December 18, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

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• October 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 14 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 17 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

Across Clues Explained - Wednesday NYT Crossword December 18, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. One walking sideways	4
2A	5. High in the Andes	4
3A	9. Crew team member	5
4A	14. Muscle car engine	4
5A	15. Like most dorms nowadays	4
6A	16. Old enough	5
7A	17. Start of a long-winded musing from an author	15
8A	20. Oregon Ducks' home	6
9A	21. - - - - - .-. ... .	5
10A	22. Beginner's knitting project	5
11A	23. Polite term of address	4
12A	25. Ones calling the shots, for short?	3
13A	28. "By all means"	3
14A	29. Rimes of country music	5
15A	31. Public walkway	5
16A	33. Craze	5
17A	34. Down-home and unpretentious	6
18A	35. Musing, part 2	13
19A	38. Precipitated	6
20A	39. ___-dink	5
21A	40. Had the rights to	5
22A	41. ___ bear	5
23A	42. Animated picture file	3
24A	45. Outlaw	3
25A	46. Julie Andrews or Helen Mirren	4
26A	47. Harry's foil in Harry Potter	5
27A	49. Modern marketing tool	5
28A	52. It may be gas- or oil-fired	6
29A	53. End of the musing, which could simply have been the shaded squares	15
30A	57. Appropriate	5
31A	58. Word before sauce or truck	4
32A	59. "___ story"	4
33A	60. Wastes time feeling sad	5
34A	61. Unrealistic part of many statues	4
35A	62. Wire or cable	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. One walking sideways"

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 decapod having eyes on short stalks and a broad flattened carapace with a small abdomen folded under the thorax and pincers
• Words that mean the same thing: pubic louse, holler, Phthirius pubis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. High in the Andes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Crew team member"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ROWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Muscle car engine"

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: HEMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Like most dorms nowadays"

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: COED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Old enough"

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: OFAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Start of a long-winded musing from an author"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: EDITINGADRAFTOF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Oregon Ducks' home"

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 austrian general in the service of the holy roman empire during the war of the spanish succession (1663-1736)
• Words that mean the same thing: Prince Eugene of Savoy
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EUGENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. - - - - - .-. ... ."

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 telegraph code in which letters and numbers are represented by strings of dots and dashes (short and long signals)
• Words that mean the same thing: Samuel Finley Breese Morse, Morse code, Samuel Morse
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MORSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Beginner's knitting project"

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 garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration
• Words that mean the same thing: scarf joint
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCARF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Polite term of address"

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: MAAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Ones calling the shots, for short?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a radioactive gaseous element formed by the disintegration of radium; the heaviest of the inert gasses; occurs naturally (especially in areas over granite) and is considered a hazard to health
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 86, RN, registered nurse
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. "By all means""

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
• The opposite would be: no
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Rimes of country music"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium 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: LEANN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Public walkway"

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 path set aside for walking
• Words that mean the same thing: walk, walkway
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PASEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Craze"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action
• Words that mean the same thing: cacoethes, manic disorder, passion
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MANIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Down-home and unpretentious"

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 characteristic of country life
• Words that mean the same thing: homespun, cracker-barrel
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOLKSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Musing, part 2"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: WRITINGWELLIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Precipitated"

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 give rise to; cause to happen or occur, not always intentionally
• Words that mean the same thing: cause, stimulate, do
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAUSED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. ___-dink"

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: RINKY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Had the rights to"

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 have ownership or possession of
• Words that mean the same thing: own, have, possess
• The opposite would be: unowned
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWNED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. ___ bear"

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 large black-and-white herbivorous mammal of bamboo forests of china and tibet; in some classifications considered a member of the bear family or of a separate family ailuropodidae
• Words that mean the same thing: red panda, cat bear, giant panda
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PANDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Animated picture file"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GIF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Outlaw"

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 decree that prohibits something
• Words that mean the same thing: prohibition, blackball, forbiddance
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Julie Andrews or Helen Mirren"

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 a (young) woman
• Words that mean the same thing: gentlewoman, skirt, ma'am
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Harry's foil in Harry Potter"

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 athenian lawmaker whose code of laws prescribed death for almost every offense (circa 7th century bc)
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Draco, Dragon
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRACO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. Modern marketing tool"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in
• Words that mean the same thing: netmail, electronic mail, e-mail
• The opposite would be: snail mail
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. It may be gas- or oil-fired"

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 sealed vessel where water is converted to steam
• Words that mean the same thing: kettle, steam boiler
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOILER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. End of the musing, which could simply have been the shaded squares"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SURELYANARTFORM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. Appropriate"

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 seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
• Words that mean the same thing: take over, seize, arrogate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USURP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Word before sauce or truck"

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 (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
• Words that mean the same thing: wetback, greaser
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TACO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. "___ story""

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 proper alignment; the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment
• Words that mean the same thing: dead on target, dependable, admittedly
• The opposite would be: untruthful, false
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Wastes time feeling sad"

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 informal expression for a mildly depressed state
• Words that mean the same thing: mow, moon around, wipe 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: MOPES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. Unrealistic part of many statues"

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 opinion or judgment
• Words that mean the same thing: oculus, eyeball, centre
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. Wire or cable"

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 cause to go somewhere
• Words that mean the same thing: transmit, post, transport
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEND

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - December 18, 2019 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Cheap and inauthentic	6
2D	2. Catchword in waste management	6
3D	3. Some Spanish friends	6
4D	4. Dangerous dog	5
5D	5. Undesirable marks?	4
6D	6. Fuel for a fire	3
7D	7. Hot cupful	3
8D	8. One who's "out"	6
9D	9. Crowd noise	4
10D	10. Does a hit on	4
11D	11. Article of equipment akin to a wakeboard	8
12D	12. "S.N.L." cast member Nwodim	3
13D	13. Call, as a game	3
14D	18. Blown up	8
15D	19. ___-com	3
16D	23. Common street name	4
17D	24. Illustration for an ill tourist?	7
18D	26. Storied Prohibition agent	4
19D	27. Word before sauce or milk	3
20D	30. Heroine of Tennyson's "Idylls of the King"	4
21D	31. Like the pattern on Minnie Mouse's dress	8
22D	32. Confederate	4
23D	33. ___ en place (putting in place: Fr.)	4
24D	34. ___ for oneself	4
25D	35. East Coast 7-Eleven competitor	4
26D	36. Jack Nicklaus, in 19 major golf championships	8
27D	37. Chalice filler	4
28D	38. Corn on the ___	3
29D	41. Appreciation of taste	6
30D	42. Aplenty	6
31D	43. Rapid breakup of a frozen stream in the spring	6
32D	44. Gave shape to	6
33D	46. Like most craft projects, in brief	3
34D	48. Breaks in relations	5
35D	50. ___ mortals	4
36D	51. Natural barrier that Hannibal surmounted	4
37D	52. Frat members	4
38D	53. It all adds up to this	3
39D	54. G.I. entertainers	3
40D	55. Dissenting vote	3
41D	56. High/low card	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. Cheap and inauthentic"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of very poor quality; flimsy
• Words that mean the same thing: chintzy, crummy, tinny
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHEESY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Catchword in waste management"

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 cut down on; make a reduction in
• Words that mean the same thing: slim, shorten, thin
• The opposite would be: oxidise, blow up
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REDUCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Some Spanish friends"

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: AMIGAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Dangerous dog"

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

  The answer is: BITER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Undesirable marks?"

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 inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Fuel for a fire"

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 segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches
• Words that mean the same thing: logarithm, lumber
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Hot cupful"

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 beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
• Words that mean the same thing: afternoon tea, Camellia sinensis, tea leaf
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. One who's "out""

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: ODDMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Crowd noise"

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 deep prolonged loud noise
• Words that mean the same thing: thunder, hollering, hollo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Does a hit on"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that kill intentionally and with premeditation
• Words that mean the same thing: slay, murder, dispatch
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OFFS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Article of equipment akin to a wakeboard"

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: WATERSKI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "S.N.L." cast member Nwodim"

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 inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: self-importance, egotism, self
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Call, as a game"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
• Words that mean the same thing: referee
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Blown up"

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 exaggerate or make bigger
• Words that mean the same thing: amplify, hyperbolic, high-sounding
• The opposite would be: deflate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INFLATED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. ___-com"

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 (computer science) memory whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed
• Words that mean the same thing: read-only storage, read-only memory, fixed storage
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Common street name"

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 very large body of (salt) water
• Words that mean the same thing: primary, briny, principal
• The opposite would be: dependent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Illustration for an ill tourist?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a word or phrase spelled by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase
• Words that mean the same thing: anagrammatize, anagrammatise
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANAGRAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Storied Prohibition agent"

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 strip of land projecting into a body of water
• Words that mean the same thing: cape
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Word before sauce or milk"

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 source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
• Words that mean the same thing: soja, soy sauce, Glycine max
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Heroine of Tennyson's "Idylls of the King""

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

  The answer is: ENID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Like the pattern on Minnie Mouse's dress"

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: POLKADOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Confederate"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a friendly nation
• Words that mean the same thing: friend
• The opposite would be: foe
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. ___ en place (putting in place: Fr.)"

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: MISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. ___ for oneself"

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 try to manage without help
• Words that mean the same thing: resist, stand
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. East Coast 7-Eleven competitor"

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: WAWA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Jack Nicklaus, in 19 major golf championships"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: RUNNERUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "37. Chalice filler"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "38. Corn on the ___"

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 nut of any of several trees of the genus corylus
• Words that mean the same thing: filbert, hazelnut, black-backed gull
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "41. Appreciation of taste"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the upper surface of the mouth that separates the oral and nasal cavities
• Words that mean the same thing: roof of the mouth
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PALATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "42. Aplenty"

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

  The answer is: GALORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Rapid breakup of a frozen stream in the spring"

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: ICERUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. Gave shape to"

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 create (as an entity)
• Words that mean the same thing: organize, organise, take form
• The opposite would be: unformed
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FORMED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "46. Like most craft projects, 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: DIY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "48. Breaks in relations"

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 gap between cloud masses
• Words that mean the same thing: rift, break, breach
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIFTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. ___ mortals"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small pond of standing water
• Words that mean the same thing: bare, simple
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "51. Natural barrier that Hannibal surmounted"

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 large mountain system in south-central europe; scenic beauty and winter sports make them a popular tourist attraction
• Words that mean the same thing: alp, the Alps
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "52. Frat members"

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: BROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "53. It all adds up to this"

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 quantity of money
• Words that mean the same thing: essence, kernel, totality
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "54. G.I. entertainers"

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: USO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "55. Dissenting 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 not this merely but also; not only so but
• The opposite would be: yea
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "56. High/low card"

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

  The answer is: ACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	72.4%
Short Answer	14	18.4%
Sports	3	3.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

More Crossword Resources

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

• Xwordhint Crossword Answers July 30
• October 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 17 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_2
• June 03 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 12 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Crossword Answers Hints July 19
• April 21 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 17 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 28, 2025 at 07:37 AM

February 21, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• February 07 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
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• April 15 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 25 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, February 21, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 66 (33 Across, 33 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.9 letters

February 21, 2020 Friday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Caseload?	7
2A	8. Not the main action	7
3A	15. Like someone who answers a question with a question	7
4A	16. Time for warm-up shots, in more ways than one	7
5A	17. Land that abuts four oceans	7
6A	18. Obsolescent office desk item	7
7A	19. Common Hawaiian shirt design	11
8A	21. Celebrity with a namesake cereal in the '80s	3
9A	22. Gets down	4
10A	23. Hidden valleys	5
11A	24. Old Italian V.I.P.	4
12A	25. Mount Sinai people: Abbr.	3
13A	26. Make by hand	5
14A	27. Got in line	5
15A	28. Thomas who wrote "Liberty Tree"	5
16A	29. Attempts to befriend, with "up"	5
17A	30. It's a rush, appropriately enough	11
18A	32. Prayers	5
19A	33. The America's Cup and others	5
20A	34. Monk in "The Da Vinci Code"	5
21A	35. Sam with clubs	5
22A	36. Chap	3
23A	39. "___ pass"	4
24A	40. Egyptian Nobelman?	5
25A	41. Some camel riders of note	4
26A	42. Helpful word in solving cryptograms	3
27A	43. A mare might be found in one	11
28A	45. Bit of road trip entertainment	7
29A	47. Not serious	7
30A	48. Big source of political talk	7
31A	49. Part of a book deal	7
32A	50. G.R.E. sitters, e.g.	7
33A	51. Sportscast staples	7

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. Caseload?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BOTTLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "8. Not the main action"

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: SIDEBET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "15. Like someone who answers a question with a question"

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

  The answer is: EVASIVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "16. Time for warm-up shots, in more ways than one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PREGAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "17. Land that abuts four oceans"

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 the land mass formed by the continents of europe and asia
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EURASIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. Obsolescent office desk item"

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 (trademark) a desktop rotary card index with removable cards; usually used for names, addresses, and telephone numbers
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROLODEX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. Common Hawaiian shirt design"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FLORALPRINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "21. Celebrity with a namesake cereal in the '80s"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MRT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "22. Gets down"

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 a meal
• Words that mean the same thing: feed, corrode, grub
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. Hidden valleys"

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 narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
• Words that mean the same thing: glen
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Old Italian V.I.P."

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 formerly the chief magistrate in the republics of venice and genoa
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Mount Sinai people: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Make by hand"

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 skilled practice of a practical occupation
• Words that mean the same thing: wiliness, trade, foxiness
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRAFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Got in line"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make level, square, balanced, or concentric
• Words that mean the same thing: true up, true
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRUED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Thomas who wrote "Liberty Tree""

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 american revolutionary leader and signer of the declaration of independence (1731-1814)
• Words that mean the same thing: Robert Treat Paine, Tom Paine, Thomas Paine
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Attempts to befriend, with "up""

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 informal conversation
• Words that mean the same thing: gossip, chatter, confabulate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "30. It's a rush, appropriately enough"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RUNNERSHIGH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "32. Prayers"

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 specific instance of feeling hopeful
• Words that mean the same thing: promise, Hope, trust
• The opposite would be: despair
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOPES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "33. The America's Cup 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 an open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
• Words that mean the same thing: ewer, pitcher
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EWERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "34. Monk in "The Da Vinci Code""

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: SILAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "35. Sam with clubs"

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 united states golfer known for the graceful arc of his swing (1912-2002)
• Words that mean the same thing: Samuel Jackson Snead, Sam Snead
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNEAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "36. 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: chap, laddie, bloke
• The 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 23 Across: "39. "___ pass""

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: ITLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "40. Egyptian Nobelman?"

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 egyptian statesman who (as president of egypt) negotiated a peace treaty with menachem begin (then prime minister of israel) (1918-1981)
• Words that mean the same thing: Anwar Sadat, Anwar el-Sadat
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SADAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "41. Some camel riders of note"

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 (new testament) the sages who visited jesus and mary and joseph shortly after jesus was born; the gospel according to matthew says they were guided by a star and brought gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh; because there were three gifts it is usually assumed that there were three of them
• Words that mean the same thing: magus, Wise Men
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAGI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "42. Helpful word in solving cryptograms"

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: THE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "43. A mare might be found in one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LUNARCRATER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "45. Bit of road trip entertainment"

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 distribute (multimedia files) over the internet for playback on a mobile device or a personal computer
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PODCAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "47. Not serious"

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 be silly or tease one another
• Words that mean the same thing: banter, jolly, josh
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JOSHING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "48. Big source of political talk"

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: AMRADIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "49. Part of a book deal"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a movement forward
• Words that mean the same thing: march on, overture, approach
• The opposite would be: demote, back
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADVANCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "50. G.R.E. sitters, e.g."

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 someone who is tested (as by an intelligence test or an academic examination)
• Words that mean the same thing: testee, examinee
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TESTEES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "51. Sportscast staples"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that something (especially a game) that is played again
• Words that mean the same thing: action replay, rematch, play back
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REPLAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword February 21, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Quarreled (with)	6
2D	2. Egglike	6
3D	3. Decks revealing the cards you've been dealt	6
4D	4. They range from terrible to great	5
5D	5. Daughter of Steve Jobs, after whom an early Apple computer was named	4
6D	6. Dastardly looks	9
7D	7. It doesn't have to land on land	8
8D	8. Dash	6
9D	9. Smooths	5
10D	10. Neighbor of a pec	4
11D	11. Nwodim of "S.N.L."	3
12D	12. Trash	8
13D	13. Comes out of one's shell	7
14D	14. Like emojis	6
15D	20. Parts of some ballots	9
16D	24. Party poopers	5
17D	26. Lean on them	5
18D	27. Bronze	5
19D	28. Almost ready to be a butterfly	5
20D	29. Secret for video gamers	9
21D	30. Noted feature of Spanish pronunciation	8
22D	31. Recipient of a lot of #@&! money	8
23D	32. Tug at one's heartstrings, say	7
24D	34. Not take any action	6
25D	35. Brazilian soccer team that Pelé played for	6
26D	36. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, e.g.	6
27D	37. Word with federal or insurance	6
28D	38. Some somber music	6
29D	40. "Calvin and Hobbes" girl	5
30D	41. Palace, in Hindi	5
31D	43. Fill the hold, say	4
32D	44. "Let me know if you're coming"	4
33D	46. Object of veneration in ancient Egypt	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. Quarreled (with)"

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

  The answer is: BEEFED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Egglike"

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 being or of the nature of an ovule
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVULAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Decks revealing the cards you've been dealt"

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 any of a set of (usually 72) cards that include 22 cards representing virtues and vices and death and fortune etc.; used by fortunetellers
• Words that mean the same thing: tarot, tarot card
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAROTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. They range from terrible to great"

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 male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
• Words that mean the same thing: tzar, tsar, 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: TSARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Daughter of Steve Jobs, after whom an early Apple computer was named"

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: LISA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Dastardly looks"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: EVILGRINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. It doesn't have to land on land"

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 an airplane that can land on or take off from water
• Words that mean the same thing: hydroplane
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEAPLANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Dash"

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

  The answer is: SPRINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Smooths"

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 metal shackles; for hands or legs
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 26, chains, smoothing iron
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Neighbor of a pec"

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: DELT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Nwodim of "S.N.L.""

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 inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: self, self-importance, egotism
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Trash"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that speak unfavorably about
• Words that mean the same thing: malign, drag through the mud, traduce
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BADMOUTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Comes out of one's shell"

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 come out into view, as from concealment
• Words that mean the same thing: go forth, emerge, egress
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMERGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Like emojis"

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: TEXTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Parts of some ballots"

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 a legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate
• Words that mean the same thing: referendum
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REFERENDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Party poopers"

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 phenomenon of resistance to motion through a fluid
• Words that mean the same thing: dredge, tangle, draw
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Lean on them"

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 stick that people can lean on to help them walk
• Words that mean the same thing: can, lambaste, tin
• The opposite would be: hire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CANES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Bronze"

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 one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
• Words that mean the same thing: third gear, tierce, third base
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THIRD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Almost ready to be a butterfly"

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 of the insects in the chrysalis (cocoon) or post larval stage
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PUPAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Secret for video gamers"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: CHEATCODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Noted feature of Spanish pronunciation"

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: ROLLEDRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Recipient of a lot of #@&! money"

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: SWEARJAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Tug at one's heartstrings, say"

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: HITHOME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Not take any action"

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: SITPAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Brazilian soccer team that Pelé played for"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a port city in southwestern brazil on an offshore island near sao paulo
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SANTOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, e.g."

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: LATINA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "37. Word with federal or insurance"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an administrative unit of government
• Words that mean the same thing: way, office, representation
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGENCY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "38. Some somber music"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
• Words that mean the same thing: requiem, threnody, lament
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIRGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "40. "Calvin and Hobbes" girl"

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: SUSIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "41. Palace, in Hindi"

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: MAHAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Fill the hold, 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 remove with or as if with a ladle
• Words that mean the same thing: load, ladle, laden
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. "Let me know if you're coming""

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: RSVP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "46. Object of veneration in ancient Egypt"

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

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: cast, quat, khat
• 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!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	77.3%
History	3	4.5%
Short Answer	3	4.5%
Sports	3	4.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	3.0%
Geography	1	1.5%
Abbreviation	1	1.5%
Literature	1	1.5%
Music	1	1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	33
Total Clues	66
Average Answer Length	5.9 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:

• October 14 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers May 28 2025
• December 26 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 25 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 07 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 01 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 28 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
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• April 20 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 15 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 26, 2025 at 10:39 PM