July 23, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (31 clues)
• Down Clues (42 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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• March 01 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 73 (31 Across, 42 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

July 23, 2019 Across Hints: NYT Tuesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Missing school	6
2A	7. Cousin of a lark	7
3A	14. Nonsense word repeated in Stephen Foster's "Camptown Races"	6
4A	15. Literally, "empty orchestra"	7
5A	16. "Spare me your lame reasons!"	14
6A	18. Home of Wall St. and Fifth Ave.	3
7A	19. "Chicago ___" (NBC drama)	3
8A	20. With 24-Across, food coloring in Twizzlers	3
9A	21. Compound with a fruity scent	5
10A	24. See 20-Across	3
11A	26. Roman emperor who wrote "Meditations"	14
12A	32. Waiting for a pitch	5
13A	33. Siesta, e.g.	3
14A	34. Michael of "Weekend Update" on "S.N.L."	3
15A	35. Pull an all-nighter	4
16A	36. Expand	4
17A	38. Giggle	4
18A	39. Be laid up in bed	3
19A	40. Call to a lamb	3
20A	41. Garden plant also called stonecrop	5
21A	42. Facial hair for Sam Elliott and Wilford Brimley	14
22A	46. Equipment hauled by a roadie	3
23A	47. Course covering axons and dendrites, for short	5
24A	48. Maple product	3
25A	50. Chinese zodiac creature for 2019	3
26A	51. Consumer safety org.	3
27A	54. 1981 hit with the lyric "We can make it if we try" ... or a possible title for this puzzle	14
28A	59. So far	7
29A	60. Getting some shut-eye	6
30A	61. Composer Bizet	7
31A	62. Alternatives to Ho Hos	6

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. Missing school"

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

  The answer is: ABSENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Cousin of a lark"

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 small amount of liquid food
• Words that mean the same thing: eat up, withdraw, immerse
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWALLOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "14. Nonsense word repeated in Stephen Foster's "Camptown Races""

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: DOODAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. Literally, "empty orchestra""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that singing popular songs accompanied by a recording of an orchestra (usually in bars or nightclubs)
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KARAOKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. "Spare me your lame reasons!""

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: EXCUSESEXCUSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. Home of Wall St. and Fifth Ave."

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: NYC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. "Chicago ___" (NBC drama)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. With 24-Across, food coloring in Twizzlers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
• Words that mean the same thing: red ink, flushed, Red River
• The opposite would be: gain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Compound with a fruity scent"

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 formed by reaction between an acid and an alcohol with elimination of 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: ESTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "24. See 20-Across"

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 usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
• Words that mean the same thing: dyestuff
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "26. Roman emperor who wrote "Meditations""

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: MARCUSAURELIUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "32. Waiting for a pitch"

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: ATBAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "33. Siesta, e.g."

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 period of time spent sleeping
• Words that mean the same thing: sleep, short sleep, catch a wink
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "34. Michael of "Weekend Update" on "S.N.L.""

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: CHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "35. Pull an all-nighter"

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 crowd or pack to capacity
• Words that mean the same thing: ram, swot up, get 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: CRAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "36. Expand"

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 pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
• Words that mean the same thing: produce, maturate, mature
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GROW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "38. Giggle"

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: HEHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Be laid up in bed"

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 aromatic bulb used as seasoning
• Words that mean the same thing: trouble, pain, garlic
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Call to a lamb"

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 cry made by sheep
• Words that mean the same thing: blat, blate, bleat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Garden plant also called stonecrop"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various plants of the genus sedum
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEDUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Facial hair for Sam Elliott and Wilford Brimley"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: WALRUSMUSTACHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "46. Equipment hauled by a roadie"

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 basic unit of electric current adopted under the systeme international d'unites
• Words that mean the same thing: adenylic acid, adenosine monophosphate, A
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Course covering axons and dendrites, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard 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: NEURO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Maple product"

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: saphead, tire, blackjack
• The 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!

Clue 25 Across: "50. Chinese zodiac creature for 2019"

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 domestic swine
• Words that mean the same thing: sloven, copper, devour
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. Consumer safety org."

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 federal agency in the department of health and human services established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products
• Words that mean the same thing: Food and Drug Administration
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. 1981 hit with the lyric "We can make it if we try" ... or a possible title for this puzzle"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: JUSTTHETWOOFUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. So far"

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: UPTONOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. Getting some shut-eye"

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 a state of sleep
• Words that mean the same thing: at peace, numb, at rest
• The opposite would be: awake
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASLEEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "61. Composer Bizet"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that christian martyr; patron saint of england; hero of the legend of saint george and the dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
• Words that mean the same thing: George II, George, St. George
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GEORGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "62. Alternatives to Ho Hos"

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 songlike cry in which the voice fluctuates rapidly between the normal voice and falsetto
• Words that mean the same thing: yodel, warble, descant
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YODELS

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Tuesday Crossword Down Clues - July 23, 2019 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Mideast's Gulf of ___	4
2D	2. Squarish	4
3D	3. Necessity for achieving one's goals?	10
4D	4. Ending with "umich." or "upenn."	3
5D	5. Rapper Lil ___ X	3
6D	6. Topics for book clubs	6
7D	7. Slated events, in brief	4
8D	8. Material for Icarus' wings	3
9D	9. Circle segment	3
10D	10. Branch of the Olympics?	6
11D	11. Misplace	4
12D	12. Gave the go-ahead	4
13D	13. Anderson who directed "The Grand Budapest Hotel"	3
14D	17. "Buona ___" (Italian greeting)	4
15D	22. Rip-off	4
16D	23. Famed child ruler, informally	3
17D	24. Compete in Pictionary	4
18D	25. "You betcha!"	3
19D	26. Colorful parrot	5
20D	27. Some heart chambers	5
21D	28. Card game with suits of four different colors	3
22D	29. Caffeinated summer drink	10
23D	30. "You betcha!"	5
24D	31. Teacher's note that makes one go [gulp]	5
25D	36. [Oh. My. God!]	4
26D	37. Piece of siege equipment	3
27D	38. Get wind of	4
28D	40. Wander here and there, with "around"	3
29D	41. Disco ___ ("The Simpsons" character)	3
30D	43. Any member of the 2019 N.B.A. championship team	6
31D	44. Meter or liter	4
32D	45. Mall cop's transport	6
33D	48. Apartment building V.I.P., in slang	4
34D	49. Regarding	4
35D	50. Benches along an aisle	4
36D	52. "Hamilton" climax	4
37D	53. Nile biters	4
38D	54. Put a cork in it!	3
39D	55. "Star Trek" spinoff series: Abbr.	3
40D	56. It's groundbreaking	3
41D	57. Spanish for "bear"	3
42D	58. Timeworn	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. Mideast's Gulf of ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an important port of yemen; located on the gulf of aden; its strategic location has made it a major trading center of southern arabia since ancient times
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Squarish"

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 resembling a box in rectangularity
• Words that mean the same thing: box-shaped, boxlike
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOXY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Necessity for achieving one's goals?"

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: SOCCERBALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Ending with "umich." or "upenn.""

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: EDU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Rapper Lil ___ X"

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 silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 11, Na, sodium
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Topics for book clubs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
• Words that mean the same thing: stem, theme, root word
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THEMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Slated events, in brief"

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: SKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Material for Icarus' wings"

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 any of various substances of either mineral origin or plant or animal origin; they are solid at normal temperatures and insoluble in water
• Words that mean the same thing: rise, climb, mount
• The opposite would be: wane
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Circle segment"

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 electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
• Words that mean the same thing: curve, discharge, arch
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Branch of the Olympics?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various aromatic trees of the laurel family
• Words that mean the same thing: laurel wreath, Stan Laurel, Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAUREL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Misplace"

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 fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
• Words that mean the same thing: misplace, suffer, turn a loss
• The opposite would be: find, gain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Gave the go-ahead"

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: OKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Anderson who directed "The Grand Budapest Hotel""

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: WES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. "Buona ___" (Italian greeting)"

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 amber, watery fluid, rich in proteins, that separates out when blood coagulates
• Words that mean the same thing: serum, blood serum
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Rip-off"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a fraudulent business scheme
• Words that mean the same thing: victimize, cozenage, gip
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Famed child ruler, informally"

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

  The answer is: TUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Compete in Pictionary"

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 gully that is shallower than a ravine
• Words that mean the same thing: absorb, withdraw, disembowel
• The opposite would be: repel, deposit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. "You betcha!""

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: YEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Colorful parrot"

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 long-tailed brilliantly colored parrot of central america and south america; among the largest and showiest of parrots
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MACAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Some heart chambers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways (especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart)
• Words that mean the same thing: atrium
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATRIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Card game with suits of four different colors"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: UNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. Caffeinated summer drink"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ICEDCOFFEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. "You betcha!""

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: UHHUH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "31. Teacher's note that makes one go [gulp]"

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: SEEME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. [Oh. My. 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 a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
• Words that mean the same thing: heave, puff, pant
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GASP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Piece of siege equipment"

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 most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
• Words that mean the same thing: ram down, cram, Aries the Ram
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Get wind of"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
• Words that mean the same thing: get wind, pick up, listen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "40. Wander here and there, with "around""

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 person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible
• Words that mean the same thing: lowlife, tail end, behind
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "41. Disco ___ ("The Simpsons" character)"

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: STU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Any member of the 2019 N.B.A. championship team"

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 any of numerous carnivorous birds that hunt and kill other animals
• Words that mean the same thing: bird of prey, raptorial bird
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAPTOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "44. Meter or liter"

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 division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: building block, whole, unit of measurement
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "45. Mall cop's transport"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (trademark) a self-balancing personal transportation device with two wheels; can operate in any level pedestrian environment
• Words that mean the same thing: Segway HT, Segway Human Transporter
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEGWAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. Apartment building V.I.P., in slang"

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: SUPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Regarding"

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: ASTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. Benches along an aisle"

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

  The answer is: PEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "52. "Hamilton" climax"

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

  The answer is: DUEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "53. Nile biters"

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 of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
• Words that mean the same thing: Egyptian cobra, asp, Vipera aspis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "54. Put a cork in it!"

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 large bottle with a narrow mouth
• Words that mean the same thing: put away, lag, put behind bars
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JUG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "55. "Star Trek" spinoff series: Abbr."

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: TNG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "56. It's groundbreaking"

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 tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "57. Spanish for "bear""

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: OSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "58. Timeworn"

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 past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
• Words that mean the same thing: older, previous, sometime
• The opposite would be: new, young
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	37	50.7%
Short Answer	25	34.2%
Sports	4	5.5%
Food & Drink	2	2.7%
History	1	1.4%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	31
Down Clues	42
Total Clues	73
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

• December 16 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 25 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 04 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 31 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 03 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 12 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 27 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 01 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: October 01, 2025 at 12:45 PM

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
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• 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:

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• September 20 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
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• April 14 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Across Crossword September 18 2025
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• 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