August 24, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, August 24, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

NYT Monday Crossword Across Clues - August 24, 2020 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. State of irritability	4
2A	5. Oaf	4
3A	9. Undercoat of an oil painting	5
4A	14. Cabernet, e.g.	4
5A	15. Opening stake	4
6A	16. "Oh, no, not ___!"	5
7A	17. Stress between you and your former lover?	9
8A	19. Carried	5
9A	20. "In excelsis ___"	3
10A	21. One of a pair of Old Testament books with female names	6
11A	23. Place for a baseball team's insignia	3
12A	24. Canada's Prince ___ Island	6
13A	26. Thing your former lover said about you?	7
14A	29. Straight up on a compass	5
15A	32. The Beatles' "___ Leaving Home"	4
16A	33. Historian's concern	4
17A	36. "QB VII" author Leon	4
18A	38. Halved	5
19A	41. Former lover's text, e.g.?	15
20A	44. What alumni do on important anniversaries	5
21A	45. Write with a chisel on stone	4
22A	46. Cold summer treats	4
23A	47. Something Santa makes (and checks twice)	4
24A	49. Aptitude	5
25A	51. Former lovers' stances in photos?	7
26A	54. Absolutely everything	6
27A	58. See 27-Down	3
28A	59. Juneau's home	6
29A	62. Singer Grande, informally	3
30A	63. Busy, as a restroom	5
31A	66. Current lover who seems suspiciously preoccupied?	9
32A	68. Chef's item for preparing apples	5
33A	69. Panache	4
34A	70. Author unknown, for short	4
35A	71. Arrogant look	5
36A	72. Things janitors keep on rings	4
37A	73. Wagers	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. State of irritability"

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 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 2 Across: "5. Oaf"

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 crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement
• Words that mean the same thing: barbarian, tike, tyke
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Undercoat of an oil painting"

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 gypsum or plaster of paris spread on a surface to make it suitable for painting or gilding (or a surface so prepared)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GESSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Cabernet, 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 fermented juice (of grapes especially)
• Words that mean the same thing: wine-colored, vino, wine-coloured
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Opening stake"

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 (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. "Oh, no, not ___!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• Words that mean the same thing: over again, once again, once more
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Stress between you and your former lover?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt
• Words that mean the same thing: annex, extension service, elongation
• The opposite would be: flexion
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXTENSION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Carried"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cause to be born
• Words that mean the same thing: support, carry, stick out
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BORNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. "In excelsis ___""

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: DEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. One of a pair of Old Testament books with female names"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (old testament) a beautiful jewess chosen by the king of persia to be his queen; she stopped a plot to massacre all the jews in persia (an event celebrated by jews as the feast of purim)
• Words that mean the same thing: Book of Esther
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESTHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Place for a baseball team's insignia"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a tight-fitting headdress
• Words that mean the same thing: chapiter, jacket, detonator
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Canada's Prince ___ Island"

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 king of england and ireland in 1936; his marriage to wallis warfield simpson created a constitutional crisis leading to his abdication (1894-1972)
• Words that mean the same thing: Albert Edward, Edward VI, Edward V
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDWARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Thing your former lover said about you?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
• Words that mean the same thing: promulgate, outcry, shout
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXCLAIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Straight up on a compass"

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 region of the united states lying to the north of the mason-dixon line
• Words that mean the same thing: Union, magnetic north, compass north
• The opposite would be: south
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NORTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. The Beatles' "___ Leaving Home""

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: SHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Historian's concern"

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 time that has elapsed
• Words that mean the same thing: by, past times, past tense
• The opposite would be: present, future
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. "QB VII" author Leon"

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: URIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Halved"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy 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: INTWO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Former lover's text, e.g.?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of being excommunicated
• Words that mean the same thing: excision, exclusion, censure
• The word looks like this: _______________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXCOMMUNICATION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "44. What alumni do on important anniversaries"

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: REUNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "45. Write with a chisel on stone"

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 make an etching of
• Words that mean the same thing: engrave
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "46. Cold summer treats"

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 water frozen in the solid state
• Words that mean the same thing: icing, glass, water ice
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Something Santa makes (and checks twice)"

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 database containing an ordered array of items (names or topics)
• Words that mean the same thing: lean, listing, leaning
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "49. Aptitude"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an ability that has been acquired by training
• Words that mean the same thing: acquirement, science, attainment
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKILL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. Former lovers' stances in photos?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the exposure of an impostor or a fraud
• Words that mean the same thing: unmasking, endanger, discover
• The opposite would be: cover
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXPOSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "54. Absolutely everything"

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 everything that exists anywhere
• Words that mean the same thing: universe, cosmea, existence
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COSMOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "58. See 27-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 a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
• Words that mean the same thing: deary, favourite, darling
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. Juneau's home"

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 state in northwestern north america; the 49th state admitted to the union
• Words that mean the same thing: AK, Last Frontier
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALASKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "62. Singer Grande, informally"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. Busy, as a restroom"

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: INUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "66. Current lover who seems suspiciously preoccupied?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of spending money for goods or services
• Words that mean the same thing: expend, expenditure, spend
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXPENDING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "68. Chef's item for preparing apples"

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

  The answer is: CORER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "69. Panache"

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 feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
• Words that mean the same thing: panache, dash, ardour
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "70. Author unknown, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that at another time
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "71. Arrogant look"

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 facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
• Words that mean the same thing: leer
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNEER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "72. Things janitors keep on rings"

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 metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
• Words that mean the same thing: headstone, keystone, distinguish
• The opposite would be: atonality
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KEYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "73. Wagers"

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 money risked on a gamble
• Words that mean the same thing: count, stake, reckon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BETS

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Monday Crossword Down Clues - August 24, 2020 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Neighbor of a Norwegian	5
2D	2. Vetoed	5
3D	3. Dragging behind	5
4D	4. Prop for a golf ball	3
5D	5. Percussion instrument in a marching band	8
6D	6. Hop ___ (get to work)	4
7D	7. Texter's transition	4
8D	8. Actress Zellweger	5
9D	9. Gift of ___	3
10D	10. Latin "I"	3
11D	11. Like "Yeah, that'll ever happen"	9
12D	12. Mideast's ___ Peninsula	5
13D	13. End of a lunch hour, maybe	5
14D	18. Emperor just before the Year of the Four Emperors	4
15D	22. Prescriptions, for short	3
16D	25. Villain in Shakespeare's "The Tempest"	7
17D	27. With 58-Across, 1980s fad that "sprouted"	4
18D	28. Soup legumes	7
19D	30. Factual	4
20D	31. Clues	5
21D	33. The "p" of b.p.s.	3
22D	34. It can chop a tree down ... and then chop a tree up	3
23D	35. Three-dimensional art	9
24D	37. Ailing	4
25D	39. Tale of ___	3
26D	40. Come-___ (enticements)	3
27D	42. Target of a cleanup	4
28D	43. Fraidy-cats	8
29D	48. Throat soother	3
30D	50. Money to tide you over	4
31D	51. Long stories	5
32D	52. Arc lamp gas	5
33D	53. Aerodynamic	5
34D	55. Augusta's home	5
35D	56. "Believe It ___!"	5
36D	57. Yield and Right Turn Only, e.g.	5
37D	60. Connector of a pair of wheels	4
38D	61. Fix, as a dog	4
39D	64. "Get it?"	3
40D	65. Go wrong	3
41D	67. Smidgen	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. Neighbor of a Norwegian"

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 native or inhabitant of sweden
• Words that mean the same thing: turnip cabbage, rutabaga plant, swedish turnip
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWEDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Vetoed"

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 command against
• Words that mean the same thing: interdict, forbid, disallow
• The opposite would be: allow, permit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIXED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Dragging behind"

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: INTOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Prop for a golf ball"

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 starting place for each hole on a golf course
• Words that mean the same thing: teeing ground, football tee, golf tee
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Percussion instrument in a marching band"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: BASSDRUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Hop ___ (get to work)"

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 7 Down: "7. Texter's transition"

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: OTOH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Actress Zellweger"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: RENEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Gift of ___"

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 light informal conversation for social occasions
• Words that mean the same thing: tittle-tattle, chin wagging, small talk
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Latin "I""

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 inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: egotism, self-importance, self
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Like "Yeah, that'll ever happen""

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 expressing or expressive of ridicule that wounds
• The opposite would be: unsarcastic
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SARCASTIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Mideast's ___ Peninsula"

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 mountain peak in the southern sinai peninsula (7,500 feet high); it is believed to be the peak on which moses received the ten commandments
• Words that mean the same thing: Sinai Desert, Sinai Peninsula, Mount Sinai
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SINAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. End of a lunch hour, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: ONEPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Emperor just before the Year of the Four Emperors"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that roman emperor notorious for his monstrous vice and fantastic luxury (was said to have started a fire that destroyed much of rome in 64) but the roman empire remained prosperous during his rule (37-68)
• Words that mean the same thing: Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Prescriptions, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RXS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Villain in Shakespeare's "The Tempest""

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: ANTONIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. With 58-Across, 1980s fad that "sprouted""

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: CHIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Soup legumes"

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 round flat seed of the lentil plant used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: lentil, lentil plant, Lens culinaris
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LENTILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Factual"

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 proper alignment; the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment
• Words that mean the same thing: true up, admittedly, lawful
• The opposite would be: false, untruthful
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Clues"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an indirect suggestion
• Words that mean the same thing: intimation, tip, wind
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HINTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. The "p" of b.p.s."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. It can chop a tree down ... and then chop a tree up"

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

  The answer is: AXE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Three-dimensional art"

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 three-dimensional work of plastic art
• Words that mean the same thing: grave, sculpt, carving
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCULPTURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Ailing"

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 people who are sick
• Words that mean the same thing: pale, tired of, spue
• The opposite would be: well, keep down
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Tale of ___"

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 misery resulting from affliction
• Words that mean the same thing: woefulness, suffering
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Come-___ (enticements)"

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: ONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Target of a cleanup"

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 state of confusion and disorderliness
• Words that mean the same thing: mountain, kettle of fish, spate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Fraidy-cats"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the flesh of a chicken used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: crybaby, Gallus gallus, chicken
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHICKENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Throat soother"

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 beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
• Words that mean the same thing: teatime, tea leaf, Camellia sinensis
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Money to tide you 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 temporary provision of money (usually at interest)
• Words that mean the same thing: loanword, lend
• 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: LOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Long stories"

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 long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
• Words that mean the same thing: epos, heroic poem, epic poem
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPICS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. Arc lamp gas"

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 colorless odorless inert gaseous element occurring in the earth's atmosphere in trace amounts
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 54, Xe
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: XENON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Aerodynamic"

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 make slick or smooth
• Words that mean the same thing: streamlined, slick, silklike
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLEEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. Augusta's home"

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 state in new england
• Words that mean the same thing: Pine Tree State, ME
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. "Believe It ___!""

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: ORNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Yield and Right Turn Only, e.g."

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 perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
• Words that mean the same thing: star sign, sign on, signalize
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIGNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. Connector of a pair of wheels"

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

  The answer is: AXLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "61. Fix, as a dog"

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 remove the ovaries of
• Words that mean the same thing: castrate, neuter, alter
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "64. "Get it?""

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 seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
• Words that mean the same thing: interpret, visualize, catch
• The 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!

Clue 40 Down: "65. Go wrong"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "67. Smidgen"

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 light touch or stroke
• Words that mean the same thing: swab, swob, pat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	57	73.1%
Short Answer	13	16.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.1%
Geography	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	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 Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

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

• February 07 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 08 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 29 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 29 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 07 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers July 01
• October 27 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 21
• August 10 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 23, 2025 at 01:38 AM

December 15, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (41 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• January 23 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
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• Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_19
• 27458 Tue Jan 14 2025 Ny Times

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (41 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle December 15, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. All-encompassing	4
2A	5. Wear, as something snazzy	5
3A	10. Bag with an NPR logo, maybe	4
4A	14. Parisian priest	4
5A	15. Comic Fields on old Ed Sullivan shows	5
6A	16. Well-ventilated	4
7A	17. Sleeping spot for a baby	4
8A	18. Stars-and-stripes land, informally	5
9A	19. Something dropped in a mystery novel	4
10A	20. Where one might find Boston news reporters?	14
11A	23. "You crack me up," in a text	3
12A	24. With 25-Across, "___ saying ..."	3
13A	25. See 24-Across	3
14A	26. Use a "+" sign	3
15A	28. Sound from a floorboard	5
16A	30. Bronze finisher's place	5
17A	32. British rule in India	3
18A	33. PBS-funding org.	3
19A	35. "___ be an honor!"	3
20A	36. Crab traps	4
21A	37. Where a Baltimore news reader's desk might be found?	11
22A	40. Go for the gold?	4
23A	42. Prefix with political or physics	3
24A	43. Org. for Kings and Senators	3
25A	44. U.N.C. and Clemson are in it	3
26A	45. Lowest workers	5
27A	47. Talk show queen named after a figure in Ruth	5
28A	51. Bit of animation	3
29A	52. What a boater might have hands-on experience with?	3
30A	53. ___-Magnon	3
31A	55. Annual video game competition, for short	3
32A	56. Beaten to a news scoop in Los Angeles?	14
33A	60. Bright part of Rudolph	4
34A	61. Welcome at the door	5
35A	62. Short, quick breath	4
36A	63. The ugly duckling, eventually	4
37A	64. Start over on a blackboard	5
38A	65. Together, in music	4
39A	66. Donations to the poor	4
40A	67. "___ anything"	5
41A	68. One of 28 in Monopoly	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. All-encompassing"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy 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: ATOZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Wear, as something snazzy"

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 active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
• Words that mean the same thing: summercater, sportsman, romp
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Bag with an NPR logo, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a capacious bag or basket
• Words that mean the same thing: holdall, tug, carryall
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Parisian priest"

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: PERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Comic Fields on old Ed Sullivan shows"

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: TOTIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Well-ventilated"

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 open to or abounding in fresh air
• Words that mean the same thing: windy, aery, ethereal
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Sleeping spot for a baby"

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: pony, cribbage, trot
• The 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 8 Across: "18. Stars-and-stripes land, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: USOFA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Something dropped in a mystery novel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a slight indication
• Words that mean the same thing: cue, hint, clew
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Where one might find Boston news reporters?"

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: AROUNDTHEGLOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. "You crack me up," in a text"

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: LOL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. With 25-Across, "___ saying ...""

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: ASI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. See 24-Across"

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 state in northwestern united states on the pacific
• Words that mean the same thing: comprise, equal, follow
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Use a "+" sign"

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 condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
• Words that mean the same thing: sum, total, tot
• The opposite would be: subtract, take away
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Sound from a floorboard"

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 squeaking sound
• Words that mean the same thing: squeak, skreak, screech
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CREAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Bronze finisher's place"

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 one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
• Words that mean the same thing: 3rd, tertiary, third gear
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THIRD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. British rule in India"

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 british dominion over india (1757-1947)
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAJ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. PBS-funding org."

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: NEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. "___ be an honor!""

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: ITD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Crab traps"

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 metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid
• Words that mean the same thing: great deal, mass, sens
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "37. Where a Baltimore news reader's desk might be found?"

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: UNDERTHESUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Go for the gold?"

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 excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Prefix with political or physics"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "43. Org. for Kings and Senators"

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: NHL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. U.N.C. and Clemson are in it"

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 26 Across: "45. Lowest workers"

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 laborer who is obliged to do menial work
• Words that mean the same thing: peon, drudge, galley slave
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "47. Talk show queen named after a figure in Ruth"

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: OPRAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Bit of animation"

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: CEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "52. What a boater might have hands-on experience with?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "53. ___-Magnon"

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 electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities
• Words that mean the same thing: oscilloscope, cathode-ray oscilloscope, scope
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Annual video game competition, for short"

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: EVO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. Beaten to a news scoop in Los Angeles?"

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: BEHINDTHETIMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Bright part of Rudolph"

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 organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
• Words that mean the same thing: poke, nuzzle, intrude
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. Welcome at the door"

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: SEEIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. Short, quick breath"

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 noise made by a short puff of steam (as from an engine)
• Words that mean the same thing: puff, trouser, heave
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "63. The ugly duckling, eventually"

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 stately heavy-bodied aquatic bird with very long neck and usually white plumage as adult
• Words that mean the same thing: tramp, roam, vagabond
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "64. Start over on a blackboard"

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 remove from memory or existence
• Words that mean the same thing: rub out, wipe out, score out
• The opposite would be: record
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "65. Together, in music"

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: ADUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "66. Donations to the poor"

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

  The answer is: ALMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Across: "67. "___ anything""

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: ASKME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Across: "68. One of 28 in Monopoly"

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 legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it
• Words that mean the same thing: title, human action, human activity
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Tuesday NYT Crossword December 15, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. H.S. math for some college-bound students	6
2D	2. Misbehaving toddler	6
3D	3. Cal Ripken, for his entire major-league career	6
4D	4. Indian ox	4
5D	5. Male calendar figures	5
6D	6. Sticky note	6
7D	7. "But then again ...," in a text	4
8D	8. Permeated by	8
9D	9. Locale for an outdoor Japanese party	9
10D	10. ___ Bell	4
11D	11. John D. Rockefeller, for one	8
12D	12. "Yup, absolutely right"	7
13D	13. See 21-Down	3
14D	21. With 13-Down, means of viewing sans telescope	5
15D	22. "Acid"	3
16D	27. Record spinners, informally	3
17D	29. Diarist Frank	4
18D	31. Try to pick up	5
19D	34. Greece/Turkey separator	9
20D	36. Part of orange juice that's not juice	4
21D	37. Bearded figure in a classic poster	8
22D	38. Stocks up on again	8
23D	39. "Darn it!"	5
24D	40. Cheese go-with	3
25D	41. Nickname for the 1967 N.F.L. Championship Game, famously played at about -15°	7
26D	45. Hawaiian taro dish	3
27D	46. Sharp split	6
28D	48. Like "A Star Is Born," repeatedly	6
29D	49. One of 17 in Monopoly	6
30D	50. Threw, as a party	6
31D	54. Actress Zellweger	5
32D	57. Female grouses	4
33D	58. Cutting board wood	4
34D	59. Surface competitor	4
35D	60. Source of information leaked by Edward Snowden, for short	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. H.S. math for some college-bound students"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: APCALC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Misbehaving toddler"

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 overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
• Words that mean the same thing: brat, little terror, threat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TERROR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Cal Ripken, for his entire major-league career"

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 mostly tropical songbird; the male is usually bright orange and black
• Words that mean the same thing: Old World oriole, American oriole, New World oriole
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORIOLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Indian ox"

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 domesticated ox having a humped back and long horns and a large dewlap; used chiefly as a draft animal in india and east asia
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZEBU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Male calendar figures"

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 man who is virile and sexually active
• Words that mean the same thing: scantling, rivet, he-man
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STUDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Sticky note"

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: POSTIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "But then again ...," in a text"

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: OTOH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Permeated by"

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: RIFEWITH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Locale for an outdoor Japanese party"

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: TEAGARDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. ___ Bell"

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 (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
• Words that mean the same thing: wetback, greaser
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TACO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. John D. Rockefeller, for one"

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: OILBARON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "Yup, absolutely right""

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: TRUEDAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. See 21-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 the organ of sight
• Words that mean the same thing: heart, centre, center
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. With 13-Down, means of viewing sans telescope"

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 completely unclothed
• Words that mean the same thing: raw, au naturel, bare
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. "Acid""

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 powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
• Words that mean the same thing: lysergic acid diethylamide
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LSD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "27. Record spinners, informally"

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 person who announces and plays popular recorded music
• Words that mean the same thing: disk jockey, disk-jockey, DJ
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DJS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "29. Diarist Frank"

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 queen of england and scotland and ireland; daughter if james ii and the last of the stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last english ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "31. Try to pick up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HITON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "34. Greece/Turkey separator"

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: AEGEANSEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "36. Part of orange juice that's not juice"

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 any soft or soggy mass
• Words that mean the same thing: mush, flesh, pulp magazine
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PULP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "37. Bearded figure in a classic poster"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: UNCLESAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "38. Stocks up on again"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a repeated order for the same merchandise
• Words that mean the same thing: reorder
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REORDERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "39. "Darn it!""

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 new branch
• Words that mean the same thing: take, frivol away, fritter
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "40. Cheese go-with"

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 waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
• Words that mean the same thing: macintosh, mack, mackintosh
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "41. Nickname for the 1967 N.F.L. Championship Game, famously played at about -15°"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ICEBOWL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "45. Hawaiian taro dish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that hawaiian dish of taro root pounded to a paste and often allowed to ferment
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "46. Sharp split"

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 division of a group into opposing factions
• Words that mean the same thing: split
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCHISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "48. Like "A Star Is Born," repeatedly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• Words that mean the same thing: make over, remake, redo
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REMADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "49. One of 17 in Monopoly"

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 line of approach
• Words that mean the same thing: boulevard
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVENUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Threw, as a party"

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

  The answer is: HOSTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "54. Actress Zellweger"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: RENEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "57. Female grouses"

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

  The answer is: HENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "58. Cutting board wood"

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 hard strong durable yellowish-brown wood of teak trees; resistant to insects and to warping; used for furniture and in shipbuilding
• Words that mean the same thing: Tectona grandis, teakwood
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "59. Surface competitor"

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: IPAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "60. Source of information leaked by Edward Snowden, for short"

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

  The answer is: NSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	48	63.2%
Short Answer	16	21.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.3%
Science/Technology	2	2.6%
Sports	2	2.6%
Literature	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	41
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	4.9 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 Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

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

Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 05:15 PM