July 15, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (40 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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• November 28 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, July 15, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 77 (37 Across, 40 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

July 15, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "Delish!"	6
2A	5. "___ Sexy" (1991 dance hit)	5
3A	10. Single at a bar, perhaps	3
4A	13. Brown powder	5
5A	15. Brown powder	5
6A	16. Costa ___	4
7A	17. Popular pops	5
8A	18. Point a finger at	5
9A	19. Fan fave	4
10A	20. Kennel sound	3
11A	21. Southern newspaper that William Faulkner once contributed to, with "The"	13
12A	24. Prefix with beat or futurism	4
13A	26. Toy dog from Tibet	9
14A	27. Sport with Native American origins	8
15A	30. Melodramatist	3
16A	31. Kind of saxophone	4
17A	32. Rapper for whom Harvard's Hip-Hop Fellowship is named	3
18A	34. Get cozy	6
19A	39. Cultivars known for their yellow flesh	17
20A	43. "Excuse me"	6
21A	44. Do some patching, say	3
22A	45. Book after Joel	4
23A	46. Compadre	3
24A	48. Quantity that's tied to one's carbon footprint	9
25A	51. Second way of viewing things, figuratively	9
26A	56. Appear	4
27A	57. What a solver might growl after catching on to this puzzle's theme?	12
28A	59. Genre for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones	3
29A	62. Mine find	4
30A	63. Mother-of-pearl	5
31A	64. Motorola smartphone	5
32A	66. Flubs it	4
33A	67. Not using profanity, as a comedian	5
34A	68. "___ is easily deceived, because it is quick to hope": Aristotle	5
35A	69. Central concept of philosopher Zhuangzi's teachings	3
36A	70. Repeatedly comments (on)	5
37A	71. The first one in The New York Times appeared in 1970	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. "Delish!""

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: YUMYUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. "___ Sexy" (1991 dance hit)"

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: IMTOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Single at a bar, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
• Words that mean the same thing: angle, hint, tap
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Brown powder"

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 beverage made from cocoa powder and milk and sugar; usually drunk hot
• Words that mean the same thing: chocolate, drinking chocolate, hot chocolate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COCOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Brown powder"

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 long pod containing small beans and sweetish edible pulp; used as animal feed and source of a chocolate substitute
• Words that mean the same thing: algarroba, carob bean, locust pod
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAROB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Costa ___"

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: RICA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Popular pops"

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 carbon fuel produced by distillation of coal
• Words that mean the same thing: Coke, blow, coke
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Point a finger at"

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 accusation that you are responsible for some lapse or misdeed
• Words that mean the same thing: charge, incrimination, blamed
• The opposite would be: absolve
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Fan fave"

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 material effigy that is worshipped
• Words that mean the same thing: beau ideal, paragon, graven image
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDOL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Kennel sound"

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: ARF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "21. Southern newspaper that William Faulkner once contributed to, with "The""

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: TIMESPICAYUNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Prefix with beat or futurism"

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 rounded thickly curled hairdo
• Words that mean the same thing: Afro hairdo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Toy dog from Tibet"

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: LHASAAPSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Sport with Native American origins"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a game invented by american indians; now played by two teams who use long-handled rackets to catch and carry and throw the ball toward the opponents' goal
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LACROSSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Melodramatist"

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 meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
• Words that mean the same thing: overact, ham actor, ham it up
• The opposite would be: underact
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Kind of saxophone"

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 singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
• Words that mean the same thing: contralto, countertenor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Rapper for whom Harvard's Hip-Hop Fellowship is named"

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 silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
• Words that mean the same thing: Na, sodium, atomic number 11
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Get cozy"

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 close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
• Words that mean the same thing: cuddle, snuggle, draw close
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NESTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Cultivars known for their yellow flesh"

Quick Info: This answer has 17 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: YUKONGOLDPOTATOES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "43. "Excuse me""

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 act of excusing a mistake or offense
• Words that mean the same thing: free pardon, forgiveness, amnesty
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PARDON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Do some patching, say"

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 fasten by sewing; do needlework
• Words that mean the same thing: tailor, run up, stitch
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Book after Joel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
• Words that mean the same thing: Book of Amos
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Compadre"

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 close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
• Words that mean the same thing: sidekick, pal up, chum
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Quantity that's tied to one's carbon footprint"

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: ENERGYUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. Second way of viewing things, figuratively"

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: OTHERHAND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "56. Appear"

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 give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
• Words that mean the same thing: appear, look
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. What a solver might growl after catching on to this puzzle's theme?"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WHYYOULITTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. Genre for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "62. Mine find"

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 deposit of valuable ore occurring within definite boundaries separating it from surrounding rocks
• Words that mean the same thing: load
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. Mother-of-pearl"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the iridescent internal layer of a mollusk shell
• Words that mean the same thing: mother-of-pearl
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NACRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. Motorola smartphone"

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: DROID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "66. Flubs it"

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

  The answer is: ERRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "67. Not using profanity, as a comedian"

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 weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead
• Words that mean the same thing: sporty, plumb, clean and jerk
• The opposite would be: unfairly, unclean
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLEAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "68. "___ is easily deceived, because it is quick to hope": Aristotle"

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 young person (especially a young man or boy)
• Words that mean the same thing: youthfulness, young, younker
• The opposite would be: aged
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YOUTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "69. Central concept of philosopher Zhuangzi's teachings"

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 adherent of any branch of taoism
• Words that mean the same thing: Taoist
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "70. Repeatedly comments (on)"

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 chordophone that has a triangular frame consisting of a sounding board and a pillar and a curved neck; the strings stretched between the neck and the soundbox are plucked with the fingers
• Words that mean the same thing: mouth organ, mouth harp, harp
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "71. The first one in The New York Times appeared in 1970"

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: OPED

  Great job if you got it right!

July 15, 2021 Thursday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Southwest desert plant	5
2D	2. Dock	4
3D	3. Metric of grossness	10
4D	4. Classic comedy figure who sported a bowl cut	3
5D	5. Certain warhead transport, in brief	4
6D	6. Phoenix and Washington, e.g.	9
7D	7. Low culture, disparagingly	5
8D	8. Brass band sound	6
9D	9. Showily deferential	8
10D	10. Neaten	6
11D	11. Clickable things	5
12D	12. Prefix with -lithic	5
13D	14. Lone Star State athlete	5
14D	16. Certifier of music sales, for short	4
15D	22. Apple devices run on it	3
16D	23. "Along ___ spider ..."	5
17D	25. Palm part	5
18D	27. Easy two-pointer	5
19D	28. ___-Seltzer	4
20D	29. Not Ready for Prime Time Players show, for short	3
21D	33. Where a zipper gets caught?	9
22D	35. Put on	5
23D	36. Popular hot-and-sour Thai dish	10
24D	37. Some summer babies	4
25D	38. To be: Lat.	4
26D	40. Headgear for many an extreme athlete	5
27D	41. Using intuition	8
28D	42. Have	3
29D	47. Syllables said with fingers in one's ears	6
30D	49. Night sch. class	3
31D	50. Thin, as a voice	5
32D	51. Small screech, for example	5
33D	52. Actress Birch	5
34D	53. Green power option, informally	5
35D	54. A scallop has up to 200 of these	4
36D	55. Not so cold	5
37D	58. Second place at a math competition?	4
38D	60. Symbol of highness	4
39D	61. Focus problem, for short	4
40D	65. Joey of children's fiction	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. Southwest desert plant"

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 of several evergreen plants of the genus yucca having usually tall stout stems and a terminal cluster of white flowers; warmer regions of north america
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YUCCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Dock"

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 one of the muslim people of north africa; of mixed arab and berber descent; converted to islam in the 8th century; conqueror of spain in the 8th century
• Words that mean the same thing: wharf, tie up, berth
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Metric of grossness"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: YUCKFACTOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Classic comedy figure who sported a bowl cut"

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: MOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Certain warhead transport, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a ballistic missile that is capable of traveling from one continent to another
• Words that mean the same thing: intercontinental ballistic missile
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICBM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Phoenix and Washington, e.g."

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: MALELEADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Low culture, disparagingly"

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 worthless material that is to be disposed of
• Words that mean the same thing: crank, tear apart, chicken feed
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Brass band sound"

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: OOMPAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Showily deferential"

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: OBEISANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Neaten"

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: TIDYUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Clickable things"

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 (computer science) a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) that denotes a program or a command or a data file or a concept in a graphical user interface
• Words that mean the same thing: ikon, icon, image
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Prefix with -lithic"

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: PALEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Lone Star State athlete"

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: ASTRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. Certifier of music sales, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard 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: RIAA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Apple devices run on 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 (greek mythology) a maiden seduced by zeus; when hera was about to discover them together zeus turned her into a white heifer
• Words that mean the same thing: Io
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. "Along ___ spider ...""

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: CAMEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Palm part"

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 compound leaf of a fern or palm or cycad
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FROND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Easy two-pointer"

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 basketball shot made with one hand from a position under or beside the basket (and usually banked off the backboard)
• Words that mean the same thing: lay-up
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAYUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. ___-Seltzer"

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: ALKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Not Ready for Prime Time Players show, 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: SNL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Where a zipper gets caught?"

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: SPEEDTRAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Put on"

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 distinct time period in a sequence of events
• Words that mean the same thing: leg, phase, level
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Popular hot-and-sour Thai dish"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: TOMYUMSOUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Some summer babies"

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 (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in leo
• Words that mean the same thing: Leo the Lion, Lion, Leo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. To be: Lat."

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: ESSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Headgear for many an extreme athlete"

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: GOPRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Using intuition"

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: ONAHUNCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Have"

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 have ownership or possession of
• Words that mean the same thing: have, possess, ain
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Syllables said with fingers in one's ears"

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: LALALA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Night sch. class"

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: ESL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Thin, as a voice"

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 having a tone of a reed instrument
• Words that mean the same thing: reedlike, wheezy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REEDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Small screech, for example"

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: OWLET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Actress Birch"

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: THORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. Green power option, informally"

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: HYDRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. A scallop has up to 200 of these"

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: optic, heart, eye
• The 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 36 Down: "55. Not so cold"

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 pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance; - george meredith
• Words that mean the same thing: skillful, dainty, decent
• The opposite would be: nasty
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NICER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Second place at a math competition?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a expert clue about science/technology.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Words that mean the same thing: 10, tenner, decade
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "60. Symbol of highness"

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 bank check that has been fraudulently altered to increase its face value
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "61. Focus problem, for short"

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

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: attention deficit disorder, ADD, hyperkinetic syndrome
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADHD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "65. Joey of children's fiction"

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: ROO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	54	70.1%
Short Answer	12	15.6%
Sports	3	3.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Literature	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
Science/Technology	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	40
Total Clues	77
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	17 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

More Crossword Resources

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

• January 31 1990 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 29 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 19 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 20 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 28 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 02 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 22 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 05 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 29 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 24 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 16, 2025 at 07:39 AM

December 22, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (33 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

December 22, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "Darn it!"	4
2A	5. In base eight	5
3A	10. "Resident Alien" channel	4
4A	14. Sound heard in a long hall	4
5A	15. Tennis champ Osaka	5
6A	16. City with a beef	4
7A	17. Jovial seasonal mood	15
8A	20. ___-Seltzer	4
9A	21. Take a snooze, with "out"	4
10A	22. Cost of not doing business, maybe	15
11A	29. Significant ___	5
12A	30. Hubbub	3
13A	31. Like many a go-getter	5
14A	32. Warrior in the Greek pantheon	4
15A	33. Regional wildlife	5
16A	35. Lovable goofball, say	4
17A	36. NASA endeavors whose vehicles can be found at the ends of 17-, 22-, 51- and 57-Across	15
18A	39. Sketch show since '75	3
19A	40. Fist bump	3
20A	41. Walkie-talkie band, briefly	3
21A	44. Place to catch up over a hot drink	7
22A	48. When repeated, slangy sound of eating	3
23A	51. Why everyone loves a good train wreck	15
24A	54. Fish also known as a bluegill	5
25A	55. Make a bow	3
26A	56. Title woman in a classic 1973 breakup tune	5
27A	57. Uniquely American cleverness	15
28A	60. ___ homo	4
29A	61. Rest atop	5
30A	62. Cheeseboard choice	4
31A	63. Quizzical Quebec questions?	3
32A	64. "I ___ know" (common excuse)	5
33A	65. Member of the fam	3

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. "Darn it!""

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 any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
• Words that mean the same thing: rotter, bum, rat
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. In base eight"

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 of or pertaining to a number system having 8 as its base
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCTAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. "Resident Alien" channel"

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: SYFY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Sound heard in a long hall"

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

  The answer is: ECHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Tennis champ Osaka"

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 mother-in-law of ruth whose story is told in the book of ruth in the old testament
• Words that mean the same thing: Noemi
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAOMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. City with a beef"

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 port city in japan on osaka bay in southern honshu; was damaged by an earthquake in 1995
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Jovial seasonal mood"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CHRISTMASSPIRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. ___-Seltzer"

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: ALKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Take a snooze, with "out""

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: ZONK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Cost of not doing business, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: LOSTOPPORTUNITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "29. Significant ___"

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 not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied; - the white queen
• Words that mean the same thing: former, early
• The opposite would be: same
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "30. Hubbub"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "31. Like many a go-getter"

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: TYPEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Warrior in the Greek pantheon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
• Words that mean the same thing: ar, are
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Regional wildlife"

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 all the plant and animal life of a particular region
• Words that mean the same thing: biology
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BIOTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Lovable goofball, 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 a dull stupid fatuous person
• Words that mean the same thing: jerk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. NASA endeavors whose vehicles can be found at the ends of 17-, 22-, 51- and 57-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: MARTIANMISSIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Sketch show since '75"

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: SNL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Fist bump"

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: DAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Walkie-talkie band, briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that 300 to 3000 megahertz
• Words that mean the same thing: ultrahigh frequency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UHF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Place to catch up over a hot drink"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a restaurant where tea and light meals are available
• Words that mean the same thing: teashop, tea parlor, tea parlour
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEAROOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. When repeated, slangy sound of eating"

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: NOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "51. Why everyone loves a good train wreck"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: MORBIDCURIOSITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "54. Fish also known as a bluegill"

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 flesh of various freshwater fishes of north america or of europe
• Words that mean the same thing: sea bream, freshwater bream
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BREAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "55. Make a bow"

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 neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
• Words that mean the same thing: affiliation, connect, attach
• The opposite would be: untie, disconnect
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "56. Title woman in a classic 1973 breakup tune"

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: ANGIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Uniquely American cleverness"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: YANKEEINGENUITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "60. ___ homo"

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: ECCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "61. Rest atop"

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: LIEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "62. Cheeseboard choice"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Quizzical Quebec questions?"

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: EHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. "I ___ know" (common excuse)"

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: DIDNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Member of the fam"

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 female person who has the same parents as another person
• Words that mean the same thing: silicon, Si, International System of Units
• The opposite would be: brother
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIS

  Great job if you got it right!

December 22, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. College app element	3
2D	2. "___ Tannenbaum" (16th-century folk song that inspired a carol)	3
3D	3. Avid skateboarder, in lingo	8
4D	4. Gardeners' orders, at times	9
5D	5. Straight out of the barrel	5
6D	6. Nanny ___	3
7D	7. Ode words	3
8D	8. Morning hrs.	3
9D	9. Composer of the piano piece played by Bugs Bunny in "Rhapsody Rabbit"	5
10D	10. Lose the suit, say	9
11D	11. Certain designer dog	8
12D	12. Clarice Starling's employer in "The Silence of the Lambs," in brief	3
13D	13. Nevertheless	3
14D	18. Hershey toffee confection	4
15D	19. Fit of sullenness	4
16D	22. Fertile ground	4
17D	23. "___ vez" ("Again," in Valencia)	4
18D	24. Bother	4
19D	25. "Hamilton" actor Leslie ___ Jr.	4
20D	26. Indian flatbread	4
21D	27. Cousin of a gull	4
22D	28. Gabs	4
23D	33. Like hay on a farm	5
24D	34. "Same here"	5
25D	37. Eventually	6
26D	38. ___ Islands, Polynesian archipelago	6
27D	41. Awkward farewell	5
28D	42. Poet who coined the term "carpe diem"	6
29D	43. Kind of kiss	6
30D	45. Timing of the Mercutio/Tybalt duel in "Romeo and Juliet"	6
31D	46. Unfixable	6
32D	47. Home to the deepest lake and river gorge in the U.S.	6
33D	48. Cold rice topped with wasabi and raw fish	6
34D	49. Likely cause of a cranky toddler's ear-tugging	6
35D	50. "Ridiculous!"	5
36D	52. Soaks up the hot sun	5
37D	53. Ignores	5
38D	58. Days gone by, in bygone days	3
39D	59. Fangorn Forest dweller	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. College app element"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "___ Tannenbaum" (16th-century folk song that inspired a carol)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Avid skateboarder, in lingo"

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 farm machine for separating seeds or grain from the husks and straw
• Words that mean the same thing: Alopius vulpinus, mocking thrush, thresher shark
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THRASHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Gardeners' orders, at times"

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: SOILTESTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Straight out of the barrel"

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: ONTAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Nanny ___"

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 river in east central england that flows past cambridge to join the ouse river
• Words that mean the same thing: Cam River, River Cam
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Ode words"

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: TOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Morning hrs."

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 radioactive transuranic metallic element; discovered by bombarding uranium with helium atoms
• Words that mean the same thing: Artium Magister, americium, amplitude modulation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Composer of the piano piece played by Bugs Bunny in "Rhapsody Rabbit""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that hungarian composer and piano virtuoso (1811-1886)
• Words that mean the same thing: Franz Liszt
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LISZT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Lose the suit, say"

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: SKINNYDIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Certain designer dog"

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: YORKIPOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Clarice Starling's employer in "The Silence of the Lambs," in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Nevertheless"

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 up to the present time
• Words that mean the same thing: nonetheless, notwithstanding, in 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: YET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Hershey toffee confection"

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: SKOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Fit of sullenness"

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 disdainful grimace
• Words that mean the same thing: sulk, mop, horned pout
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Fertile ground"

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 rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. "___ vez" ("Again," in Valencia)"

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: OTRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Bother"

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

  The answer is: PAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. "Hamilton" actor Leslie ___ Jr."

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: ODOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Indian flatbread"

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: ROTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. Cousin of a gull"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that small slender gull having narrow wings and a forked tail
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TERN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "28. Gabs"

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 large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
• Words that mean the same thing: yack, gab, 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: YAKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Like hay on a farm"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BALED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. "Same here""

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: ASDOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Eventually"

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: INTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. ___ Islands, Polynesian archipelago"

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

  The answer is: SAMOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Awkward farewell"

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: UMBYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Poet who coined the term "carpe diem""

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 roman lyric poet said to have influenced english poetry (65-8 bc)
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HORACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Kind of kiss"

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 romance language spoken in france and in countries colonized by france
• Words that mean the same thing: Daniel Chester French, French people, Gallic
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRENCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Timing of the Mercutio/Tybalt duel in "Romeo and Juliet""

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: ACTIII

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Unfixable"

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 destroy completely; damage irreparably
• Words that mean the same thing: undone, smash, ruin
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUINED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. Home to the deepest lake and river gorge in the U.S."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
• Words that mean the same thing: OR, Beaver State
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OREGON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. Cold rice topped with wasabi and raw fish"

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: NIGIRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Likely cause of a cranky toddler's ear-tugging"

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

  The answer is: OTITIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. "Ridiculous!""

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: MYEYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "52. Soaks up the hot sun"

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 cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven
• Words that mean the same thing: broil, bake
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "53. Ignores"

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 instance of driving away or warding off
• Words that mean the same thing: repulse, disregard, repel
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNUBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Days gone by, in bygone days"

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 late time of life
• Words that mean the same thing: geezerhood, age, years
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "59. Fangorn Forest dweller"

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: ENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	48	66.7%
Short Answer	13	18.1%
History	3	4.2%
Geography	2	2.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.8%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
Science/Technology	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.3 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 Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 12, 2025 at 11:38 PM