of a fir tree
• Words that mean the same thing: fir tree, true fir
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "41. 20 Questions category"

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 solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MINERAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "45. 20 Questions category"

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 living organism characterized by voluntary movement
• Words that mean the same thing: beast, fauna, brute
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANIMAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "47. One of the Cyclades"

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 (greek mythology) a maiden seduced by zeus; when hera was about to discover them together zeus turned her into a white heifer
• Words that mean the same thing: Io
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "48. Place for un béret"

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: TETE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "49. Free to attack"

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: LETAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "50. "Go ahead, shoot!""

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: ASKME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "52. Role for Vin Diesel in the "Fast & Furious" movies"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "53. Student ___"

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 temporary provision of money (usually at interest)
• Words that mean the same thing: loanword, lend
• The opposite would be: borrow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "54. Easy-to-park car"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a very short skirt
• Words that mean the same thing: miniskirt
• The opposite would be: midi
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MINI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "55. "Don't make me laugh!""

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: GODNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "57. Role for John Cho in the "Star Trek" movies"

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: SULU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "58. Troubles"

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 rapid active commotion
• Words that mean the same thing: fuss, stir, hustle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "59. Easiest rating for a ski slope"

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 green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
• Words that mean the same thing: K, William Green, common
• The opposite would be: ripe
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GREEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "60. Type of short haircut"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a closely cropped haircut; usually for men
• Words that mean the same thing: aircraft carrier, carrier, attack aircraft carrier
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLATTOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Across: "61. Picks up"

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 return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
• Words that mean the same thing: arrive, capture, receive
• The opposite would be: end, leave
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Across: "62. Bunker need"

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: SANDWEDGE

  Great job if you got it right!

April 30, 2020 Thursday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Rigorous training courses	9
2D	2. "I'm not listening to you!"	6
3D	3. Whichever	6
4D	4. Hurdle for an M.A. pursuer	3
5D	5. Breed	4
6D	6. Athleisure, e.g.	10
7D	7. Liking	5
8D	8. Cannon ammo in sci-fi	4
9D	9. Challenger	3
10D	10. Vales	5
11D	11. "Sssss" makers	8
12D	12. Video game series since 1989	7
13D	13. Deceptive basketball moves	9
14D	22. Target for clippers	8
15D	23. Burns up in film?	3
16D	25. Stopgap, maybe	5
17D	27. In which nothing is everything	8
18D	29. "Should ___ shouldn't ..."	3
19D	30. Affectionate nose-rubbing	10
20D	33. Knockoff of a Greek sculpture?	3
21D	34. Something to shoot for	5
22D	35. University of Oregon logo	8
23D	36. Default for many airport TVs	3
24D	37. Daydream	7
25D	39. Doesn't land, as a joke	9
26D	40. It's chewed by the chatty	3
27D	42. Ripen, maybe	6
28D	43. Made good	6
29D	44. Common seafood garnish	10
30D	46. "Put your big boy pants on!"	5
31D	47. Immature retort	5
32D	50. Hill worker	4
33D	51. Items carried in spoons in an outdoor race	4
34D	54. Time, e.g., in brief	3
35D	56. Singer/songwriter Rita	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. Rigorous training courses"

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: BOOTCAMPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "I'm not listening to you!""

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: LALALA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Whichever"

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 after a negative statement used as an intensive meaning something like `likewise' or `also'
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EITHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Hurdle for an M.A. pursuer"

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: GRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Breed"

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 category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
• Words that mean the same thing: variety, sort out, form
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Athleisure, e.g."

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 attire worn for sport or for casual wear
• Words that mean the same thing: sportswear, athletic wear
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACTIVEWEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Liking"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light
• Words that mean the same thing: glint, smoothen, gleam
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Cannon ammo in sci-fi"

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 particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
• Words that mean the same thing: ion
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Challenger"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
• Words that mean the same thing: opposition, enemy, foeman
• The opposite would be: friend
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Vales"

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 narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
• Words that mean the same thing: glen
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Sssss" makers"

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 cloud of solid or liquid particles in a gas
• Words that mean the same thing: aerosol can, spray can, aerosol bomb
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AEROSOLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Video game series since 1989"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SIMCITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Deceptive basketball moves"

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: PUMPFAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "22. Target for clippers"

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 loose narrow strip of skin near the base of a fingernail; tearing it produces a painful sore that is easily infected
• Words that mean the same thing: agnail
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HANGNAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. Burns up in film?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that range of what one can know or understand
• Words that mean the same thing: cognizance, sight
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Stopgap, 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: ADHOC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. In which nothing is everything"

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 revolutionary doctrine that advocates destruction of the social system for its own sake
• Words that mean the same thing: nihilistic delusion
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIHILISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. "Should ___ shouldn't ...""

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: IOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Affectionate nose-rubbing"

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: ESKIMOKISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "33. Knockoff of a Greek sculpture?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
• Words that mean the same thing: fortify, build up, gird
• The opposite would be: disarm
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Something to shoot for"

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 sport of shooting at clay pigeons that are hurled upward in such a way as to simulate the flight of a bird
• Words that mean the same thing: trapshooting, skeet shooting
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. University of Oregon logo"

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: CAPITALO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Default for many airport TVs"

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: CNN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Daydream"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ZONEOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Doesn't land, as a joke"

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: FALLSFLAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. It's chewed by the chatty"

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 soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides)
• Words that mean the same thing: adipose tissue, plump, rich
• The opposite would be: nonfat, thin
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Ripen, maybe"

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 turn red, as if in embarrassment or shame
• Words that mean the same thing: flush, blush, crimson
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REDDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Made good"

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 make amends for
• Words that mean the same thing: expiate, atone, abye
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATONED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Common seafood garnish"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about food & drink.

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: LEMONWEDGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. "Put your big boy pants on!""

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: MANUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Immature retort"

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: ISNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Hill worker"

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 officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer
• Words that mean the same thing: auxiliary, aide-de-camp, adjutant
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Items carried in spoons in an outdoor race"

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 oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
• Words that mean the same thing: egg, testis, ballock
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Time, e.g., in brief"

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 periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it
• Words that mean the same thing: magazine
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Singer/songwriter Rita"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
• Words that mean the same thing: osmium, OS, bone
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	52	68.4%
Short Answer	13	17.1%
Movies/Film	3	3.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.9%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Geography	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	41
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.3 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 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:

• April 09 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 23 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 19 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 29 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 12
• January 23 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 18 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 12 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 13 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 09 2020 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 25, 2025 at 12:44 PM

December 24, 2020 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
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

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• April 12 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
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• 27413 Thu Nov 28 2024 Nyy By Ricky J

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 24, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (33 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

NYT Thursday Crossword Across Clues - December 24, 2020 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Wild party	4
2A	5. With 5-Down, some emergency bulletins	5
3A	10. Certain break-dancing move	4
4A	14. Piece by Puccini	4
5A	15. Lover of Giorgetta in Puccini's "Il Tabarro"	5
6A	16. Native language of 50 million citizens of India	4
7A	17. Spill a shipment of bowling balls?	15
8A	20. Gets down cold	7
9A	21. Kind of engine	6
10A	22. Person not to be trusted	3
11A	23. "I knew I was going ___ when it was taking longer and longer to wash my face": Harry Hill	4
12A	24. Works during a slow day at the restaurant?	13
13A	30. Hidden drawback	5
14A	31. "Paradise Lost" and others	5
15A	32. Certain deposit	3
16A	34. "The Game of Strategic Conquest"	4
17A	35. Word with rule or tackle	5
18A	36. Advantage	4
19A	37. Do drugs	3
20A	38. Piece of curling equipment	5
21A	39. Poker slang for three of a kind	5
22A	40. Go on a date with a honeybun?	13
23A	43. Body part that's also a woman's name	4
24A	44. SOS response	3
25A	45. A bit of resistance	6
26A	48. Gets away	7
27A	52. Is unable to get away, say ... or a hint to 17-, 24- and 40-Across?	15
28A	55. One target of doxycycline	4
29A	56. French setting for Puccini's "Il Tabarro"	5
30A	57. "This round's ___"	4
31A	58. Sad sound	4
32A	59. Half of a 1960s folk/pop group	5
33A	60. Run over	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. Wild party"

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 vigorous blow
• Words that mean the same thing: sock, bonk, knock
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. With 5-Down, some emergency bulletins"

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 deep yellow color
• Words that mean the same thing: gold, yellow-brown, brownish-yellow
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMBER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Certain break-dancing move"

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 swift whirling motion (usually of a missile)
• Words that mean the same thing: twirl, tailspin, reel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Piece by Puccini"

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

  The answer is: ARIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Lover of Giorgetta in Puccini's "Il Tabarro""

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: LUIGI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Native language of 50 million citizens of India"

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 official literary language of pakistan, closely related to hindi; widely used in india (mostly by moslems); written in arabic script
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URDU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Spill a shipment of bowling balls?"

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: LETTHEGOODSROLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Gets down cold"

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 united states poet (1869-1950)
• Words that mean the same thing: maestro, schoolmaster, overlord
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MASTERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Kind of engine"

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 german engineer (born in france) who invented the diesel engine (1858-1913)
• Words that mean the same thing: diesel engine, diesel motor, Rudolf Diesel
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIESEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Person not to be trusted"

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

  The answer is: RAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. "I knew I was going ___ when it was taking longer and longer to wash my face": Harry Hill"

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 grow bald; lose hair on one's head
• Words that mean the same thing: denudate, barefaced, denuded
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Works during a slow day at the restaurant?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WAITSFORNOONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "30. Hidden drawback"

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 drawback or difficulty that is not readily evident
• Words that mean the same thing: take in, watch, snap
• The opposite would be: unhitch
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CATCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "31. "Paradise Lost" and others"

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 long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
• Words that mean the same thing: epic, epic poem, heroic poem
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPICS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Certain deposit"

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 mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. "The Game of Strategic Conquest""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
• Words that mean the same thing: take chances, peril, risk of exposure
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RISK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Word with rule or tackle"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small flat rectangular piece of glass on which specimens can be mounted for microscopic study
• Words that mean the same thing: slue, slither, swoop
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Advantage"

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 useful or valuable quality
• Words that mean the same thing: positive, summation, addition
• The opposite would be: liability, minus
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Do drugs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: USE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Piece of curling equipment"

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 lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
• Words that mean the same thing: Harlan Stone, Harlan F. Stone, Harlan Fisk Stone
• The 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 21 Across: "39. Poker slang for three of a kind"

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 journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
• Words that mean the same thing: tripper, trip out, travel
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Go on a date with a honeybun?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TAKEONESSWEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Body part that's also a woman's name"

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 plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
• Words that mean the same thing: iris diaphragm, flag, sword lily
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. SOS response"

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 activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: economic aid, assist, help
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. A bit of resistance"

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 crackling or hissing noise caused by electrical interference
• Words that mean the same thing: atmospherics, electrostatic, atmospheric static
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STATIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Gets away"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of escaping physically
• Words that mean the same thing: get away, run, take to the woods
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESCAPES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Is unable to get away, say ... or a hint to 17-, 24- and 40-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: CANTFINDTHETIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. One target of doxycycline"

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 inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. French setting for Puccini's "Il Tabarro""

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 french river that flows through the heart of paris and then northward into the english channel
• Words that mean the same thing: Seine River
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. "This round's ___""

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: ONME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Sad 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 an utterance expressing pain or disapproval
• Words that mean the same thing: 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: MOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Half of a 1960s folk/pop group"

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 informal terms for a mother
• Words that mean the same thing: Mama, mama, momma
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Run over"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that something that is read
• Words that mean the same thing: record, translate, scan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: READ

  Great job if you got it right!

December 24, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Lip ___	4
2D	2. Concentration	4
3D	3. Plops down	4
4D	4. Series of goals	8
5D	5. See 5-Across	6
6D	6. Makes a duck face, say	4
7D	7. Part of an Instagram profile	3
8D	8. Part of one's mental life	3
9D	9. "Good ___!"	8
10D	10. "You got that right about me!"	6
11D	11. Advantages	4
12D	12. Not going anywhere	4
13D	13. Zero	4
14D	18. Tract of low-growing vegetation	5
15D	19. Separates, in a sense	5
16D	23. There are more of these in the U.S. in October than any other month, surprisingly	6
17D	24. Pants measure	5
18D	25. Adrift	5
19D	26. Cons	6
20D	27. Speak out	5
21D	28. "Honest!"	5
22D	29. Not hold back fury	5
23D	30. High-quality French vineyard	3
24D	33. Start of this clue	3
25D	35. Endurance of hardship without complaint	8
26D	36. Polar bear, to seals	8
27D	38. Font flourish	5
28D	39. How often Bette Davis won Best Actress	5
29D	41. Baby rabbit	6
30D	42. Pageant identifiers	6
31D	45. Kind of artist	4
32D	46. Dish that might be seasoned with adobo sauce	4
33D	47. Actress Kendrick of "Pitch Perfect"	4
34D	48. It destroyed the town of Mascali in 1928	4
35D	49. What benchwarmers ride, with "the"	4
36D	50. 1815 novel made into films in 1996 and 2020	4
37D	51. Provide initial funding for	4
38D	53. Org. whose vision is "a great public school for every student"	3
39D	54. Barely perceptible, say	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. Lip ___"

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 aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing
• Words that mean the same thing: ointment, unction, salve
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Concentration"

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 particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
• Words that mean the same thing: domain, country, region
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AREA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Plops 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 be around, often idly or without specific purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: pose, sit around, ride
• 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: SITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Series of goals"

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: HATTRICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. See 5-Across"

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 condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action
• Words that mean the same thing: alarum, alert, alarm
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALERTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Makes a duck face, 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 the quantity that can be held in a mug
• Words that mean the same thing: phiz, soft touch, physiognomy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MUGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Part of an Instagram profile"

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: BIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Part of one's mental life"

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

  The answer is: EGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "Good ___!""

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 the act of removing or getting rid of something
• Words that mean the same thing: ejection, elimination, exclusion
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIDDANCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "You got that right about 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: SUREDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Advantages"

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 an athlete who plays for pay
• Words that mean the same thing: professional, pro
• The opposite would be: amateur, con
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Not going anywhere"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
• Words that mean the same thing: wild, slug, unfounded
• The opposite would be: run, work
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Zero"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: nothing, void, nix
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NULL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Tract of low-growing vegetation"

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 low evergreen shrub of the family ericaceae; has small bell-shaped pink or purple flowers
• Words that mean the same thing: heathland
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Separates, in a sense"

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 cylindrical tower used for storing silage
• Words that mean the same thing: silo
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SILOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. There are more of these in the U.S. in October than any other month, surprisingly"

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 woman who has recently been married
• Words that mean the same thing: St. Brigid, Saint Bridget, Bride
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRIDES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Pants measure"

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 narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
• Words that mean the same thing: waistline, shank
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Adrift"

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: ATSEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Cons"

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 someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
• Words that mean the same thing: crook, felon, outlaw
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FELONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Speak 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 express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
• Words that mean the same thing: speak up, reckon, think
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. "Honest!""

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: NOLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. Not hold back fury"

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 start abruptly
• Words that mean the same thing: ignite, burst, flare 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: ERUPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. High-quality French vineyard"

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: CRU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Start of this clue"

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 radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 99, E, einsteinium
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Endurance of hardship without complaint"

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 an indifference to pleasure or pain
• Words that mean the same thing: stolidness, stolidity
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STOICISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Polar bear, to seals"

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 someone who attacks in search of booty
• Words that mean the same thing: vulture, marauder, predatory animal
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PREDATOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Font flourish"

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 short line at the end of the main strokes of a character
• Words that mean the same thing: seriph
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERIF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "39. How often Bette Davis won Best Actress"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TWICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "41. Baby rabbit"

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 young domestic cat
• Words that mean the same thing: kitty
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KITTEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "42. Pageant identifiers"

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 framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame
• Words that mean the same thing: girdle, sash, waistband
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SASHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Kind of artist"

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 fraudulent business scheme
• Words that mean the same thing: rook, gip, hornswoggle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. Dish that might be seasoned with adobo sauce"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
• Words that mean the same thing: wetback, greaser
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TACO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "47. Actress Kendrick of "Pitch Perfect""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a former copper coin of pakistan and india
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "48. It destroyed the town of Mascali in 1928"

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 inactive volcano in sicily; last erupted in 1961; the highest volcano in europe (10,500 feet)
• Words that mean the same thing: Mount Etna, bunsen burner, bunsen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "49. What benchwarmers ride, with "the""

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 a coniferous tree
• Words that mean the same thing: ache, yen, languish
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "50. 1815 novel made into films in 1996 and 2020"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "51. Provide initial funding for"

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 hard fruit
• Words that mean the same thing: source, semen, seminal fluid
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "53. Org. whose vision is "a great public school for every student""

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: NEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "54. Barely perceptible, say"

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 switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
• Words that mean the same thing: obtuse, dimmed, subdued
• The opposite would be: undimmed, focus
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	56	77.8%
Short Answer	9	12.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.2%
Sports	1	1.4%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
History	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.2 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!

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

Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 01:23 PM