27434 Sat Dec 21, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 21, 2024

Let's go into the puzzle, starting with the across clues and answers, followed by the down clues and answers.

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Shifty little sucker?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: BENDYSTRAW




• The clue is 11. C.D., e.g.: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ACCT




• The clue is 15. Madrid's Teatro Real, for one. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: OPERAHOUSE




• The clue is 16. Character who says "I am short, fat and proud of that". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: POOH




• The clue is 17. The "King of Mambo". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: TITOPUENTE




• The clue is 18. Austrian composer Mahler. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ALMA




• The clue is 19. No longer waffle. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: OPT

  Possible Answer : prefer, choose, opt




• The clue is 20. Pill alternatives, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: IUDS

  Possible Answer : IUD, intrauterine_device




• The clue is 22. Returner's call. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: LET

  Possible Answer : permit, have, rent, get, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Lashkar-e-Toiba, lease, Army_of_the_Righteous, LET, net_ball, countenance, Army_of_the_Pure, let, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, allow

  Possible Opposite Answer : prevent, forbid, disallow




• The clue is 23. À la king?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: NOBLY

  Possible Answer : nobly




• The clue is 26. Reason for foot-tapping. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: ANTSINESS




• The clue is 28. Lines in bars. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: URLS

  Possible Answer : universal_resource_locator, uniform_resource_locator, URL




• The clue is 29. Confirmation, for one. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: RITE

  Possible Answer : religious_rite, ritual, rite




• The clue is 30. Mount ___, Canada's highest peak. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: LOGAN

  Possible Answer : Mount_Logan, Logan




• The clue is 31. Certain tech exec. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: CIO

  Possible Answer : CIO, Congress_of_Industrial_Organizations




• The clue is 32. Chinese dog breed, for short. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: PEKE

  Possible Answer : Peke, Pekinese, Pekingese




• The clue is 33. All the greater. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: MORESO




• The clue is 34. Alabama is in it, but Alaska is not. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: LOWERFORTYEIGHT




• The clue is 37. Adds to the code, say. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ENACTS

  Possible Answer : enact, ordain, act_out, reenact




• The clue is 38. Stake. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: FUND

  Possible Answer : store, stock, investment_company, investment_firm, fund, monetary_fund, investment_trust




• The clue is 39. Apt name for a thief. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ROB

  Possible Answer : surcharge, plume, rob, hook, soak, gazump, fleece, overcharge, pluck

  Possible Opposite Answer : undercharge




• The clue is 40. "The Hate U Give" author Thomas. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ANGIE




• The clue is 41. First name in country. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: REBA




• The clue is 42. Rooney of "Women Talking". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: MARA

  Possible Answer : mara, Mara, Dolichotis_patagonum




• The clue is 43. Most of the 1980s. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: REAGANERA




• The clue is 45. Slogged (through). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: WADED

  Possible Answer : chock_up, bundle, jam, ram, compact, wade, jampack, cram, pack, wad




• The clue is 46. Its first airing was "The French Chef" with Julia Child. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: PBS

  Possible Answer : petabit, PiB, pebibyte, atomic_number_82, PB, petabyte, PBS, lead, Pb, phosphate_buffer_solution, Pbit




• The clue is 47. "And the ___ raths outgrabe" ("Jabberwocky" line). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: MOME




• The clue is 48. Exclamation with a shake. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: BRR




• The clue is 49. Black-and-white divers. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: AUKS

  Possible Answer : auk




• The clue is 51. It's a little shady. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: BONSAITREE




• The clue is 56. Last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, familiarly. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: CLEO




• The clue is 57. "Worth a shot". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: ITCANTHURT




• The clue is 58. What some people display after getting stuck?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TATS

  Possible Answer : intertwine, cheapness, TAT, Thematic_Apperception_Test, tackiness, sleaze, tat




• The clue is 59. Far below the surface. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: DEEPSEATED

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. X follower, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: BOT

  Possible Answer: bot

• The clue is 2. Lead-in to -gram. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: EPI

  Possible Answer: EPI, Eysenck_Personality_Inventory

• The clue is 3. Losing athlete in the 2002 and 2003 N.B.A. Finals. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: NET

  Possible Answer: lucre, sack_up, final, meshing, web, last, profit, mesh, internet, net_profit, profits, clear, sack, cyberspace, nett, earnings, meshwork, network, net, net_income

  Possible Opposite Answer : gross

• The clue is 4. Runs off at the mouth?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: DROOLS

  Possible Answer: humbug, bosh, drivel, tosh, slobber, bilgewater, slabber, tarradiddle, salivate, boloney, slaver, dribble, twaddle, drool, taradiddle, baloney, tommyrot

• The clue is 5. Like a noisy toy. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: YAPPY

• The clue is 6. Turned (off). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SHUT

  Possible Answer: keep_out, exclude, shut, shut_out, close, unopen, closed

  Possible Opposite Answer : admit, open

• The clue is 7. Oft-kissed part of the statue of St. Peter in Vatican City. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: TOE

  Possible Answer: toe, toenail

• The clue is 8. Shield, with "for". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: RUNINTERFERENCE

• The clue is 9. Not born yesterday, so to speak. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ASTUTE

  Possible Answer: astute, sharp, shrewd

• The clue is 10. Bed hogs, at times. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: WEEDS

  Possible Answer: locoweed, Mary_Jane, weeds, smoke, weed, pot, widow's_weeds, gage, sens, green_goddess, dope, sess, grass, skunk, mourning_band

  Possible Opposite Answer : cultivated_plant

• The clue is 11. Shrinks' org.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: APA

• The clue is 12. One who's made it to some degree?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: COLLEGEGRAD

• The clue is 13. Lands. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: COMESASHORE

• The clue is 14. "I kinda like it!". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: THATSNOTBAD

• The clue is 21. Isolated. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SILOED

• The clue is 23. SALT, but not PEPPER. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: NUCLEARPACT

• The clue is 24. Star-forming region nearest to Earth. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: ORIONNEBULA

• The clue is 25. Go ballistic. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: BLOWAGASKET

• The clue is 26. Jhené ___, Grammy-nominated R&B singer. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: AIKO

• The clue is 27. Japanese food that's a good source of what it spells backward. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: NORI

• The clue is 29. Some who whistle while they work. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: REFS

  Possible Answer: referee, ref

• The clue is 32. Comms group. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: PRTEAM

• The clue is 33. Noisy Asian bird. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: MYNA

  Possible Answer: mynah, mynah_bird, myna_bird, myna, mina, minah

• The clue is 35. Pen for a hit. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ECIG

• The clue is 36. Latin for "trumpet". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TUBA

  Possible Answer: sousaphone, bass_horn, tuba

• The clue is 41. Like many on a Zoom call. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: REMOTE

  Possible Answer: removed, remote, remote_control, outside, distant, outback

  Possible Opposite Answer : close

• The clue is 42. Vineyard eponym. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: MARTHA

• The clue is 44. Like a sole-source contract. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: NOBID

• The clue is 45. Form letters?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: WRITE

  Possible Answer: drop_a_line, pen, compose, save, spell, write, publish, indite

• The clue is 48. Blue laws, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: BANS

  Possible Answer: ostracise, shun, cast_out, proscription, prohibition, ban, banish, BAN, forbidding, Bachelor_of_Arts_in_Nursing, banning, ostracize, censor, forbiddance, blackball

• The clue is 50. This means trouble. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SOS

  Possible Answer: sol, soh, SOS, so

• The clue is 52. Woodpecker's fare. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SAP

  Possible Answer: cosh, run_down, muggins, play_out, sap, exhaust, tire, saphead, fool, tomfool, blackjack

• The clue is 53. Bad place to be stuck. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: RUT

  Possible Answer: estrus, rut, furrow, groove, oestrus, heat

  Possible Opposite Answer : anestrus

• The clue is 54. Short palindrome in the middle of a famous longer one. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ERE

• The clue is 55. Track stat. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ETD

  Possible Answer: explosive_trace_detection, ETD

December 22, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (33 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

December 22, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "Darn it!"	4
2A	5. In base eight	5
3A	10. "Resident Alien" channel	4
4A	14. Sound heard in a long hall	4
5A	15. Tennis champ Osaka	5
6A	16. City with a beef	4
7A	17. Jovial seasonal mood	15
8A	20. ___-Seltzer	4
9A	21. Take a snooze, with "out"	4
10A	22. Cost of not doing business, maybe	15
11A	29. Significant ___	5
12A	30. Hubbub	3
13A	31. Like many a go-getter	5
14A	32. Warrior in the Greek pantheon	4
15A	33. Regional wildlife	5
16A	35. Lovable goofball, say	4
17A	36. NASA endeavors whose vehicles can be found at the ends of 17-, 22-, 51- and 57-Across	15
18A	39. Sketch show since '75	3
19A	40. Fist bump	3
20A	41. Walkie-talkie band, briefly	3
21A	44. Place to catch up over a hot drink	7
22A	48. When repeated, slangy sound of eating	3
23A	51. Why everyone loves a good train wreck	15
24A	54. Fish also known as a bluegill	5
25A	55. Make a bow	3
26A	56. Title woman in a classic 1973 breakup tune	5
27A	57. Uniquely American cleverness	15
28A	60. ___ homo	4
29A	61. Rest atop	5
30A	62. Cheeseboard choice	4
31A	63. Quizzical Quebec questions?	3
32A	64. "I ___ know" (common excuse)	5
33A	65. Member of the fam	3

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. "Darn 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 any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
• Words that mean the same thing: rotter, bum, rat
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. In base eight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of or pertaining to a number system having 8 as its base
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCTAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. "Resident Alien" channel"

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: SYFY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Sound heard in a long hall"

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 the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
• Words that mean the same thing: reverberation, replication, sound reflection
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ECHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Tennis champ Osaka"

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 mother-in-law of ruth whose story is told in the book of ruth in the old testament
• Words that mean the same thing: Noemi
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAOMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. City with a beef"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a port city in japan on osaka bay in southern honshu; was damaged by an earthquake in 1995
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Jovial seasonal mood"

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: CHRISTMASSPIRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. ___-Seltzer"

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: ALKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Take a snooze, with "out""

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: ZONK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Cost of not doing business, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LOSTOPPORTUNITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "29. Significant ___"

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 not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied; - the white queen
• Words that mean the same thing: former, early
• The opposite would be: same
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "30. Hubbub"

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 rapid active commotion
• Words that mean the same thing: stir, hustle, 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: ADO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "31. Like many a go-getter"

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: TYPEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Warrior in the Greek pantheon"

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 (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
• Words that mean the same thing: ar, are
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Regional wildlife"

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 and animal life of a particular region
• Words that mean the same thing: biology
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BIOTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Lovable goofball, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a dull stupid fatuous person
• Words that mean the same thing: jerk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. NASA endeavors whose vehicles can be found at the ends of 17-, 22-, 51- and 57-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MARTIANMISSIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Sketch show since '75"

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: SNL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Fist bump"

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: DAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Walkie-talkie band, briefly"

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 300 to 3000 megahertz
• Words that mean the same thing: ultrahigh frequency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UHF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Place to catch up over a hot drink"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a restaurant where tea and light meals are available
• Words that mean the same thing: teashop, tea parlor, tea parlour
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEAROOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. When repeated, slangy sound of eating"

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: NOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "51. Why everyone loves a good train wreck"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MORBIDCURIOSITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "54. Fish also known as a bluegill"

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 flesh of various freshwater fishes of north america or of europe
• Words that mean the same thing: sea bream, freshwater bream
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BREAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "55. Make a bow"

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 neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
• Words that mean the same thing: affiliation, connect, attach
• The opposite would be: untie, disconnect
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "56. Title woman in a classic 1973 breakup tune"

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: ANGIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Uniquely American cleverness"

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: YANKEEINGENUITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "60. ___ homo"

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: ECCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "61. Rest atop"

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: LIEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "62. Cheeseboard choice"

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 soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Quizzical Quebec questions?"

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: EHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. "I ___ know" (common excuse)"

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: DIDNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Member of the fam"

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 female person who has the same parents as another person
• Words that mean the same thing: silicon, Si, International System of Units
• The opposite would be: brother
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIS

  Great job if you got it right!

December 22, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. College app element	3
2D	2. "___ Tannenbaum" (16th-century folk song that inspired a carol)	3
3D	3. Avid skateboarder, in lingo	8
4D	4. Gardeners' orders, at times	9
5D	5. Straight out of the barrel	5
6D	6. Nanny ___	3
7D	7. Ode words	3
8D	8. Morning hrs.	3
9D	9. Composer of the piano piece played by Bugs Bunny in "Rhapsody Rabbit"	5
10D	10. Lose the suit, say	9
11D	11. Certain designer dog	8
12D	12. Clarice Starling's employer in "The Silence of the Lambs," in brief	3
13D	13. Nevertheless	3
14D	18. Hershey toffee confection	4
15D	19. Fit of sullenness	4
16D	22. Fertile ground	4
17D	23. "___ vez" ("Again," in Valencia)	4
18D	24. Bother	4
19D	25. "Hamilton" actor Leslie ___ Jr.	4
20D	26. Indian flatbread	4
21D	27. Cousin of a gull	4
22D	28. Gabs	4
23D	33. Like hay on a farm	5
24D	34. "Same here"	5
25D	37. Eventually	6
26D	38. ___ Islands, Polynesian archipelago	6
27D	41. Awkward farewell	5
28D	42. Poet who coined the term "carpe diem"	6
29D	43. Kind of kiss	6
30D	45. Timing of the Mercutio/Tybalt duel in "Romeo and Juliet"	6
31D	46. Unfixable	6
32D	47. Home to the deepest lake and river gorge in the U.S.	6
33D	48. Cold rice topped with wasabi and raw fish	6
34D	49. Likely cause of a cranky toddler's ear-tugging	6
35D	50. "Ridiculous!"	5
36D	52. Soaks up the hot sun	5
37D	53. Ignores	5
38D	58. Days gone by, in bygone days	3
39D	59. Fangorn Forest dweller	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. College app element"

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

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: REC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "___ Tannenbaum" (16th-century folk song that inspired a carol)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: ACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Avid skateboarder, in lingo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a farm machine for separating seeds or grain from the husks and straw
• Words that mean the same thing: Alopius vulpinus, mocking thrush, thresher shark
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THRASHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Gardeners' orders, at times"

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: SOILTESTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Straight out of the barrel"

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: ONTAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Nanny ___"

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 river in east central england that flows past cambridge to join the ouse river
• Words that mean the same thing: Cam River, River Cam
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Ode words"

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: TOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Morning hrs."

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 radioactive transuranic metallic element; discovered by bombarding uranium with helium atoms
• Words that mean the same thing: Artium Magister, americium, amplitude modulation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Composer of the piano piece played by Bugs Bunny in "Rhapsody Rabbit""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that hungarian composer and piano virtuoso (1811-1886)
• Words that mean the same thing: Franz Liszt
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LISZT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Lose the suit, say"

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: SKINNYDIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Certain designer dog"

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: YORKIPOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Clarice Starling's employer in "The Silence of the Lambs," in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the department of justice
• Words that mean the same thing: Federal Bureau of Investigation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Nevertheless"

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 up to the present time
• Words that mean the same thing: nonetheless, notwithstanding, in time
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Hershey toffee confection"

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: SKOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Fit of sullenness"

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 disdainful grimace
• Words that mean the same thing: sulk, mop, horned pout
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Fertile ground"

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 rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. "___ vez" ("Again," in Valencia)"

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: OTRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Bother"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
• Words that mean the same thing: pain sensation, ail, painful sensation
• The opposite would be: pleasure
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. "Hamilton" actor Leslie ___ Jr."

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: ODOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Indian flatbread"

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: ROTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. Cousin of a gull"

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 small slender gull having narrow wings and a forked tail
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TERN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "28. Gabs"

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 large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
• Words that mean the same thing: yack, gab, chatter
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YAKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Like hay on a farm"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BALED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. "Same here""

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: ASDOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Eventually"

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: INTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. ___ Islands, Polynesian archipelago"

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 native or inhabitant of the samoan islands
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAMOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Awkward farewell"

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: UMBYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Poet who coined the term "carpe diem""

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 roman lyric poet said to have influenced english poetry (65-8 bc)
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HORACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Kind of kiss"

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 romance language spoken in france and in countries colonized by france
• Words that mean the same thing: Daniel Chester French, French people, Gallic
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRENCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Timing of the Mercutio/Tybalt duel in "Romeo and Juliet""

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: ACTIII

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Unfixable"

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 destroy completely; damage irreparably
• Words that mean the same thing: undone, smash, ruin
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUINED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. Home to the deepest lake and river gorge in the U.S."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
• Words that mean the same thing: OR, Beaver State
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OREGON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. Cold rice topped with wasabi and raw fish"

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: NIGIRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Likely cause of a cranky toddler's ear-tugging"

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

  The answer is: OTITIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. "Ridiculous!""

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: MYEYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "52. Soaks up the hot sun"

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 cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven
• Words that mean the same thing: broil, bake
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "53. Ignores"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an instance of driving away or warding off
• Words that mean the same thing: repulse, disregard, repel
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNUBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Days gone by, in bygone days"

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 late time of life
• Words that mean the same thing: geezerhood, age, years
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "59. Fangorn Forest dweller"

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: ENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	48	66.7%
Short Answer	13	18.1%
History	3	4.2%
Geography	2	2.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.8%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
Science/Technology	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually 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: September 12, 2025 at 11:38 PM