May 01, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, May 01, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (35 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

NYT Friday Crossword Across Clues - May 01, 2020 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Cocktail often garnished with a lemon twist	8
2A	9. Israeli port mentioned in the Bible	5
3A	14. Paul McCartney wrote one about Liverpool	8
4A	15. 1898 chemistry discovery	6
5A	16. Show promise	8
6A	17. Square	6
7A	18. More than impressed	5
8A	19. Execrate	4
9A	21. Only three-letter word in Scrabble that requires both blank tiles	3
10A	22. Strategy game with disks	7
11A	25. Basic cleaner	3
12A	26. Chess maneuver with a French name	9
13A	30. Host	4
14A	32. Herb often used with potatoes	4
15A	33. Half brother of Tom Sawyer	3
16A	34. City north of Baghdad	5
17A	36. Palm that produces berries	4
18A	37. Turned up	5
19A	40. Give a powerful impression of	4
20A	41. 1968 swimming gold medalist Debbie	5
21A	43. ___ Henry Hoover, former first lady	3
22A	44. "The Last Don" author	4
23A	45. "I forgot what I'm supposed to say here!"	4
24A	46. It always goes to hell	9
25A	48. Co. behind the podcast "The Daily"	3
26A	49. Math subj.	7
27A	51. Parts of a Facebook feed	3
28A	52. First name at Woodstock	4
29A	53. George who composed "Give My Regards to Broadway"	5
30A	58. Celebrate with sprightly dancing	6
31A	60. Study for the bar?	8
32A	63. Soak	6
33A	64. Members of the lute family	8
34A	65. Eponym in a candy store	5
35A	66. Reserve	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. Cocktail often garnished with a lemon twist"

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: GINSLING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "9. Israeli port mentioned in the Bible"

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 port in western israel on the mediterranean; incorporated into tel aviv in 1950
• Words that mean the same thing: Yafo, Joppa
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JAFFA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "14. Paul McCartney wrote one about Liverpool"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text
• Words that mean the same thing: cantata
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORATORIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. 1898 chemistry discovery"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 88, Ra
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RADIUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Show promise"

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: BODEWELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Square"

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 public square with room for pedestrians
• Words that mean the same thing: plaza, place
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIAZZA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. More than impressed"

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: INAWE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Execrate"

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 something of little value
• Words that mean the same thing: bloody, hoot, all-fired
• The opposite would be: bless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAMN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Only three-letter word in Scrabble that requires both blank tiles"

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: ZZZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Strategy game with disks"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: REVERSI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "25. Basic cleaner"

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 strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Chess maneuver with a French name"

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: ENPASSANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "30. Host"

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 (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
• Words that mean the same thing: peck, passel, trend
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Herb often used with potatoes"

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 aromatic old world herb having aromatic threadlike foliage and seeds used as seasoning
• Words that mean the same thing: Anethum graveolens, dill weed
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DILL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Half brother of Tom Sawyer"

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: SID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. City north of Baghdad"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a city in northern iraq on the tigris across from the ruins of nineveh
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOSUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Palm that produces berries"

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: ACAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Turned up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Give a powerful impression of"

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 thick, viscous matter
• Words that mean the same thing: oozing, sludge, muck
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OOZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. 1968 swimming gold medalist Debbie"

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: MEYER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. ___ Henry Hoover, former first lady"

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: LOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. "The Last Don" author"

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: PUZO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. "I forgot what I'm supposed to say here!""

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 formation of people or things one beside another
• Words that mean the same thing: melodic phrase, telephone circuit, credit line
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. It always goes to hell"

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: RIVERSTYX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Co. behind the podcast "The Daily""

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: NYT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Math subj."

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about science/technology.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PRECALC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. Parts of a Facebook feed"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a public promotion of some product or service
• Words that mean the same thing: advertizement, advert, advertizing
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. First name at Woodstock"

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: RAVI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. George who composed "Give My Regards to Broadway""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states songwriter and playwright famous for his patriotic songs (1878-1942)
• Words that mean the same thing: George M. Cohan, George Michael Cohan
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COHAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "58. Celebrate with sprightly dancing"

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: DOAJIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. Study for the bar?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the art of wine making
• Words that mean the same thing: enology
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OENOLOGY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "63. Soak"

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 teach and impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions
• Words that mean the same thing: instill, tincture, impregnate
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INFUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "64. Members of the lute family"

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 small guitar having four strings
• Words that mean the same thing: ukulele, uke
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UKULELES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. Eponym in a candy store"

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: REESE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. Reserve"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: SETASIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

May 01, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Home to Bactrian camels	4
2D	2. ___ horse	4
3D	3. Zilch	4
4D	4. Fretful thing to be in	4
5D	5. Turns down	6
6D	6. Cause of an explosion	3
7D	7. Zilch	3
8D	8. Apple variety	15
9D	9. Faith that preaches nonviolence to all living creatures	7
10D	10. ___ Lovelace, computing pioneer who was the daughter of Lord Byron	3
11D	11. Ends weakly	10
12D	12. Hairless creature in a nursery rhyme	10
13D	13. Floor	5
14D	15. Engine stats	4
15D	20. "The proper task of life," per Nietzsche	3
16D	23. Brand on the Alaska Highway	4
17D	24. Fruitless	4
18D	26. Red-cased import	4
19D	27. "Good going!"	10
20D	28. Avoid taking unnecessary risks	10
21D	29. Down-to-earth type?	5
22D	31. Air show highlights	5
23D	35. 16th-century pope who owned a pet elephant	4
24D	38. Massive explosion	4
25D	39. Face-off	4
26D	42. Closing number of a musical, often	7
27D	46. Accelerate	3
28D	47. "Great taste since 1905" sloganeer	6
29D	48. Depths of despair	5
30D	50. Boil over	4
31D	54. Accented cheers	4
32D	55. Hindu festival of colors	4
33D	56. Venerable	4
34D	57. Where Harley-Davidson is HOG	4
35D	59. French menu word	3
36D	61. Squeak (by)	3
37D	62. Bit of hardware	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. Home to Bactrian camels"

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 desert in central china
• Words that mean the same thing: Gobi Desert
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. ___ horse"

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 heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
• Words that mean the same thing: press, branding iron, atomic number 26
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Zilch"

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 quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: nil, null, cypher
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Fretful thing to be in"

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 agitation resulting from active worry
• Words that mean the same thing: grizzle, grudge, swither
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Turns down"

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 lower of two berths
• Words that mean the same thing: lower, get down, glower
• The opposite would be: raise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOWERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Cause of an explosion"

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 strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
• Words that mean the same thing: anger, choler, wrath
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Zilch"

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 quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: nada, null, cypher
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Apple variety"

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: GOLDENDELICIOUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Faith that preaches nonviolence to all living creatures"

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 sect founded in the 6th century bc as a revolt against hinduism
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JAINISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. ___ Lovelace, computing pioneer who was the daughter of Lord Byron"

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 enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
• Words that mean the same thing: adenosine deaminase
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Ends weakly"

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: FIZZLESOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Hairless creature in a nursery rhyme"

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: FUZZYWUZZY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Floor"

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 affect with wonder
• Words that mean the same thing: vex, flummox, perplex
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMAZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Engine stats"

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 rate of revolution of a motor
• Words that mean the same thing: rev, rpm, revolutions per minute
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RPMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. "The proper task of life," per Nietzsche"

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 products of human creativity; works of art collectively
• Words that mean the same thing: prowess, graphics, artistic production
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Brand on the Alaska Highway"

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: ESSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Fruitless"

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 characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
• Words that mean the same thing: egotistic, swollen-headed, conceited
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Red-cased import"

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 mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. "Good going!""

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: NICELYDONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Avoid taking unnecessary risks"

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: PLAYITSAFE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Down-to-earth type?"

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 person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
• Words that mean the same thing: stranger, noncitizen, foreigner
• The opposite would be: acquaintance, citizen
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALIEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Air show highlights"

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 fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
• Words that mean the same thing: loop, iteration, intertwine
• The opposite would be: open circuit, uncoil
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOOPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. 16th-century pope who owned a pet elephant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LEOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Massive explosion"

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

  The answer is: NOVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Face-off"

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 prearranged fight with deadly weapons by two people (accompanied by seconds) in order to settle a quarrel over a point of honor
• Words that mean the same thing: affaire d'honneur
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DUEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Closing number of a musical, often"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that repeat an earlier theme of a composition
• Words that mean the same thing: recapitulate, repeat, reprize
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REPRISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "46. Accelerate"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that rate of revolution of a motor
• Words that mean the same thing: rev up, rpm, revolutions per minute
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "47. "Great taste since 1905" sloganeer"

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: RCCOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Depths of despair"

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 extreme state of adversity; the lowest point of anything
• Words that mean the same thing: low-water mark
• The opposite would be: zenith
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NADIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Boil over"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a feeling of intense anger
• Words that mean the same thing: fury, furore, fad
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "54. Accented cheers"

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: OLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "55. Hindu festival of colors"

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: HOLI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "56. Venerable"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that people who are old collectively
• Words that mean the same thing: senior, of age, age
• The opposite would be: young, rejuvenate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "57. Where Harley-Davidson is HOG"

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 stock exchange in new york
• Words that mean the same thing: big board, N. Y. Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NYSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "59. French menu word"

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: JUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "61. Squeak (by)"

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: EKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "62. Bit of hardware"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that usually large hard-shelled seed
• Words that mean the same thing: nut case, junky, crackpot
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	70.8%
Short Answer	11	15.3%
History	4	5.6%
Sports	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
Science/Technology	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.2 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 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!

More Crossword Resources

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

• August 20 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers April 18
• December 08 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 15 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 29 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 25 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Crossword Answers Hints July 13
• June 17 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers June 16

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 11:38 AM

September 23, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 15 2025
• November 24 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

Across Clues Explained - Wednesday NYT Crossword September 23, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Kitchen item on a roll	5
2A	6. Serum vessel	4
3A	10. End of a "happy" simile	4
4A	14. The Pequod and others	10
5A	16. University of New Mexico mascot	4
6A	17. Like an illustrator's fingertips, maybe	10
7A	18. Milk sources for feta cheese	4
8A	19. One of 10 when one "hangs ten"	3
9A	20. Philosopher who posited that the simplest explanation is the most likely one	5
10A	21. Tongue ties?	5
11A	22. Microwave	4
12A	23. Classroom missile that might be grounds for detention	5
13A	25. Minor injury for an office clerk	3
14A	26. Major attack	9
15A	30. Musical riffing from Ella Fitzgerald	4
16A	32. "Kitchy-kitchy-___!"	3
17A	33. Number on a yarn skein	6
18A	34. Mtn. measure	3
19A	35. Some Japanese luxury cars	7
20A	37. They: Fr.	3
21A	38. Need for a sobfest	6
22A	40. Whole load	3
23A	41. Start for the Top 40 song titles "Sixteen," "Time" and "You"	4
24A	42. Focal point of an earthquake	9
25A	44. Lunch carrier, often	3
26A	45. One making empty threats	5
27A	46. Furry Endor resident	4
28A	48. Primer libro del Nuevo Testamento	5
29A	50. "___ a doctor, but ..."	5
30A	52. Audio brand Beats by ___	3
31A	55. Environmental activist Brockovich	4
32A	56. Series of documents that trace a path, as suggested by this puzzle	10
33A	58. Immunity-boosting element	4
34A	59. Bouncy strips that test one's balance	10
35A	60. Fringe	4
36A	61. "Out of Africa" writer Dinesen	4
37A	62. Bird on the Mexican flag	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Kitchen item on a roll"

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 rectangular piece of absorbent cloth (or paper) for drying or wiping
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOWEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Serum vessel"

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 small bottle that contains a drug (especially a sealed sterile container for injection by needle)
• Words that mean the same thing: ampoule, phial, ampule
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VIAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. End of a "happy" simile"

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 burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness
• Words that mean the same thing: dollar bill, dollar, one dollar bill
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. The Pequod and others"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long narrow boat designed for quick turning and use in rough seas
• Words that mean the same thing: whaleboat
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WHALEBOATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. University of New Mexico mascot"

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: LOBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Like an illustrator's fingertips, maybe"

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: INKSTAINED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Milk sources for feta cheese"

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 member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
• Words that mean the same thing: Ewe, ewe
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EWES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. One of 10 when one "hangs ten""

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 one of the digits of the foot
• Words that mean the same thing: toenail
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Philosopher who posited that the simplest explanation is the most likely one"

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 english scholastic philosopher and assumed author of occam's razor (1285-1349)
• Words that mean the same thing: William of Ockham, William of Occam, Ockham
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCCAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Tongue ties?"

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 cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
• Words that mean the same thing: fortify, plait, braid
• The opposite would be: untwine
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LACES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Microwave"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the warhead of a missile designed to deliver an atom bomb
• Words that mean the same thing: microwave, zap, atomize
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Classroom missile that might be grounds for detention"

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 aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets
• Words that mean the same thing: sheet, woodworking plane, airplane
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Minor injury for an office clerk"

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 share of the profits
• Words that mean the same thing: slash, abridge, stinger
• The opposite would be: uncut, unmown
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Major attack"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution
• Words that mean the same thing: bill, flyer, circular
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BROADSIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Musical riffing from Ella Fitzgerald"

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 singing jazz; the singer substitutes nonsense syllables for the words of the song and tries to sound like a musical instrument
• Words that mean the same thing: lam, bunk, fly the coop
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. "Kitchy-kitchy-___!""

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: KOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Number on a yarn skein"

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: DYELOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Mtn. measure"

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 angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
• Words that mean the same thing: elevation, altitude, EL
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. Some Japanese luxury cars"

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: LEXUSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. They: Fr."

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 midwestern state in north-central united states
• Words that mean the same thing: Illinois, IL, Prairie 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: ILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Need for a sobfest"

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 part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function
• Words that mean the same thing: tissue paper, weave
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TISSUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Whole load"

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 united states unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds
• Words that mean the same thing: long ton, gross ton, short ton
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. Start for the Top 40 song titles "Sixteen," "Time" and "You""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that being the only one; single and isolated from others
• Words that mean the same thing: just, but, entirely
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "42. Focal point of an earthquake"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the point on the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake
• Words that mean the same thing: epicentre
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPICENTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. Lunch carrier, often"

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 flexible container with a single opening
• Words that mean the same thing: purse, traveling bag, handbag
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. One making empty threats"

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 fierce or audacious person
• Words that mean the same thing: Panthera tigris
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "46. Furry Endor resident"

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: EWOK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "48. Primer libro del Nuevo Testamento"

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: MATEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. "___ a doctor, but ...""

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: IMNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "52. Audio brand Beats by ___"

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: DRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Environmental activist Brockovich"

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 early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. Series of documents that trace a path, as suggested by this puzzle"

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: PAPERTRAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. Immunity-boosting element"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a bluish-white lustrous metallic element; brittle at ordinary temperatures but malleable when heated; used in a wide variety of alloys and in galvanizing iron; it occurs naturally as zinc sulphide in zinc blende
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 30, Zn
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZINC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "59. Bouncy strips that test one's balance"

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: SLACKLINES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "60. Fringe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EDGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "61. "Out of Africa" writer Dinesen"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: ISAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "62. Bird on the Mexican flag"

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 various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
• Words that mean the same thing: bird of Jove, double birdie
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAGLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword September 23, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Ninny	4
2D	2. "Ai-yi-yi!"	4
3D	3. What's aft a ship's aft	4
4D	4. Chicago trains	3
5D	5. Make less tight, as a waistband	6
6D	6. Larynx	8
7D	7. Ending with Louis	4
8D	8. At the previous speed, in scores	6
9D	9. It's dropped before a trip	3
10D	10. Detox	7
11D	11. Feature of a crawl space	10
12D	12. Have ___ in one's bonnet	4
13D	13. Something soft to sit on	4
14D	15. Lower-priced edition of a book	4
15D	21. ___-slipper	5
16D	22. Granola bit	3
17D	24. Full of cargo	5
18D	25. Activity that might involve setting out saucers of milk	10
19D	27. Old-fashioned newsboy's assignment	5
20D	28. Toy with tabs and interchangeable outfits	4
21D	29. Handicraft e-tail site	4
22D	30. Fulfill	4
23D	31. Alternative to a staple	4
24D	32. Writer Carolyn, the pen name of more than 10 authors of the Nancy Drew series	5
25D	35. "Hasta ___!"	5
26D	36. Result of whiplash, maybe	8
27D	39. Something that's "true whether or not you believe in it," per Neil deGrasse Tyson	7
28D	41. Flavor imparter to chardonnay	3
29D	43. Tests	6
30D	44. Hide, with "up"	6
31D	47. Forms to process	4
32D	48. Mediterranean appetizer	4
33D	49. Desertlike	4
34D	51. Longtime film rating org.	4
35D	52. "Oh, fudge!"	4
36D	53. Cambodian currency	4
37D	54. Otherwise	4
38D	56. Letters on a tire	3
39D	57. Coastal inlet	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. Ninny"

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 someone who is regarded as contemptible
• Words that mean the same thing: tease, razz, taunting
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TWIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "Ai-yi-yi!""

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: OHNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. What's aft a ship's aft"

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 consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)
• Words that mean the same thing: awake, come alive, fire up
• The opposite would be: sleep, fall asleep
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Chicago trains"

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 angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
• Words that mean the same thing: elevated, elevated railway, overhead railway
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Make less tight, as a waistband"

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: LETOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Larynx"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: VOICEBOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Ending with Louis"

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: IANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. At the previous speed, in scores"

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: ATEMPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. It's dropped before a trip"

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

  The answer is: LSD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Detox"

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 clean one's body or parts thereof, as by washing
• Words that mean the same thing: 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: CLEANSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Feature of a crawl space"

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: LOWCEILING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Have ___ in one's bonnet"

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: ABEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Something soft to sit on"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Lower-priced edition of a book"

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 the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
• Words that mean the same thing: stake, hind, rearward
• The opposite would be: front, ahead
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. ___-slipper"

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 a polite name for any woman
• Words that mean the same thing: dame, noblewoman, lady
• The opposite would be: nobleman, Lord
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LADYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Granola bit"

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 usually large hard-shelled seed
• Words that mean the same thing: crackpot, nut case, testis
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Full of cargo"

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 remove with or as if with a ladle
• Words that mean the same thing: loaded, oppressed, ladle
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LADEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Activity that might involve setting out saucers of milk"

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: CATSITTING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Old-fashioned newsboy's assignment"

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 established line of travel or access
• Words that mean the same thing: path, itinerary, road
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROUTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Toy with tabs and interchangeable outfits"

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 small replica of a person; used as a toy
• Words that mean the same thing: dame, dolly, wench
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Handicraft e-tail site"

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: ETSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Fulfill"

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

  The answer is: SATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Alternative to a staple"

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 metal frame or container holding cartridges; can be inserted into an automatic gun
• Words that mean the same thing: cartridge holder, snip off, dress
• The opposite would be: unclip
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Writer Carolyn, the pen name of more than 10 authors of the Nancy Drew series"

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: KEENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. "Hasta ___!""

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: LUEGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Result of whiplash, maybe"

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: SORENECK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Something that's "true whether or not you believe in it," per Neil deGrasse Tyson"

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 particular branch of scientific knowledge
• Words that mean the same thing: scientific discipline, skill
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCIENCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Flavor imparter to chardonnay"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
• Words that mean the same thing: oak tree
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Tests"

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 testing something
• Words that mean the same thing: test, trial run, visitation
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. Hide, with "up""

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 glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
• Words that mean the same thing: nursing bottle, bottleful, feeding bottle
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOTTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Forms to process"

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 activity directed toward making or doing something
• Words that mean the same thing: go, sour, make
• The opposite would be: idle, malfunction
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Mediterranean appetizer"

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: MEZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Desertlike"

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 lacking sufficient water or rainfall
• Words that mean the same thing: desiccate, waterless, desiccated
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Longtime film rating org."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MPAA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. "Oh, fudge!""

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: DANG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. Cambodian currency"

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 basic unit of money in cambodia; equal to 100 sen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "54. Otherwise"

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: ELSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Letters on a tire"

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 unit of pressure
• Words that mean the same thing: pounds per square inch
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PSI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "57. Coastal inlet"

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: RIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	72.4%
Short Answer	14	18.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Literature	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Science/Technology	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 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 Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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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 22, 2025 at 10:44 AM