December 20, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, December 20, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

Across Clues Explained - Monday NYT Crossword December 20, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Actress Raquel	5
2A	6. Slightly wet	4
3A	10. ___-retentive	4
4A	14. Nebraska city nicknamed the "Gateway to the West"	5
5A	15. Female French friend	4
6A	16. It's good for what ails you	4
7A	17. Prince or princess	5
8A	18. Held in high esteem	9
9A	20. Prompt action when things are unraveling	12
10A	22. Number of provinces in Canada	3
11A	23. Nay's opposite	3
12A	24. Rear end, in slang	6
13A	28. Ground-breaking tool	3
14A	29. Watery expanse	3
15A	31. In the mail	4
16A	32. Beat around the bush	9
17A	36. "Well, ___-di-dah!"	3
18A	37. Cry of pity	4
19A	38. Shoe bottoms	5
20A	40. "The ___ Duckling" (fairy tale)	4
21A	41. Relieved (of)	3
22A	42. "Oh, blast!"	9
23A	44. One of three in Orion's belt	4
24A	46. Bundle of money	3
25A	47. Poetic praise	3
26A	48. Prefix meaning "different"	6
27A	50. "A work of ___ that did not begin in emotion is not ___": Cézanne	3
28A	51. Letter before chi	3
29A	54. What ties everything together, including 20-, 32- and 42-Across?	12
30A	58. Pulsating	9
31A	61. Like coincidences that make you go "hmm"	5
32A	62. The "h" in m.p.h.	4
33A	63. Brewed beverages in bottles	4
34A	64. Fauna's partner	5
35A	65. Piece with a view	4
36A	66. Exam	4
37A	67. Annual theater awards	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. Actress Raquel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cheat by avoiding payment of a gambling debt
• Words that mean the same thing: welsh
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WELCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Slightly wet"

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 slight wetness
• Words that mean the same thing: dampen, dull, tone down
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. ___-retentive"

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 of or related to the anus
• Words that mean the same thing: anal retentive
• The opposite would be: oral
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Nebraska city nicknamed the "Gateway to the West""

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 member of the siouan people formerly living in the missouri river valley in northeastern nebraska
• Words that mean the same thing: Maha
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMAHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Female French friend"

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: AMIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. It's good for what ails you"

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

  The answer is: CURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Prince or princess"

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 sail set next above the topgallant on a royal mast
• Words that mean the same thing: imperial, royal stag, purple
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROYAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Held in high esteem"

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 regard highly; think much of
• Words that mean the same thing: well-thought-of, prize, esteem
• The opposite would be: disrespect, disesteem
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESPECTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Prompt action when things are unraveling"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STITCHINTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Number of provinces in Canada"

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 cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Words that mean the same thing: tenner, X, x
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Nay's opposite"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: YEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Rear end, in slang"

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: TUSHIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Ground-breaking tool"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a 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 14 Across: "29. Watery expanse"

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 division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
• Words that mean the same thing: ocean
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. In the mail"

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 100 senti equal 1 kroon in estonia
• Words that mean the same thing: mail, transport, send off
• The opposite would be: unsent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Beat around the bush"

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: HEMANDHAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. "Well, ___-di-dah!""

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 syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization
• Words that mean the same thing: la
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Cry of pity"

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 flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
• Words that mean the same thing: unfortunately, ala, unluckily
• The opposite would be: luckily, fortunately
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Shoe bottoms"

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 colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
• Words that mean the same thing: colloidal suspension, sol, Sol
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. "The ___ Duckling" (fairy tale)"

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 displeasing to the senses
• Words that mean the same thing: despicable, unworthy, worthless
• The opposite would be: beautiful
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UGLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Relieved (of)"

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

  The answer is: RID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. "Oh, blast!""

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: DARNITALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. One of three in Orion's belt"

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 (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
• Words that mean the same thing: prima, sensation, leading
• The 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 24 Across: "46. Bundle of money"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small mass of soft material
• Words that mean the same thing: tidy sum, chaw, spate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Poetic praise"

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

  The answer is: ODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Prefix meaning "different""

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: HETERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. "A work of ___ that did not begin in emotion is not ___": Cézanne"

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 products of human creativity; works of art collectively
• Words that mean the same thing: artistry, artistic creation, prowess
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Letter before chi"

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 21st letter of the greek alphabet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. What ties everything together, including 20-, 32- and 42-Across?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COMMONTHREAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "58. Pulsating"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an instance of rapid strong pulsation (of the heart)
• Words that mean the same thing: pulsate, shudder, throb
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THROBBING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Like coincidences that make you go "hmm""

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 suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
• Words that mean the same thing: eery
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. The "h" in m.p.h."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
• Words that mean the same thing: hr, 60 minutes, time of day
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. Brewed beverages in bottles"

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 a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
• Words that mean the same thing: ale
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "64. Fauna's partner"

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 all the plant life in a particular region or period
• Words that mean the same thing: botany, plant life, plant
• The opposite would be: fauna
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "65. Piece with a view"

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: OPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "66. Exam"

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 trying something to find out about it
• Words that mean the same thing: run, screen, prove
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "67. Annual theater awards"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TONYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Monday NYT Crossword December 20, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Lowest of the low	5
2D	2. Act poorly?	5
3D	3. Stockpile	5
4D	4. Chew the fat	4
5D	5. Like the good old days	7
6D	6. Title girl in a bygone MTV cartoon	5
7D	7. "You said it!"	4
8D	8. Fine spray	4
9D	9. Pumpkin seed	6
10D	10. Means of entry	6
11D	11. Hexagonal bit of hardware	3
12D	12. "___ we cool?"	3
13D	13. Was in first place	3
14D	19. Outback bird	3
15D	21. Obeys	5
16D	25. Andrew Wyeth portrait subject	5
17D	26. Counting everything together	5
18D	27. Antiknock fluid	5
19D	28. Contains	3
20D	29. One getting dressed for lunch?	5
21D	30. Wide-mouthed jug	4
22D	32. Caustic	5
23D	33. Of the highest standard	5
24D	34. Angry with	5
25D	35. Host Kotb of morning TV	4
26D	39. Sound from a pug	5
27D	40. Salt Lake City athlete	3
28D	43. Goal of phishing schemes, informally	7
29D	45. "Let the ___ show ..."	6
30D	46. Outback animal	6
31D	49. Burgle	3
32D	50. Frequent teenage sensation	5
33D	51. The Evita of "Evita"	5
34D	52. Opposite of clean-shaven	5
35D	53. They're symbolized by light bulbs in cartoons	5
36D	55. One of about 93 million between Earth and the sun	4
37D	56. Change for a five	4
38D	57. Move, in real estate lingo	4
39D	58. Howe'er	3
40D	59. You might do it after stubbing a toe	3
41D	60. Feel sorry about	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. Lowest of the low"

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 least favorable outcome
• Words that mean the same thing: speculative, tough, spoiled
• The opposite would be: best, good
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WORST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Act poorly?"

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 give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Stockpile"

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: LAYIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Chew the fat"

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 informal conversation
• Words that mean the same thing: chew the fat, confabulation, Old World chat
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Like the good old days"

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 (greek mythology) a woman who was turned into a kingfisher
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Halcyon, prosperous, golden
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HALCYON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Title girl in a bygone MTV cartoon"

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: DARIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "You said it!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Fine spray"

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 thin fog with condensation near the ground
• Words that mean the same thing: cloud, fog, obscure
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Pumpkin seed"

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: PEPITA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Means of entry"

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 right to enter
• Words that mean the same thing: admittance, get at, admission
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACCESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Hexagonal bit of hardware"

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 usually large hard-shelled seed
• Words that mean the same thing: screwball, testis, en
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "___ we cool?""

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: represent, equal, be
• 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 13 Down: "13. Was in first place"

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 diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
• Words that mean the same thing: conduct, take, leave
• The opposite would be: follow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Outback bird"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
• Words that mean the same thing: electromagnetic unit, Emu novaehollandiae, Dromaius novaehollandiae
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Obeys"

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 paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)
• Words that mean the same thing: mind, heed, attentiveness
• The opposite would be: inattentiveness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEEDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Andrew Wyeth portrait subject"

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: HELGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Counting everything together"

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: INALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Antiknock fluid"

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 univalent hydrocarbon radical c2h5 derived from ethane by the removal of one hydrogen atom
• Words that mean the same thing: ethyl radical, ethyl group
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETHYL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Contains"

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 (astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day
• Words that mean the same thing: feature, get, throw
• The opposite would be: abstain, refuse
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. One getting dressed for lunch?"

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 food mixtures either arranged on a plate or tossed and served with a moist dressing; usually consisting of or including greens
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Wide-mouthed jug"

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 open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
• Words that mean the same thing: 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: EWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Caustic"

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 unpleasantly stern
• Words that mean the same thing: rough, abrasive, coarse
• The opposite would be: fine
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Of the highest standard"

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 group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
• Words that mean the same thing: elect, elite group
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Angry with"

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: MADAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Host Kotb of morning TV"

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: HODA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Sound from a pug"

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 disrespectful laugh
• Words that mean the same thing: bird, razz, snigger
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Salt Lake City athlete"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the shoshonean people of utah and colorado and new mexico
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Goal of phishing schemes, informally"

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: IDTHEFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. "Let the ___ show ...""

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 anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events
• Words that mean the same thing: platter, put down, phonograph recording
• The opposite would be: erase
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RECORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Outback animal"

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 burrowing herbivorous australian marsupials about the size of a badger
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOMBAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Burgle"

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 take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
• Words that mean the same thing: gazump, soak, surcharge
• The opposite would be: undercharge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Frequent teenage sensation"

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 acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety; usually reserved for philosophical anxiety about the world or about personal freedom
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANGST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. The Evita of "Evita""

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 argentine soldier who became president of argentina (1895-1974)
• Words that mean the same thing: Juan Domingo Peron
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PERON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Opposite of clean-shaven"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that having or covered with hair
• Words that mean the same thing: hirsute, haired
• The opposite would be: hairless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAIRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. They're symbolized by light bulbs in cartoons"

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 the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
• Words that mean the same thing: mind, estimate, idea
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. One of about 93 million between Earth and the sun"

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 unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
• Words that mean the same thing: nautical mile, air mile, statute mile
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Change for a five"

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

  The answer is: ONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. Move, in real estate lingo"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: RELO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Howe'er"

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

  The answer is: THO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "59. You might do it after stubbing a toe"

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 act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
• Words that mean the same thing: hops, hop-skip, skip
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "60. Feel sorry about"

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 european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
• Words that mean the same thing: sorrow, repent, herb of grace
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	67.9%
Short Answer	18	23.1%
Geography	3	3.8%
History	3	3.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.7 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 02:34 AM

December 17, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (45 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• NYT Crossword Answers Hints July 21
• April 28 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 15 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 25 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 03 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (33 Across, 45 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

Across Clues Explained - Tuesday NYT Crossword December 17, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Boardroom easel display	5
2A	6. Spanish beach	5
3A	11. Sack	3
4A	14. Film character about whom Tyler Perry said "I just don't want to be her age playing her"	5
5A	15. Used a dinghy thingy	5
6A	16. Part of Bennifer, once	3
7A	17. _xygen _iflu_ _ide	11
8A	19. On vacation	3
9A	20. Third piece of a three-piece	4
10A	21. 1813 battle site in the War of 1812	4
11A	22. _ax_ d_iv_r	14
12A	28. Awesomely tough	6
13A	29. Bert who played the Cowardly Lion	4
14A	30. Appearance of a comet, maybe	4
15A	31. Horse and buggy users	5
16A	33. Caution in a school zone	3
17A	36. R_od_ Isl_n_ Red	15
18A	40. Really binges (on)	3
19A	41. Express viewpoints	5
20A	42. Build up	4
21A	43. "Smart" boy's name	4
22A	44. Bunch at a fruit stand	6
23A	46. _ranklin D_l_no _oosevelt	14
24A	51. Dirty pics	4
25A	52. Fifth-century barbarians	4
26A	53. Rug rat	3
27A	54. _ _rr_e_	11
28A	61. Spanish eye	3
29A	62. Kick out	5
30A	63. First lady before Michelle	5
31A	64. Detectives, for short	3
32A	65. Books, informally	5
33A	66. Pedicurist's board	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. Boardroom easel display"

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 visual representation of the relations between certain quantities plotted with reference to a set of axes
• Words that mean the same thing: graphical record, chart
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRAPH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Spanish beach"

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: PLAYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Sack"

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 flexible container with a single opening
• Words that mean the same thing: pocketbook, bagful, bulge
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Film character about whom Tyler Perry said "I just don't want to be her age playing her""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MADEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Used a dinghy thingy"

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: OARED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Part of Bennifer, once"

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: JLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. _xygen _iflu_ _ide"

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: ODORLESSGAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. On vacation"

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 kill intentionally and with premeditation
• Words that mean the same thing: dispatch, turned, remove
• The opposite would be: on
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Third piece of a three-piece"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
• Words that mean the same thing: invest, robe, singlet
• The opposite would be: divest
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. 1813 battle site in the War of 1812"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
• Words that mean the same thing: Lake Erie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. _ax_ d_iv_r"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TIRELESSWORKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "28. Awesomely tough"

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: BADASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "29. Bert who played the Cowardly Lion"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: LAHR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Appearance of a comet, maybe"

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 sign of something about to happen
• Words that mean the same thing: bode, Sultanate of Oman, prognostic
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Horse and buggy users"

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

  The answer is: AMISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Caution in a school zone"

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: SLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. R_od_ Isl_n_ Red"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: HEADLESSCHICKEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "40. Really binges (on)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a doctor's degree in optometry
• Words that mean the same thing: Doctor of Optometry, oculus dexter, OD
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Express viewpoints"

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 express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
• Words that mean the same thing: speak up, reckon, speak out
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Build up"

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 blatant or sensational promotion
• Words that mean the same thing: plug, hoopla, ballyhoo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HYPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. "Smart" boy's name"

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: ALEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Bunch at a fruit stand"

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 various juicy fruit of the genus vitis with green or purple skins; grow in clusters
• Words that mean the same thing: grapeshot, grape, grape vine
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRAPES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. _ranklin D_l_no _oosevelt"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FEARLESSLEADER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "51. Dirty pics"

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 black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
• Words that mean the same thing: porno, soot, porn
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "52. Fifth-century barbarians"

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 a member of a nomadic people who invaded europe in the 4th century
• Words that mean the same thing: Hun, Kraut, Jerry
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. Rug rat"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
• Words that mean the same thing: sum up, tally, tot 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: TOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. _ _rr_e_"

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: HAIRLESSDOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "61. Spanish eye"

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: OJO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "62. Kick out"

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 force to leave or move out
• Words that mean the same thing: boot out, oust, exhaust
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXPEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. First lady before Michelle"

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: LAURA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. Detectives, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle; approximately equal to 3.14159265358979323846...
• Words that mean the same thing: private detective, sherlock, PI
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "65. Books, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that something that is read
• Words that mean the same thing: learn, record, show
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: READS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "66. Pedicurist's board"

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 hard grey-black mineral consisting of corundum and either hematite or magnetite; used as an abrasive (especially as a coating on paper)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMERY

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Tuesday Crossword Down Clues - December 17, 2019 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Modern food concern, for short	3
2D	2. Totally cool	3
3D	3. "Without further ___ ..."	3
4D	4. The "p" in m.p.g.	3
5D	5. Divides evenly	6
6D	6. Entertainer's crew	5
7D	7. Stands the test of time	5
8D	8. Where Che Guevara was born: Abbr.	3
9D	9. Opposite of nay	3
10D	10. Billboards, e.g.	3
11D	11. One-named singer who once led the Sugarcubes	5
12D	12. 1966 Michael Caine title role	5
13D	13. Errand runner	5
14D	18. Prey for barracudas	4
15D	21. Mess up	3
16D	22. Wild no more	5
17D	23. Bean sprouts?	5
18D	24. ___ McNally (mapmaker)	4
19D	25. Pizzeria order	5
20D	26. Load of laundry	4
21D	27. "Didn't think I'd run into you here!"	4
22D	28. ___-chic (fashion style)	4
23D	31. New Balance competitor	5
24D	32. Browser option	3
25D	33. FaceTime alternative	5
26D	34. Biblical outcast	5
27D	35. Much of binary code	4
28D	37. Laze	4
29D	38. Weapon used when saying "En garde!"	4
30D	39. Land between Nigeria and Sudan	4
31D	43. Without which earth is just "eh"?	3
32D	44. Wilder who played Willy Wonka	4
33D	45. Do some down-and-dirty fighting	6
34D	46. Camera setting	5
35D	47. Word derived from the Japanese for "picture writing"	5
36D	48. Buicks and Bentleys	5
37D	49. Ripped bit	5
38D	50. Downtimes	5
39D	54. ___ Highness	3
40D	55. Firefighter's tool	3
41D	56. Brewpub offering, for short	3
42D	57. Cooke who sang "Twistin' the Night Away"	3
43D	58. Like a pregnant woman at about 40 weeks	3
44D	59. Bobby of the Boston Bruins	3
45D	60. The "G" of L.G.B.T.	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. Modern food concern, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: GMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Totally cool"

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 unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material
• Words that mean the same thing: radian
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "Without further ___ ...""

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

  The answer is: ADO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. The "p" in m.p.g."

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: PER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Divides evenly"

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 one of two equal parts of a divisible whole
• Words that mean the same thing: half, one-half, halve
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HALVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Entertainer's crew"

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 temporary police force
• Words that mean the same thing: posse comitatus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POSSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Stands the test of time"

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 temporal end; the concluding time
• Words that mean the same thing: final stage, go, survive
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LASTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Where Che Guevara was born: 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: ARG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Opposite of nay"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: YEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Billboards, 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 public promotion of some product or service
• Words that mean the same thing: advertizing, advertising, ad
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. One-named singer who once led the Sugarcubes"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: BJORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. 1966 Michael Caine title role"

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: ALFIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Errand runner"

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

  The answer is: GOFER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Prey for barracudas"

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 fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
• Words that mean the same thing: eel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Mess up"

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

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Wild no more"

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 correct by punishment or discipline
• Words that mean the same thing: cultivate, domesticise, tame
• The opposite would be: wild
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAMED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Bean sprouts?"

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 the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
• Words that mean the same thing: musical theme, thought, melodic theme
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. ___ McNally (mapmaker)"

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 basic unit of money in south africa; equal to 100 cents
• Words that mean the same thing: Witwatersrand, Reef, Ayn Rand
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. Pizzeria order"

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 share of something
• Words that mean the same thing: cut, fade, slicing
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Load of laundry"

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 thin coat of water-base paint
• Words that mean the same thing: lave, launder, slipstream
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. "Didn't think I'd run into you here!""

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: OHHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "28. ___-chic (fashion style)"

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: BOHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. New Balance competitor"

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: ASICS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Browser option"

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: MSN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "33. FaceTime alternative"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SKYPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "34. Biblical outcast"

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 person afflicted with leprosy
• Words that mean the same thing: lazar
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "35. Much of binary code"

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

  The answer is: ONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "37. Laze"

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 hang loosely or laxly
• Words that mean the same thing: lounge about, arse about, loll around
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "38. Weapon used when saying "En garde!""

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 fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "39. Land between Nigeria and Sudan"

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 piece of paper that is supposed to be removed when a hole is punched in a card or paper tape
• Words that mean the same thing: Chadic, Republic of Chad, Lake Chad
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Without which earth is just "eh"?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
• Words that mean the same thing: prowess, nontextual matter, artistry
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. Wilder who played Willy Wonka"

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 (genetics) a segment of dna that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding dna as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
• Words that mean the same thing: factor, cistron
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "45. Do some down-and-dirty fighting"

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: RASSLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "46. Camera setting"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FSTOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "47. Word derived from the Japanese for "picture writing""

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: EMOJI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "48. Buicks and Bentleys"

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 motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
• Words that mean the same thing: machine, motorcar, automobile
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUTOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "49. Ripped bit"

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 tiny or scarcely detectable amount
• Words that mean the same thing: smidgin, iota, smidgen
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHRED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "50. Downtimes"

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 pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished
• Words that mean the same thing: still, lull, calm
• The opposite would be: agitate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LULLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "54. ___ Highness"

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: HER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "55. Firefighter's tool"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
• Words that mean the same thing: ax
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AXE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "56. Brewpub offering, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "57. Cooke who sang "Twistin' the Night Away""

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 guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
• Words that mean the same thing: surface-to-air missile
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "58. Like a pregnant woman at about 40 weeks"

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 that which is deserved or owed
• Words that mean the same thing: imputable, ascribable, referable
• The opposite would be: undue
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 44 Down: "59. Bobby of the Boston Bruins"

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 canadian hockey player (born 1948)
• Words that mean the same thing: Bobby Orr, Robert Orr
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 45 Down: "60. The "G" of L.G.B.T."

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 someone who practices homosexuality; having a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex
• Words that mean the same thing: cheery, homophile, homo
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	46	59.0%
Short Answer	21	26.9%
History	4	5.1%
Abbreviation	3	3.8%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	45
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.7 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 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:

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• January 15 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 08 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 13 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Crossword Answers Hints July 21
• December 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 08 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 15 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 29 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 29 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 08:24 AM