September 17, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, September 17, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword September 17, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Group whose name means "the people of the waters that are never still"	8
2A	9. To boot	4
3A	13. 2014 animated film whose protagonist, aptly, is a construction worker, with "The"	9
4A	14. It sticks out in a dance studio	4
5A	15. Jam-packed	10
6A	16. Imperial title derived from "caesar"	4
7A	17. Quinceañeras, e.g.	5
8A	18. Social protest lecture series	8
9A	20. Possible response to "Who took the last cookie?"	4
10A	21. Pentagon bigwig	8
11A	23. Twice-hyphenated ID	3
12A	24. Musicians are often on it	4
13A	25. Instruments for Annapurna Devi and Anoushka Shankar	6
14A	28. Comedian Notaro	3
15A	29. Criticize, with "on"	3
16A	30. Brand whose logo includes a schoolboy with a ball for a head	3
17A	31. Largest U.S. union	3
18A	32. Ground shaking stuff?	6
19A	34. Composes (oneself)	8
20A	36. Ancient gathering place	5
21A	37. Locale for bowed heads	3
22A	38. Aspirational hashtag	5
23A	39. Breaks off	8
24A	41. S_c_ _d (time in time)	3
25A	42. Showers with sparkles	12
26A	47. ___ smarts	6
27A	50. Reciprocally	8
28A	51. Monkey head mushroom, by another name	9
29A	53. Mountaintop home	5
30A	54. Muscle car acronym	4
31A	55. Cheese whose name is a semordnilap	4
32A	56. One celebrating Grounation Day, which commemorates a visit by 8-Down	5
33A	57. Go against	4
34A	58. All up in another's business	4
35A	59. What may be considered worse when done well	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. Group whose name means "the people of the waters that are never still""

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 member of the algonquian people formerly living in the hudson valley and eastward to the housatonic
• Words that mean the same thing: Mohican, Mahican
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOHICANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "9. To boot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that in addition
• Words that mean the same thing: besides, as well, likewise
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "13. 2014 animated film whose protagonist, aptly, is a construction worker, with "The""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert 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: LEGOMOVIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. It sticks out in a dance studio"

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 south african prelate and leader of the antiapartheid struggle (born in 1931)
• Words that mean the same thing: Desmond Tutu, ballet skirt
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUTU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Jam-packed"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: WALLTOWALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Imperial title derived from "caesar""

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 male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
• Words that mean the same thing: tzar, czar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Quinceañeras, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
• Words that mean the same thing: ritual, rite, religious rite
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RITES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Social protest lecture series"

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: TEACHINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Possible response to "Who took the last cookie?""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: IDID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Pentagon bigwig"

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: BRASSHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Twice-hyphenated ID"

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: SSN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Musicians are often on it"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area
• Words that mean the same thing: circuit, turn, tour of duty
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Instruments for Annapurna Devi and Anoushka Shankar"

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 stringed instrument of india; has a long neck and movable frets; has 6 or 7 metal strings for playing and usually 13 resonating strings
• Words that mean the same thing: sitar
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SITARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Comedian Notaro"

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: TIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Criticize, with "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 small piece of cloth or paper
• Words that mean the same thing: scold, tatter, tabloid
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Brand whose logo includes a schoolboy with a ball for a head"

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: BIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "31. Largest U.S. union"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "32. Ground shaking stuff?"

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 climber having dark red berries (peppercorns) when fully ripe; southern india and sri lanka; naturalized in northern burma and assam
• Words that mean the same thing: Piper nigrum, capsicum, black pepper
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEPPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Composes (oneself)"

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 person loved by another person
• Words that mean the same thing: stabilise, brace, truelove
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEADIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Ancient gathering place"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that 100 agorot equal 1 shekel in israel
• Words that mean the same thing: public square
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "37. Locale for bowed heads"

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 long bench with backs; used in church by the congregation
• Words that mean the same thing: church bench
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "38. Aspirational hashtag"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
• Words that mean the same thing: goal, end, destination
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "39. Breaks off"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cause to become detached or separated; take off
• Words that mean the same thing: come away, come off, detach
• The opposite would be: attach
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DETACHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "41. S_c_ _d (time in time)"

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 longest division of geological time
• Words that mean the same thing: aeon
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "42. Showers with sparkles"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: GLITTERBOMBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. ___ smarts"

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 thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STREET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. Reciprocally"

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: INRETURN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Monkey head mushroom, by another 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: LIONSMANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. Mountaintop home"

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 the lofty nest of a bird of prey (such as a hawk or eagle)
• Words that mean the same thing: aery, eyrie, eyry
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Muscle car acronym"

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: IROC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Cheese whose name is a semordnilap"

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 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 32 Across: "56. One celebrating Grounation Day, which commemorates a visit by 8-Down"

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 follower of rastafarianism
• Words that mean the same thing: Rastafarian
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RASTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "57. Go against"

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 resist or confront with resistance
• Words that mean the same thing: resist, hold, withstand
• The opposite would be: lend oneself
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEFY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "58. All up in another's business"

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 offensively curious or inquisitive
• Words that mean the same thing: prying, nosey, snoopy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "59. What may be considered worse when done well"

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 slice of meat cut from the fleshy part of an animal or large fish
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword September 17, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Mix of many different cultures	10
2D	2. Stared at	5
3D	3. Red ___	4
4D	4. Succinct "I think"	3
5D	5. Animal associated with the Egyptian goddess Hathor	3
6D	6. Online image	6
7D	7. Crane of "Frasier"	5
8D	8. Ethiopian emperor revered by 56-Acrosses	8
9D	9. To boot	6
10D	10. Its destruction marked a turning point in World War I	9
11D	11. Actor Sebastian ___	4
12D	12. Between you and me	4
13D	13. Surrounded and attacked, with "to"	9
14D	15. Typist's help to avoid repetitive strain injury	8
15D	19. Team whose song "The Super Bowl Shuffle" earned a Grammy nomination	12
16D	21. Big game	4
17D	22. Throw ___	3
18D	24. Short-crust pastry fillings	8
19D	26. Wind on the water?	4
20D	27. Cheek	4
21D	30. Texter's segue	3
22D	33. Sharper image co.?	8
23D	34. Some works by Petrarch	8
24D	35. Caution on a silica gel packet	8
25D	37. Lady, but not the Tramp	3
26D	40. Ones who are sent packing?	6
27D	41. Confuse wasabi with guacamole, say	3
28D	43. Perfect vis-à-vis good, in an aphorism	5
29D	44. Portmanteau for a messenger bag	5
30D	45. Water filter brand	5
31D	46. Tiptoe, maybe	5
32D	47. Took a dive	4
33D	48. Tucker	4
34D	49. Part of the mouth	4
35D	52. Hurly-burly	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. Mix of many different cultures"

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: MELTINGPOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Stared at"

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 look at with amorous intentions
• Words that mean the same thing: ogle
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OGLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Red ___"

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: HOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Succinct "I think""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
• Words that mean the same thing: International Maritime Organization
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Animal associated with the Egyptian goddess Hathor"

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 female of domestic cattle:
• Words that mean the same thing: overawe, moo-cow
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Online image"

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 new personification of a familiar idea
• Words that mean the same thing: incarnation, embodiment
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVATAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Crane of "Frasier""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the world's longest river (4150 miles); flows northward through eastern africa into the mediterranean; the nile river valley in egypt was the site of the world's first great civilization
• Words that mean the same thing: Nile, Nile River
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NILES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Ethiopian emperor revered by 56-Acrosses"

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: SELASSIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. To boot"

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: ATTHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Its destruction marked a turning point in World War I"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ancient region and roman province on the iberian peninsula; corresponds roughly to modern portugal and parts of spain
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LUSITANIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Actor Sebastian ___"

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: STAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Between you and me"

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: OURS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Surrounded and attacked, with "to""

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: LAIDSIEGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Typist's help to avoid repetitive strain injury"

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: WRISTPAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Team whose song "The Super Bowl Shuffle" earned a Grammy nomination"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CHICAGOBEARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "21. Big game"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that old world wild swine having a narrow body and prominent tusks from which most domestic swine come; introduced in united states
• Words that mean the same thing: wild boar, Sus scrofa
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "22. Throw ___"

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 floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
• Words that mean the same thing: carpeting, carpet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Short-crust pastry fillings"

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 pale cane syrup
• Words that mean the same thing: slop, golden syrup, glop
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TREACLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Wind on the water?"

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 roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector
• Words that mean the same thing: spool, careen, whirl
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Cheek"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
• Words that mean the same thing: Special Air Service, sassing, backtalk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Texter's segue"

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: BTW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Sharper image co.?"

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: PRAGENCY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Some works by Petrarch"

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: SESTINAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Caution on a silica gel packet"

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: DONOTEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Lady, but not the Tramp"

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 domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
• Words that mean the same thing: preferred, deary, best-loved
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Ones who are sent packing?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a professional killer who uses a gun
• Words that mean the same thing: gunslinger, gunman, torpedo
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HITMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Confuse wasabi with guacamole, 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 to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: drift, stray, slip
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Perfect vis-à-vis good, in an aphorism"

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 opposing military force
• Words that mean the same thing: foe, opposition, foeman
• The opposite would be: friend
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENEMY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Portmanteau for a messenger bag"

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: MURSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Water filter brand"

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: BRITA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Tiptoe, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who is regarded as underhanded and furtive and contemptible
• Words that mean the same thing: stoolie, sneaky, swipe
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNEAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. Took a dive"

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 move obliquely or sideways, usually in an uncontrolled manner
• Words that mean the same thing: skid, slither, slue
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. Tucker"

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 hoop that covers a wheel
• Words that mean the same thing: outwear, tyre, play out
• The opposite would be: refresh, interest
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Part of the mouth"

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 protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
• Words that mean the same thing: ceiling, cap
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROOF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Hurly-burly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	46	65.7%
Short Answer	14	20.0%
History	3	4.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.9%
Sports	2	2.9%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.5 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 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:

• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 17 2025
• April 10 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 25 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 02 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 26 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_13
• May 22 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Complete Crossword Puzzle Clue List
• March 11 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 14, 2025 at 09:37 PM

December 29, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Wednesday Puzzle December 29, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Like court arguments	4
2A	5. What travels on sound waves?	4
3A	9. Heart's home	5
4A	14. Kind of bread	4
5A	15. Part of the foot	4
6A	16. Saddlebacks, tumps, knolls and the like	5
7A	17. Lettered awards show host?	9
8A	19. "Not a problem"	5
9A	20. Celebrity dog trainer Millan	5
10A	21. Articles of exercise equipment	8
11A	23. Buster	4
12A	26. Bonobo, for one	3
13A	27. It's a little longer than a foot	4
14A	30. Lettered adversary in a battle of wits?	10
15A	36. Bit of bar food	4
16A	37. "You ready?"	6
17A	38. Pulitzer winner Harper	3
18A	39. The end	5
19A	41. ___-eared	3
20A	42. Retail figure	5
21A	44. Bega who sang "Mambo No. 5"	3
22A	45. Barack Obama's "A Promised Land," e.g.	6
23A	48. Confirmation or quinceañera	4
24A	49. Lettered home on the range when no one's home?	10
25A	51. Pickle	4
26A	52. ___ milk	3
27A	53. Rigging support	4
28A	55. Sure thing	8
29A	60. Stereotypical lumberjack feature	5
30A	64. Around, for a date	5
31A	65. Lettered school paper that's a snap to write?	9
32A	68. First-stringers	5
33A	69. Ingredient in traditional medicine	4
34A	70. Film shot	4
35A	71. Prevails over	5
36A	72. Ding-y thingy?	4
37A	73. Hastened	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Like court arguments"

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 examination conducted by spoken communication
• Words that mean the same thing: oral examination, viva voce, viva
• The opposite would be: aboral, anal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. What travels on sound waves?"

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 vessel for travel on water
• Words that mean the same thing: sauceboat, gravy holder, gravy boat
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Heart's home"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates
• Words that mean the same thing: chest of drawers, bureau, pectus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Kind of bread"

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 usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
• Words that mean the same thing: pocket bread
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PITA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Part of the foot"

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 curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
• Words that mean the same thing: arc, patronising, curve
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Saddlebacks, tumps, knolls and the like"

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 local and well-defined elevation of the land
• Words that mean the same thing: Hill, J. J. Hill, Alfred Hawthorne
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HILLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Lettered awards show host?"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert 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: EMMYEMCEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. "Not a problem""

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: ITSOK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Celebrity dog trainer Millan"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CESAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Articles of exercise equipment"

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: YOGAMATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Buster"

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 lawman concerned with narcotics violations
• Words that mean the same thing: narcotics agent, nark
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NARC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Bonobo, for one"

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 any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
• Words that mean the same thing: copycat, aper, imitator
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. It's a little longer than a foot"

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 footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
• Words that mean the same thing: skid, brake shoe, horseshoe
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Lettered adversary in a battle of wits?"

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: CAGEYENEMY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "36. Bit of bar food"

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

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: extension, backstage, offstage
• The 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 16 Across: "37. "You ready?""

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: ALLSET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "38. Pulitzer winner Harper"

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 united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
• Words that mean the same thing: Richard Henry Lee, Spike Lee, Gypsy Rose Lee
• The opposite would be: windward
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. The end"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the ending of a series or sequence; --revelation
• Words that mean the same thing: Z
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMEGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. ___-eared"

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 cut off from a whole
• Words that mean the same thing: snip, crop, dress
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Retail figure"

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 income (at invoice values) received for goods and services over some given period of time
• Words that mean the same thing: sales event, gross sales, gross revenue
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Bega who sang "Mambo No. 5""

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: "45. Barack Obama's "A Promised Land," 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 an account of the author's personal experiences
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEMOIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "48. Confirmation or quinceañera"

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 an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
• Words that mean the same thing: ritual, religious rite
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "49. Lettered home on the range when no one's home?"

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: EMPTYTEPEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. Pickle"

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

  The answer is: MESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. ___ milk"

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 annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `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: OAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. Rigging support"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various nonmetallic minerals (calcite or feldspar) that are light in color and transparent or translucent and cleavable
• Words that mean the same thing: sparring
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. Sure thing"

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: SLAMDUNK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. Stereotypical lumberjack feature"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
• Words that mean the same thing: face fungus, whiskers, byssus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "64. Around, for a date"

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: CIRCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "65. Lettered school paper that's a snap to write?"

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: EASYESSAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "68. First-stringers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "69. Ingredient in traditional medicine"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "70. Film shot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
• Words that mean the same thing: take in, postulate, consider
• The opposite would be: abstain, give
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "71. Prevails over"

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 united states youth subculture of the 1950s; rejected possessions or regular work or traditional dress; for communal living and psychedelic drugs and anarchism; favored modern forms of jazz (e.g., bebop)
• Words that mean the same thing: tick, work over, beatnik
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "72. Ding-y thingy?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the words of something written
• Words that mean the same thing: school text, schoolbook, textual matter
• The opposite would be: trade edition
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEXT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "73. Hastened"

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 move faster
• Words that mean the same thing: step on it, zip, quicken
• The opposite would be: linger, decelerate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPED

  Great job if you got it right!

December 29, 2021 Wednesday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. International grp. founded in Baghdad in 1960	4
2D	2. Fog-induced frost	4
3D	3. NCR devices	4
4D	4. Fail miserably, unless you're a chicken	8
5D	5. [Kapow!]	3
6D	6. "The Lord of the Rings" brute	3
7D	7. ___-deucy	4
8D	8. Van Gogh's art dealer brother	4
9D	9. 1980s fad items advertised as "the gift that grows"	8
10D	10. Ice pack?	6
11D	11. Lohengrin's love	4
12D	12. Parking meter opening	4
13D	13. Clicks that chide	4
14D	18. Historically significant period	3
15D	22. Singer known as the "Prince of Motown"	4
16D	24. Magnavox rival	3
17D	25. "You have my number!"	6
18D	27. Muscled, slangily	5
19D	28. Shout-out from the stands	5
20D	29. A stroke ahead, in golf	5
21D	31. Thick, liquidy clump	5
22D	32. Notices	6
23D	33. Ewing matriarch on "Dallas"	5
24D	34. Pool competitions	5
25D	35. Some R.S.V.P.s	5
26D	40. Leading star in Disney's "Enchanted"	8
27D	43. Where elbows may collide	8
28D	46. Ides of March reproach	4
29D	47. Agent, briefly	3
30D	50. Garfield, for one	6
31D	54. First prez to have a 60-Across	3
32D	55. Healing indicator	4
33D	56. Low-calorie, in beer names	4
34D	57. Field of expertise	4
35D	58. Well-kept	4
36D	59. Cabbage kin	4
37D	61. Acronym of urgency	4
38D	62. Leave no leaves, say	4
39D	63. Like pink or purple hair	4
40D	66. Fenway squad, in brief	3
41D	67. "The best is ___ to come"	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. International grp. founded in Baghdad in 1960"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the production and sale of petroleum
• Words that mean the same thing: Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Fog-induced frost"

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 ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
• Words that mean the same thing: hoarfrost, hoar, frost
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. NCR devices"

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 unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
• Words that mean the same thing: automated teller, standard atmosphere, ATM
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Fail miserably, unless you're a chicken"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert 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: LAYANEGG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. [Kapow!]"

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 ancient city in southeastern iran; destroyed by an earthquake in 2003
• Words that mean the same thing: blast, clap, eruption
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "The Lord of the Rings" brute"

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: ORC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. ___-deucy"

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: ACEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Van Gogh's art dealer brother"

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: THEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. 1980s fad items advertised as "the gift that grows""

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: CHIAPETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Ice pack?"

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 professional killer who uses a gun
• Words that mean the same thing: hit man, gunman, hitman
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HITMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Lohengrin's love"

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: ELSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Parking meter opening"

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 position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable
• Words that mean the same thing: expansion slot, time slot, one-armed bandit
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Clicks that chide"

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 utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
• Words that mean the same thing: tut-tut, tut, tsk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Historically significant period"

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

  The answer is: ERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Singer known as the "Prince of Motown""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: GAYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Magnavox rival"

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: RCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. "You have my number!""

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: CALLME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Muscled, slangily"

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: SWOLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Shout-out from the stands"

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: HIMOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. A stroke ahead, in golf"

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: ONEUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Thick, liquidy clump"

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: GLOOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Notices"

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 catch sight of
• Words that mean the same thing: descry, spot, spy
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESPIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Ewing matriarch on "Dallas""

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: ELLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Pool competitions"

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 meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
• Words that mean the same thing: touch, run into, fulfil
• The opposite would be: diverge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Some R.S.V.P.s"

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

  The answer is: YESES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Leading star in Disney's "Enchanted""

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: AMYADAMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Where elbows may collide"

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 support for the arm
• Words that mean the same thing: armrest
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARMRESTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Ides of March reproach"

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: ETTU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Agent, briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that informal abbreviation of `representative'
• Words that mean the same thing: repp
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Garfield, for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TOMCAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "54. First prez to have a 60-Across"

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: ABE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "55. Healing indicator"

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 someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
• Words that mean the same thing: strikebreaker, rat, blackleg
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "56. Low-calorie, in beer names"

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 having relatively few calories
• Words that mean the same thing: low-cal, light, calorie-free
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "57. Field of expertise"

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 particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
• Words that mean the same thing: domain, expanse, sphere
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AREA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "58. Well-kept"

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 clean or organized
• Words that mean the same thing: not bad, swell, bang-up
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "59. Cabbage kin"

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 informal terms for money
• Words that mean the same thing: dough, lucre, scratch
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "61. Acronym of urgency"

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

  The answer is: ASAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "62. Leave no leaves, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a dissolute man in fashionable society
• Words that mean the same thing: roue, rip, scan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "63. Like pink or purple hair"

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 color with dye
• Words that mean the same thing: coloured, dye, bleached
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DYED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "66. Fenway squad, in brief"

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: SOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "67. "The best is ___ to come""

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 up to the present time
• Words that mean the same thing: all the same, nonetheless, still
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YET

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	57	73.1%
Short Answer	11	14.1%
History	4	5.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.8%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

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

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

Last Updated: September 12, 2025 at 08:39 PM