May 18, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

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• May 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, May 18, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

May 18, 2020 Monday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

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

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Shakespeare, for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BARD

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
• Words that mean the same thing: gasconade, flatulence, gun
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: USMAP

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OHIO

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PRO

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: INHALE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BOOTCAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DIALER

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SYSCO

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HATTRICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Actor Wilson"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OWEN

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MASK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Shell game"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THIMBLERIG

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OSLO

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OER

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OMNI

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SNIPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Ostentatiously ornamented"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GAUDY

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ANN

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OLIVE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATLAST

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GUAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Antidiscrimination inits."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EEO

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SHED

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IRONMAIDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SWAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. Coordinate, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SYNC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. All tuckered out"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DOGTIRED

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DELVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. ___ borealis"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AURORA

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MONOPOLY

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TRIBES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "68. Beetles, e.g., for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: VWS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OBOE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ESTES

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SEA

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PEGS

  Great job if you got it right!

May 18, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Monday Crossword Guide

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

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Short hairstyles"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BOBS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AHOY

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RIOS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DOTCOM

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GPA

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ARM

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SOPH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Cups and quarts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: UNITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Controversial cosmetics ingredient"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SHARKOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MALI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Trump impersonator Baldwin"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALEC

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
• Words that mean the same thing: perquisite, pick up, gain vigor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PERK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "15. Pet collar attachments"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IDTAGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. Some rodeo riders"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COWBOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Stately tree"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELM

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NENA

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TOGAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Actor Ledger"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HEATH

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IRULE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Rock Starr?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RINGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Observed secretly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SPIED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Flood blocker"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LEVEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Ancient theater"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ODEON

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NOCANDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Expectant papas"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DADSTOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Convent residents"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NUNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Bejeweled bands"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TIARAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Senator Klobuchar"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Loaf with seeds"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RYE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ICEPOP

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
• Words that mean the same thing: cable, conducting wire, telegram
• The opposite would be: unwire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "55. Calendar info"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DATE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OURS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DMVS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "61. Certain YouTube posting"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: VLOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. Seeing things?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "65. Be indebted to"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OWE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	48	61.5%
Short Answer	13	16.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment	6	7.7%
Geography	5	6.4%
Sports	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

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

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

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

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

October 30, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (34 clues)
• Down Clues (34 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• October 19 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 20 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 06 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 17 1990 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, October 30, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 68 (34 Across, 34 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.8 letters

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword October 30, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Jesus, Mary or Joseph	8
2A	9. Some Eastern dignitaries	6
3A	15. Occasion for grilling	8
4A	16. Something worn for protection	6
5A	17. Own	8
6A	18. "Philosophy in the Bedroom" writer, 1795	6
7A	19. "There's the ___"	3
8A	20. Way to get around in Chicago	7
9A	22. Schedule abbr.	3
10A	23. On deck, say	4
11A	25. Scientist who was friends with Mark Twain	5
12A	26. Consider	4
13A	27. Half of Italy	5
14A	29. Floats are often made with them	9
15A	31. ___ Games, second-largest multisport event after the Olympics	5
16A	32. Contemptuous, in a way	8
17A	33. Welcome offering	3
18A	35. Portraitist's request	3
19A	36. [Ho-o-o boy, here we go again ...]	8
20A	41. Heat-resistant glass	5
21A	45. Midwest city in the title of a 1942 Glenn Miller #1 hit	9
22A	46. Margaret ___, artist known for painting subjects with big eyes	5
23A	47. Those in favor	4
24A	48. Spoils	5
25A	50. Word with search or witness	4
26A	51. Open-house org.	3
27A	52. Acts like a quidnunc	7
28A	54. Kind of rock	3
29A	55. Support above a doorway	6
30A	57. 10-year-old boy of comics with glasses and blond hair	8
31A	59. Unprincipled	6
32A	60. Words said with a wave	8
33A	61. Writer who served as a senator in Chile	6
34A	62. Like wild accusations	8

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. Jesus, Mary or Joseph"

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 member of a group of jews who (during the early history of the christian church) accepted jesus as the messiah; they accepted the gospel according to matthew but rejected the epistles of st. paul and continued to follow jewish law and celebrate jewish holidays; they were later declared heretic by the church of rome
• Words that mean the same thing: Ebionite
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAZARENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "9. Some Eastern dignitaries"

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 prince or king in india
• Words that mean the same thing: rajah, raja
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAJAHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "15. Occasion for grilling"

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: ORALEXAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "16. Something worn for protection"

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 trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease
• Words that mean the same thing: talisman
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMULET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "17. Own"

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 be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
• Words that mean the same thing: overlook, rule, reign
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOMINATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. "Philosophy in the Bedroom" writer, 1795"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DESADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. "There's the ___""

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 unforeseen obstacle
• Words that mean the same thing: wipe, snag, scratch
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Way to get around in Chicago"

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: ELTRAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "22. Schedule abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. On deck, 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 in the direction of the sea
• Words that mean the same thing: seaward, seawards
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "25. Scientist who was friends with Mark Twain"

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 unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
• Words that mean the same thing: Nikola Tesla
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TESLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Consider"

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 keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
• Words that mean the same thing: hold, take for, view as
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Half of Italy"

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 soprano with a voice between soprano and contralto
• Words that mean the same thing: mezzo-soprano
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEZZO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Floats are often made with them"

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: ROOTBEERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. ___ Games, second-largest multisport event after the Olympics"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a native or inhabitant of asia
• Words that mean the same thing: Asiatic
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Contemptuous, in a way"

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 express through a scornful smile
• Words that mean the same thing: supercilious, sneer, snide
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNEERING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Welcome offering"

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 flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
• Words that mean the same thing: leu, chaplet, coronal
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Portraitist's request"

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: posture, sit down, sit around
• 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 19 Across: "36. [Ho-o-o boy, here we go again ...]"

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: DEEPSIGH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Heat-resistant glass"

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

  The answer is: SILEX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "45. Midwest city in the title of a 1942 Glenn Miller #1 hit"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a town in southwest michigan
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KALAMAZOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "46. Margaret ___, artist known for painting subjects with big eyes"

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: KEANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Those in favor"

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: AYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Spoils"

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 goods or money obtained illegally
• Words that mean the same thing: dirty money, plunder, prize
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "50. Word with search or witness"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. Open-house 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: PTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Acts like a quidnunc"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
• Words that mean the same thing: meddle, tamper
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEDDLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. Kind of rock"

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: EMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Support above a doorway"

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 horizontal beam used as a finishing piece over a door or window
• Words that mean the same thing: header
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LINTEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. 10-year-old boy of comics with glasses and blond hair"

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: JASONFOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Unprincipled"

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: AMORAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "60. Words said with a wave"

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: OVERHERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. Writer who served as a senator in Chile"

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 chilean poet (1904-1973)
• Words that mean the same thing: Pablo Neruda, Neftali Ricardo Reyes, Reyes
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NERUDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "62. Like wild accusations"

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 without a basis in reason or fact
• Words that mean the same thing: groundless, idle, unwarranted
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASELESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword October 30, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Rhyming descriptor for Obama	7
2D	2. Turns on	7
3D	3. River through Victoria Falls	7
4D	4. Krieger of the U.S. women's soccer team	3
5D	5. French name meaning "born again"	4
6D	6. Apotheosize	5
7D	7. Shoots the breeze	7
8D	8. Liberal arts college in Boston	7
9D	9. Sends off	8
10D	10. Last word of the New Testament	4
11D	11. Dip for a French dip	3
12D	12. Youth support group	7
13D	13. Comedian Mitch who said "I haven't slept for 10 days, because that would be too long"	7
14D	14. Decreases, in a way?	6
15D	21. After-shave additive	4
16D	24. Plants whose name derives from the Greek for "dry"	7
17D	26. Members of a pantheon	7
18D	28. Two bells, nautically	5
19D	30. Allegro	5
20D	34. Actress Rossellini of "Blue Velvet"	8
21D	36. When it's light	7
22D	37. ___ Smeal, three-term president of NOW	7
23D	38. Polo alternative	4
24D	39. "Bravo!"	7
25D	40. Flow down a mountain	7
26D	42. Fine example?	7
27D	43. Charms	7
28D	44. Copies, in a way	7
29D	45. Competitor of Peterson's and Princeton Review	6
30D	49. Y Y Y Y, on a form	5
31D	52. Renaissance Faire quaff	4
32D	53. Cross	4
33D	56. 1989 one-man show	3
34D	58. Devils' advocate?: Abbr.	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. Rhyming descriptor for Obama"

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: NODRAMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Turns on"

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 call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
• Words that mean the same thing: waken, invoke, rouse
• The opposite would be: fall asleep, sedate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AROUSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. River through Victoria Falls"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an african river; flows into the indian ocean
• Words that mean the same thing: Zambezi River
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZAMBEZI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Krieger of the U.S. women's soccer team"

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 united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
• Words that mean the same thing: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. French name meaning "born again""

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: RENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Apotheosize"

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 praise, glorify, or honor
• Words that mean the same thing: inebriate, proclaim, beatify
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Shoots the breeze"

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 talk socially without exchanging too much information
• Words that mean the same thing: gossip, chew the fat, chatter
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NATTERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Liberal arts college in Boston"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882)
• Words that mean the same thing: Ralph Waldo Emerson
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMERSON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Sends off"

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 send out rays or waves
• Words that mean the same thing: shine, ray, glow
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RADIATES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Last word of the New Testament"

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 primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
• Words that mean the same thing: Amon, Amun
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Dip for a French dip"

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: JUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Youth support group"

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: ALATEEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Comedian Mitch who said "I haven't slept for 10 days, because that would be too long""

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: HEDBERG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Decreases, in a way?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that water at boiling temperature diffused in the atmosphere
• Words that mean the same thing: steam, steamer, steam clean
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEAMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. After-shave additive"

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 succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Plants whose name derives from the Greek for "dry""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of numerous ornamental shrubs grown for their showy flowers of various colors
• Words that mean the same thing: azalea
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AZALEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Members of a pantheon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force
• Words that mean the same thing: divinity, god, deity
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEITIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Two bells, nautically"

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: ONEPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Allegro"

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 become brisk
• Words that mean the same thing: snappy, refreshful, rattling
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRISK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "34. Actress Rossellini of "Blue Velvet""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the queen of castile whose marriage to ferdinand of aragon in 1469 marked the beginning of the modern state of spain; they instituted the spanish inquisition in 1478 and sponsored the voyages of christopher columbus in 1492 (1451-1504)
• Words that mean the same thing: Isabella I, Queen Isabella, Isabella the Catholic
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ISABELLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "36. When it's light"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the time after sunrise and before sunset while it is light outside
• Words that mean the same thing: daylight, 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: DAYTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "37. ___ Smeal, three-term president of NOW"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard 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: ELEANOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "38. Polo 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: IZOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "39. "Bravo!""

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: GOODJOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Flow down a mountain"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard 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: HOTLAVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Fine example?"

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: LATEFEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Charms"

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 attract; cause to be enamored
• Words that mean the same thing: capture, catch, becharm
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENAMORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Copies, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a copy made by a xerographic printer
• Words that mean the same thing: xerox, photocopy, xerographic copier
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: XEROXES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Competitor of Peterson's and Princeton Review"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: KAPLAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Y Y Y Y, on a form"

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 an affirmative
• Words that mean the same thing: yes
• The opposite would be: no
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YESES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "52. Renaissance Faire quaff"

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 united states anthropologist noted for her claims about adolescence and sexual behavior in polynesian cultures (1901-1978)
• Words that mean the same thing: George Herbert Mead, Margaret Mead
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Cross"

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 an open skin infection
• Words that mean the same thing: raw, painful, tender
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "56. 1989 one-man show"

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: TRU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "58. Devils' advocate?: 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: NHL

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	72.1%
Short Answer	7	10.3%
Geography	3	4.4%
Literature	2	2.9%
Abbreviation	2	2.9%
Sports	2	2.9%
History	1	1.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.5%
Food & Drink	1	1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	34
Down Clues	34
Total Clues	68
Average Answer Length	5.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	9 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 Friday, 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!

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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 21, 2025 at 03:37 PM