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

May 20, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, May 20, 2024

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (35 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

Across Clues Explained - Monday NYT Crossword May 20, 2024

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. It's working!	5
2A	6. Move back and forth, as a dog's tail	3
3A	9. ___ paint (graffiti artist's canful)	5
4A	14. Yoga pose	5
5A	15. Balloon filler	3
6A	16. Depart	5
7A	17. Ogre with a donkey sidekick	5
8A	18. This dice roll: [ • ] [ • ]	9
9A	20. Beatles album character who apparently is an infantry leader	14
10A	22. Early afternoon hour	3
11A	23. Use a chair	3
12A	24. Inits. on a food stamps card	3
13A	25. Show interest at an auction	3
14A	26. Cool ___ cucumber	3
15A	27. Baking amts.	4
16A	31. Hotels.com mascot who must be a commanding officer	14
17A	35. Hot dish that sounds cold	5
18A	36. Norm: Abbr.	3
19A	37. Public perception	5
20A	38. Fast-food icon who surely heads a brigade	14
21A	41. The "S" of GPS: Abbr.	4
22A	42. Extra part of a leap year	3
23A	43. Above, in poetry	3
24A	44. Guys	3
25A	45. ___-mo (sports replay effect)	3
26A	46. Precious stone	3
27A	49. Unfazed response to a threat from 20-, 31- or 38-Across?	14
28A	54. Penguin Random House or HarperCollins	9
29A	55. Wonderland girl	5
30A	56. Change, as the Constitution	5
31A	57. Praiseful poem	3
32A	58. Grocery bag option	5
33A	59. Yucatán people of old	5
34A	60. Holder of peas	3
35A	61. Swiss borders?	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. It's working!"

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 social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
• Words that mean the same thing: Labour, labour, grind
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LABOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Move back and forth, as a dog's tail"

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 witty amusing person who makes jokes
• Words that mean the same thing: card, waggle, shake
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. ___ paint (graffiti artist's canful)"

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 pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying
• Words that mean the same thing: atomizer, nebulizer, atomiser
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPRAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Yoga pose"

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 (hinduism) a posture or manner of sitting (as in the practice of yoga)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Balloon filler"

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 mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
• Words that mean the same thing: strain, aviation, publicise
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Depart"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the period of time during which you are absent from work or duty
• Words that mean the same thing: leave-taking, leave alone, pass on
• The opposite would be: enter, arrive
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Ogre with a donkey sidekick"

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: SHREK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. This dice roll: [ • ] [ • ]"

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: SNAKEEYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Beatles album character who apparently is an infantry leader"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert 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: SERGEANTPEPPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Early afternoon hour"

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: peerless, unitary, unmatchable
• The 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 11 Across: "23. Use a chair"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that be around, often idly or without specific purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: sit down, sit around, seat
• The opposite would be: stand, arise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Inits. on a food stamps card"

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: EBT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Show interest at an auction"

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 authoritative direction or instruction to do something
• Words that mean the same thing: dictation, beseech, play
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Cool ___ cucumber"

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 15 Across: "27. Baking amts."

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: TSPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Hotels.com mascot who must be a commanding officer"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: CAPTAINOBVIOUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Hot dish that sounds cold"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ground beef and chili peppers or chili powder often with tomatoes and kidney beans
• Words that mean the same thing: chilli, chili con carne, chilly
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHILI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Norm: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a communicable infection transmitted by sexual intercourse or genital contact
• Words that mean the same thing: VD, venereal disease, Doctor of Sacred Theology
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Public perception"

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 iconic mental representation
• Words that mean the same thing: epitome, range of a function, effigy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IMAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Fast-food icon who surely heads a brigade"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert 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: COLONELSANDERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. The "S" of GPS: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SYST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Extra part of a leap year"

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 time for earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
• Words that mean the same thing: daytime, Clarence Shepard Day Jr., sidereal day
• The opposite would be: night
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Above, in poetry"

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: OER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Guys"

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 force of workers available
• Words that mean the same thing: human race, homo, adult male
• The opposite would be: civilian, woman
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. ___-mo (sports replay effect)"

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: SLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "46. Precious stone"

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 art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
• Words that mean the same thing: muffin, gemstone, treasure
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. Unfazed response to a threat from 20-, 31- or 38-Across?"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: YOUANDWHATARMY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. Penguin Random House or HarperCollins"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a firm in the publishing business
• Words that mean the same thing: publishing company, publishing house, publishing firm
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PUBLISHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Wonderland girl"

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: ALICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Change, as the Constitution"

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 amendments to
• Words that mean the same thing: repair, better, ameliorate
• The opposite would be: worsen
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "57. Praiseful poem"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. Grocery bag option"

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 material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
• Words that mean the same thing: wallpaper, newspaper publisher, composition
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "59. Yucatán people of old"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an ethnic minority speaking mayan languages and living in yucatan and adjacent areas
• Words that mean the same thing: Mayan language, Maya, Mayan
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAYAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "60. Holder of peas"

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 vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
• Words that mean the same thing: cod, fuel pod, seedpod
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "61. Swiss borders?"

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: ESSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Monday Puzzle May 20, 2024

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Cattle-catching rope	5
2D	2. Very pale	5
3D	3. Wall fixture in a ballet studio	5
4D	4. Universal donor's blood type, briefly	4
5D	5. Earns tons of money	9
6D	6. "Hey, that ___ so bad!"	5
7D	7. Informal contraction	4
8D	8. Purple pop	9
9D	9. Caught some z's	5
10D	10. Chick's chirp	4
11D	11. Comic actress Martha	4
12D	12. Declare	4
13D	13. "Of course!"	3
14D	19. Skewered meat dish of the Mideast	5
15D	21. Opera set in ancient Egypt	4
16D	25. Secondary story, in TV lingo	5
17D	26. Fidgety	5
18D	27. Microwave feature	5
19D	28. Fly sky-high	4
20D	29. Wrinkly-faced dogs	4
21D	30. Opposite of NNW	3
22D	31. Bok ___ (Chinese vegetable)	4
23D	32. Troubles	4
24D	33. Travel from Kauai to Maui to Oahu, say	9
25D	34. Medium for old home movies	9
26D	35. Includes on an email, for short	3
27D	39. Utopias	5
28D	40. Mardi Gras city, casually	4
29D	44. Cleaning professionals	5
30D	45. Rip to pieces	5
31D	46. Holds tightly on to	5
32D	47. Host an awards show	5
33D	48. Mike who voiced 17-Across	5
34D	49. Arizona city or county	4
35D	50. Follow, as rules	4
36D	51. Bone in the forearm	4
37D	52. "This Is How ___ It" (1995 hit)	4
38D	53. "What a pity"	4
39D	54. Jim's love on "The Office"	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. Cattle-catching rope"

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 belgian composer (1532-1594)
• Words that mean the same thing: reata, riata, rope
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LASSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Very pale"

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 anemic looking from illness or emotion; ; ; ; ; - mary w. shelley
• Words that mean the same thing: blanched, bloodless, livid
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASHEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Wall fixture in a ballet studio"

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: BARRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Universal donor's blood type, briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Earns tons of money"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RAKESITIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "Hey, that ___ so bad!""

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: WASNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Informal contraction"

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: AINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Purple pop"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GRAPESODA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Caught some z's"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that be able to accommodate for sleeping
• Words that mean the same thing: catch some Z's, kip, log Z's
• The opposite would be: wake
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLEPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Chick's chirp"

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 short weak cry of a young bird
• Words that mean the same thing: chirp, chirrup, peek
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Comic actress Martha"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RAYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Declare"

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 report or maintain
• Words that mean the same thing: say, affirm, verify
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. "Of course!""

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
• The opposite would be: no
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Skewered meat dish of the Mideast"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables
• Words that mean the same thing: kabob, shish kebab
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KEBAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Opera set in ancient Egypt"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: AIDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Secondary story, in TV lingo"

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: BPLOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Fidgety"

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 nervous and unable to relax
• Words that mean the same thing: fretful, fidgety, itchy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Microwave feature"

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 timepiece that measures a time interval and signals its end
• Words that mean the same thing: timekeeper
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Fly sky-high"

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 rising upward into the air
• Words that mean the same thing: soar up, surge, soar upwards
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Wrinkly-faced dogs"

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-dog, pug
• The 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 21 Down: "30. Opposite of NNW"

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 compass point midway between south and southeast
• Words that mean the same thing: south southeast, sou'-sou'-east
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Bok ___ (Chinese vegetable)"

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: CHOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Troubles"

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

  The answer is: AILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Travel from Kauai to Maui to Oahu, say"

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: ISLANDHOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "34. Medium for old home movies"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a video recording made on magnetic tape
• Words that mean the same thing: tape
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VIDEOTAPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "35. Includes on an email, 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 metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter
• Words that mean the same thing: mil, cubic centimeter, cubic centimetre
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Utopias"

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 place of complete bliss and delight and peace
• Words that mean the same thing: paradise, Eden, promised land
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "40. Mardi Gras city, casually"

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: NOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Cleaning professionals"

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 female domestic
• Words that mean the same thing: maiden, maid, housemaid
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAIDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Rip to pieces"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
• Words that mean the same thing: whit, smidgeon, smidgin
• The 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 31 Down: "46. Holds tightly on to"

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 act of grasping
• Words that mean the same thing: bag, grasp, travelling bag
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRIPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. Host an awards show"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
• Words that mean the same thing: master of ceremonies, host, compere
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMCEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. Mike who voiced 17-Across"

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: MYERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Arizona city or county"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the north american indian people of arizona and adjacent mexico and california
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YUMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. Follow, as rules"

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

  The answer is: OBEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "51. Bone in the forearm"

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 inner and longer of the two bones of the human forearm
• Words that mean the same thing: elbow bone
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ULNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "52. "This Is How ___ It" (1995 hit)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WEDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "53. "What a pity""

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 flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
• Words that mean the same thing: unluckily, regrettably, ala
• The opposite would be: luckily, fortunately
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "54. Jim's love on "The Office""

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: PAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	43	58.1%
Short Answer	14	18.9%
Food & Drink	4	5.4%
Abbreviation	4	5.4%
History	2	2.7%
Geography	2	2.7%
Music	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: August 25, 2025 at 03:43 PM