February 11, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (36 clues)
• Down Clues (38 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (36 Across, 38 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

February 11, 2020 Tuesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Story of why you really couldn't have done it	5
2A	6. Car rental partner of Budget	4
3A	10. Open a bit	4
4A	14. Minus item, in accounting	5
5A	15. Oenophile's love	4
6A	16. Cops, slangily	4
7A	17. Plants in abandoned lots	5
8A	18. Lighting display at many a rock concert	9
9A	20. Overdue amount	6
10A	22. Strike callers	6
11A	23. Symbol of pride	11
12A	26. Channel famous for veejays	3
13A	28. Homer's H	3
14A	29. Dim bulbs	6
15A	30. Papermaking material	4
16A	31. It often introduces new wrinkles	5
17A	32. Sign before Taurus	5
18A	33. With 35-Across, complete success ... or a hint to 18-, 23-, 46- and 51-Across	6
19A	35. See 33-Across	6
20A	37. Mourner's emotion	5
21A	38. Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi and Sigma Pi	5
22A	39. Hankerings	4
23A	40. Bluffer's words in poker, maybe	6
24A	42. Actress Zadora	3
25A	45. Food additive with "the fifth taste"	3
26A	46. Comeuppance for a package thief	11
27A	48. In an overwhelming way	6
28A	50. Letter flourishes	6
29A	51. Sport that can leave you with welts	9
30A	54. Country or heavy metal	5
31A	55. Actress Merrill of "BUtterfield 8"	4
32A	56. Polish before publishing	4
33A	57. Like granola, largely	5
34A	58. Lose sleep (over)	4
35A	59. Sound of a flop	4
36A	60. Shooting sport	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. Story of why you really couldn't have done it"

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 (law) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question
• Words that mean the same thing: excuse, self-justification, exculpation
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALIBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Car rental partner of Budget"

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: AVIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Open a bit"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AJAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Minus item, in accounting"

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 accounting entry acknowledging sums that are owing
• Words that mean the same thing: debit entry
• The opposite would be: credit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEBIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Oenophile's love"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fermented juice (of grapes especially)
• Words that mean the same thing: vino, wine-colored, wine-coloured
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Cops, slangily"

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: POPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Plants in abandoned lots"

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 black garment (dress) worn by a widow as a sign of mourning
• Words that mean the same thing: mourning band, sens, weed
• The opposite would be: cultivated plant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WEEDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Lighting display at many a rock concert"

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: LASERSHOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Overdue amount"

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: ARREAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Strike callers"

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 organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer
• Words that mean the same thing: conglutination, uniting, wedlock
• The opposite would be: separation, disunion
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Symbol of pride"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: RAINBOWFLAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Channel famous for veejays"

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: MTV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Homer's H"

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 terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
• Words that mean the same thing: Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Dim bulbs"

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 person of subnormal intelligence
• Words that mean the same thing: idiot, retard, half-wit
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDIOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Papermaking material"

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

  The answer is: PULP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. It often introduces new wrinkles"

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 acquiring desirable qualities by being left undisturbed for some time
• Words that mean the same thing: maturate, age, ripening
• The opposite would be: rejuvenate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Sign before Taurus"

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

  The answer is: ARIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. With 35-Across, complete success ... or a hint to 18-, 23-, 46- and 51-Across"

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 an instance of traveling by air
• Words that mean the same thing: vanish, flee, wing
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLYING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. See 33-Across"

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 flag that shows its nationality
• Words that mean the same thing: distort, color, vividness
• The opposite would be: colorlessness, discolor
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COLORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. Mourner's emotion"

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 intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one (especially by death)
• Words that mean the same thing: sorrow, heartbreak, heartache
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRIEF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Sigma Chi, Sigma Phi and Sigma Pi"

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 social club for male undergraduates
• Words that mean the same thing: fraternity, frat
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "39. Hankerings"

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 yearning for something or to do something
• Words that mean the same thing: yen, hankering, languish
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "40. Bluffer's words in poker, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: IRAISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "42. Actress Zadora"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that perennial herb of east indies to polynesia and australia; cultivated for its large edible root yielding otaheite arrowroot starch
• Words that mean the same thing: Tacca leontopetaloides, Indian arrowroot, Tacca pinnatifida
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Food additive with "the fifth taste""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that white crystalline compound used as a food additive to enhance flavor; often used in chinese cooking
• Words that mean the same thing: monosodium glutamate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MSG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "46. Comeuppance for a package thief"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GLITTERBOMB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. In an overwhelming way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HUGELY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "50. Letter flourishes"

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 short line at the end of the main strokes of a character
• Words that mean the same thing: seriph, serif
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERIFS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "51. Sport that can leave you with welts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a capsule filled with water-soluble dye used as a projectile in playing the game of paintball
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAINTBALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Country or heavy metal"

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 kind of literary or artistic work
• Words that mean the same thing: literary genre, music genre, musical style
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GENRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Actress Merrill of "BUtterfield 8""

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: DINA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. Polish before publishing"

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 prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
• Words that mean the same thing: edit out, redact, blue-pencil
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "57. Like granola, largely"

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

  The answer is: OATEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "58. Lose sleep (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 agitation resulting from active worry
• Words that mean the same thing: swither, grate, gag
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "59. Sound of a flop"

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 dull sound (as made by impact of heavy objects)
• Words that mean the same thing: thumping, thump, scrunch
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THUD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "60. Shooting sport"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sport of shooting at clay pigeons that are hurled upward in such a way as to simulate the flight of a bird
• Words that mean the same thing: skeet shooting, trapshooting
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKEET

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Tuesday Crossword Down Clues - February 11, 2020 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. "Congratulations! You've been selected ..." program	6
2D	2. Eye lustfully	6
3D	3. The Basques' peninsula	6
4D	4. #2 for #44	5
5D	5. "Things may well not happen the way you suppose"	9
6D	6. Beltmaker's tool	3
7D	7. Through, on an itinerary	3
8D	8. "Yo mama" joke, e.g.	6
9D	9. Perceived to be	6
10D	10. Lhasa ___ (dog)	4
11D	11. Who said "In every walk with Nature, one receives far more than he seeks"	8
12D	12. Guests at the Last Supper	8
13D	13. Do some sculling	3
14D	19. Fix, as a contest	3
15D	21. "The Thinker" sculptor	5
16D	24. Turkey piece	4
17D	25. Something a lighthouse beacon cuts through	3
18D	27. 4-Down and others, for short	3
19D	30. Those in favor	4
20D	31. Those in favor	4
21D	32. Clark Kent and Mr. Hyde, for two	9
22D	33. One may open a window for it	8
23D	34. Pasta often served with clam sauce	8
24D	35. Lit ___ (college class)	4
25D	36. Welcome watering holes	5
26D	37. Place to play hoops	3
27D	38. Butter or olive oil	3
28D	40. "Yeah, right!"	6
29D	41. Saudi capital	6
30D	42. Ballet position on tiptoe	6
31D	43. Escapee's cry	6
32D	44. Not answering at roll call	6
33D	46. Pick up on	3
34D	47. Start of a billiards game	5
35D	49. Pesky swarmer	4
36D	51. Shareable PC file	3
37D	52. Actress Lucy of "Elementary"	3
38D	53. Relative of Inc.	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. "Congratulations! You've been selected ..." program"

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: ADWARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Eye lustfully"

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: LEERAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. The Basques' peninsula"

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 ancient geographical region to the south of the caucasus mountains that corresponded approximately to the present-day georgia
• Words that mean the same thing: Iberian Peninsula
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IBERIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. #2 for #44"

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: BIDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. "Things may well not happen the way you suppose""

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: ITSABIGIF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Beltmaker's tool"

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 pointed tool for marking surfaces or for punching small holes
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Through, on an itinerary"

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: VIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. "Yo mama" joke, e.g."

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 rude expression intended to offend or hurt
• Words that mean the same thing: diss, contumely, affront
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INSULT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Perceived to be"

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: SEENAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Lhasa ___ (dog)"

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: APSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Who said "In every walk with Nature, one receives far more than he seeks""

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: JOHNMUIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Guests at the Last Supper"

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 an ardent early supporter of a cause or reform
• Words that mean the same thing: apostle, Apostle, Apostelic Father
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APOSTLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Do some sculling"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
• Words that mean the same thing: course, quarrel, wrangle
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Fix, as a contest"

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 gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
• Words that mean the same thing: cheat, carriage, getup
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. "The Thinker" sculptor"

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 french sculptor noted for his renderings of the human form (1840-1917)
• Words that mean the same thing: Auguste Rodin, Francois Auguste Rene Rodin
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RODIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Turkey piece"

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 movable organ for flying (one of a pair)
• Words that mean the same thing: backstage, annexe, fly
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Something a lighthouse beacon cuts through"

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 droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
• Words that mean the same thing: cloud, befog, obnubilate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. 4-Down and others, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: VPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Those in favor"

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

  The answer is: PROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Those in favor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Clark Kent and Mr. Hyde, for two"

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: ALTEREGOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. One may open a window for it"

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: FRESHAIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Pasta often served with clam sauce"

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 pasta in long slender flat strips
• Words that mean the same thing: linguini
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LINGUINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Lit ___ (college class)"

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: CRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Welcome watering holes"

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 fertile tract in a desert (where the water table approaches the surface)
• Words that mean the same thing: oasis, haven
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OASES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Place to play hoops"

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 athletic facility equipped for sports or physical training
• Words that mean the same thing: gymnasium
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GYM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Butter or olive oil"

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 soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides)
• Words that mean the same thing: productive, plump, plump out
• The opposite would be: thin, leanness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "40. "Yeah, right!""

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: ILLBET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "41. Saudi capital"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that joint capital (with mecca) of saudi arabia located in the central oasis; largest city in saudi arabia
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Saudi Arabia
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIYADH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "42. Ballet position on tiptoe"

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: POINTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Escapee's cry"

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: IMFREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. Not answering at roll call"

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 go away or leave
• Words that mean the same thing: lacking, missing, scatty
• The opposite would be: present
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABSENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "46. Pick up on"

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 return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
• Words that mean the same thing: sustain, flummox, commence
• The opposite would be: end, leave
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "47. Start of a billiards game"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity
• Words that mean the same thing: violate, wear out, breakout
• The opposite would be: make, repair
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BREAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "49. Pesky swarmer"

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 any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GNAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "51. Shareable PC file"

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: PDF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "52. Actress Lucy of "Elementary""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LIU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "53. Relative of Inc."

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: LTD

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	68.9%
Short Answer	11	14.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.4%
Sports	2	2.7%
Geography	2	2.7%
History	2	2.7%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	36
Down Clues	38
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

• July 22 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Mini Crossword Today August 15
• September 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers June 06
• October 27 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 29 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers July 05
• La Times Crossword Answers July 29 2025
• NYT Crossword January 03 1990 Xwordhint_84
• January 24 1990 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 27, 2025 at 05:18 AM

May 02, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (30 clues)
• Down Clues (36 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• March 09 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 19 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 08 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 27 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 16 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, May 02, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 66 (30 Across, 36 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

Across Clues Explained - Saturday NYT Crossword May 02, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Unlike sheep	12
2A	13. Slangy phrase following an unpopular opinion	13
3A	14. "Oh my stars!"	14
4A	15. Small bits of progress	5
5A	16. Kind of student	3
6A	17. Actress Amanda	4
7A	18. ___ Diaz, detective on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"	4
8A	19. Emulate Beyoncé in 2003	6
9A	22. Spanish title: Abbr.	3
10A	23. Press, informally	3
11A	24. Ben-___	3
12A	25. Usual practice	4
13A	27. Leaves back at the house, maybe	7
14A	29. Kind of diet that can help lower blood pressure	6
15A	32. Sings like Mary Poppins	6
16A	33. Word in many Emmy categories	6
17A	35. Smaller than small	6
18A	37. Swells up, as a lip	7
19A	38. Strip	4
20A	39. Carry-___	3
21A	40. Its end might be lamented	3
22A	41. Reason to raise one's hand	3
23A	44. Basic chords	6
24A	46. Kind of rug that's bad to lose an earring in	4
25A	47. Crosspiece in a grate, often	4
26A	49. Org. for the L.A. Galaxy	3
27A	50. Title song character who's asked "Did your mom get back from her business trip?"	5
28A	51. Healthy soup base	14
29A	55. Provider of sensory deprivation	13
30A	56. "Don't admit to anything!"	12

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. Unlike sheep"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the doctrine that reason is the right basis for regulating conduct
• Words that mean the same thing: rationalism
• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FREETHINKING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "13. Slangy phrase following an unpopular opinion"

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: SAIDNOONEEVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "14. "Oh my stars!""

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: LANDSAKESALIVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. Small bits of progress"

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 appreciable consequence (especially a lessening)
• Words that mean the same thing: indent, slit, nick
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Kind of student"

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 master's degree in education
• Words that mean the same thing: Master of Education
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Actress Amanda"

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: PEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. ___ Diaz, detective on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine""

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 large genus of erect or climbing prickly shrubs including roses
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Rosa
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Emulate Beyoncé in 2003"

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: GOSOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "22. Spanish title: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. Press, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a liquid used for printing or writing or drawing
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Ben-___"

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: HUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Usual practice"

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 established custom
• Words that mean the same thing: habit
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WONT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Leaves back at the house, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
• Words that mean the same thing: blank out, draw a blank, forget
• The opposite would be: mind, remember
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FORGETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Kind of diet that can help lower blood pressure"

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: NOSALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Sings like Mary Poppins"

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 note that alternates rapidly with another note a semitone above it
• Words that mean the same thing: warble, shake, quaver
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRILLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Word in many Emmy categories"

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 similar things placed in order or happening one after another
• Words that mean the same thing: serial, serial publication
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Smaller than small"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of or relating to or comprising atoms
• Words that mean the same thing: nuclear
• The opposite would be: conventional
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATOMIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Swells up, as a lip"

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: GETSFAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Strip"

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 british politician (1788-1850)
• Words that mean the same thing: disrobe, unclothe, Sir Robert Peel
• The opposite would be: dress
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Carry-___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Its end might be lamented"

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 period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Words that mean the same thing: earned run average, epoch, geological era
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Reason to raise one's hand"

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 solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner
• Words that mean the same thing: consecrate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Basic chords"

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 cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
• Words that mean the same thing: trey, tierce, troika
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Kind of rug that's bad to lose an earring in"

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 strong coarse tobacco that has been shredded
• Words that mean the same thing: screw, piece of ass, screwing
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Crosspiece in a grate, often"

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: IBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Org. for the L.A. Galaxy"

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 master's degree in library science
• Words that mean the same thing: millilitre, cubic centimetre, cc
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. Title song character who's asked "Did your mom get back from her business trip?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STACY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Healthy soup base"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: VEGETABLESTOCK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Provider of sensory deprivation"

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: ISOLATIONTANK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. "Don't admit to anything!""

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: DENYDENYDENY

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Saturday Puzzle May 02, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Crush alternative	5
2D	2. Disencumbers	4
3D	3. Ones making periodical changes, for short	3
4D	4. Charms	7
5D	5. Takes some hits	5
6D	6. Do-si-do do	7
7D	7. Valuable contacts	3
8D	8. Org. opposing school vouchers	3
9D	9. Part of a forest that can grow as fast as two feet a day	4
10D	10. Frequently ranked octet	5
11D	11. "Like THAT'S gonna happen!"	5
12D	12. ___ Thunberg, Time's youngest Person of the Year	5
13D	13. Language from which we get "karma"	8
14D	14. Heroine in Verdi's "Il Trovatore"	7
15D	15. Get carried away	5
16D	19. Showing more nerve	7
17D	20. Warms (up)	7
18D	21. Points of interest for epidemiologists	6
19D	24. Knight cap	6
20D	26. Smears	4
21D	28. What school lunch is often depicted as in cartoons	4
22D	30. Tip for increasing productivity	8
23D	31. Caddy alternative	7
24D	34. Excessively theatrical	5
25D	36. Invitation from a driver	7
26D	37. Unexpected blessing	7
27D	41. Striking	5
28D	42. Like Jabba the Hutt	5
29D	43. "Calvin and Hobbes" conveyance	5
30D	45. Bronze, e.g.	5
31D	46. Poker-faced	5
32D	48. Rest (on)	4
33D	50. Obsessive fan, slangily	4
34D	52. Skosh	3
35D	53. Took a course, say	3
36D	54. Abbr. in many an office building address	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. Crush alternative"

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: FANTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Disencumbers"

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 relieve from
• Words that mean the same thing: free, rid, disembarrass
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Ones making periodical changes, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
• Words that mean the same thing: explosive detection system, erectile dysfunction, male erecticle dysfunction
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Charms"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ENAMORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Takes some hits"

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 puff of a marijuana or hashish cigarette
• Words that mean the same thing: toke
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Do-si-do do"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HOEDOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Valuable contacts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an agency in the department of justice that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 49, In, Hoosier 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: INS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Org. opposing school vouchers"

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: NEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Part of a forest that can grow as fast as two feet a day"

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 large brown seaweeds having fluted leathery fronds
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KELP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Frequently ranked octet"

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 old world vine with lobed evergreen leaves and black berrylike fruits
• Words that mean the same thing: ivy, Hedera helix, common ivy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IVIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Like THAT'S gonna happen!""

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 ever; at no time in the past or future
• Words that mean the same thing: ne'er
• The opposite would be: ever
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. ___ Thunberg, Time's youngest Person of the Year"

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: GRETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Language from which we get "karma""

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 (hinduism) an ancient language of india (the language of the vedas and of hinduism); an official language of india although it is now used only for religious purposes
• Words that mean the same thing: Sanskritic language
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SANSKRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Heroine in Verdi's "Il Trovatore""

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: LEONORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "15. Get carried away"

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 force that moves something along
• Words that mean the same thing: rove, vagabond, movement
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRIFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "19. Showing more nerve"

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 marked by courage and determination in the face of difficulties or danger; robust and uninhibited; ; -judith crist
• Words that mean the same thing: gutsy, plucky
• The opposite would be: gutless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GUTSIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "20. Warms (up)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make loose or looser
• Words that mean the same thing: loosen, loose, undo
• The opposite would be: stiffen
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOOSENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "21. Points of interest for epidemiologists"

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 the beginning or early stages
• Words that mean the same thing: onslaught, oncoming, onset
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONSETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "24. Knight cap"

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

  The answer is: HELMET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Smears"

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 any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
• Words that mean the same thing: tar, Jack-tar, pitch
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. What school lunch is often depicted as in cartoons"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any gummy shapeless matter; usually unpleasant
• Words that mean the same thing: treacle, slop, mush
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Tip for increasing productivity"

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 make one's day-to-day activities more efficient
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIFEHACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Caddy alternative"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TEARACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Excessively theatrical"

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 characteristics of the stage especially an artificial and mannered quality
• Words that mean the same thing: stagey
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAGY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Invitation from a driver"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CLIMBIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Unexpected blessing"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make money)
• Words that mean the same thing: gravy, manna from heaven, windfall
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GODSEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Striking"

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 evoking lifelike images within the mind
• Words that mean the same thing: lifelike, graphic, bright
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VIVID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Like Jabba the Hutt"

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 excessively fat
• Words that mean the same thing: corpulent, rotund, weighty
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBESE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. "Calvin and Hobbes" conveyance"

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 kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor
• Words that mean the same thing: beach wagon, paddy wagon, police van
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAGON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Bronze, e.g."

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 mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and nonmetallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten
• Words that mean the same thing: admixture, debase, metal
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALLOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Poker-faced"

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 abounding in rocks or stones
• Words that mean the same thing: rocky, granitelike, flinty
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STONY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Rest (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 have confidence or faith in
• Words that mean the same thing: trust, swear, bank
• The opposite would be: mistrust
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RELY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Obsessive fan, slangily"

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: STAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Skosh"

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 slight amount or degree of difference
• Words that mean the same thing: shade
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Took a course, 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 goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
• Words that mean the same thing: consume, corrode, rust
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. Abbr. in many an office building address"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	47	71.2%
Short Answer	11	16.7%
Abbreviation	3	4.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	3.0%
Music	1	1.5%
History	1	1.5%
Geography	1	1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	30
Down Clues	36
Total Clues	66
Average Answer Length	5.6 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 09 2025
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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 25, 2025 at 11:18 AM