October 12, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (38 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

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• February 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 24 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 01 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 06 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, October 12, 2019

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 73 (38 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

Across Clues Explained - Saturday NYT Crossword October 12, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Crumbly salad ingredient	4
2A	5. Halves of some measurements	6
3A	11. It might involve a DNA test	3
4A	14. Love of mythology?	4
5A	15. Exam required before entering uni	6
6A	16. Something good in baseball, but bad in banking	3
7A	17. Kind of ball for indoor play	4
8A	18. Usually nonremunerative undertaking	10
9A	20. It's named for a Norse goddess of wisdom: Abbr.	3
10A	21. Will figure	3
11A	22. Supersede	7
12A	23. Funk of Funk & Wagnalls	5
13A	25. Punk cousin	3
14A	27. "Right on"	4
15A	28. Characters in "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"	6
16A	30. Batman portrayer of TV and film	8
17A	33. Request softener	10
18A	35. Online feed letters	3
19A	36. A spy might send a message in one	10
20A	38. Unaccredited university, say	10
21A	40. Do some basic math	3
22A	43. Green giant	10
23A	45. Sound around a cradle	8
24A	47. "Miss ___"	6
25A	49. Capitol Hill activity	4
26A	50. 1969 novel subtitled "Ardor: A Family Chronicle"	3
27A	52. Brandon ___, lead role in 1999's "Boys Don't Cry"	5
28A	53. Northern fishers' implements	7
29A	56. Arctic explorer John	3
30A	58. Skin pic	3
31A	59. Screen for a shooter	10
32A	61. Corrupt, in British slang	4
33A	62. Big Ten East sch.	3
34A	63. Genesis peak	6
35A	64. Bring down	4
36A	65. Crossed	3
37A	66. Lax in duty	6
38A	67. ___ Bongo, president of Gabon for 42 years	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. Crumbly salad ingredient"

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: FETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Halves of some measurements"

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 the extent of something from side to side
• Words that mean the same thing: breadth, width
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIDTHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. It might involve a DNA test"

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: CSI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Love of mythology?"

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 mythology) god of love; counterpart of greek eros
• Words that mean the same thing: Cupid
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Exam required before entering uni"

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: ALEVEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Something good in baseball, but bad in banking"

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 score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
• Words that mean the same thing: endure, persist, pass
• 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: RUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Kind of ball for indoor play"

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: NERF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Usually nonremunerative undertaking"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PETPROJECT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. It's named for a Norse goddess of wisdom: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day
• Words that mean the same thing: Friday
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Will figure"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Supersede"

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 substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)
• Words that mean the same thing: supervene upon, interchange, supersede
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REPLACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Funk of Funk & Wagnalls"

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 (old testament) the second patriarch; son of abraham and sarah who was offered by abraham as a sacrifice to god; father of jacob and esau
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ISAAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Punk cousin"

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: EMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. "Right on""

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 primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
• Words that mean the same thing: Amun, Amon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Characters in "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World""

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 punctuation mark (,) used to indicate the separation of elements within the grammatical structure of a sentence
• Words that mean the same thing: Polygonia comma, comma butterfly, comma
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COMMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Batman portrayer of TV and film"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert 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: ADAMWEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Request softener"

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: NOPRESSURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Online feed letters"

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: RSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. A spy might send a message in one"

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: SECRETCODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Unaccredited university, say"

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: DEGREEMILL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Do some basic math"

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

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: hyperkinetic syndrome, contribute, summate
• The opposite would be: subtract, take away
• 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 22 Across: "43. Green giant"

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: SIERRACLUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Sound around a cradle"

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: DIALTONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. "Miss ___""

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 city in south vietnam; formerly (as saigon) it was the capital of french indochina
• Words that mean the same thing: Ho Chi Minh City
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAIGON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Capitol Hill activity"

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 choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
• Words that mean the same thing: voter turnout, ballot, suffrage
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. 1969 novel subtitled "Ardor: A Family Chronicle""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
• Words that mean the same thing: adenosine deaminase
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Brandon ___, lead role in 1999's "Boys Don't Cry""

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: TEENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. Northern fishers' implements"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ICESAWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Arctic explorer John"

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: RAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "58. Skin pic"

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 tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
• Words that mean the same thing: tackiness, Thematic Apperception Test, cheapness
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Screen for a shooter"

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: LENSFILTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. Corrupt, in British slang"

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 relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
• Words that mean the same thing: bend, crouch, dead set
• The opposite would be: straighten, unbend
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. Big Ten East sch."

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: PSU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Genesis peak"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the mountain peak that noah's ark landed on as the waters of the great flood receded
• Words that mean the same thing: Mt. Ararat, Mount Ararat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARARAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. Bring 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 tear down so as to make flat with the ground
• Words that mean the same thing: dismantle, rase, level
• The opposite would be: raise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "65. Crossed"

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 come together
• Words that mean the same thing: assemble, suffer, fit
• The opposite would be: diverge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "66. Lax in duty"

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 failing in what duty requires
• Words that mean the same thing: delinquent, neglectful, derelict
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REMISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "67. ___ Bongo, president of Gabon for 42 years"

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: OMAR

  Great job if you got it right!

October 12, 2019 Down Hints: NYT Saturday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Amateur work based on existing characters, informally	6
2D	2. Boston college	7
3D	3. Singer with the 1992 double-platinum album "Little Earthquakes"	8
4D	4. Sound from a toy	3
5D	5. Newspaper with the slogan "Democracy Dies in Darkness," in brief	4
6D	6. "The L Word" creator Chaiken	5
7D	7. Case worker: Abbr.	3
8D	8. One who runs the show	10
9D	9. "___, boy!"	4
10D	10. Not stay in the bucket	4
11D	11. Joe might need this	7
12D	12. A "lousy teacher," per Bill Gates	7
13D	13. Partner of purposes	7
14D	19. "The Hunger Games" actress, in tabloids	4
15D	21. Like promethium, among all the rare earth metals	8
16D	24. Cranked (up)	5
17D	26. Down pat	8
18D	29. Italian film director Leone	6
19D	31. Kitchen drawers?	6
20D	32. Treat, in a way	8
21D	34. Tennis feat named for the athlete who achieved it in 2003 and 2015	10
22D	37. Woman's name that sounds like two letters of the alphabet	5
23D	39. Winter Olympics pair	8
24D	40. NyQuil alternative	7
25D	41. Bishop's territory	7
26D	42. Kind of bread with chopped fruit	7
27D	44. Treasure trove	7
28D	46. Minimalist's desire	4
29D	48. Flap one's gums	6
30D	51. Quarters	5
31D	54. Way off	4
32D	55. Kind of transfer	4
33D	57. Language ___	4
34D	60. TNT element?	3
35D	61. Dude	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. Amateur work based on existing characters, informally"

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: FANFIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Boston college"

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 writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882)
• Words that mean the same thing: Ralph Waldo Emerson
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMERSON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Singer with the 1992 double-platinum album "Little Earthquakes""

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert 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: TORIAMOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Sound from a toy"

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: ARF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Newspaper with the slogan "Democracy Dies in Darkness," in brief"

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: WAPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "The L Word" creator Chaiken"

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: ILENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Case worker: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. One who runs the show"

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: TVPRODUCER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "___, 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 the present location; this place
• Words that mean the same thing: hither, Hera
• The opposite would be: there
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Not stay in the bucket"

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 wet feed (especially for pigs) consisting of mostly kitchen waste mixed with water or skimmed or sour milk
• Words that mean the same thing: glop, spill, mush
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Joe might need this"

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 small pitcher for serving cream
• Words that mean the same thing: cream pitcher
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CREAMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. A "lousy teacher," per Bill Gates"

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 an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: succeeder, winner, achiever
• The opposite would be: failure, loser
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUCCESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Partner of purposes"

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 an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
• Words that mean the same thing: aim, design, spirit
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INTENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. "The Hunger Games" actress, in tabloids"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: JLAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Like promethium, among all the rare earth metals"

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 deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand
• Words that mean the same thing: scarce
• The opposite would be: abundant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCARCEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Cranked (up)"

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: AMPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Down pat"

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 be or become completely proficient or skilled in
• Words that mean the same thing: down, overcome, dominate
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MASTERED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. Italian film director Leone"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: SERGIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "31. Kitchen drawers?"

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 any property detected by the olfactory system
• Words that mean the same thing: olfactory property, odour, fragrance
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AROMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Treat, in a way"

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 impregnate with a medicinal substance
• Words that mean the same thing: medicine
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEDICATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Tennis feat named for the athlete who achieved it in 2003 and 2015"

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: SERENASLAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "37. Woman's name that sounds like two letters of the alphabet"

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: ELLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "39. Winter Olympics pair"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: LUGETEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "40. NyQuil alternative"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADVILPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "41. Bishop's territory"

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 territorial jurisdiction of a bishop
• Words that mean the same thing: episcopate, bishopric
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIOCESE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Kind of bread with chopped fruit"

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: DATENUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Treasure trove"

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 an especially rich vein of precious ore
• Words that mean the same thing: gold rush, gravy, bunce
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BONANZA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Minimalist's desire"

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 (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
• Words that mean the same thing: to a lesser extent
• The opposite would be: more
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Flap one's gums"

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 talk socially without exchanging too much information
• Words that mean the same thing: chit-chat, jaw, visit
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NATTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "51. Quarters"

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

  The answer is: AREAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "54. Way off"

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 (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "55. Kind of transfer"

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 ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
• Words that mean the same thing: telegram, conducting wire, cable
• The opposite would be: unwire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "57. Language ___"

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 studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
• Words that mean the same thing: humanistic discipline, artistic creation, graphics
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "60. TNT element?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "61. Dude"

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: BRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	69.9%
Short Answer	11	15.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.1%
Abbreviation	2	2.7%
Science/Technology	2	2.7%
History	1	1.4%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	38
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	73
Average Answer Length	5.6 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:

• Saturdays NYT Across Sep 20 Full
• September 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 26 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 01 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 08 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 07 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 28 2021 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 29, 2025 at 05:18 PM

February 18, 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

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• November 29 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 06 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 09 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 14 2024 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle February 18, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Word after martial or culinary	4
2A	5. "Very," en español	3
3A	8. Soak up	6
4A	14. Person who cherishes high principles	8
5A	16. Ukrainian peninsula seized by Russia in 2014	6
6A	17. Made the bed?	8
7A	18. It may be issued for a defective product	6
8A	19. Exchange new vows	5
9A	20. 1-1, e.g.	3
10A	21. Hasten	3
11A	22. "Oh, now I get it!"	3
12A	24. Old, ineffective sort	6
13A	26. 1930s boxing champ Max	4
14A	27. The "C" of I.C.U.	4
15A	29. "What is Pyramus? a lover, ___ tyrant?": "A Midsummer Night's Dream"	3
16A	30. Mails	5
17A	31. Prioritize in the trauma center	6
18A	34. Mandates	5
19A	36. Does a driving test task - or an apt description of the five circled diagonals in this puzzle	13
20A	40. Guitarist May of Queen	5
21A	41. Like zombies	6
22A	43. Not quite a C	5
23A	46. Abbreviation in ancient dates	3
24A	48. "Your majesty"	4
25A	49. Part of many a woodwind	4
26A	50. Howling at the moon, say	6
27A	53. Back-and-forth tool	3
28A	54. "Atlas Shrugged" author Rand	3
29A	55. Novelist McEwan	3
30A	56. Jumped	5
31A	58. Single things	6
32A	60. Like baby shampoo	8
33A	63. Coral rings	6
34A	64. Dog guarding the gates of the underworld	8
35A	65. Karate instructor	6
36A	66. Young ___ (tots)	3
37A	67. Plying the waves	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. Word after martial or culinary"

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 studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
• Words that mean the same thing: artistic creation, humanistic discipline, artistic production
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. "Very," en español"

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: MUY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Soak up"

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 become imbued
• Words that mean the same thing: take in, ingest, imbibe
• The opposite would be: emit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABSORB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Person who cherishes high principles"

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 guided more by ideals than by practical considerations
• Words that mean the same thing: dreamer
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEALIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Ukrainian peninsula seized by Russia in 2014"

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 ukrainian peninsula between the black sea and the sea of azov
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRIMEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Made the bed?"

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 work in the garden
• Words that mean the same thing: garden
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GARDENED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. It may be issued for a defective product"

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 request by the manufacturer of a defective product to return the product (as for replacement or repair)
• Words that mean the same thing: reminiscence, recollect, call in
• The opposite would be: issue, forget
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RECALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Exchange new vows"

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: REWED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. 1-1, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Hasten"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• Words that mean the same thing: hasten, race, bucket along
• The opposite would be: linger
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. "Oh, now I get it!""

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: AHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Old, ineffective sort"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an oldster in his dotage; someone whose age has impaired his intellect
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOTARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. 1930s boxing champ Max"

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: BAER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. The "C" of I.C.U."

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 work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
• Words that mean the same thing: upkeep, concern, tending
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. "What is Pyramus? a lover, ___ tyrant?": "A Midsummer Night's Dream""

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 mouth or mouthlike opening
• Words that mean the same thing: Os, atomic number 76, osmium
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Mails"

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 go somewhere
• Words that mean the same thing: direct, get off, mail
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SENDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "31. Prioritize in the trauma center"

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 sorting and allocating aid on the basis of need for or likely benefit from medical treatment or food
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Mandates"

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 authoritative declaration
• Words that mean the same thing: obiter dictum, say-so, dictum
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DICTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. Does a driving test task - or an apt description of the five circled diagonals in this puzzle"

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: PARALLELPARKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Guitarist May of Queen"

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: BRIAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Like zombies"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: UNDEAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Not quite a C"

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: DPLUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Abbreviation in ancient dates"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of the period before the common era; preferred by some writers who are not christians
• Words that mean the same thing: B.C.E.
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. "Your majesty""

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 title of address formerly used for a man of rank and authority
• Words that mean the same thing: engender, father, forefather
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Part of many a woodwind"

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 woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera arundo and phragmites
• Words that mean the same thing: reed instrument, vibrating reed, John Reed
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Howling at the moon, say"

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 utter in deep prolonged tones
• Words that mean the same thing: bay, quest
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAYING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. Back-and-forth tool"

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 condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people
• Words that mean the same thing: realize, visualise, escort
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. "Atlas Shrugged" author Rand"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: AYN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Novelist McEwan"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Jumped"

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 move forward by leaps and bounds
• Words that mean the same thing: spring, leap, jump
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEAPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Single things"

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 (chemistry) an atom having a valence of one
• Words that mean the same thing: monas, monad
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MONADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "60. Like baby shampoo"

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 free from tears
• Words that mean the same thing: dry-eyed
• The opposite would be: tearful
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEARLESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. Coral rings"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an island consisting of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon
• Words that mean the same thing: atoll
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATOLLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "64. Dog guarding the gates of the underworld"

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 (greek mythology) the three-headed dog guarding the entrance to hades; son of typhon
• Words that mean the same thing: hellhound
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CERBERUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "65. Karate instructor"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SENSEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "66. Young ___ (tots)"

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 organization of independent states formed in 1945 to promote international peace and security
• Words that mean the same thing: UN, United Nations
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "67. Plying the waves"

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 in the direction of the sea
• Words that mean the same thing: seawards, seaward
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Tuesday NYT Crossword February 18, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Insurance giant on the N.Y.S.E.	3
2D	2. Nutrient fig.	3
3D	3. Glass showcases for small animals	8
4D	4. Singer of "Smooth Operator"	4
5D	5. Sal of "Rebel Without a Cause"	5
6D	6. Once did	6
7D	7. "So far," on a quarterly pay stub: Abbr.	3
8D	8. Biting	5
9D	9. Village of the Prancing Pony inn in "The Lord of the Rings"	4
10D	10. [not my mistake]	3
11D	11. Resident of Nebraska's largest city	6
12D	12. Depended (on)	6
13D	13. Machines on hay farms	6
14D	15. Lascivious	4
15D	20. Fall behind	5
16D	22. Something a false person puts on	3
17D	23. Relative of a zither	4
18D	25. Fervor	7
19D	26. Shadows that have grown long?	6
20D	28. Part of a listening pair	6
21D	30. Lee of Marvel Comics	4
22D	32. Needlefish	4
23D	33. Two-time Super Bowl M.V.P. Manning	3
24D	35. PC core	3
25D	37. Father of Rachel and Leah in Genesis	5
26D	38. Backsides	8
27D	39. "Storms are brewin'" in her eyes, in a 1986 #1 hit	4
28D	42. Beads on the morning grass	3
29D	43. Many hour-long TV shows	6
30D	44. Cactus known for its psychoactive effects	6
31D	45. One of the Beatles	6
32D	47. ___ Fisher, women's clothing brand	6
33D	50. Low voices	5
34D	51. Approaches	5
35D	52. Dress	4
36D	55. Kind of hands said to be the devil's playthings	4
37D	57. ___ bargain	4
38D	59. Lou Gehrig's disease, for short	3
39D	60. Horned Frogs' sch.	3
40D	61. Take to court	3
41D	62. Government agcy. for retirees	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. Insurance giant on the N.Y.S.E."

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: AIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Nutrient fig."

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: RDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Glass showcases for small animals"

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 vivarium in which selected living plants are kept and observed
• Words that mean the same thing: terrarium
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TERRARIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Singer of "Smooth Operator""

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 french soldier and writer whose descriptions of sexual perversion gave rise to the term `sadism' (1740-1814)
• Words that mean the same thing: Comte Donatien Alphonse Francois de Sade, Marquis de Sade, de Sade
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Sal of "Rebel Without a Cause""

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: MINEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Once did"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: USEDTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "So far," on a quarterly pay stub: Abbr."

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: YTD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Biting"

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 strong and sharp
• Words that mean the same thing: vitriolic, sulphurous, virulent
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACRID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Village of the Prancing Pony inn in "The Lord of the Rings""

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: BREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. [not my mistake]"

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 urge to attack someone
• Words that mean the same thing: set
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Resident of Nebraska's largest city"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: OMAHAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Depended (on)"

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 have confidence or faith in
• Words that mean the same thing: trust, rely, swear
• The opposite would be: mistrust
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RELIED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Machines on hay farms"

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: BALERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Lascivious"

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 suggestive of or tending to moral looseness
• Words that mean the same thing: lascivious, lustful, salacious
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEWD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Fall behind"

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 track or mark left by something that has passed
• Words that mean the same thing: drag, tail, tag
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Something a false person puts on"

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 legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
• Words that mean the same thing: human activity, enactment, do
• 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: ACT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Relative of a zither"

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 chordophone that has a triangular frame consisting of a sounding board and a pillar and a curved neck; the strings stretched between the neck and the soundbox are plucked with the fingers
• Words that mean the same thing: mouth harp, dwell, mouth organ
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Fervor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ARDENCY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Shadows that have grown long?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
• Words that mean the same thing: byssus, face fungus, beard
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEARDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Part of a listening pair"

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: EARBUD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Lee of Marvel Comics"

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: STAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Needlefish"

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 primitive predaceous north american fish covered with hard scales and having long jaws with needlelike teeth
• Words that mean the same thing: garpike, garfish, gar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Two-time Super Bowl M.V.P. Manning"

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: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. PC core"

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 (computer science) the part of a computer (a microprocessor chip) that does most of the data processing
• Words that mean the same thing: processor, central processor, C.P.U.
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CPU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Father of Rachel and Leah in Genesis"

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 hungarian choreographer who developed labanotation (1879-1958)
• Words that mean the same thing: Rudolph Laban
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LABAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Backsides"

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 fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• Words that mean the same thing: ass, derriere, hindquarters
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KEISTERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. "Storms are brewin'" in her eyes, in a 1986 #1 hit"

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: SARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Beads on the morning grass"

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 water that has condensed on a cool surface overnight from water vapor in the air
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Many hour-long TV shows"

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 dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
• Words that mean the same thing: dramatic play, drama, dramatic event
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. Cactus known for its psychoactive effects"

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 small spineless globe-shaped cactus; source of mescal buttons
• Words that mean the same thing: mescaline, mezcal, mescal
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEYOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. One of the Beatles"

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 english rock star and guitarist and songwriter who with paul mccartney wrote most of the music for the beatles (1940-1980)
• Words that mean the same thing: John Lennon
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LENNON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. ___ Fisher, women's clothing brand"

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: EILEEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Low voices"

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 adult male singer with the lowest voice
• Words that mean the same thing: basso, bass voice, bass
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASSI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Approaches"

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 move towards
• Words that mean the same thing: go up, draw near, near
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Dress"

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 clothing of a distinctive style or for a particular occasion
• Words that mean the same thing: clothe, tog, fit out
• The opposite would be: undress
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GARB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Kind of hands said to be the devil's playthings"

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 state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
• Words that mean the same thing: baseless, wild, unwarranted
• The opposite would be: work, run
• 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 37 Down: "57. ___ bargain"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a humble request for help from someone in authority
• Words that mean the same thing: supplication
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. Lou Gehrig's disease, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord; results in progressive muscle atrophy that starts in the limbs
• Words that mean the same thing: aluminium, Al, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. Horned Frogs' sch."

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: TCU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "61. Take to court"

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 french writer whose novels described the sordid side of city life (1804-1857)
• Words that mean the same thing: Eugene Sue, process, litigate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "62. Government agcy. for retirees"

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 independent government agency responsible for the social security system
• Words that mean the same thing: Social Security Administration
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	54	69.2%
Short Answer	17	21.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
Geography	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	13 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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• March 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
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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 27, 2025 at 01:27 AM