December 09, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• February 18 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 11 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 11 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 08 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 17 2020 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, December 09, 2019

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

December 09, 2019 Monday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. The Mayflower had three of them	5
2A	6. Rocker Lofgren	4
3A	10. Story of heroes	4
4A	14. Hawaiian greeting	5
5A	15. Grp. with many Mideast members	4
6A	16. Outpouring from a volcano	4
7A	17. Sweet citrus fruits from Southern California	15
8A	20. Winter Olympics need	4
9A	21. Tack on	3
10A	22. Most frigid	6
11A	23. ___-bodied	4
12A	25. Abba of Israel	4
13A	26. Only N.F.L. team that doesn't have a logo on its helmets	15
14A	33. Tied, as shoes	5
15A	34. Be under the weather	3
16A	35. "___ till you drop"	4
17A	36. W.W. II zone that D.D.E. commanded	3
18A	37. Completely enchanted	7
19A	41. The Cyclones of the Big 12 Conf.	3
20A	42. Pimply outbreak	4
21A	44. Like some batteries and baseball leagues	3
22A	45. Did something	5
23A	47. Some chickens	15
24A	51. Angry driver's signal	4
25A	52. Lover boy	4
26A	53. "Quaking" trees	6
27A	56. Nightly "NewsHour" presenter	3
28A	57. Queen in Disney's "Frozen"	4
29A	61. Hit 1980s cop show	15
30A	64. Dutch town with a cheese named after it	4
31A	65. Light and open	4
32A	66. Deity of Islam	5
33A	67. Store department with jackets and ties	4
34A	68. Shaggy beasts	4
35A	69. Come from behind, in scoring	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. The Mayflower had three of them"

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 vertical spar for supporting sails
• Words that mean the same thing: mast
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MASTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Rocker Lofgren"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: nada, nil, zippo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Story of heroes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
• Words that mean the same thing: larger-than-life, epic poem, epos
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Hawaiian greeting"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
• Words that mean the same thing: ciao
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALOHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Grp. with many Mideast members"

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 organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the production and sale of petroleum
• Words that mean the same thing: Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Outpouring from a volcano"

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 rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos; lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Sweet citrus fruits from Southern California"

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: VALENCIAORANGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Winter Olympics need"

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 precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
• Words that mean the same thing: bamboozle, coke, snowfall
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Tack on"

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 condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
• Words that mean the same thing: summate, minimal brain damage, attention deficit disorder
• The opposite would be: take away, subtract
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Most frigid"

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 devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or disdain
• Words that mean the same thing: arctic, frozen, polar
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICIEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. ___-bodied"

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 (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
• Words that mean the same thing: able-bodied, capable
• The opposite would be: unable
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Abba of Israel"

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: EBAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Only N.F.L. team that doesn't have a logo on its helmets"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CLEVELANDBROWNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "33. Tied, as shoes"

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 spin,wind, or twist together
• Words that mean the same thing: enlace, fortify, plait
• The opposite would be: untwine, unlaced
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LACED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "34. Be under the weather"

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 aromatic bulb used as seasoning
• Words that mean the same thing: trouble, garlic, pain
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. "___ till you drop""

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 mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
• Words that mean the same thing: frequent, give away, shit
• The opposite would be: boycott
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. W.W. II zone that D.D.E. commanded"

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: ETO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Completely enchanted"

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 inflict a heavy blow on, with the hand, a tool, or a weapon
• Words that mean the same thing: infatuated, taken with, soft on
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMITTEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. The Cyclones of the Big 12 Conf."

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: ISU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Pimply outbreak"

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 21 Across: "44. Like some batteries and baseball leagues"

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 aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
• Words that mean the same thing: abdominal aortic aneurysm
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AAA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Did something"

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 perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
• Words that mean the same thing: behave, playact, play
• The opposite would be: refrain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Some chickens"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RHODEISLANDREDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "51. Angry driver's signal"

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 the cry of a goose (or any sound resembling this)
• Words that mean the same thing: disgorge, regurgitate, upchuck
• The opposite would be: keep down
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HONK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "52. Lover boy"

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 man who is the lover of a girl or young woman
• Words that mean the same thing: young man, swain, dandy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. "Quaking" trees"

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 any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
• Words that mean the same thing: aspen
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASPENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "56. Nightly "NewsHour" presenter"

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 solution containing a phosphate buffer
• Words that mean the same thing: PiB, lead, petabit
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. Queen in Disney's "Frozen""

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: ELSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "61. Hit 1980s cop show"

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: HILLSTREETBLUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "64. Dutch town with a cheese named after it"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "65. Light and open"

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 open to or abounding in fresh air
• Words that mean the same thing: aired, aeriform, impractical
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "66. Deity of Islam"

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

  The answer is: ALLAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "67. Store department with jackets and ties"

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 force of workers available
• Words that mean the same thing: men, hands, workforce
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "68. Shaggy beasts"

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

  The answer is: YAKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "69. Come from behind, in scoring"

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 large gathering of people intended to arouse enthusiasm
• Words that mean the same thing: summon, rebound, beat up
• The opposite would be: demobilize
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RALLY

  Great job if you got it right!

December 09, 2019 Monday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Dallas N.B.A. team, informally	4
2D	2. Actor Alda	4
3D	3. Like Lindbergh's 1927 flight to Paris	4
4D	4. Crowd activity at a stadium	7
5D	5. ___ Rafael, Calif.	3
6D	6. "Who knows?!"	6
7D	7. Apple tablet	4
8D	8. Sign before Virgo	3
9D	9. Write quickly and none too carefully	8
10D	10. Weather phenomena from the Pacific	7
11D	11. "Doctor Jones, you're needed at the front desk," e.g.	4
12D	12. Currier and ___	4
13D	13. Group of actors	4
14D	18. Dial on a telephone	4
15D	19. Rent-___ (Hertz or Avis)	4
16D	24. Hotel units	4
17D	25. Polish, as text	4
18D	26. Unambiguous	5
19D	27. Gate fastener	5
20D	28. Cheap, in commercial names	5
21D	29. Birth-related	5
22D	30. "___ Christmas" (holiday song)	5
23D	31. Edged (out)	5
24D	32. Taters	5
25D	38. Chief support	8
26D	39. "Can ___ you a question?"	4
27D	40. Zilch	4
28D	43. Actor who played Andy Bernard on "The Office"	7
29D	46. ___ De Vil, "101 Dalmatians" role	7
30D	48. Earth's longest time divisions, geologically	4
31D	49. Homes for nuns	6
32D	50. Hatchlings' home	4
33D	53. *cough, cough*	4
34D	54. Point of view, as in an argument	4
35D	55. Blueprint	4
36D	56. Employee's reserved parking space, for one	4
37D	58. Brief down period	4
38D	59. Circus animal with flippers	4
39D	60. Wan	4
40D	62. Small inlet	3
41D	63. What a priest, a minister and a rabbi might walk into	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. Dallas N.B.A. team, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MAVS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Actor Alda"

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: ALAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Like Lindbergh's 1927 flight to Paris"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any activity that is performed alone without assistance
• Words that mean the same thing: alone, unaccompanied
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Crowd activity at a stadium"

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: THEWAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. ___ Rafael, Calif."

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: SAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "Who knows?!""

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: NOIDEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Apple tablet"

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: IPAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Sign before Virgo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Write quickly and none too carefully"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that poor handwriting
• Words that mean the same thing: scrawl, doodle, cacography
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCRIBBLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Weather phenomena from the Pacific"

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: ELNINOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Doctor Jones, you're needed at the front desk," e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
• Words that mean the same thing: varlet, Sir Frederick Handley Page, foliate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Currier and ___"

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 united states composer noted for his innovative use of polytonality (1874-1954)
• Words that mean the same thing: James Ives, Charles Edward Ives, James Merritt Ives
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Group of actors"

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 the actors in a play
• Words that mean the same thing: mould, disgorge, roam
• The opposite would be: keep down
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Dial on a telephone"

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 telephone connection
• Words that mean the same thing: visit, call in, bid
• The opposite would be: put option
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Rent-___ (Hertz or Avis)"

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: ACAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Hotel units"

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 piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
• Words that mean the same thing: roll in the hay, have it away, seam
• The opposite would be: get up, turn out
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Polish, as text"

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 prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
• Words that mean the same thing: redact, edit out, blue-pencil
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Unambiguous"

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 state of being free of suspicion
• Words that mean the same thing: open, light up, brighten
• The opposite would be: unclear, convict
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Gate fastener"

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 spring-loaded doorlock that can only be opened from the outside with a key
• Words that mean the same thing: door latch
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LATCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Cheap, in commercial names"

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: ECONO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Birth-related"

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 region of eastern south africa on the indian ocean
• Words that mean the same thing: KwaZulu-Natal
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NATAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. "___ Christmas" (holiday song)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the caucasoid race
• Words that mean the same thing: Edward D. White, White person, tweed
• The opposite would be: blacken, black
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WHITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Edged (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 search or inquire in a meddlesome way
• Words that mean the same thing: pry, horn in, poke
• The opposite would be: noseless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOSED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Taters"

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 edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
• Words that mean the same thing: white potato, bourgeon, tater
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPUDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Chief support"

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 prominent supporter
• Words that mean the same thing: backbone, pillar, keystone
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAINSTAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. "Can ___ you a question?""

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: IASK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Zilch"

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

  The answer is: NADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Actor who played Andy Bernard on "The Office""

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: EDHELMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. ___ De Vil, "101 Dalmatians" role"

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: CRUELLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Earth's longest time divisions, geologically"

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 longest division of geological time
• Words that mean the same thing: aeon, eon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Homes for nuns"

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 church associated with a monastery or convent
• Words that mean the same thing: abbey
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABBEYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Hatchlings' home"

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 structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
• Words that mean the same thing: draw close, cuddle, nestle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. *cough, cough*"

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 utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: hem
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AHEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Point of view, as in an argument"

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 place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
• Words that mean the same thing: incline, slope, side of meat
• The opposite would be: top
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. Blueprint"

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 series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
• Words that mean the same thing: design, programme, architectural plan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Employee's reserved parking space, for one"

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 incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
• Words that mean the same thing: fringe benefit, percolate, perquisite
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PERK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Brief down period"

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 pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished
• Words that mean the same thing: quiet, letup, tranquilize
• The opposite would be: agitate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LULL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. Circus animal with flippers"

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 fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
• Words that mean the same thing: seal off, seal of approval, stamp
• The opposite would be: unseal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. Wan"

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 of a light grey
• Words that mean the same thing: ash-grey, ash-gray
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASHY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "62. Small inlet"

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: RIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "63. What a priest, a minister and a rabbi might walk into"

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 room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
• Words that mean the same thing: measure, cake, block off
• The opposite would be: unbar
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	58	76.3%
Short Answer	10	13.2%
Sports	3	3.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.9%
Geography	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 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 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:

• July 17 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 08 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 13 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 27 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 20 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 22 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 18 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 11 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 14 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 11 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 28, 2025 at 11:38 AM

December 21, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 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:

• June 04 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• The Wall Street Journal Crossword Hints
• February 13 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 24 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 28 2020 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, December 21, 2019

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 68 (33 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

December 21, 2019 Saturday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Bygone ad figure in a tuxedo and sunglasses	8
2A	9. Form, as a lasting memory	4
3A	13. Oman, for one	9
4A	14. Stick in the mud	4
5A	15. Arboreal fragrance	10
6A	16. 3-D movie option	4
7A	17. ___ fun	4
8A	18. Nonstandard: Abbr.	3
9A	19. Tea flavorer in the Middle East	5
10A	20. Not holding back emotions	4
11A	21. Early settler of Greenland	10
12A	24. Origin of many refugees once in 26-Across, for short	3
13A	25. Tombstone locale: Abbr.	4
14A	26. See 24-Across	4
15A	28. A-O.K.	10
16A	34. Man's name meaning "Jehovah is God"	4
17A	35. Nimbi	5
18A	36. "The Avengers" role	4
19A	37. Whom nobody plays with	10
20A	39. Bad for growth, in a way	4
21A	40. Either half of a duo with 14 #1 country hits	4
22A	41. Digs	3
23A	42. Clique's aspirations, in modern lingo	10
24A	48. Polo playing?	4
25A	49. Stanley of the "Hunger Games" movies	5
26A	50. Attitude	3
27A	51. ___ of Solomon	4
28A	52. Figure in a corner	4
29A	53. TV host fluent in eight languages	10
30A	56. "A-Hunting We Will Go" composer	4
31A	57. What valedictorians have	9
32A	58. Hunger or thirst	4
33A	59. He is one	8

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. Bygone ad figure in a tuxedo and sunglasses"

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: JOECAMEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "9. Form, as a lasting memory"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make 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 3 Across: "13. Oman, for one"

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 country or territory ruled by a sultan
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SULTANATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Stick in the mud"

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 soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
• Words that mean the same thing: slop, grind to a halt, morass
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Arboreal fragrance"

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 close-grained fragrant yellowish heartwood of the true sandalwood; has insect repelling properties and is used for carving and cabinetwork
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SANDALWOOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. 3-D movie option"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: IMAX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. ___ fun"

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 tall coarse perennial american herb having small white flowers followed by blackish-red berries on long drooping racemes; young fleshy stems are edible; berries and root are poisonous
• Words that mean the same thing: prod, stab, garget
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Nonstandard: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of electrical power in an ac circuit equal to the power dissipated when 1 volt produces a current of 1 ampere
• Words that mean the same thing: volt-ampere
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Tea flavorer in the Middle East"

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 aromatic flower bud of a clove tree; yields a spice
• Words that mean the same thing: Eugenia aromaticum, garlic clove, cleave
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Not holding back emotions"

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 clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
• Words that mean the same thing: give, exposed, clear
• The opposite would be: shut, close
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "21. Early settler of Greenland"

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: ERICTHERED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Origin of many refugees once in 26-Across, 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: NAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Tombstone locale: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ARIZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. See 24-Across"

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 largest and southernmost island in the marianas which is administered as a territory of the united states; it was ceded by spain to the united states in 1898
• Words that mean the same thing: GU
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GUAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. A-O.K."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HOTSYTOTSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Man's name meaning "Jehovah is God""

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 english essayist (1775-1834)
• Words that mean the same thing: Lamb, Charles Lamb
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Nimbi"

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 sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) that precedes the onset of certain disorders such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure
• Words that mean the same thing: atmosphere, glory, halo
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AURAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. "The Avengers" role"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (norse mythology) trickster; god of discord and mischief; contrived death of balder and was overcome by thor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOKI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Whom nobody plays with"

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: SOLOARTIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Bad for growth, in a way"

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 lacking sufficient water or rainfall
• Words that mean the same thing: desiccated, desiccate, waterless
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Either half of a duo with 14 #1 country hits"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: JUDD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Digs"

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 number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
• Words that mean the same thing: launch pad, plod, diggings
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Clique's aspirations, in modern lingo"

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: SQUADGOALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Polo playing?"

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: TERI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Stanley of the "Hunger Games" movies"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: TUCCI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Attitude"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
• Words that mean the same thing: sass, rim, back 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: LIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. ___ of Solomon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ODES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Figure in a corner"

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 (chess) the piece that can move any number of unoccupied squares in a direction parallel to the sides of the chessboard
• Words that mean the same thing: short-change, swindle, gip
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROOK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. TV host fluent in eight languages"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TREVORNOAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. "A-Hunting We Will Go" composer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ARNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "57. What valedictorians have"

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: AAVERAGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. Hunger or thirst"

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 extreme poverty
• Words that mean the same thing: require, privation, deficiency
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "59. He is one"

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: INERTGAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Saturday Puzzle December 21, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Target of some filters	9
2D	2. Bygone	5
3D	3. Texter's "When are you coming?"	3
4D	4. Give birth, as whales do	5
5D	5. Name signed on the Camp David Accords	5
6D	6. Language of Polynesia	5
7D	7. W.W. II zone	3
8D	8. Wasn't down	3
9D	9. Writer who pioneered in naturalism	9
10D	10. ___ Sea, arm of the Indian Ocean	5
11D	11. Really fancy	5
12D	12. Bewitched	5
13D	13. Two-time host city of the FIFA World Cup	8
14D	15. Boozehounds	7
15D	19. I.O.U., e.g.	4
16D	22. Alternatives to apartamentos	5
17D	23. Unpublicized date	5
18D	27. Bit of Communist Chinese attire	9
19D	28. Leader of Greece?	5
20D	29. Top	5
21D	30. Arm muscle, informally	3
22D	31. Nixes, as a plan	9
23D	32. Snowy resorts	8
24D	33. Whence the words "nosh" and "tush"	7
25D	38. Car that sounds like a Cockney greeting	4
26D	42. Need for a milkshake	5
27D	43. Website for crowdsourcing answers	5
28D	44. School 50 miles west of Brown, informally	5
29D	45. Doan's shelfmate	5
30D	46. Hepatologist's focus	5
31D	47. Squash, e.g.	5
32D	48. Neighbor of Fiji	5
33D	53. Chi preceder	3
34D	54. Zipped	3
35D	55. Publisher of yellow journalism	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. Target of some filters"

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: JUNKEMAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Bygone"

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: OLDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Texter's "When are you coming?""

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 terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
• Words that mean the same thing: Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Basque Homeland and Freedom, Euskadi ta Askatasuna
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Give birth, as whales do"

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 release ice
• Words that mean the same thing: have young, break 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: CALVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Name signed on the Camp David Accords"

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: ANWAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Language of Polynesia"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MAORI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. W.W. II zone"

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: ETO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Wasn't 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 diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
• Words that mean the same thing: moderate, result, take
• The opposite would be: follow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Writer who pioneered in naturalism"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: EMILEZOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. ___ Sea, arm of the Indian Ocean"

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 an island in indonesia in the malay archipelago; the largest and most eastern of the lesser sunda islands
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIMOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Really fancy"

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 have a craving, appetite, or great desire for
• Words that mean the same thing: hunger, starve, thirst
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Bewitched"

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 cast a spell over someone or something; put a hex on someone or something
• Words that mean the same thing: jinxed, witch, glamour
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEXED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Two-time host city of the FIFA World Cup"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SAOPAULO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Boozehounds"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a porous mass of interlacing fibers that forms the internal skeleton of various marine animals and usable to absorb water or any porous rubber or cellulose product similarly used
• Words that mean the same thing: sponge, leech, sponger
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPONGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. I.O.U., 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 a dismissive term for a girl who is immature or who lacks respect
• Words that mean the same thing: check, tab
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Alternatives to apartamentos"

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: CASAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Unpublicized date"

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 date; usually with a member of the opposite sex
• Words that mean the same thing: assignation, rendezvous
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRYST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Bit of Communist Chinese attire"

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: MAOJACKET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Leader of Greece?"

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: HARDG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Top"

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 be or do something to a greater degree
• Words that mean the same thing: exceed, scoop, surpass
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OUTDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Arm muscle, informally"

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: TRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Nixes, as a plan"

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 professional killer who uses a gun
• Words that mean the same thing: triggerman, hero sandwich, hired gun
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TORPEDOES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Snowy resorts"

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: SKIAREAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Whence the words "nosh" and "tush""

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 dialect of high german including some hebrew and other words; spoken in europe as a vernacular by many jews; written in the hebrew 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: YIDDISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Car that sounds like a Cockney greeting"

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: AUDI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Need for a milkshake"

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 plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
• Words that mean the same thing: strew, chaff, pale 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: STRAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Website for crowdsourcing answers"

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: QUORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. School 50 miles west of Brown, informally"

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: UCONN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Doan's shelfmate"

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 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trademarks aleve and anaprox and aflaxen) that fights pain and inflammation
• Words that mean the same thing: Anaprox, naproxen sodium, Aflaxen
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALEVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Hepatologist's focus"

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 large and complicated reddish-brown glandular organ located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity; secretes bile and functions in metabolism of protein and carbohydrate and fat; synthesizes substances involved in the clotting of the blood; synthesizes vitamin a; detoxifies poisonous substances and breaks down worn-out erythrocytes
• Words that mean the same thing: liver-colored
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Squash, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
• Words that mean the same thing: disport, summercater, sportswoman
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Neighbor of Fiji"

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 monarchy on a polynesian archipelago in the south pacific; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1970
• Words that mean the same thing: Kingdom of Tonga, Friendly Islands
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Chi preceder"

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 native or inhabitant of thailand
• Words that mean the same thing: Siamese, Thai
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Zipped"

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 move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
• Words that mean the same thing: incline, fly the coop, turn tail
• The opposite would be: malfunction, idle
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. Publisher of yellow journalism"

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 small piece of cloth or paper
• Words that mean the same thing: nark, devil, razz
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	72.1%
Short Answer	9	13.2%
Abbreviation	3	4.4%
Geography	3	4.4%
Movies/Film	1	1.5%
Sports	1	1.5%
Music	1	1.5%
Literature	1	1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	68
Average Answer Length	5.4 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Saturday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

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

• May 29 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 04 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 13 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 29 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• The Wall Street Journal Crossword Hints
• March 27 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 16 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 30 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 28 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 30 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 28, 2025 at 06:29 AM