May 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

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• May 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, May 18, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

May 18, 2020 Monday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Shakespeare, for one	4
2A	5. Product of Chevron or Shell	3
3A	8. Many an electoral chart, in brief	5
4A	13. State that's said to be "high in the middle"	4
5A	14. Con's opposite	3
6A	15. Take a deep breath	6
7A	16. Where Army recruits go to start training	8
8A	18. One placing a phone call	6
9A	19. Houston-based food service giant	5
10A	20. Three goals by the same player	8
11A	22. Actor Wilson	4
12A	25. Part of a Halloween costume	4
13A	26. Shell game	10
14A	30. Norway's capital	4
15A	34. "___ the land of the free ..."	3
16A	35. Prefix with -vore or -scient	4
17A	36. Made snide verbal attacks	6
18A	38. Ostentatiously ornamented	5
19A	40. ___ Arbor, Mich.	3
20A	42. Shade akin to army green	5
21A	43. "Finally!"	6
22A	45. Avocado dip, informally	4
23A	47. Antidiscrimination inits.	3
24A	48. What snakes and lizards do periodically with their skin	4
25A	49. British heavy metal band named for a torture device	10
26A	52. What trees do in the wind	4
27A	54. Coordinate, informally	4
28A	55. All tuckered out	8
29A	59. Go deeply (into)	5
30A	63. ___ borealis	6
31A	64. Game whose tokens have included the starts of 16-, 20-, 26-, 49- and 55-Across	8
32A	67. Apache and Sioux, for two	6
33A	68. Beetles, e.g., for short	3
34A	69. It leads the orchestra in tuning	4
35A	70. ___ Park, Colo.	5
36A	71. Word before lion, level or legs	3
37A	72. Square ones won't fit into round holes	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. Shakespeare, for one"

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 poet
• Words that mean the same thing: barde, dress up, caparison
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Product of Chevron or Shell"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
• Words that mean the same thing: gasconade, flatulence, 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: GAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Many an electoral chart, in brief"

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: USMAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. State that's said to be "high in the middle""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
• Words that mean the same thing: OH, Buckeye State, Ohio River
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OHIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Con's opposite"

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

  The answer is: PRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Take a deep breath"

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 draw deep into the lungs in by breathing
• Words that mean the same thing: inspire, breathe in
• The opposite would be: exhale
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INHALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Where Army recruits go to start training"

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: BOOTCAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. One placing a phone call"

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: DIALER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Houston-based food service giant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SYSCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Three goals by the same player"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: HATTRICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Actor Wilson"

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 welsh industrialist and social reformer who founded cooperative communities (1771-1858)
• Words that mean the same thing: Robert Owen, Sir Richard Owen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Part of a Halloween costume"

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 covering to disguise or conceal the face
• Words that mean the same thing: masquerade party, masque, disguise
• The opposite would be: unmask
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MASK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Shell game"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a swindling sleight-of-hand game; victim guesses which of three things a pellet is under
• Words that mean the same thing: shell game
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THIMBLERIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Norway's capital"

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 capital and largest city of norway; the country's main port; located at the head of a fjord on norway's southern coast
• Words that mean the same thing: Christiania, capital of Norway
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OSLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "34. "___ the land of the free ...""

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: OER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Prefix with -vore or -scient"

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: OMNI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Made snide verbal attacks"

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 hunt or shoot snipe
• Words that mean the same thing: crop, prune, cut back
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNIPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Ostentatiously ornamented"

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 (britain) a celebratory reunion feast or entertainment held a college
• Words that mean the same thing: flashy, garish, flash
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAUDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. ___ Arbor, Mich."

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: ANN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Shade akin to army green"

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 small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
• Words that mean the same thing: European olive tree, Olea europaea
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLIVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. "Finally!""

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: ATLAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Avocado dip, informally"

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: GUAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Antidiscrimination inits."

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: EEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. What snakes and lizards do periodically with their skin"

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 outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
• Words that mean the same thing: pour forth, moult, caducous
• The opposite would be: persistent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. British heavy metal band named for a torture device"

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: IRONMAIDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. What trees do in the wind"

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 controlling influence
• Words that mean the same thing: rock, persuade, carry
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. Coordinate, informally"

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 synchronous and adjust in time or manner
• Words that mean the same thing: synchronize, synchronise
• The opposite would be: desynchronise, desynchronize
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SYNC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. All tuckered out"

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: DOGTIRED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Go deeply (into)"

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 turn up, loosen, or remove earth
• Words that mean the same thing: dig, cut into, turn over
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DELVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. ___ borealis"

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 first light of day
• Words that mean the same thing: morning, dawn, dayspring
• The opposite would be: sunset
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AURORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. Game whose tokens have included the starts of 16-, 20-, 26-, 49- and 55-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (economics) a market in which there are many buyers but only one seller
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MONOPOLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "67. Apache and Sioux, for two"

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 social division of (usually preliterate) people
• Words that mean the same thing: kin, folk, kindred
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIBES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "68. Beetles, e.g., 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: VWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "69. It leads the orchestra in tuning"

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 slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
• Words that mean the same thing: hautbois, hautboy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "70. ___ Park, Colo."

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: ESTES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "71. Word before lion, level or legs"

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 division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
• Words that mean the same thing: ocean
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "72. Square ones won't fit into round holes"

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 wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
• Words that mean the same thing: nail, nail down, leg
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEGS

  Great job if you got it right!

May 18, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Monday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Short hairstyles	4
2D	2. Greeting to a "matey"	4
3D	3. Rivers, in Mexico	4
4D	4. Company doing business mostly online	6
5D	5. 4.0 is a superb one, in brief	3
6D	6. Cost an ___ and a leg	3
7D	7. Student who's no longer a frosh	4
8D	8. Cups and quarts	5
9D	9. Controversial cosmetics ingredient	8
10D	10. Its capital is Bamako	4
11D	11. Trump impersonator Baldwin	4
12D	12. Become more attentive, with "up"	4
13D	15. Pet collar attachments	6
14D	17. Some rodeo riders	7
15D	21. "What ___?" (end of a riddle)	3
16D	23. Stately tree	3
17D	24. "99 Red Balloons" singer	4
18D	26. Some fraternity party getups	5
19D	27. Actor Ledger	5
20D	28. Cry made while chest-thumping	5
21D	29. Rock Starr?	5
22D	31. Observed secretly	5
23D	32. Flood blocker	5
24D	33. Ancient theater	5
25D	37. Slangy turndown of a request for help	7
26D	39. Expectant papas	8
27D	41. Convent residents	4
28D	44. Bejeweled bands	6
29D	46. Senator Klobuchar	3
30D	50. Loaf with seeds	3
31D	51. Cold treat on a stick	6
32D	53. Tangle behind a computer, maybe	5
33D	55. Calendar info	4
34D	56. "___ is not to reason why ..."	4
35D	57. Stick-to-itiveness	4
36D	58. License bureaus, for short	4
37D	60. Part of an ear or brain	4
38D	61. Certain YouTube posting	4
39D	62. Seeing things?	4
40D	65. Be indebted to	3
41D	66. Secretive government org.	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. Short hairstyles"

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 former monetary unit in great britain
• Words that mean the same thing: bobsled, bob, bobtail
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Greeting to a "matey""

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: AHOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Rivers, in Mexico"

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 former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
• Words that mean the same thing: Rio de Janeiro, Rio
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Company doing business mostly online"

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: DOTCOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. 4.0 is a superb one, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university; calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted
• Words that mean the same thing: grade point average
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Cost an ___ and a leg"

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

  The answer is: ARM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Student who's no longer a frosh"

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 second-year undergraduate
• Words that mean the same thing: sophomore
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOPH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Cups and quarts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: building block, unit, unit of measurement
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Controversial cosmetics ingredient"

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: SHARKOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Its capital is Bamako"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a landlocked republic in northwestern africa; achieved independence from france in 1960; mali was a center of west african civilization for more than 4,000 years
• Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Mali, French Sudan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MALI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Trump impersonator Baldwin"

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: ALEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Become more attentive, with "up""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
• Words that mean the same thing: perquisite, pick up, gain vigor
• The 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 13 Down: "15. Pet collar attachments"

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: IDTAGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. Some rodeo riders"

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 hired hand who tends cattle and performs other duties on horseback
• Words that mean the same thing: cowhand, cowman, cowboy
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COWBOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. "What ___?" (end of a riddle)"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Stately tree"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
• Words that mean the same thing: elmwood, elm tree
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. "99 Red Balloons" singer"

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: NENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Some fraternity party getups"

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 one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
• Words that mean the same thing: toga
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOGAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Actor Ledger"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HEATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Cry made while chest-thumping"

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: IRULE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Rock Starr?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: RINGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Observed secretly"

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 catch sight of
• Words that mean the same thing: descry, sight, snoop
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPIED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Flood blocker"

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 formal reception of visitors or guests (as at a royal court)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEVEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Ancient theater"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Slangy turndown of a request for help"

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: NOCANDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Expectant papas"

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: DADSTOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Convent residents"

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 woman religious
• Words that mean the same thing: nun, nun buoy, conical buoy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Bejeweled bands"

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 jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
• Words that mean the same thing: tiara
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIARAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Senator Klobuchar"

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: AMY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Loaf with seeds"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the seed of the cereal grass
• Words that mean the same thing: Secale cereale, rye whiskey, rye whisky
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Cold treat on a stick"

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: ICEPOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Tangle behind a computer, maybe"

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 ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
• Words that mean the same thing: cable, conducting wire, telegram
• 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: WIRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "55. Calendar info"

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 specified day of the month
• Words that mean the same thing: engagement, go out, go steady
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "56. "___ is not to reason why ...""

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: OURS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "57. Stick-to-itiveness"

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 hard coarse-grained siliceous sandstone
• Words that mean the same thing: guts, sand, moxie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "58. License bureaus, for short"

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: DMVS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. Part of an ear or brain"

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 (anatomy) a somewhat rounded subdivision of a bodily organ or part
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "61. Certain YouTube posting"

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: VLOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. Seeing things?"

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

  The answer is: EYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "65. Be indebted to"

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

  The answer is: OWE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "66. Secretive government org."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
• Words that mean the same thing: National Security Agency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	48	61.5%
Short Answer	13	16.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment	6	7.7%
Geography	5	6.4%
Sports	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
History	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	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 Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

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

• July 06 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 25 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 08 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 23 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• 27440 Fri Dec 27 2024 Ny Times
• NYT Across Crossword September 18 2025
• NYT Crossword Answers Hints July 13
• April 02 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 27 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 25, 2025 at 04:25 AM

May 15, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Wednesday Puzzle May 15, 2024

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Befitting the circumstances	3
2A	4. "Belling the Cat" storyteller	5
3A	9. Bing Crosby's record label	5
4A	14. Bovine expression	3
5A	15. "Borat" follow-up from Sacha Baron Cohen	5
6A	16. Belief system	5
7A	17. Buzzer you wouldn't want to hit?	9
8A	19. Budweiser beer is aged using this wood	5
9A	20. Break up, as a knot	5
10A	21. Barrier for an aspiring D.A.	4
11A	23. Biathlete's need	3
12A	24. Byron, by ancestry	4
13A	25. Breast milk container	10
14A	28. Bottom of a dress	3
15A	29. Beatles hit "And I Love ___"	3
16A	30. Beldames	6
17A	31. Big name in D.C.	6
18A	34. Burst, as of wind	4
19A	35. Brewer's implement	11
20A	38. Bad-tempered sort	4
21A	40. Blasphemes	6
22A	41. Bacterium requiring oxygen	6
23A	44. "Born in the ___" (Bruce Springsteen hit)	3
24A	45. Block, in a way	3
25A	48. Blissful soak	10
26A	51. Blind, to a duck	4
27A	52. Benedict follower?	3
28A	53. By the 1980s, this sea had become two lakes	4
29A	54. "Behold, the kingdom of God is in the ___ of you": Luke	5
30A	55. Battery type	5
31A	57. "Best wishes for your once-a-year celebration!" (and a wish for solvers of this puzzle)	9
32A	60. Bach exercise	5
33A	61. Buy a drink for, say	5
34A	62. Body part with a ball and socket	3
35A	63. Brims (with)	5
36A	64. Break into pieces	5
37A	65. Barley brew	3

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. Befitting the circumstances"

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 (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
• Words that mean the same thing: clever, tending, liable
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. "Belling the Cat" storyteller"

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 greek author of fables (circa 620-560 bc)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AESOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Bing Crosby's record label"

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: DECCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Bovine expression"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sound made by a cow or bull
• Words that mean the same thing: low
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "Borat" follow-up from Sacha Baron Cohen"

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 german pope from 1049 to 1054 whose papacy was the beginning of papal reforms in the 11th century (1002-1054)
• Words that mean the same thing: St. Bruno, Bruno of Toul, Leo IX
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRUNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Belief system"

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 (anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETHOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Buzzer you wouldn't want to hit?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that robust hairy social bee of temperate regions
• Words that mean the same thing: humblebee
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUMBLEBEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Budweiser beer is aged using this wood"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of several large deciduous trees with rounded spreading crowns and smooth grey bark and small sweet edible triangular nuts enclosed in burs; north temperate regions
• Words that mean the same thing: beech tree, beechwood
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEECH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Break up, as a knot"

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 undo the ties of
• Words that mean the same thing: unbrace, loosen, undo
• The opposite would be: tie
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNTIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Barrier for an aspiring D.A."

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: LSAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Biathlete's need"

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 narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Byron, by ancestry"

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

  The answer is: SCOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Breast milk container"

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: BABYBOTTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Bottom of a dress"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down
• Words that mean the same thing: ahem
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Beatles hit "And I Love ___""

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: HER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Beldames"

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 ugly evil-looking old woman
• Words that mean the same thing: witch, hag, crone
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "31. Big name in D.C."

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: KAMALA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Burst, as of wind"

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 strong current of air
• Words that mean the same thing: blow, blast
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GUST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. Brewer's implement"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: BASEBALLBAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Bad-tempered sort"

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 decapod having eyes on short stalks and a broad flattened carapace with a small abdomen folded under the thorax and pincers
• Words that mean the same thing: bellyache, Cancer the Crab, Phthirius pubis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Blasphemes"

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 utter obscenities or profanities
• Words that mean the same thing: avow, verify, assert
• 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: SWEARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Bacterium requiring oxygen"

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 organism (especially a bacterium) that requires air or free oxygen for life
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AEROBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. "Born in the ___" (Bruce Springsteen hit)"

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 north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
• Words that mean the same thing: Army, U.S., United States
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Block, in a way"

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: debar, taproom, barricade
• 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!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Blissful soak"

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: BUBBLEBATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. Blind, to a duck"

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 deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
• Words that mean the same thing: artifice
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Benedict follower?"

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: INE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. By the 1980s, this sea had become two lakes"

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: ARAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. "Behold, the kingdom of God is in the ___ of you": Luke"

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 the location of something surrounded by other things
• Words that mean the same thing: thick
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIDST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Battery type"

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 rechargeable battery with a nickel cathode and a cadmium anode; often used in emergency systems because of its low discharge rate when not in use
• Words that mean the same thing: nickel-cadmium accumulator
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NICAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "57. "Best wishes for your once-a-year celebration!" (and a wish for solvers of this puzzle)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HAPPYBDAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "60. Bach exercise"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a short composition for a solo instrument; intended as an exercise or to demonstrate technical virtuosity
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETUDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. Buy a drink for, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that something considered choice to eat
• Words that mean the same thing: do by, goody, delicacy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TREAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "62. Body part with a ball and socket"

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 either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh
• Words that mean the same thing: rosehip, hep, hip to
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "63. Brims (with)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TEEMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "64. Break into pieces"

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 vigorous blow
• Words that mean the same thing: smash up, hit, smasher
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "65. Barley brew"

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 general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALE

  Great job if you got it right!

May 15, 2024 Down Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Blindside, say	6
2D	2. Big cats and opportunists both do this	6
3D	3. Basic drum	6
4D	4. Blessed with skills	4
5D	5. Before, in verse	3
6D	6. Benchwarmer	3
7D	7. Box of spaghetti's weight: Abbr.	5
8D	8. Burns books?	5
9D	9. Bondservant, often	6
10D	10. Bordeaux summer	3
11D	11. Brownish-red shade	8
12D	12. Bivalve mollusks	7
13D	13. Beyond the pale?	7
14D	18. Bridle attachment	3
15D	22. "Bachelor in Paradise" network	3
16D	25. Bieber's "That Should ___"	4
17D	26. Bedouins, e.g.	5
18D	27. "Ben-Hur" getups	5
19D	29. Bears, as a child	3
20D	31. Beef on a skewer, e.g.	5
21D	32. "Buckle up! It's the ___"	3
22D	33. Bering Sea islander	5
23D	35. Backyard get-together	8
24D	36. Bind with rope	4
25D	37. Bali product	3
26D	38. Biden's advisers	7
27D	39. Bring back together	7
28D	42. Business ends of swords	6
29D	43. Bard's "always"	3
30D	45. Bo tree meditator	6
31D	46. Beset	6
32D	47. Bang out again, as a text	6
33D	49. Bangkok coins	5
34D	50. Burglar deterrent	5
35D	51. Bone in a cage	3
36D	54. Belief that bulls hate the color red, e.g.	4
37D	56. Byrd's rank: Abbr.	3
38D	58. Black-eyed ___	3
39D	59. Ballet step	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. Blindside, say"

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 act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise
• Words that mean the same thing: still-hunt, waylay, lying in wait
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMBUSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Big cats and opportunists both do this"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of pouncing
• Words that mean the same thing: swoop
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POUNCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Basic drum"

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: TOMTOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Blessed with skills"

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 (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
• Words that mean the same thing: capable, able-bodied
• 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 5 Down: "5. Before, in verse"

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: ERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Benchwarmer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: hoagie, Cuban sandwich, Italian sandwich
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Box of spaghetti's weight: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONELB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Burns books?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that literature in metrical form
• Words that mean the same thing: verse, poetry
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POESY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Bondservant, often"

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 person who owes a creditor; someone who has the obligation of paying a debt
• Words that mean the same thing: debitor
• The opposite would be: creditor
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEBTOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Bordeaux summer"

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: ETE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Brownish-red shade"

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 wood of any of various chestnut trees of the genus castanea
• Words that mean the same thing: chestnut tree
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHESTNUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Bivalve mollusks"

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 common edible european bivalve
• Words that mean the same thing: riffle, undulate, cockle
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COCKLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Beyond the pale?"

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

  The answer is: ASHIEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Bridle attachment"

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 small piece or quantity of something
• Words that mean the same thing: flake, burn, piece
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. "Bachelor in Paradise" network"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
• Words that mean the same thing: rudiment, ABCs, first principle
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Bieber's "That Should ___""

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: BEME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Bedouins, 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 a member of a semitic people originally from the arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks arabic and who inhabits much of the middle east and northern africa
• Words that mean the same thing: Arab, Arabian
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. "Ben-Hur" getups"

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 one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
• Words that mean the same thing: toga
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOGAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Bears, as a child"

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 (astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day
• Words that mean the same thing: hour angle, hold, induce
• The opposite would be: lack, refuse
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Beef on a skewer, 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 cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables
• Words that mean the same thing: shish kebab, kebab
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KABOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. "Buckle up! It's the ___""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the collection of rules imposed by authority
• Words that mean the same thing: legal philosophy, natural law, police force
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Bering Sea islander"

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 member of the people inhabiting the aleutian islands and southwestern alaska
• Words that mean the same thing: Aleutian
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALEUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Backyard get-together"

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 meat that has been barbecued or grilled in a highly seasoned sauce
• Words that mean the same thing: barbeque, cook out
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARBECUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Bind with rope"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of the short curved hairs that grow from the edges of the eyelids
• Words that mean the same thing: strap, trounce, whip
• The opposite would be: unlash
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Bali product"

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 undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
• Words that mean the same thing: brassiere, bandeau
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Biden's advisers"

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 piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display
• Words that mean the same thing: storage locker, locker, console
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CABINET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Bring back together"

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 have a reunion; unite again
• Words that mean the same thing: reunify
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REUNITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Business ends of swords"

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 especially a leaf of grass or the broad portion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole
• Words that mean the same thing: leaf blade, blade, vane
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLADES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Bard's "always""

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: EER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Bo tree meditator"

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 founder of buddhism; worshipped as a god (c 563-483 bc)
• Words that mean the same thing: Siddhartha, Gautama Siddhartha, Gautama
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUDDHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Beset"

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 attack someone physically or emotionally
• Words that mean the same thing: attack, snipe, set on
• The opposite would be: defend
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASSAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. Bang out again, as a text"

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: RETYPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Bangkok coins"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the basic unit of money in thailand
• Words that mean the same thing: tical, baht
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAHTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Burglar deterrent"

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 fear resulting from the awareness of danger
• Words that mean the same thing: horrify, alarum, warning signal
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALARM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "51. Bone in a cage"

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 support resembling the rib of an animal
• Words that mean the same thing: blackguard, laugh at, poke fun
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. Belief that bulls hate the color red, 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 a traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MYTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Byrd's rank: 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: ADM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Black-eyed ___"

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 seed of a pea plant used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: pea plant
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "59. Ballet step"

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 (ballet) a step in dancing (especially in classical ballet)
• Words that mean the same thing: Pennsylvania, PA system, daddy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	50	65.8%
Short Answer	21	27.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Wednesday, 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!

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

Last Updated: August 25, 2025 at 05:41 PM