December 20, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 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:

• NYT Across Crossword September 18 2025
• Usa Today Crossword Answers Expert
• April 28 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 14 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 28 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, December 20, 2019

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 73 (37 Across, 36 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword December 20, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Event for which participants may take the floor	5
2A	6. Pestered persistently	4
3A	10. Hindu love god	4
4A	14. Grand Prix site	6
5A	15. Boost at the gym	9
6A	17. Bugs	6
7A	18. Actress whose full name can be made from the letters of DO RE MI	9
8A	19. Alternative to white	3
9A	20. ___ Jahan, leader who commissioned the Taj Mahal	4
10A	22. This might be a bust	6
11A	23. Part of a dash	9
12A	26. Hoots	5
13A	27. Treatment that reduces wrinkles	9
14A	29. Boomsticks?	3
15A	31. Largest steel producer in the U.S.	5
16A	34. Kind of football played indoors	5
17A	35. Greek "Mother of the Gods"	4
18A	36. Inedible kind of orange	5
19A	37. Look after	4
20A	38. Hardly try anymore	5
21A	39. Column in a baseball box score	4
22A	40. Sportscaster Jim	5
23A	41. 50 Cent's "___ Control"	5
24A	42. Johnson's predecessor as British P.M.	3
25A	43. Some ranch cattle	9
26A	45. "X-Men" film spinoff starring Hugh Jackman	5
27A	47. Congressional campaign	9
28A	51. University near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains	6
29A	53. "Whip It" band	4
30A	54. 1/2 vis-à-vis 1/3, say	3
31A	55. In direct competition	9
32A	57. Home of the South by Southwest festival	6
33A	59. Big canned soup brand	9
34A	60. Irritates, with "on"	6
35A	61. Tricks	4
36A	62. Critic's award	4
37A	63. Best Play and others	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. Event for which participants may take the floor"

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: SITIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Pestered persistently"

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 sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
• Words that mean the same thing: hinge upon, drive, razz
• The opposite would be: walk
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Hindu love god"

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 hindu god of love and erotic desire; opposite of mara
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KAMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Grand Prix site"

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 constitutional monarchy in a tiny enclave on the french riviera
• Words that mean the same thing: Principality of Monaco
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MONACO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Boost at the gym"

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: ENERGYBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Bugs"

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 cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
• Words that mean the same thing: get at, get to, gravel
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANNOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Actress whose full name can be made from the letters of DO RE MI"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DEMIMOORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Alternative to white"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. ___ Jahan, leader who commissioned the Taj Mahal"

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 title for the former hereditary monarch of iran
• Words that mean the same thing: Shah of Iran
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. This might be a bust"

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

  The answer is: STATUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Part of a dash"

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: CARSTEREO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Hoots"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a public act of violence by an unruly mob
• Words that mean the same thing: wow, bacchanalia, saturnalia
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Treatment that reduces wrinkles"

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: LASERPEEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Boomsticks?"

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 explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
• Words that mean the same thing: trinitrotoluene
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Largest steel producer in the U.S."

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: NUCOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Kind of football played indoors"

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 particular environment or walk of life
• Words that mean the same thing: orbit, bowl, area
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Greek "Mother of the Gods""

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 fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
• Words that mean the same thing: nandu, Pterocnemia pennata, Rhea americana
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RHEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Inedible kind of orange"

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 member of the siouan people formerly living in missouri in the valleys of the missouri and osage rivers; oil was found on osage lands early in the 20th century
• Words that mean the same thing: Osage 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: OSAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Look after"

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 that which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings; the seat of the faculty of reason
• Words that mean the same thing: intellect, bear in mind, head
• The opposite would be: forget
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Hardly try anymore"

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 shore of a sea or ocean
• Words that mean the same thing: seacoast, slide, sea-coast
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Column in a baseball box score"

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 score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
• Words that mean the same thing: guide, ply, running play
• The opposite would be: idle, malfunction
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Sportscaster Jim"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NANTZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. 50 Cent's "___ Control""

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: OUTTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "42. Johnson's predecessor as British P.M."

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 month following april and preceding june
• Words that mean the same thing: whitethorn, Crataegus laevigata, English hawthorn
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "43. Some ranch cattle"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that long-horned beef cattle formerly common in southwestern united states
• Words that mean the same thing: longhorn, Texas longhorn
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LONGHORNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. "X-Men" film spinoff starring Hugh Jackman"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mountain peak in the st. elias range in the southwestern yukon territory in canada (19,850 feet high)
• Words that mean the same thing: Mount Logan
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOGAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "47. Congressional campaign"

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: SENATEBID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. University near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: FURMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. "Whip It" band"

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: DEVO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. 1/2 vis-à-vis 1/3, 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 (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
• Words that mean the same thing: eventide, evening, even
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. In direct competition"

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: MANOAMANO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "57. Home of the South by Southwest festival"

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 state capital of texas on the colorado river; site of the university of texas
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Texas
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUSTIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "59. Big canned soup brand"

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: PROGRESSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "60. Irritates, with "on""

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 frame of iron bars to hold a fire
• Words that mean the same thing: fret, eat into, rankle
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRATES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "61. Tricks"

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 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: catch, bugger off, beget
• 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: GETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "62. Critic's award"

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

  The answer is: STAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "63. Best Play and others"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that catch sight of
• Words that mean the same thing: espy, 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: ESPYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword December 20, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. "Crime and Punishment" heroine	5
2D	2. Private	5
3D	3. This is the way	3
4D	4. Hostile look	8
5D	5. Snacks	6
6D	6. Nervous witnesses in mystery novels, often	11
7D	7. "Blastoff!" preceder	3
8D	8. Left side, informally	4
9D	9. Country with hundreds of islands in the Red Sea	7
10D	10. Former world capital whose name means "capital city"	5
11D	11. "Ah, yes, I'd been meaning to tell you ..."	9
12D	12. Total mess	9
13D	13. What "r" might signify	3
14D	14. Singer Anthony	4
15D	16. Online service introduced in 2004	5
16D	21. Frequent subject of headlines in The Onion	7
17D	24. Difficult journeys	5
18D	25. "Let me in!"	11
19D	28. Site for some celebratory dances	7
20D	30. Bye line?	4
21D	31. Nothing special, with "the"	4
22D	32. Nothing special, with "the"	9
23D	33. "Really, now? Really!?"	9
24D	35. Electrify	5
25D	38. Features on topographic maps	8
26D	40. Walk-ons, often	7
27D	43. Kendrick of rap	5
28D	44. Absolutely destroy	6
29D	46. Pirates' potables	5
30D	48. 1970s first lady	5
31D	49. Elite eight	5
32D	50. Homes in the woods	4
33D	52. Early illustrator of Uncle Sam	4
34D	55. No. that's converted for electric cars	3
35D	56. Org. that shares its HQ with Cyber Command	3
36D	58. Drain	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. "Crime and Punishment" heroine"

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: SONYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Private"

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 located inward; - leonard bernstein; - david denby; - a.r.gurney,jr.
• Words that mean the same thing: intimate, internal, privileged
• The opposite would be: outer
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INNER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. This is the way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TAO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Hostile look"

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: ICYSTARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Snacks"

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 (yiddish) a snack or light meal
• Words that mean the same thing: snack, nosh
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOSHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Nervous witnesses in mystery novels, often"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: REDHERRINGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "Blastoff!" preceder"

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: ane, 1, unrivalled
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Left side, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DEMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Country with hundreds of islands in the Red Sea"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an african country to the north of ethiopia on the red sea; achieved independence from ethiopia in 1993
• Words that mean the same thing: State of Eritrea
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERITREA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Former world capital whose name means "capital city""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a city in central japan on southern honshu; a famous cultural center that was once the capital of japan
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KYOTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Ah, yes, I'd been meaning to tell you ...""

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: ABOUTTHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Total mess"

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: MARESNEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. What "r" might signify"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Words that mean the same thing: exist, be, comprise
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Singer Anthony"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that made from residue of grapes or apples after pressing
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "16. Online service introduced in 2004"

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: GMAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "21. Frequent subject of headlines in The Onion"

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: AREAMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Difficult journeys"

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 work doggedly or persistently
• Words that mean the same thing: footslog, peg away, keep one's shoulder to the wheel
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLOGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. "Let me in!""

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: OPENTHEDOOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Site for some celebratory dances"

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: ENDZONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Bye line?"

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: TATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Nothing special, with "the""

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 standard or model or pattern regarded as typical
• Words that mean the same thing: 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: NORM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Nothing special, with "the""

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: USUALFARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. "Really, now? Really!?""

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: CANYOUNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Electrify"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that become active
• Words that mean the same thing: awaken, turn on, bestir
• The opposite would be: cause to sleep, calm
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Features on topographic maps"

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 line drawn on a map connecting points of equal height
• Words that mean the same thing: contour line, contour, conformation
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CONTOURS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Walk-ons, often"

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: NONAMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Kendrick of rap"

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: LAMAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Absolutely destroy"

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 (usually plural) a destructive action
• Words that mean the same thing: scourge, lay waste to, harry
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAVAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Pirates' potables"

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 rum cut with water
• Words that mean the same thing: grog
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GROGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. 1970s first lady"

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: BETTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Elite eight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that old world vine with lobed evergreen leaves and black berrylike fruits
• Words that mean the same thing: Hedera helix, English ivy, 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 32 Down: "50. Homes in the woods"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the habitation of wild animals
• Words that mean the same thing: hideout, hideaway, den
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Early illustrator of Uncle Sam"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states political cartoonist (1840-1902)
• Words that mean the same thing: Thomas Nast
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. No. that's converted for electric cars"

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: MPG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Org. that shares its HQ with Cyber Command"

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

  The answer is: NSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "58. Drain"

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 watery solution of sugars, salts, and minerals that circulates through the vascular system of a plant
• Words that mean the same thing: cosh, saphead, muggins
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	54	74.0%
Short Answer	10	13.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.1%
Geography	3	4.1%
Sports	1	1.4%
History	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	36
Total Clues	73
Average Answer Length	5.6 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 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:

• December 09 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 23 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 14 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 20 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 02 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 14 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Across Crossword September 18 2025
• Usa Today Crossword Answers Expert
• February 28 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 27 2021 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 28, 2025 at 06:47 AM

May 05, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• February 09 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 30 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 18 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers April 27

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, May 05, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (38 Across, 38 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

May 05, 2020 Tuesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Strip bordering Israel and Egypt	4
2A	5. Antidote	4
3A	9. Up to now	5
4A	14. Boatloads	4
5A	15. "Now!," in an order	4
6A	16. Exuberant cry	5
7A	17. Riddle-de-dee: What is it that the more you take, the more you leave behind?	9
8A	19. Soup eater's sound	5
9A	20. ___ position	5
10A	21. Laughfest	4
11A	23. Galena and sphalerite	4
12A	24. Wheel tooth	3
13A	26. Place to conduct a paternity test	6
14A	28. Activity on a school playground	8
15A	32. Things tinier than minis	6
16A	35. What's flicked from a cigarette	3
17A	36. Prime minister between Cameron and Johnson	3
18A	37. Czar called "the Great"	6
19A	38. Severely cut, as prices	7
20A	41. American Impressionist Mary	7
21A	42. Greetings	6
22A	43. Classroom temp	3
23A	44. Thanksgiving day: Abbr.	3
24A	45. Invite on a date	6
25A	46. Purveyor of drug paraphernalia	8
26A	49. Dresser	6
27A	51. Assenting vote	3
28A	52. Swabbie's liquor allotment, once	4
29A	54. ___ of passage	4
30A	56. Writing in a blue book	5
31A	60. ___ ark	5
32A	62. Riddle-de-dee: What asks no questions but must be answered?	9
33A	64. Worker for a TV station or a mag	5
34A	65. Ink cartridge color	4
35A	66. "You said it!"	4
36A	67. One of the Kennedy brothers, familiarly	5
37A	68. Detained	4
38A	69. Trees used for archery bows	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. Strip bordering Israel and Egypt"

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 coastal region at the southeastern corner of the mediterranean bordering israel and egypt
• Words that mean the same thing: Gaza Strip
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAZA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Antidote"

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 medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain
• Words that mean the same thing: bring around, heal, therapeutic
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Up to now"

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: ASYET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Boatloads"

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: ALOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "Now!," in an order"

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 6 Across: "16. Exuberant cry"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BOOYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Riddle-de-dee: What is it that the more you take, the more you leave behind?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sound of a step of someone walking
• Words that mean the same thing: step, pace, stride
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOOTSTEPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Soup eater's sound"

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

  The answer is: SLURP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. ___ position"

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

  The answer is: FETAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Laughfest"

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 public act of violence by an unruly mob
• Words that mean the same thing: saturnalia, wow, belly laugh
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Galena and sphalerite"

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 mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
• Words that mean the same thing: ore
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Wheel tooth"

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 subordinate who performs an important but routine function
• Words that mean the same thing: sprocket
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Place to conduct a paternity test"

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: DNALAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Activity on a school playground"

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: KICKBALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Things tinier than minis"

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: MICROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. What's flicked from a cigarette"

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 residue that remains when something is burned
• Words that mean the same thing: ash tree
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Prime minister between Cameron and Johnson"

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 month following april and preceding june
• Words that mean the same thing: English hawthorn, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxycantha
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Czar called "the Great""

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: PETERI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Severely cut, as prices"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cut with sweeping strokes; as with an ax or machete
• Words that mean the same thing: flog, convulse, thrash
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLASHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. American Impressionist Mary"

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: CASSATT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Greetings"

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 expression of greeting
• Words that mean the same thing: hello, howdy, hullo
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HELLOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Classroom temp"

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 large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: bomber, stand in, hero
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Thanksgiving day: 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: THU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Invite on a date"

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: ASKOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Purveyor of drug paraphernalia"

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: HEADSHOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Dresser"

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 administrative unit of government
• Words that mean the same thing: office, federal agency, chest of drawers
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUREAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. Assenting vote"

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 affirmative
• Words that mean the same thing: yeah
• The opposite would be: nay
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Swabbie's liquor allotment, once"

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

  The answer is: GROG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. ___ of passage"

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 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 30 Across: "56. Writing in a blue book"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an analytic or interpretive literary composition
• Words that mean the same thing: seek, try, test
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESSAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. ___ ark"

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 hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain; the story of noah and the flood is told in the book of genesis
• Words that mean the same thing: Noah
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOAHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. Riddle-de-dee: What asks no questions but must be answered?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
• Words that mean the same thing: phone, ring, call
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TELEPHONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "64. Worker for a TV station or a mag"

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: ADREP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. Ink cartridge color"

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 primary subtractive color for light; has a blue-green color
• Words that mean the same thing: teal, bluish green, blue-green
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CYAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. "You said it!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "67. One of the Kennedy brothers, familiarly"

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 plaything consisting of a child's toy bear (usually plush and stuffed with soft materials)
• Words that mean the same thing: chemise, shimmy, teddy bear
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEDDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "68. Detained"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
• Words that mean the same thing: deem, entertain, check
• The opposite would be: let go of, disagree
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HELD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "69. Trees used for archery bows"

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 wood of a yew; especially the durable fine-grained light brown or red wood of the english yew valued for cabinetwork and archery bows
• Words that mean the same thing: yew
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Tuesday Puzzle May 05, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Fishing hook	4
2D	2. Soothing ointment	4
3D	3. ___ suit	4
4D	4. Go on the offensive	6
5D	5. Siamese or Persian	3
6D	6. ___-friendly	4
7D	7. Double-quick	7
8D	8. Printer brand	5
9D	9. "Six-pack" muscles	3
10D	10. Ones performing alone	8
11D	11. Riddle-de-dee: What's light as a feather but can't be held for long?	10
12D	12. Brontë heroine	4
13D	13. Nightly bugle call	4
14D	18. Neatnik's opposite	4
15D	22. Where the Rays play	8
16D	25. Professional poker player, e.g.	8
17D	27. Don't believe them!	4
18D	28. Buckwheat porridge	5
19D	29. St. Kitts and St. Vincent	5
20D	30. Riddle-de-dee: What's clean when black and dirty when white?	10
21D	31. Little chap	3
22D	33. Maker of Weed B Gon	5
23D	34. Exercise that targets the 9-Down	5
24D	39. Cast (off)	8
25D	40. Word after half or happy	4
26D	41. Maestro's wave of a baton, say	3
27D	43. Sleep, informally	7
28D	47. Low-pitched	4
29D	48. Walk with a swing of the hips and shoulders	6
30D	50. Letter after gee	5
31D	52. Flier in a black cloud	4
32D	53. Got transported	4
33D	55. Airline to Ben Gurion	4
34D	57. "That's ___ nerve!"	4
35D	58. With a clean slate	4
36D	59. Yearnings	4
37D	61. One lurking in the shadows	3
38D	63. Bring to a close	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. Fishing hook"

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 sharp metal spike or spur that is fastened to the leg of a gamecock
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Soothing ointment"

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 3 Down: "3. ___ suit"

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: ZOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Go on the offensive"

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 (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
• Words that mean the same thing: tone-beginning, lash out, aggress
• The opposite would be: defend
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATTACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Siamese or Persian"

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 feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
• Words that mean the same thing: computerized axial tomography, spue, African tea
• The opposite would be: keep down
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. ___-friendly"

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 person who makes use of a thing; someone who uses or employs something
• Words that mean the same thing: exploiter, substance abuser, drug user
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Double-quick"

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 with rapid movements
• Words that mean the same thing: quickly, apace, chop-chop
• The opposite would be: slowly
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAPIDLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Printer 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: EPSON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "Six-pack" muscles"

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 a class of composite plastics used to make car bodies and cases for computers and other appliances
• Words that mean the same thing: Bachelor of Arts, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, AB
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Ones performing alone"

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: SOLOACTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Riddle-de-dee: What's light as a feather but can't be held for long?"

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: YOURBREATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Brontë heroine"

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 shallow salt lake in south central australia about 35 feet below sea level; the largest lake in the country and the lowest point on the continent
• Words that mean the same thing: Lake Eyre
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Nightly bugle call"

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 (military) signal to turn the lights out
• Words that mean the same thing: wiretap, intercept, hydrant
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Neatnik's opposite"

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 coarse obnoxious person
• Words that mean the same thing: sloven, pig, slovenly person
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Where the Rays play"

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: TAMPABAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Professional poker player, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GAMESTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Don't believe them!"

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 statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
• Words that mean the same thing: Trygve Halvden Lie, rest, lie
• The opposite would be: arise, stand
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Buckwheat porridge"

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

  The answer is: KASHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. St. Kitts and St. Vincent"

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 small island
• Words that mean the same thing: isle, islet
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ISLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Riddle-de-dee: What's clean when black and dirty when white?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that sheet of slate; for writing with chalk
• Words that mean the same thing: blackboard
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHALKBOARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Little chap"

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 boy or man
• Words that mean the same thing: laddie, fella, chap
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Maker of Weed B Gon"

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: ORTHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Exercise that targets the 9-Down"

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: SITUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "39. Cast (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 cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers
• Words that mean the same thing: moult, slough, shed
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLOUGHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Word after half or happy"

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 period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
• Words that mean the same thing: minute, time of day, hr
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Maestro's wave of a baton, 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 an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
• Words that mean the same thing: clew, remind, prompt
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Sleep, informally"

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

  The answer is: SHUTEYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "47. Low-pitched"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the central and most intense or profound part
• Words that mean the same thing: deeply, bass, cryptical
• The opposite would be: shallow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Walk with a swing of the hips and shoulders"

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 square dance figure; partners circle each other taking sideways steps
• Words that mean the same thing: junket, strut, jaunt
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SASHAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Letter after gee"

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: AITCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "52. Flier in a black cloud"

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 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 32 Down: "53. Got transported"

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 sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
• Words that mean the same thing: twit, hinge on, taunt
• The opposite would be: walk
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "55. Airline to Ben Gurion"

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: ELAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "57. "That's ___ nerve!""

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 quantifier; used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
• Words that mean the same thing: around, about, more or less
• 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: SOME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "58. With a clean slate"

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 again but in a new or different way
• Words that mean the same thing: afresh
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "59. Yearnings"

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: yearn, ache, hankering
• The 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 37 Down: "61. One lurking in the shadows"

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 (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
• Words that mean the same thing: spot, sleuth, snoop
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "63. Bring to a close"

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 either extremity of something that has length
• Words that mean the same thing: cease, destruction, conclusion
• The opposite would be: begin, beginning
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: END

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	60	78.9%
Short Answer	11	14.5%
Sports	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	38
Down Clues	38
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

• February 09 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 30 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 27 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 12 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 18 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 19 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 08 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 20 2025
• October 11 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 17 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 25, 2025 at 10:22 AM