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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

May 12, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

May 12, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

May 12, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Bill-rejecting vote 3
2A 4. Took a dip? 6
3A 10. Parent's cure-all, briefly 3
4A 13. Number on a foam finger 3
5A 14. Cost of an online banner or pop-up 6
6A 15. Piece of cake? 4
7A 16. Kidney or heart 10
8A 18. Give the go-ahead 4
9A 19. Guadalajara gal pal 5
10A 20. ___ mode 3
11A 21. Joke 3
12A 22. Seeds on hamburger buns 7
13A 25. Lollygag 4
14A 27. Georgia's official vegetable 12
15A 32. Grenoble gal pal 4
16A 35. "Little" car in a Ronny & the Daytonas hit 3
17A 36. Stellar start? 5
18A 37. Florist's vehicle, typically 3
19A 38. Suddenly change course 7
20A 41. Sound of a lightning bolt 3
21A 42. "Fingers crossed!" 5
22A 44. Grp. with the hits "Evil Woman" and "Do Ya" 3
23A 45. Billy or tom 4
24A 46. Inexpensive table wine 12
25A 50. Provincial schoolteacher stereotype 4
26A 51. Short-brimmed hat known as a bunnet in Scotland 7
27A 55. Org. that launched WaterSense in 2006 3
28A 57. Co-___ (condo alternatives) 3
29A 59. Cold hard cash 5
30A 60. ___ program 4
31A 61. Specialized lab equipment for drying 10
32A 64. Fairy tale foe 4
33A 65. Go by 6
34A 66. Triage sites, for short 3
35A 67. Alberto ___ (hair care brand) ... and a hint to 16-, 27-, 38-, 46- and 61-Across 3
36A 68. Home security component 6
37A 69. Setting in "Charlotte's Web" 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. Bill-rejecting vote"

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 not this merely but also; not only so but
  • The opposite would be: yea
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Took a dip?"

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 droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness
  • Words that mean the same thing: flag, sag down, swag
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAGGED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Parent's cure-all, briefly"

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 considerate and solicitous care
  • Words that mean the same thing: tender loving care
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TLC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Number on a foam finger"

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

    The answer is: ONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Cost of an online banner or pop-up"

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: ADRATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Piece of cake?"

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 relative position or degree of value in a graded group
  • Words that mean the same thing: tier up, grade, level
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Kidney or heart"

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: VITALORGAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Give the go-ahead"

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: hunky-dory, O.K., ok
  • 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 9 Across: "19. Guadalajara gal pal"

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: AMIGA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. ___ mode"

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 flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "21. Joke"

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 young person of either sex
  • Words that mean the same thing: chaff, fry, pull the leg of
  • The opposite would be: parent
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "22. Seeds on hamburger buns"

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 east indian annual erect herb; source of sesame seed or benniseed and sesame oil
  • Words that mean the same thing: Sesamum indicum, benne, benni
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SESAMES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Lollygag"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
  • Words that mean the same thing: groundless, wild, loose
  • The opposite would be: busy, run
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IDLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Georgia's official vegetable"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: VIDALIAONION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Grenoble gal pal"

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: AMIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. "Little" car in a Ronny & the Daytonas hit"

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: GTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Stellar start?"

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: ASTRO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Florist's vehicle, typically"

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 creative group active in the innovation and application of new concepts and techniques in a given field (especially in the arts)
  • Words that mean the same thing: caravan, vanguard, new wave
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Suddenly change course"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: VEEROFF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Sound of a lightning bolt"

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 sudden event that imparts energy or excitement, usually with a dramatic impact
  • Words that mean the same thing: vaporize, micro-cook, microwave
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ZAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. "Fingers crossed!""

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: IHOPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Grp. with the hits "Evil Woman" and "Do Ya""

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: ELO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Billy or tom"

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 animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes (ova)
  • Words that mean the same thing: manly, virile, manful
  • The opposite would be: female
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Inexpensive table wine"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: VINORDINAIRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "50. Provincial schoolteacher stereotype"

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: MARM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. Short-brimmed hat known as a bunnet in Scotland"

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: FLATCAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "55. Org. that launched WaterSense in 2006"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment
  • Words that mean the same thing: Environmental Protection 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: EPA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. Co-___ (condo alternatives)"

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 (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Cold hard cash"

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: MOOLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "60. ___ program"

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 one-hundredth of a right angle
  • Words that mean the same thing: grade, graduate, alum
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GRAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Specialized lab equipment for drying"

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: VACUUMOVEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. Fairy tale foe"

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 cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Words that mean the same thing: monster, fiend, demon
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OGRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Go by"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • Words that mean the same thing: go by, slip away, slide by
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ELAPSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. Triage sites, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
  • Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 68, Er, ER
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Alberto ___ (hair care brand) ... and a hint to 16-, 27-, 38-, 46- and 61-Across"

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: __5
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VO5

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "68. Home security component"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any device that receives a signal or stimulus (as heat or pressure or light or motion etc.) and responds to it in a distinctive manner
  • Words that mean the same thing: sensing element, detector
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SENSOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "69. Setting in "Charlotte's Web""

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 infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Words that mean the same thing: pigpen, hordeolum, stye
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STY

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword May 12, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Massive pop stars? 5
2D 2. Genre featured at Tokyo's Comiket convention 5
3D 3. Folkloric creatures at snowy altitudes 5
4D 4. A slice of Italy? 6
5D 5. Brouhaha 3
6D 6. "I'm beyond frustrated!" 3
7D 7. Lovesick 4
8D 8. And others, in Latin 6
9D 9. "You're welcome," in Spanish 6
10D 10. ___ torch 4
11D 11. Top-billed performer 4
12D 12. Word with war or far 3
13D 15. Arcade "money" 6
14D 17. Plant source for tequila 5
15D 23. Strategic starting piece in a jigsaw puzzle 4
16D 24. Fill to excess 4
17D 26. It's more than a pocketful of rye 4
18D 28. "Two Women" actress Sophia 5
19D 29. Chichén ___ (Mayan ruins city) 4
20D 30. Like some interviews 4
21D 31. "That's a negatory!" 4
22D 32. Tel ___, Israel 4
23D 33. Hawaiian for "strong," which, when doubled, means "very strong" 4
24D 34. Privy to, as a secret 4
25D 38. Fashion icon Wang 4
26D 39. Singing animated snowman 4
27D 40. Thwart 4
28D 43. Greasy hairstyling product 6
29D 45. "I totally agree!" 5
30D 47. Hordes 6
31D 48. Skewer 6
32D 49. Powerful tool for compaction 6
33D 52. Seafarers' sanctuaries 5
34D 53. Well-caffeinated, perhaps 5
35D 54. Colorful flower with a "face" 5
36D 55. Therefore 4
37D 56. The 18th at Pebble Beach, notably 4
38D 58. Diagnostic image 4
39D 60. www.fda.___ 3
40D 62. Emotional highs 3
41D 63. Grp. that supports American troops 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. Massive pop stars?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a star that ejects some of its material in the form of a cloud and become more luminous in the process
  • Words that mean the same thing: nova
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NOVAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Genre featured at Tokyo's Comiket convention"

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 hard copal derived from an african tree
  • Words that mean the same thing: Zanzibar copal, gum anime
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANIME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Folkloric creatures at snowy altitudes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
  • Words that mean the same thing: abominable snowman, yeti
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YETIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. A slice of Italy?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that highly seasoned fatty sausage of pork and beef usually dried
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SALAMI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Brouhaha"

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 rapid active commotion
  • Words that mean the same thing: fuss, stir, 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 6 Down: "6. "I'm beyond frustrated!""

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: GRR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Lovesick"

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 mentally or physically infirm with age
  • Words that mean the same thing: senile, doddery, crazy
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GAGA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. And others, in Latin"

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: ETALII

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "You're welcome," in Spanish"

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: DENADA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. ___ torch"

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: TIKI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Top-billed performer"

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 advantage held by a competitor in a race
  • Words that mean the same thing: jumper cable, Pb, conduct
  • The opposite would be: follow, deficit
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Word with war or far"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
  • Words that mean the same thing: call, war cry, weep
  • The opposite would be: laugh
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CRY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "15. Arcade "money""

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 individual instance of a type of symbol
  • Words that mean the same thing: item, souvenir, relic
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOKENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. Plant source for tequila"

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 tropical american plants with basal rosettes of fibrous sword-shaped leaves and flowers in tall spikes; some cultivated for ornament or for fiber
  • Words that mean the same thing: century plant, American aloe
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGAVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. Strategic starting piece in a jigsaw puzzle"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the boundary of a surface
  • Words that mean the same thing: march, boundary, bound
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Fill to excess"

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

    The answer is: SATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. It's more than a pocketful of rye"

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 shaped mass of baked bread that is usually sliced before eating
  • Words that mean the same thing: arse about, mess about, bum
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOAF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. "Two Women" actress Sophia"

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 italian film actress (born in 1934)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Sofia Scicolone, Sophia Loren
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOREN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Chichén ___ (Mayan ruins city)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ITZA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Like some interviews"

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 examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Words that mean the same thing: viva, oral examination, unwritten
  • The opposite would be: aboral, anal
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ORAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. "That's a negatory!""

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: NOPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Tel ___, Israel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: AVIV

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Hawaiian for "strong," which, when doubled, means "very strong""

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: MAHI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Privy to, as a secret"

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: INON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Fashion icon Wang"

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: VERA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Singing animated snowman"

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: OLAF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Thwart"

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 a piece of thin and flexible sheet metal
  • Words that mean the same thing: hydrofoil, baffle, queer
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FOIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Greasy hairstyling product"

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 hairdressing consisting of a perfumed oil or ointment
  • Words that mean the same thing: pomatum
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POMADE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. "I totally agree!""

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: METOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Hordes"

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 group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
  • Words that mean the same thing: swarm, drove chisel, horde
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DROVES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. Skewer"

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 pierce with a sharp stake or point
  • Words that mean the same thing: empale, stake, spike
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IMPALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Powerful tool for compaction"

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 tool for driving something with 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: RAMMER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Seafarers' sanctuaries"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small inlet
  • Words that mean the same thing: cove
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COVES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. Well-caffeinated, perhaps"

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 condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action
  • Words that mean the same thing: alerting, spanking, alarum
  • The opposite would be: unalert
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALERT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. Colorful flower with a "face""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that large-flowered garden plant derived chiefly from the wild pansy of europe and having velvety petals of various colors
  • Words that mean the same thing: faggot, nance, sissy
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PANSY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Therefore"

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 (used as a sentence connector) therefore or consequently
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. The 18th at Pebble Beach, notably"

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: ___5
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAR5

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Diagnostic image"

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 act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region
  • Words that mean the same thing: run down, glance over, rake
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. www.fda.___"

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: GOV

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "62. Emotional highs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • Words that mean the same thing: 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: UPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "63. Grp. that supports American troops"

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: USO

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 52 66.7%
Short Answer 17 21.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 4 5.1%
Abbreviation 2 2.6%
History 2 2.6%
Geography 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 41
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.7 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 12 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!

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

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 17, 2025 at 03:40 PM

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Sunday, September 14, 2025

October 16, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (37 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

October 16, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

October 16, 2021 Saturday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. It's said to have been born on Orange Street, in Kingston, Jamaica 3
2A 4. Big to-do 4
3A 8. Bright night lights 5
4A 13. Popular baby shower gift 4
5A 15. "Sorry if you were offended," e.g. 10
6A 17. Pop music nickname 4
7A 18. Catchphrase for Olivia Pope on "Scandal" 10
8A 19. Usher 6
9A 21. People also known as the Cat Nation 4
10A 22. Wolf's home? 3
11A 23. "I could a tale unfold ___ lightest word / Would harrow up thy soul ...": "Hamlet" 5
12A 24. Run one's eyes over 4
13A 25. Water gait? 4
14A 26. Call near the end of a card game 3
15A 27. Squalor 5
16A 29. Regional dog variety 5
17A 30. Big award in French cinema 8
18A 32. Very bottom 5
19A 33. "No hard feelings?" 9
20A 35. Better part of 1999? 5
21A 37. L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. follower 8
22A 41. Certain swinger 5
23A 42. Street in a James Baldwin title 5
24A 43. Co. bigwig 3
25A 44. Say the same thing as 4
26A 45. Metalworker's union 4
27A 46. Unlikely to give a strong reaction 5
28A 48. For choice 3
29A 49. Spill 4
30A 50. Photographer's staff 6
31A 51. "Wait, wait, don't tell me!" 10
32A 54. Its anthem is "Terre de nos aïeux" 4
33A 55. Having trouble making a call 10
34A 56. Did some P.R. work on 4
35A 57. Undesirable bedmates? 5
36A 58. Common Christmas tree decoration 4
37A 59. Realize 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. It's said to have been born on Orange Street, in Kingston, Jamaica"

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: SKA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Big to-do"

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 prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
  • Words that mean the same thing: touch, excite, fuss
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Bright night lights"

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 star that ejects some of its material in the form of a cloud and become more luminous in the process
  • Words that mean the same thing: nova
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NOVAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Popular baby shower gift"

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 baby bed with high sides made of slats
  • Words that mean the same thing: cribbage, trot, pony
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CRIB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "Sorry if you were offended," e.g."

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: NONAPOLOGY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Pop music nickname"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: RIRI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Catchphrase for Olivia Pope on "Scandal""

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: ITSHANDLED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Usher"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that someone who escorts and protects a prominent person
  • Words that mean the same thing: accompaniment, see, bodyguard
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ESCORT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. People also known as the Cat Nation"

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 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 10 Across: "22. Wolf's home?"

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: CNN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. "I could a tale unfold ___ lightest word / Would harrow up thy soul ...": "Hamlet""

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: WHOSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Run one's eyes over"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region
  • Words that mean the same thing: rake, glance over, read
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Water gait?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that english tennis player who won many women's singles titles (born in 1945)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Virginia Wade
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WADE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Call near the end of a card game"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: UNO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "27. Squalor"

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 any substance considered disgustingly foul or unpleasant
  • Words that mean the same thing: soil, filthiness, obscenity
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FILTH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Regional dog variety"

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 black-spotted usually dusky-colored fish with reddish fins
  • Words that mean the same thing: mouse hare, dassie, hyrax
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CONEY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "30. Big award in French cinema"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: PALMEDOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "32. Very bottom"

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 inside lower horizontal surface (as of a room, hallway, tent, or other structure)
  • Words that mean the same thing: knock down, story, base
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FLOOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "33. "No hard feelings?""

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: AREWEGOOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "35. Better part of 1999?"

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 cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
  • Words that mean the same thing: niner, ennead, 9
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NINES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "37. L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. follower"

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: PLUSSIGN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Certain swinger"

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 joint that holds two parts together so that one can swing relative to the other
  • Words that mean the same thing: flexible joint
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HINGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Street in a James Baldwin title"

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: BEALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "43. Co. bigwig"

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

    The answer is: COO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. Say the same thing as"

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 repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
  • Words that mean the same thing: sound reflection, reverberate, resound
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ECHO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. Metalworker's union"

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 european mignonette cultivated as a source of yellow dye; naturalized in north america
  • Words that mean the same thing: dyer's mignonette, Theodore Dwight Weld, dyer's rocket
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WELD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "46. Unlikely to give a strong reaction"

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 unable to move or resist motion
  • Words that mean the same thing: soggy, torpid, sluggish
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INERT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "48. For choice"

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 29 Across: "49. Spill"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the season when the leaves fall from the trees
  • Words that mean the same thing: nightfall, gloam, dusk
  • The opposite would be: rise, ascent
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "50. Photographer's staff"

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: UNIPOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "51. "Wait, wait, don't tell me!""

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: NOSPOILERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "54. Its anthem is "Terre de nos aïeux""

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 republic on the western coast of africa on the gulf of guinea; formerly under french control
  • Words that mean the same thing: Togolese Republic
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "55. Having trouble making a call"

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: ONTHEFENCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "56. Did some P.R. work 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 revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis
  • Words that mean the same thing: twirl, reel, spin
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPUN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "57. Undesirable bedmates?"

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 black garment (dress) worn by a widow as a sign of mourning
  • Words that mean the same thing: sens, gage, smoke
  • The opposite would be: cultivated plant
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WEEDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "58. Common Christmas tree decoration"

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 (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
  • Words that mean the same thing: adept, leading, stellar
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "59. Realize"

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

    The answer is: SEE

    Great job if you got it right!

NYT Saturday Crossword Down Clues - October 16, 2021 Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Blow it 7
2D 2. Eighth incarnation of Vishnu 7
3D 3. Sit on a windowsill, say 7
4D 4. Huff 4
5D 5. Babysitter's charge 3
6D 6. Check for bugs 15
7D 7. Showing uncritical enthusiasm 6
8D 8. Zip 4
9D 9. Discontinued 3
10D 10. One prone to blowing off steam 7
11D 11. Like some nonbinary people 7
12D 12. State capital near Bondi Beach 6
13D 14. Life lines? 4
14D 16. Royal ___ 4
15D 20. Zebra 7
16D 24. Steady partner? 4
17D 25. Supply in a golf bag 5
18D 28. Date sacred to Jupiter 4
19D 29. Converge (on) 7
20D 31. National fruit of the Philippines 5
21D 32. Court infraction 4
22D 34. Showy blossom in the iris family, for short 4
23D 35. "Zing!" 7
24D 36. Quickly 7
25D 38. Treats that come in plastic tubes 7
26D 39. Fail to follow along 7
27D 40. Still going 7
28D 41. "That's uncalled for!" 6
29D 42. Beauties 6
30D 45. Victor Hugo's Cosette, e.g. 4
31D 47. Tiny carps 4
32D 49. Opposing forces 4
33D 50. Part of UX 4
34D 52. Utmost degree? 3
35D 53. Erstwhile camera and satellite maker for NASA 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. Blow it"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the complete mismanagement or mishandling of a situation
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCREWUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Eighth incarnation of Vishnu"

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 8th and most important avatar of vishnu; incarnated as a handsome young man playing a flute
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KRISHNA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Sit on a windowsill, say"

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: AIRCOOL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Huff"

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

    The answer is: SNIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Babysitter's charge"

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, add together, summate
  • The 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 6 Down: "6. Check for bugs"

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: INSECTREPELLENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Showing uncritical enthusiasm"

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: RAHRAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Zip"

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 canonical hour that is the ninth hour of the day counting from sunrise
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Discontinued"

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 past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
  • Words that mean the same thing: sometime, sure-enough, previous
  • The opposite would be: young, new
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OLD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. One prone to blowing off steam"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a fissure in the earth's crust (or in the surface of some other planet) through which molten lava and gases erupt
  • Words that mean the same thing: vent
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VOLCANO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Like some nonbinary people"

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: AGENDER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. State capital near Bondi Beach"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the largest australian city located in southeastern australia on the tasman sea; state capital of new south wales; australia's chief port
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SYDNEY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Life lines?"

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: BIOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. Royal ___"

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 symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
  • Words that mean the same thing: botheration, hurt, painful sensation
  • The opposite would be: pleasure
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Zebra"

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 (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
  • Words that mean the same thing: ref, reader, umpire
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REFEREE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Steady partner?"

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 lose velocity; move more slowly
  • Words that mean the same thing: irksome, slacken, slow up
  • The opposite would be: accelerate, quickly
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Supply in a golf bag"

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 trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
  • Words that mean the same thing: wood, woodwind, forest
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WOODS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Date sacred to Jupiter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that in the roman calendar: the 15th of march or may or july or october or the 13th of any other month
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IDES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Converge (on)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: CLOSEIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. National fruit of the Philippines"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that large evergreen tropical tree cultivated for its large oval fruit
  • Words that mean the same thing: mango tree, Mangifera indica
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MANGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Court infraction"

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 act that violates the rules of a sport
  • Words that mean the same thing: smelly, loathly, disgustful
  • The opposite would be: fair, unclog
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FOUL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Showy blossom in the iris family, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any of numerous plants of the genus gladiolus native chiefly to tropical and south africa having sword-shaped leaves and one-sided spikes of brightly colored funnel-shaped flowers; widely cultivated
  • Words that mean the same thing: gladiola, gladiolus, happy
  • The opposite would be: sad
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GLAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. "Zing!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NICEONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Quickly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: INHASTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Treats that come in plastic tubes"

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: ICEPOPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Fail to follow along"

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: GOROGUE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Still going"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NOTDONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. "That's uncalled for!""

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: HEYNOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Beauties"

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 young woman who is the most charming and beautiful of several rivals
  • Words that mean the same thing: belle, bell
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BELLES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Victor Hugo's Cosette, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a homeless child especially one forsaken or orphaned
  • Words that mean the same thing: street child
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WAIF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Tiny carps"

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 luminance unit equal to 1 candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source
  • Words that mean the same thing: nit
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NITS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Opposing forces"

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 armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
  • Words that mean the same thing: foe, enemy, opposition
  • The opposite would be: friend
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FOES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Part of UX"

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 person who makes use of a thing; someone who uses or employs something
  • Words that mean the same thing: substance abuser, drug user, exploiter
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: USER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Utmost degree?"

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 doctorate usually based on at least 3 years graduate study and a dissertation; the highest degree awarded graduate study
  • Words that mean the same thing: Ph.D.
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PHD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Erstwhile camera and satellite maker for NASA"

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: RCA

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 57 79.2%
Short Answer 8 11.1%
Sports 2 2.8%
History 2 2.8%
Music 1 1.4%
Geography 1 1.4%
Abbreviation 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 35
Total Clues 72
Average Answer Length 5.4 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 Saturday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

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 14, 2025 at 08:41 AM

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