August 24, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, August 24, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

NYT Monday Crossword Across Clues - August 24, 2020 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. State of irritability	4
2A	5. Oaf	4
3A	9. Undercoat of an oil painting	5
4A	14. Cabernet, e.g.	4
5A	15. Opening stake	4
6A	16. "Oh, no, not ___!"	5
7A	17. Stress between you and your former lover?	9
8A	19. Carried	5
9A	20. "In excelsis ___"	3
10A	21. One of a pair of Old Testament books with female names	6
11A	23. Place for a baseball team's insignia	3
12A	24. Canada's Prince ___ Island	6
13A	26. Thing your former lover said about you?	7
14A	29. Straight up on a compass	5
15A	32. The Beatles' "___ Leaving Home"	4
16A	33. Historian's concern	4
17A	36. "QB VII" author Leon	4
18A	38. Halved	5
19A	41. Former lover's text, e.g.?	15
20A	44. What alumni do on important anniversaries	5
21A	45. Write with a chisel on stone	4
22A	46. Cold summer treats	4
23A	47. Something Santa makes (and checks twice)	4
24A	49. Aptitude	5
25A	51. Former lovers' stances in photos?	7
26A	54. Absolutely everything	6
27A	58. See 27-Down	3
28A	59. Juneau's home	6
29A	62. Singer Grande, informally	3
30A	63. Busy, as a restroom	5
31A	66. Current lover who seems suspiciously preoccupied?	9
32A	68. Chef's item for preparing apples	5
33A	69. Panache	4
34A	70. Author unknown, for short	4
35A	71. Arrogant look	5
36A	72. Things janitors keep on rings	4
37A	73. Wagers	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. State of irritability"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state of agitated irritation
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Oaf"

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 crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement
• Words that mean the same thing: barbarian, tike, tyke
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Undercoat of an oil painting"

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 gypsum or plaster of paris spread on a surface to make it suitable for painting or gilding (or a surface so prepared)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GESSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Cabernet, e.g."

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 fermented juice (of grapes especially)
• Words that mean the same thing: wine-colored, vino, wine-coloured
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Opening stake"

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 (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. "Oh, no, not ___!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• Words that mean the same thing: over again, once again, once more
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Stress between you and your former lover?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt
• Words that mean the same thing: annex, extension service, elongation
• The opposite would be: flexion
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXTENSION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Carried"

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 be born
• Words that mean the same thing: support, carry, 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: BORNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. "In excelsis ___""

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: DEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. One of a pair of Old Testament books with female names"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (old testament) a beautiful jewess chosen by the king of persia to be his queen; she stopped a plot to massacre all the jews in persia (an event celebrated by jews as the feast of purim)
• Words that mean the same thing: Book of Esther
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESTHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Place for a baseball team's insignia"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a tight-fitting headdress
• Words that mean the same thing: chapiter, jacket, detonator
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Canada's Prince ___ Island"

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 king of england and ireland in 1936; his marriage to wallis warfield simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)
• Words that mean the same thing: Albert Edward, Edward VI, Edward V
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDWARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Thing your former lover said about you?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
• Words that mean the same thing: promulgate, outcry, shout
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXCLAIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Straight up on a compass"

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 region of the united states lying to the north of the mason-dixon line
• Words that mean the same thing: Union, magnetic north, compass north
• The opposite would be: south
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NORTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. The Beatles' "___ Leaving Home""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Historian's concern"

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 time that has elapsed
• Words that mean the same thing: by, past times, past tense
• The opposite would be: present, future
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. "QB VII" author Leon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: URIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Halved"

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: INTWO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Former lover's text, e.g.?"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of being excommunicated
• Words that mean the same thing: excision, exclusion, censure
• The word looks like this: _______________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXCOMMUNICATION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "44. What alumni do on important anniversaries"

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: REUNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "45. Write with a chisel on stone"

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 make an etching of
• Words that mean the same thing: engrave
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "46. Cold summer treats"

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 water frozen in the solid state
• Words that mean the same thing: icing, glass, water ice
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Something Santa makes (and checks twice)"

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 database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)
• Words that mean the same thing: lean, listing, leaning
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "49. Aptitude"

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 ability that has been acquired by training
• Words that mean the same thing: acquirement, science, attainment
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKILL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. Former lovers' stances in photos?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the exposure of an impostor or a fraud
• Words that mean the same thing: unmasking, endanger, discover
• The opposite would be: cover
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXPOSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "54. Absolutely everything"

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 everything that exists anywhere
• Words that mean the same thing: universe, cosmea, existence
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COSMOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "58. See 27-Down"

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 domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
• Words that mean the same thing: deary, favourite, darling
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. Juneau's home"

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 state in northwestern north america; the 49th state admitted to the union
• Words that mean the same thing: AK, Last Frontier
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALASKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "62. Singer Grande, informally"

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: ARI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. Busy, as a restroom"

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: INUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "66. Current lover who seems suspiciously preoccupied?"

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 the act of spending money for goods or services
• Words that mean the same thing: expend, expenditure, spend
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXPENDING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "68. Chef's item for preparing apples"

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

  The answer is: CORER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "69. Panache"

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 feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
• Words that mean the same thing: panache, dash, ardour
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "70. Author unknown, for short"

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

  The answer is: ANON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "71. Arrogant look"

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 facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
• Words that mean the same thing: leer
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNEER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "72. Things janitors keep on rings"

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 metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
• Words that mean the same thing: headstone, keystone, distinguish
• The opposite would be: atonality
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KEYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "73. Wagers"

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 money risked on a gamble
• Words that mean the same thing: count, stake, reckon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BETS

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Monday Crossword Down Clues - August 24, 2020 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Neighbor of a Norwegian	5
2D	2. Vetoed	5
3D	3. Dragging behind	5
4D	4. Prop for a golf ball	3
5D	5. Percussion instrument in a marching band	8
6D	6. Hop ___ (get to work)	4
7D	7. Texter's transition	4
8D	8. Actress Zellweger	5
9D	9. Gift of ___	3
10D	10. Latin "I"	3
11D	11. Like "Yeah, that'll ever happen"	9
12D	12. Mideast's ___ Peninsula	5
13D	13. End of a lunch hour, maybe	5
14D	18. Emperor just before the Year of the Four Emperors	4
15D	22. Prescriptions, for short	3
16D	25. Villain in Shakespeare's "The Tempest"	7
17D	27. With 58-Across, 1980s fad that "sprouted"	4
18D	28. Soup legumes	7
19D	30. Factual	4
20D	31. Clues	5
21D	33. The "p" of b.p.s.	3
22D	34. It can chop a tree down ... and then chop a tree up	3
23D	35. Three-dimensional art	9
24D	37. Ailing	4
25D	39. Tale of ___	3
26D	40. Come-___ (enticements)	3
27D	42. Target of a cleanup	4
28D	43. Fraidy-cats	8
29D	48. Throat soother	3
30D	50. Money to tide you over	4
31D	51. Long stories	5
32D	52. Arc lamp gas	5
33D	53. Aerodynamic	5
34D	55. Augusta's home	5
35D	56. "Believe It ___!"	5
36D	57. Yield and Right Turn Only, e.g.	5
37D	60. Connector of a pair of wheels	4
38D	61. Fix, as a dog	4
39D	64. "Get it?"	3
40D	65. Go wrong	3
41D	67. Smidgen	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. Neighbor of a Norwegian"

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 or inhabitant of sweden
• Words that mean the same thing: turnip cabbage, rutabaga plant, swedish turnip
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWEDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Vetoed"

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 command against
• Words that mean the same thing: interdict, forbid, disallow
• The opposite would be: allow, permit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIXED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Dragging behind"

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: INTOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Prop for a golf ball"

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 starting place for each hole on a golf course
• Words that mean the same thing: teeing ground, football tee, golf tee
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Percussion instrument in a marching band"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BASSDRUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Hop ___ (get to work)"

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: ONIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Texter's transition"

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: OTOH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Actress Zellweger"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RENEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Gift of ___"

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 light informal conversation for social occasions
• Words that mean the same thing: tittle-tattle, chin wagging, small talk
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Latin "I""

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 inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: egotism, self-importance, 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 11 Down: "11. Like "Yeah, that'll ever happen""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that expressing or expressive of ridicule that wounds
• The opposite would be: unsarcastic
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SARCASTIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Mideast's ___ Peninsula"

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 mountain peak in the southern sinai peninsula (7,500 feet high); it is believed to be the peak on which moses received the ten commandments
• Words that mean the same thing: Sinai Desert, Sinai Peninsula, Mount Sinai
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SINAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. End of a lunch hour, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: ONEPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Emperor just before the Year of the Four Emperors"

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 roman emperor notorious for his monstrous vice and fantastic luxury (was said to have started a fire that destroyed much of rome in 64) but the roman empire remained prosperous during his rule (37-68)
• Words that mean the same thing: Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Prescriptions, for short"

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: RXS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Villain in Shakespeare's "The Tempest""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ANTONIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. With 58-Across, 1980s fad that "sprouted""

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: CHIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Soup legumes"

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 round flat seed of the lentil plant used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: lentil, lentil plant, Lens culinaris
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LENTILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Factual"

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 proper alignment; the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment
• Words that mean the same thing: true up, admittedly, lawful
• The opposite would be: false, untruthful
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Clues"

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 indirect suggestion
• Words that mean the same thing: intimation, tip, wind
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HINTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. The "p" of b.p.s."

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: PER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. It can chop a tree down ... and then chop a tree up"

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 edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
• Words that mean the same thing: ax
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AXE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Three-dimensional art"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a three-dimensional work of plastic art
• Words that mean the same thing: grave, sculpt, carving
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCULPTURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Ailing"

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 people who are sick
• Words that mean the same thing: pale, tired of, spue
• The opposite would be: well, keep down
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Tale of ___"

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 misery resulting from affliction
• Words that mean the same thing: woefulness, suffering
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Come-___ (enticements)"

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: ONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Target of a cleanup"

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 state of confusion and disorderliness
• Words that mean the same thing: mountain, kettle of fish, spate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Fraidy-cats"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the flesh of a chicken used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: crybaby, Gallus gallus, chicken
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHICKENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Throat soother"

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 beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
• Words that mean the same thing: teatime, tea leaf, Camellia sinensis
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Money to tide you 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 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 31 Down: "51. Long stories"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
• Words that mean the same thing: epos, heroic poem, epic 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 32 Down: "52. Arc lamp gas"

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 colorless odorless inert gaseous element occurring in the earth's atmosphere in trace amounts
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 54, Xe
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: XENON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Aerodynamic"

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 make slick or smooth
• Words that mean the same thing: streamlined, slick, silklike
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLEEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. Augusta's home"

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 state in new england
• Words that mean the same thing: Pine Tree State, ME
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. "Believe It ___!""

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: ORNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Yield and Right Turn Only, e.g."

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 perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
• Words that mean the same thing: star sign, sign on, signalize
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIGNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. Connector of a pair of wheels"

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

  The answer is: AXLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "61. Fix, as a dog"

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 remove the ovaries of
• Words that mean the same thing: castrate, neuter, alter
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "64. "Get it?""

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 seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
• Words that mean the same thing: interpret, visualize, catch
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "65. Go wrong"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: drift, stray, mistake
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "67. Smidgen"

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 light touch or stroke
• Words that mean the same thing: swab, swob, pat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	57	73.1%
Short Answer	13	16.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.1%
Geography	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 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 Monday, 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:

• February 07 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 08 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 29 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 29 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 07 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers July 01
• October 27 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 21
• August 10 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 23, 2025 at 01:38 AM

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

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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