Search Clues
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query ALAS. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query ALAS. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, August 29, 2025

December 09, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, December 09, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 68 (33 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.7 letters

December 09, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Across Clues Explained - Saturday NYT Crossword December 09, 2023

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. "Try not to attract attention" 10
2A 11. This and that 4
3A 15. Geographical inspiration for Strauss 10
4A 16. "Alas!'" 4
5A 17. "100% correct!" 10
6A 18. Tab, essentially 4
7A 19. Safaris, e.g. 5
8A 20. Fish also known as wahoo 3
9A 21. Play again 5
10A 22. Not std. 3
11A 23. Border region along the Rhine 6
12A 25. ___ Championship 3
13A 26. Bit of assistance 4
14A 28. Shell-inspired shade of greenish blue 7
15A 30. Run like a mouse 7
16A 33. Founder of the Shondaland production company 6
17A 34. Defiant declaration popularized by the drag queen Bianca Del Rio 13
18A 36. Most of the English force at Agincourt 6
19A 37. Itchy layers 7
20A 38. "Goddess of the loud hunt," in Homer's "Iliad" 7
21A 40. Safari destinations 4
22A 41. M.M.A. decision 3
23A 42. Pulitzer category 6
24A 44. Part of U.C.S.F.: Abbr. 3
25A 47. Northern lapwing 5
26A 49. Break down, in a way 3
27A 50. Break down, in a way 5
28A 52. Swedish actress Lena 4
29A 53. Chance to start fresh 10
30A 55. Make advances 4
31A 56. 19th-century garb completed by top hats and gloves 10
32A 57. Tense 4
33A 58. "Let's have our cake and eat it, too!" 10

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. "Try not to attract attention""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ACTNATURAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "11. This and that"

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 agitation resulting from active worry
  • Words that mean the same thing: grudge, swither, brood
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "15. Geographical inspiration for Strauss"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: BLUEDANUBE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "16. "Alas!'""

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: AHME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "17. "100% correct!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: CANCONFIRM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. Tab, essentially"

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 state of owing something (especially money)
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DEBT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. Safaris, e.g."

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 journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers)
  • Words that mean the same thing: trek
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TREKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Fish also known as wahoo"

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 united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Yoko Ono
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ONO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Play again"

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: REAIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Not std."

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 electrical power in an ac circuit equal to the power dissipated when 1 volt produces a current of 1 ampere
  • Words that mean the same thing: volt-ampere
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Border region along the Rhine"

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 region of northeastern france famous for its wines
  • Words that mean the same thing: Elsass, Alsatia
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALSACE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. ___ Championship"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy 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: PGA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Bit of assistance"

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 (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
  • Words that mean the same thing: bridge player, pass on, paw
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HAND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Shell-inspired shade of greenish blue"

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: DUCKEGG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Run like a mouse"

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 to move about or proceed hurriedly
  • Words that mean the same thing: scuttle, scamper, skim
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SKITTER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Founder of the Shondaland production company"

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: RHIMES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Defiant declaration popularized by the drag queen Bianca Del Rio"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: NOTTODAYSATAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Most of the English force at Agincourt"

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 person who is expert in the use of a bow and arrow
  • Words that mean the same thing: bowman, archer
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BOWMEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Itchy layers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a fabric made from the hair of sheep
  • Words that mean the same thing: woolen, woollen, wool
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WOOLENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. "Goddess of the loud hunt," in Homer's "Iliad""

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) the virgin goddess of the hunt and the moon; daughter of leto and twin sister of apollo; identified with roman diana
  • Words that mean the same thing: Cynthia
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARTEMIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Safari destinations"

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 address of a web page on the world wide web
  • Words that mean the same thing: URL, universal resource locator, uniform resource locator
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: URLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. M.M.A. decision"

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 knockout declared by the referee who judges one boxer unable to continue
  • Words that mean the same thing: technical knockout
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TKO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Pulitzer category"

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 literature in metrical form
  • Words that mean the same thing: verse, poesy
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POETRY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Part of U.C.S.F.: 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: CAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Northern lapwing"

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 small black-headed european gull
  • Words that mean the same thing: pewit gull, peewee, blackcap
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PEWIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Break down, in a 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 a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
  • Words that mean the same thing: molder, moulder, bunkum
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. Break down, in a way"

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 analyze syntactically by assigning a constituent structure to (a sentence)
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PARSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Swedish actress Lena"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OLIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. Chance to start fresh"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: TABULARASA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Make advances"

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 bestow a quality on
  • Words that mean the same thing: impart, loan, bring
  • The opposite would be: borrow
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. 19th-century garb completed by top hats and gloves"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OPERACAPES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "57. Tense"

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 being in a tense state
  • Words that mean the same thing: high-strung, overstrung, highly strung
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDGY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. "Let's have our cake and eat it, too!""

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: WHYNOTBOTH

    Great job if you got it right!

NYT Saturday Crossword Down Clues - December 09, 2023 Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Disney channel 5
2D 2. "The Nutcracker" role 5
3D 3. One pulling some strings 5
4D 4. Long part of a bouzouki 4
5D 5. Big deals 4
6D 6. Amy who wrote "The Kitchen God's Wife" 3
7D 7. Played out 8
8D 8. Dig locale 5
9D 9. Not here 6
10D 10. The Eagle, e.g., for short 3
11D 11. First Nigerian-born singer to win a Grammy 4
12D 12. Epithet for Tarzan 9
13D 13. Causes to grow, humorously 9
14D 14. Car-washing equipment 7
15D 21. Locale for Ping-Pong, foosball, dancing, etc. 7
16D 23. U.N. secretary general Guterres 7
17D 24. Quick 7
18D 26. What might be heard before a bust 5
19D 27. Stab 7
20D 29. Toys with strings 5
21D 30. Did some shallow breathing? 9
22D 31. Bootlicker's specialty 9
23D 32. Word with data or deal 3
24D 35. Words to end a play 8
25D 36. Pillar of the superhero community 7
26D 39. Heavenly being 6
27D 43. Maguire of 2009's "Brothers" 5
28D 44. Idaho senator Mike 5
29D 45. It's a good thing 5
30D 46. Spot check? 5
31D 48. Fictional Dr. Jones, familiarly 4
32D 50. Big deal 4
33D 51. Many a North African 4
34D 53. Use a hitch on 3
35D 54. People with a language of the same name 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. Disney channel"

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: ABCTV

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "The Nutcracker" 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: CLARA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. One pulling some strings"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that someone who tunes pianos
  • Words that mean the same thing: wireless, receiving set, radio set
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TUNER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Long part of a bouzouki"

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 part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
  • Words that mean the same thing: neck opening, cervix, make 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: NECK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Big deals"

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

    The answer is: ADOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Amy who wrote "The Kitchen God's Wife""

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 browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Words that mean the same thing: burn, bronze, suntan
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Played out"

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 develop or come to a promising stage
  • Words that mean the same thing: stretch out, blossom out, unfold
  • The opposite would be: fold
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UNFOLDED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Dig locale"

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 irrecoverable state of devastation and destruction
  • Words that mean the same thing: smash, deflower, wrecking
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RUINS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Not here"

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

    The answer is: ABROAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. The Eagle, e.g., for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a spacecraft that carries astronauts from the command module to the surface of the moon and back
  • Words that mean the same thing: lunar module, lunar excursion module
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. First Nigerian-born singer to win a Grammy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that french soldier and writer whose descriptions of sexual perversion gave rise to the term `sadism' (1740-1814)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Marquis de Sade, Comte Donatien Alphonse Francois de Sade, de Sade
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SADE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Epithet for Tarzan"

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: THEAPEMAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Causes to grow, humorously"

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: EMBIGGENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Car-washing equipment"

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: WETRAGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Locale for Ping-Pong, foosball, dancing, etc."

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: RECHALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. U.N. secretary general Guterres"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ANTONIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Quick"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
  • Words that mean the same thing: perfunctory, casual, passing
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CURSORY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. What might be heard before a bust"

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: HITME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Stab"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
  • Words that mean the same thing: assay, try, set about
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ATTEMPT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Toys with strings"

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 bank check that has been fraudulently altered to increase its face value
  • Words that mean the same thing: kite, kit up, kit
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KITES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Did some shallow breathing?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that dive with a snorkel
  • Words that mean the same thing: snorkel
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNORKELED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Bootlicker's specialty"

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 bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
  • Words that mean the same thing: truckle, kotow, bootlick
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KOWTOWING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Word with data or deal"

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 informal terms for nakedness
  • Words that mean the same thing: bare-ass, naked as a jaybird, naked
  • The opposite would be: cooked
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RAW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Words to end a play"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: YOURTURN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Pillar of the superhero community"

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: BATPOLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Heavenly being"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an angel of the first order; usually portrayed as the winged head of a child
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SERAPH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Maguire of 2009's "Brothers""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that united states abstract painter influenced by oriental calligraphy (1890-1976)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Mark Tobey
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOBEY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Idaho senator Mike"

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: CRAPO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. It's a good thing"

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 useful or valuable quality
  • Words that mean the same thing: plus
  • The opposite would be: liability
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASSET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Spot check?"

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 restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
  • Words that mean the same thing: tether, triad, deuce-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: LEASH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. Fictional Dr. Jones, familiarly"

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: INDY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Big deal"

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 written agreement between two states or sovereigns
  • Words that mean the same thing: accord, treaty
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PACT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Many a North African"

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 member of a semitic people originally from the arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks arabic and who inhabits much of the middle east and northern africa
  • Words that mean the same thing: Arabian
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. Use a hitch on"

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 hauling something (as a vehicle) by means of a hitch or rope
  • Words that mean the same thing: towage
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. People with a language of the same name"

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 member of a buddhist people inhabiting the area of the mekong river in laos and thailand and speaking the lao language; related to the thais
  • Words that mean the same thing: Laotian
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LAO

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 52 76.5%
Short Answer 8 11.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 3 4.4%
Abbreviation 2 2.9%
History 2 2.9%
Sports 1 1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 33
Down Clues 35
Total Clues 68
Average Answer Length 5.7 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 13 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 Saturday, 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!

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: August 29, 2025 at 03:03 AM

on No comments:

Monday, December 29, 2025

Mini Crossword NYT December 29, 2025 - Today's Puzzle Solved in Under 1 Minutes

Monday's NYT Mini Dec 29 - All 10 Across & 10 Down Clues Decoded

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: April 20 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | June 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | NYT Down Clues Answers December 26 2025 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 29, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Monday, December 29, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 29, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 68. Signal for an actor to go onstage
2 Across 70. "Alas ..."
3 Across 15. Outer limits
4 Across 67. Molars and canines
5 Across 58. Puppy sounds
6 Across 35. Stephen of "V for Vendetta"
7 Across 22. Condé ___ (magazine publisher)
8 Across 55. Soaks (up)
9 Across 1. Life story, in brief
10 Across 23. "Tsk! Tsk!"

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:

1 Across: "68. Signal for an actor to go onstage"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Another word like this: clue

Answer:

Click to reveal CUE

2 Across: "70. "Alas ...""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S___Y

Answer:

Click to reveal SADLY

3 Across: "15. Outer limits"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E___S

Answer:

Click to reveal EDGES

4 Across: "67. Molars and canines"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: T___H

Answer:

Click to reveal TEETH

5 Across: "58. Puppy sounds"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S

Answer:

Click to reveal ARFS

6 Across: "35. Stephen of "V for Vendetta""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal REA

7 Across: "22. Condé ___ (magazine publisher)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: N__T

Answer:

Click to reveal NAST

8 Across: "55. Soaks (up)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S

Answer:

Click to reveal SOPS

9 Across: "1. Life story, in brief"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'O'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal BIO

10 Across: "23. "Tsk! Tsk!""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S___E

Answer:

Click to reveal SHAME

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 3. Battle cry of the U.S. Marine Corps
2 Down 26. Tail-less cat
3 Down 19. ___ Grey tea
4 Down 8. Caught sight of
5 Down 62. Ticked (off)
6 Down 30. Fencing sword
7 Down 34. Norway's capital
8 Down 44. Seafood with claws
9 Down 48. Rushing yards, e.g., informally
10 Down 33. Commoner

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:

1 Down: "3. Battle cry of the U.S. Marine Corps"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: O___H

Answer:

Click to reveal OORAH

2 Down: "26. Tail-less cat"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'X'
  • Word pattern: M__X

Answer:

Click to reveal MANX

3 Down: "19. ___ Grey tea"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: E__L

Answer:

Click to reveal EARL

4 Down: "8. Caught sight of"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: E____D

Answer:

Click to reveal ESPIED

5 Down: "62. Ticked (off)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: T__D

Answer:

Click to reveal TEED

6 Down: "30. Fencing sword"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E__E

Answer:

Click to reveal EPEE

7 Down: "34. Norway's capital"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: O__O

Answer:

Click to reveal OSLO

8 Down: "44. Seafood with claws"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: L_____R

Answer:

Click to reveal LOBSTER

9 Down: "48. Rushing yards, e.g., informally"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S__T

Answer:

Click to reveal STAT

10 Down: "33. Commoner"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: P__B

Answer:

Click to reveal PLEB

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 52 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

More Puzzle Help

If you like the NYT Mini, you might enjoy these other puzzles too:

Recent Crossword Solutions:

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play?

No! The NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Mini solver?

Good Mini solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.

About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 29, 2025 at 04:34 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 29 2025 mini crossword

on No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)