December 17, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (45 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

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• July 25 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 03 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (33 Across, 45 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

Across Clues Explained - Tuesday NYT Crossword December 17, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Boardroom easel display	5
2A	6. Spanish beach	5
3A	11. Sack	3
4A	14. Film character about whom Tyler Perry said "I just don't want to be her age playing her"	5
5A	15. Used a dinghy thingy	5
6A	16. Part of Bennifer, once	3
7A	17. _xygen _iflu_ _ide	11
8A	19. On vacation	3
9A	20. Third piece of a three-piece	4
10A	21. 1813 battle site in the War of 1812	4
11A	22. _ax_ d_iv_r	14
12A	28. Awesomely tough	6
13A	29. Bert who played the Cowardly Lion	4
14A	30. Appearance of a comet, maybe	4
15A	31. Horse and buggy users	5
16A	33. Caution in a school zone	3
17A	36. R_od_ Isl_n_ Red	15
18A	40. Really binges (on)	3
19A	41. Express viewpoints	5
20A	42. Build up	4
21A	43. "Smart" boy's name	4
22A	44. Bunch at a fruit stand	6
23A	46. _ranklin D_l_no _oosevelt	14
24A	51. Dirty pics	4
25A	52. Fifth-century barbarians	4
26A	53. Rug rat	3
27A	54. _ _rr_e_	11
28A	61. Spanish eye	3
29A	62. Kick out	5
30A	63. First lady before Michelle	5
31A	64. Detectives, for short	3
32A	65. Books, informally	5
33A	66. Pedicurist's board	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Boardroom easel display"

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 visual representation of the relations between certain quantities plotted with reference to a set of axes
• Words that mean the same thing: graphical record, chart
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRAPH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Spanish beach"

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: PLAYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Sack"

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 flexible container with a single opening
• Words that mean the same thing: pocketbook, bagful, bulge
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Film character about whom Tyler Perry said "I just don't want to be her age playing her""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard 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: MADEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Used a dinghy thingy"

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: OARED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Part of Bennifer, once"

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: JLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. _xygen _iflu_ _ide"

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: ODORLESSGAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. On vacation"

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 kill intentionally and with premeditation
• Words that mean the same thing: dispatch, turned, remove
• The opposite would be: on
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Third piece of a three-piece"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
• Words that mean the same thing: invest, robe, singlet
• The opposite would be: divest
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. 1813 battle site in the War of 1812"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
• Words that mean the same thing: Lake Erie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. _ax_ d_iv_r"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: TIRELESSWORKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "28. Awesomely tough"

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: BADASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "29. Bert who played the Cowardly Lion"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: LAHR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Appearance of a comet, maybe"

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 sign of something about to happen
• Words that mean the same thing: bode, Sultanate of Oman, prognostic
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Horse and buggy users"

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

  The answer is: AMISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Caution in a school zone"

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: SLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. R_od_ Isl_n_ Red"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HEADLESSCHICKEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "40. Really binges (on)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a doctor's degree in optometry
• Words that mean the same thing: Doctor of Optometry, oculus dexter, OD
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Express viewpoints"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
• Words that mean the same thing: speak up, reckon, speak 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: OPINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Build 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 blatant or sensational promotion
• Words that mean the same thing: plug, hoopla, ballyhoo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HYPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. "Smart" boy's name"

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 22 Across: "44. Bunch at a fruit stand"

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 of various juicy fruit of the genus vitis with green or purple skins; grow in clusters
• Words that mean the same thing: grapeshot, grape, grape vine
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRAPES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. _ranklin D_l_no _oosevelt"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: FEARLESSLEADER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "51. Dirty pics"

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 black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
• Words that mean the same thing: porno, soot, porn
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "52. Fifth-century barbarians"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of a nomadic people who invaded europe in the 4th century
• Words that mean the same thing: Hun, Kraut, Jerry
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. Rug rat"

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 amount (especially of a drink)
• Words that mean the same thing: sum up, tally, tot up
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. _ _rr_e_"

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: HAIRLESSDOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "61. Spanish eye"

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: OJO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "62. Kick out"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that force to leave or move out
• Words that mean the same thing: boot out, oust, exhaust
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXPEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. First lady before Michelle"

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: LAURA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. Detectives, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle; approximately equal to 3.14159265358979323846...
• Words that mean the same thing: private detective, sherlock, PI
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "65. Books, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: READS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "66. Pedicurist's board"

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 hard grey-black mineral consisting of corundum and either hematite or magnetite; used as an abrasive (especially as a coating on paper)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMERY

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Tuesday Crossword Down Clues - December 17, 2019 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Modern food concern, for short	3
2D	2. Totally cool	3
3D	3. "Without further ___ ..."	3
4D	4. The "p" in m.p.g.	3
5D	5. Divides evenly	6
6D	6. Entertainer's crew	5
7D	7. Stands the test of time	5
8D	8. Where Che Guevara was born: Abbr.	3
9D	9. Opposite of nay	3
10D	10. Billboards, e.g.	3
11D	11. One-named singer who once led the Sugarcubes	5
12D	12. 1966 Michael Caine title role	5
13D	13. Errand runner	5
14D	18. Prey for barracudas	4
15D	21. Mess up	3
16D	22. Wild no more	5
17D	23. Bean sprouts?	5
18D	24. ___ McNally (mapmaker)	4
19D	25. Pizzeria order	5
20D	26. Load of laundry	4
21D	27. "Didn't think I'd run into you here!"	4
22D	28. ___-chic (fashion style)	4
23D	31. New Balance competitor	5
24D	32. Browser option	3
25D	33. FaceTime alternative	5
26D	34. Biblical outcast	5
27D	35. Much of binary code	4
28D	37. Laze	4
29D	38. Weapon used when saying "En garde!"	4
30D	39. Land between Nigeria and Sudan	4
31D	43. Without which earth is just "eh"?	3
32D	44. Wilder who played Willy Wonka	4
33D	45. Do some down-and-dirty fighting	6
34D	46. Camera setting	5
35D	47. Word derived from the Japanese for "picture writing"	5
36D	48. Buicks and Bentleys	5
37D	49. Ripped bit	5
38D	50. Downtimes	5
39D	54. ___ Highness	3
40D	55. Firefighter's tool	3
41D	56. Brewpub offering, for short	3
42D	57. Cooke who sang "Twistin' the Night Away"	3
43D	58. Like a pregnant woman at about 40 weeks	3
44D	59. Bobby of the Boston Bruins	3
45D	60. The "G" of L.G.B.T.	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. Modern food concern, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: GMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Totally cool"

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 unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material
• Words that mean the same thing: radian
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "Without further ___ ...""

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

  The answer is: ADO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. The "p" in m.p.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Divides evenly"

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 one of two equal parts of a divisible whole
• Words that mean the same thing: half, one-half, halve
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HALVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Entertainer's crew"

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 temporary police force
• Words that mean the same thing: posse comitatus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POSSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Stands the test of time"

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 temporal end; the concluding time
• Words that mean the same thing: final stage, go, survive
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LASTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Where Che Guevara was born: 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: ARG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Opposite of nay"

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 affirmative
• Words that mean the same thing: yeah
• The opposite would be: nay
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Billboards, 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 a public promotion of some product or service
• Words that mean the same thing: advertizing, advertising, ad
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. One-named singer who once led the Sugarcubes"

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: BJORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. 1966 Michael Caine title role"

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: ALFIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Errand runner"

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

  The answer is: GOFER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Prey for barracudas"

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 fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
• Words that mean the same thing: eel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Mess up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Wild no more"

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 correct by punishment or discipline
• Words that mean the same thing: cultivate, domesticise, tame
• The opposite would be: wild
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAMED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Bean sprouts?"

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 content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
• Words that mean the same thing: musical theme, thought, melodic theme
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. ___ McNally (mapmaker)"

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 basic unit of money in south africa; equal to 100 cents
• Words that mean the same thing: Witwatersrand, Reef, Ayn Rand
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. Pizzeria order"

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 share of something
• Words that mean the same thing: cut, fade, slicing
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Load of laundry"

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 thin coat of water-base paint
• Words that mean the same thing: lave, launder, slipstream
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. "Didn't think I'd run into you here!""

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: OHHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "28. ___-chic (fashion style)"

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: BOHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. New Balance competitor"

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: ASICS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Browser option"

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: MSN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "33. FaceTime alternative"

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: SKYPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "34. Biblical outcast"

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 person afflicted with leprosy
• Words that mean the same thing: lazar
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "35. Much of binary code"

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: single, one, ace
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "37. Laze"

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 hang loosely or laxly
• Words that mean the same thing: lounge about, arse about, loll around
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "38. Weapon used when saying "En garde!""

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 fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "39. Land between Nigeria and Sudan"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small piece of paper that is supposed to be removed when a hole is punched in a card or paper tape
• Words that mean the same thing: Chadic, Republic of Chad, Lake Chad
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Without which earth is just "eh"?"

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 the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
• Words that mean the same thing: prowess, nontextual matter, artistry
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. Wilder who played Willy Wonka"

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 (genetics) a segment of dna that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding dna as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
• Words that mean the same thing: factor, cistron
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "45. Do some down-and-dirty fighting"

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: RASSLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "46. Camera setting"

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: FSTOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "47. Word derived from the Japanese for "picture writing""

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: EMOJI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "48. Buicks and Bentleys"

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 motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
• Words that mean the same thing: machine, motorcar, automobile
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUTOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "49. Ripped bit"

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 tiny or scarcely detectable amount
• Words that mean the same thing: smidgin, iota, smidgen
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHRED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "50. Downtimes"

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

  The answer is: LULLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "54. ___ Highness"

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: HER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "55. Firefighter's 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 an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
• Words that mean the same thing: ax
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AXE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "56. Brewpub offering, 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: IPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "57. Cooke who sang "Twistin' the Night Away""

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 guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
• Words that mean the same thing: surface-to-air missile
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "58. Like a pregnant woman at about 40 weeks"

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 that which is deserved or owed
• Words that mean the same thing: imputable, ascribable, referable
• The opposite would be: undue
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 44 Down: "59. Bobby of the Boston Bruins"

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 canadian hockey player (born 1948)
• Words that mean the same thing: Bobby Orr, Robert Orr
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 45 Down: "60. The "G" of L.G.B.T."

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 someone who practices homosexuality; having a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex
• Words that mean the same thing: cheery, homophile, homo
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	46	59.0%
Short Answer	21	26.9%
History	4	5.1%
Abbreviation	3	3.8%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	45
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.7 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

More Crossword Resources

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

• September 21 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 15 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 08 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 13 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Crossword Answers Hints July 21
• December 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 08 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 15 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 29 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 29 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 28, 2025 at 08:24 AM

December 09, 2021 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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 09, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Across Clues Explained - Thursday NYT Crossword December 09, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Brave ___ lion	3
2A	4. Still on the line, perhaps	4
3A	8. Hallucinogen from a cactus	6
4A	14. Part of a range: Abbr.	3
5A	15. Word that becomes its own opposite when "n" is added to the front	4
6A	16. Temporarily out	6
7A	17. Blackjack ___, source of dense wood	3
8A	18. Film adaptation with ... a choir arriving at the airport? (2016)	11
9A	20. Brand of light-colored cookie	5
10A	22. Nonfiction film, in brief	3
11A	23. Minute, informally	4
12A	24. ... a room in an environmentally friendly hotel? (2018)	12
13A	28. Leave in a huff, with "out"	5
14A	29. Carb- follower	3
15A	30. Govt. org. that had the same leader for its first 48 years (1924-72)	3
16A	33. Follower of John	4
17A	35. Japanese carrier	3
18A	37. Alphabetically first of the 100 most popular boys' names in the U.S.	5
19A	39. ... a triceratops trying to find a spot for its car? (1993)	15
20A	43. Let up	5
21A	44. You might need this to go on	3
22A	45. "Mm-hmm ..."	4
23A	46. Kind of battle	3
24A	47. Ginger ___	3
25A	50. Rob with four Super Bowl rings, familiarly	5
26A	52. ... a quick trip to purchase cutlery? (2019)	12
27A	56. The duck, in "Peter and the Wolf"	4
28A	59. Pizzeria order	3
29A	60. Skin-care application	5
30A	61. ... a movement to make invoices illegal? (2003)	11
31A	65. Prefix with system	3
32A	66. In a daze	6
33A	67. Biblical progenitor of the Edomites	4
34A	68. ___-core (punk offshoot)	3
35A	69. "Absolutely, will do"	6
36A	70. Feeling sad	4
37A	71. Govt.-issued ID	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. Brave ___ lion"

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: ASA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Still on the line, perhaps"

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 slight wetness
• Words that mean the same thing: dampen, dampish, mute
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Hallucinogen from a cactus"

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: mezcal, Lophophora williamsii, 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 4 Across: "14. Part of a range: 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: MTN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Word that becomes its own opposite when "n" is added to the front"

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 at any time
• Words that mean the same thing: ever so, e'er, always
• The opposite would be: never
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Temporarily out"

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 give temporarily; let have for a limited time
• Words that mean the same thing: lend, loan
• The opposite would be: borrow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOANED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Blackjack ___, source of dense wood"

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 hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
• Words that mean the same thing: oak 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: OAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Film adaptation with ... a choir arriving at the airport? (2016)"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: LALALANDING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Brand of light-colored cookie"

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: NILLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Nonfiction film, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a licensed medical practitioner
• Words that mean the same thing: Commerce Department, Dr., doctor
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Minute, 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: ITTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. ... a room in an environmentally friendly hotel? (2018)"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: GREENBOOKING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Leave in a huff, with "out""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning
• Words that mean the same thing: rage, force, surprise
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STORM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Carb- follower"

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: IDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Govt. org. that had the same leader for its first 48 years (1924-72)"

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 federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the department of justice
• Words that mean the same thing: Federal Bureau of Investigation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Follower of John"

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 new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
• Words that mean the same thing: number, playact, act
• 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: ACTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Japanese carrier"

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 mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Alphabetically first of the 100 most popular boys' names in the U.S."

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 united states professional baseball player who hit more home runs than babe ruth (born in 1934)
• Words that mean the same thing: Hank Aaron, Henry Louis Aaron
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AARON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. ... a triceratops trying to find a spot for its car? (1993)"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert 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: JURASSICPARKING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "43. Let up"

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 make less active or intense
• Words that mean the same thing: die away, slack, let up
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. You might need this to go 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 an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
• Words that mean the same thing: clue, pool stick, pool cue
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. "Mm-hmm ...""

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: ISEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Kind of battle"

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 reproach for some lapse or misdeed
• Words that mean the same thing: whang, belt, blame
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Ginger ___"

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!

Clue 25 Across: "50. Rob with four Super Bowl rings, familiarly"

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: GRONK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. ... a quick trip to purchase cutlery? (2019)"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: KNIVESOUTING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "56. The duck, in "Peter and the Wolf""

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 28 Across: "59. Pizzeria order"

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 dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top
• Words that mean the same thing: Proto-Indo European
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. Skin-care application"

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 solution containing chemicals that can change the color of a photographic print
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "61. ... a movement to make invoices illegal? (2003)"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: KILLBILLING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "65. Prefix with system"

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: ECO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "66. In a daze"

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 mix up or confuse
• Words that mean the same thing: muddled, muzzy, befuddled
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADDLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "67. Biblical progenitor of the Edomites"

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 testament) the eldest son of isaac who would have inherited the covenant that god made with abraham and that abraham passed on to isaac; he traded his birthright to his twin brother jacob for a mess of pottage
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "68. ___-core (punk offshoot)"

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: SKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "69. "Absolutely, will do""

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: YESYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "70. Feeling sad"

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 soft fine feathers
• Words that mean the same thing: belt down, land, pile
• The opposite would be: upwards, upwardly
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "71. Govt.-issued ID"

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: SSN

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Thursday NYT Crossword December 09, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. ___ friends	5
2D	2. One on the case?	5
3D	3. High-heel shoe attachment	10
4D	4. Presidential middle name	6
5D	5. Pop singer ___ Max	3
6D	6. Brooks with Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards	3
7D	7. Home to the largest Goya collection in the world	5
8D	8. Tranquil	6
9D	9. Geology interval	3
10D	10. "Catch my drift?"	5
11D	11. Getting the job done	4
12D	12. You might have a stake in this	4
13D	13. Experimental, say	4
14D	19. Disney+ series set after "Avengers: Endgame"	4
15D	21. Unleashes on	6
16D	25. Things with hooks	4
17D	26. Hyatt alternative	4
18D	27. "Warm"	4
19D	30. Quality of a playful kitten	10
20D	31. Something to chew on	4
21D	32. Playwright William	4
22D	33. Cracked a bit	4
23D	34. Home of the 62-Down hummingbird, the world's smallest bird	4
24D	36. Louisville is in it, in brief	3
25D	38. Like	6
26D	40. John, abroad	4
27D	41. Dogs in Tibetan monasteries, once	4
28D	42. Sleekly designed, informally	4
29D	48. Cell membrane makeup	6
30D	49. Iniquitous	4
31D	51. Surpass in strength	6
32D	52. Clarkson with the 2004 hit "Since U Been Gone"	5
33D	53. Set certain underwater traps	5
34D	54. Makes out	5
35D	55. [What a joke!]	5
36D	56. Sign off on	4
37D	57. Hold tight	4
38D	58. One's parents, slangily, with "the"	4
39D	62. See 34-Down	3
40D	63. Cousin of equi-	3
41D	64. "Yer wrong"	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. ___ friends"

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: AMONG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. One on the case?"

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 support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway
• Words that mean the same thing: step
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. High-heel shoe attachment"

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: ANKLESTRAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Presidential middle name"

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: DELANO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Pop singer ___ Max"

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: AVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Brooks with Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: MEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Home to the largest Goya collection in the world"

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: PRADO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Tranquil"

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 (of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
• Words that mean the same thing: even-tempered, good-tempered, equable
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLACID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Geology interval"

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

  The answer is: EON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "Catch my drift?""

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: YADIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Getting the job done"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. You might have a stake in this"

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 portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
• Words that mean the same thing: camp out, encamp, collapsible shelter
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Experimental, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that being in a tense state
• Words that mean the same thing: uptight, highly strung, jumpy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDGY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Disney+ series set after "Avengers: Endgame""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LOKI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Unleashes on"

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: LETSAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Things with hooks"

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

  The answer is: BRAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Hyatt alternative"

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 18 Down: "27. "Warm""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that move towards
• Words that mean the same thing: draw close, skinny, nearly
• The opposite would be: far
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Quality of a playful kitten"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that lively high-spirited playfulness
• Words that mean the same thing: sportiveness, frolicsomeness
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRISKINESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Something to chew 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 rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates
• Words that mean the same thing: osseous tissue, os, pearl
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Playwright William"

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 english prelate noted for his pessimistic sermons and articles (1860-1954)
• Words that mean the same thing: William Inge, Gloomy Dean, William Ralph Inge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Cracked a bit"

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

  The answer is: AJAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Home of the 62-Down hummingbird, the world's smallest bird"

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 communist state in the caribbean on the island of cuba
• Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Cuba
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Louisville is in it, 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 command that is the primary provider of air combat weapon systems to the united states air force; operates fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, battle-management, and rescue aircraft
• Words that mean the same thing: Air Combat Command
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Like"

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: AKINTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. John, abroad"

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: SEAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Dogs in Tibetan monasteries, once"

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 small compact smooth-coated breed of asiatic origin having a tightly curled tail and broad flat wrinkled muzzle
• Words that mean the same thing: pug, pug-dog
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PUGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Sleekly designed, 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: AERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Cell membrane makeup"

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 oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates)
• Words that mean the same thing: lipide, lipid, lipoid
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIPIDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Iniquitous"

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 morally objectionable behavior
• Words that mean the same thing: wickedness, malefic, malign
• The opposite would be: good, goodness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Surpass in strength"

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: OUTGUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. Clarkson with the 2004 hit "Since U Been Gone""

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 united states circus clown (1898-1979)
• Words that mean the same thing: Grace Patricia Kelly, Emmett Kelly, Grace Kelly
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KELLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Set certain underwater traps"

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: EELED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Makes out"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
• Words that mean the same thing: cervix, neck, neck opening
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NECKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. [What a joke!]"

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 utterance expressing pain or disapproval
• Words that mean the same thing: moan
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GROAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Sign off 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 an endorsement
• Words that mean the same thing: sanction, all right, okey
• The opposite would be: disapprove
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OKAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "57. Hold tight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. One's parents, slangily, with "the""

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 past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
• Words that mean the same thing: old
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. See 34-Down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "63. Cousin of equi-"

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: ISO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "64. "Yer wrong""

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: NAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	67.9%
Short Answer	17	21.8%
History	3	3.8%
Movies/Film	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Thursday, 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: September 13, 2025 at 07:16 AM