June 17, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (31 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 66 (31 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.8 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Saturday Puzzle June 17, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Pressing need?	7
2A	8. Sends to Tartarus, say	5
3A	13. Lake known for its high salinity	7
4A	14. ___ Jung, "Squid Game" actress	6
5A	15. Nail material	7
6A	16. Flack in the music business	7
7A	17. "I'm available if needed"	5
8A	18. "Precision crafted performance" sloganeer	5
9A	20. Beat ___	3
10A	21. Low figure	4
11A	23. Not working, in a way	8
12A	25. What might turn pie into pieces?	12
13A	28. The dad on TV's "American Dad!"	4
14A	29. Beam	10
15A	33. Souvenir from Glasgow	3
16A	34. One who grows up, then eventually croaks	7
17A	35. Off from work, in emails	3
18A	36. "Don't make me laugh!"	10
19A	38. Emoji with a red face and fangs	4
20A	39. Informal talks	12
21A	41. "See you soon!," in France	8
22A	44. In custody	4
23A	45. Total nothing	3
24A	46. One studying coral composition, say	5
25A	48. Asian capital on a river of the same name	5
26A	51. "Go now!"	7
27A	53. Exclamation of revelation	7
28A	55. Exist naturally	6
29A	56. Heavy metal band?	7
30A	57. 30-Down footwear	5
31A	58. Driver's license, for one	7

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Pressing need?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a bar to which heavy discs are attached at each end; used in weightlifting
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARBELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "8. Sends to Tartarus, say"

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 something of little value
• Words that mean the same thing: bedamn, imprecate, damn
• The opposite would be: bless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAMNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "13. Lake known for its high salinity"

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: ARALSEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. ___ Jung, "Squid Game" actress"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: HOYEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Nail material"

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 fibrous scleroprotein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in horny tissues such as hair, feathers, nails, and hooves
• Words that mean the same thing: ceratin
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KERATIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Flack in the music business"

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

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: ROBERTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. "I'm available if needed""

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: USEME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. "Precision crafted performance" sloganeer"

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: ACURA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Beat ___"

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 uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
• Words that mean the same thing: nab, snitch, pig
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Low figure"

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 (middle ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
• Words that mean the same thing: helot, villein
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Not working, in a way"

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: ONSTRIKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. What might turn pie into pieces?"

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: AUTOCOMPLETE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. The dad on TV's "American Dad!""

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: STAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Beam"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: RAYOFLIGHT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Souvenir from Glasgow"

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 woolen cap of scottish origin
• Words that mean the same thing: tammy, tam-o'-shanter
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. One who grows up, then eventually croaks"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a larval frog or toad
• Words that mean the same thing: pollywog, polliwog
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TADPOLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Off from work, in emails"

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: OOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. "Don't make me laugh!""

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: OHPUHLEASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Emoji with a red face and fangs"

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 cruel wicked and inhuman person
• Words that mean the same thing: demon, monster, fiend
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OGRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Informal talks"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: BULLSESSIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. "See you soon!," in France"

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: ABIENTOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. In custody"

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 keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
• Words that mean the same thing: prevail, adjudge, take for
• The opposite would be: let go of, disagree
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HELD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Total nothing"

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 someone who is unsuccessful
• Words that mean the same thing: flop, misfire, washout
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DUD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. One studying coral composition, say"

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 works underwater
• Words that mean the same thing: frogman, loon, underwater diver
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Asian capital on a river of the same name"

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 the sacred city of lamaism; known as the forbidden city for its former inaccessibility and hostility to strangers
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Tibet, Lhasa apso, Forbidden City
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LHASA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. "Go now!""

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: LEAVEME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. Exclamation of revelation"

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: ISEENOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. Exist naturally"

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

  The answer is: INHERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Heavy metal band?"

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 shackle that consists of a metal loop that can be locked around the wrist; usually used in pairs
• Words that mean the same thing: handlock, cuff, handcuff
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MANACLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. 30-Down footwear"

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 footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
• Words that mean the same thing: iron heel, bang, thrill
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Driver's license, for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STATEID

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Saturday Puzzle June 17, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Capital on the Caspian	4
2D	2. Whom Athena smites with a boulder in the "Iliad"	4
3D	3. Something once sold for pennies that's now worth much more	9
4D	4. Make a scapegoat for	7
5D	5. Big brand in immunity support	6
6D	6. Strung accompaniment for a hula	3
7D	7. Actress Condor of the "To All the Boys" film series	4
8D	8. Fight (with)	8
9D	9. Word said in passing?	3
10D	10. Obrigado : Portuguese :: ___ : French	5
11D	11. Proscribed	5
12D	12. "Probably the bravest man I ever knew," per Harry Potter	5
13D	14. Equines, collectively	10
14D	16. Get unleashed	8
15D	19. Two-in-one computer command	9
16D	22. In perpetuum	10
17D	24. Retailer that sells hydration packs	3
18D	25. Apropos of	4
19D	26. ___ Territory, Western destination from the mid-to-late 19th century	4
20D	27. Got intimate	8
21D	30. Bit of entertainment for which 57-Across are worn	9
22D	31. Natural projection	4
23D	32. Digital support group?	4
24D	34. Resounds	8
25D	37. Bright purple yam used to flavor desserts	3
26D	38. Option for a house-warming?	7
27D	40. Big name in Tejano music	6
28D	41. Cut the cards, perhaps	5
29D	42. "Qué ___" ("Excellent," in Spanish)	5
30D	43. Sacagawea's birthplace, today	5
31D	47. Peripheries	4
32D	49. Piano sonatas, typically	4
33D	50. Left a big impression on	4
34D	52. Chicken tender?	3
35D	54. Plopped down	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. Capital on the Caspian"

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 on the caspian sea that is the capital of azerbaijan and an important center for oil production
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Azerbaijan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAKU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Whom Athena smites with a boulder in the "Iliad""

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 (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
• Words that mean the same thing: are, ar
• The 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 3 Down: "3. Something once sold for pennies that's now worth much more"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RARESTAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Make a scapegoat for"

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: BLAMEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Big brand in immunity support"

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: ESTERC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Strung accompaniment for a hula"

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 flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
• Words that mean the same thing: leu, wreath, coronal
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Actress Condor of the "To All the Boys" film series"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: LANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Fight (with)"

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: DOBATTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Word said in passing?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard 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: AYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Obrigado : Portuguese :: ___ : French"

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: MERCI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Proscribed"

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: NOTOK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "Probably the bravest man I ever knew," per Harry Potter"

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: SNAPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Equines, collectively"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the flesh of horses as food
• Words that mean the same thing: horsemeat
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HORSEFLESH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. Get unleashed"

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: RUNLOOSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Two-in-one computer command"

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: COPYPASTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. In perpetuum"

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: FORALLTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Retailer that sells hydration packs"

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: REI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Apropos of"

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: ASTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. ___ Territory, Western destination from the mid-to-late 19th century"

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 state in the western united states; settled in 1847 by mormons led by brigham young
• Words that mean the same thing: Mormon State, Beehive State, UT
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UTAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Got intimate"

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: MADELOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Bit of entertainment for which 57-Across are worn"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GOGODANCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Natural projection"

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 noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
• Words that mean the same thing: cornet, car horn, trump
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HORN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Digital support group?"

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 one of the digits of the foot
• Words that mean the same thing: toenail, toe
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Resounds"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a deep prolonged loud noise
• Words that mean the same thing: roaring, boom, nose drops
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THUNDERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Bright purple yam used to flavor desserts"

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: UBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Option for a house-warming?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: OILHEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Big name in Tejano music"

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

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: SELENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Cut the cards, perhaps"

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: ADLIB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. "Qué ___" ("Excellent," in Spanish)"

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: BUENO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Sacagawea's birthplace, today"

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 state in the rocky mountains
• Words that mean the same thing: ID, Gem 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: IDAHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Peripheries"

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 the shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object
• Words that mean the same thing: lip, flange, brim
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Piano sonatas, typically"

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 activity that is performed alone without assistance
• Words that mean the same thing: solo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Left a big impression on"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that inspire awe in
• Words that mean the same thing: awful, awestruck, awe
• The opposite would be: unawed
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Chicken tender?"

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 doctor who practices veterinary medicine
• Words that mean the same thing: veterinary surgeon, veterinarian, veterinary
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. Plopped down"

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 seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
• Words that mean the same thing: sit around, seat, posture
• The opposite would be: arise, stand
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	47	71.2%
Short Answer	10	15.2%
Geography	3	4.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	3.0%
Music	2	3.0%
History	2	3.0%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	31
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	66
Average Answer Length	5.8 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 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: September 01, 2025 at 05:38 PM

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 03, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (37 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (41 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Project for a beginning knitter	5
2A	6. Petri dish medium	4
3A	10. Niecy ___ of "Clean House"	4
4A	14. Exposed, as one's dirty laundry	5
5A	15. Protein in a niçoise salad	4
6A	16. Guthrie who sang "Alice's Restaurant"	4
7A	17. Neutral shade in some Florida décor?	10
8A	19. One getting top billing	4
9A	20. Just OK	4
10A	21. Break in the action	4
11A	22. Censures	5
12A	23. Lighthearted invitation for joining one's sled team?	12
13A	26. [Is this thing on?]	6
14A	29. Fish feared by dragons in "How to Train Your Dragon"	4
15A	30. Cry of defeat	5
16A	31. Chess piece that can be promoted	4
17A	34. Creature of Sherpa folklore	4
18A	37. Chop (off)	3
19A	38. Fancify … or a phonetic hint to 17-, 23-, 50- and 62-Across	7
20A	41. Stalling sounds	3
21A	42. Tolkien trilogy, to fans	4
22A	44. Word after latch or glom	4
23A	45. "Death of a Salesman" salesman	5
24A	47. A half-filled auditorium, per Robert Frost	4
25A	49. Puts the pedal to the metal	6
26A	50. Headline during a zombie attack?	12
27A	55. Pair of cymbals with a foot pedal	5
28A	56. Gain	4
29A	57. World's most-watched television franchise, informally	4
30A	61. School within both Princeton and Carleton?	4
31A	62. Price of makeup at the dollar store, informally?	10
32A	64. No longer applicable	4
33A	65. Feel sore	4
34A	66. Console for the game Pitfall!	5
35A	67. Partner of odds	4
36A	68. Rhyming word after speed	4
37A	69. Loses color	5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Project for a beginning knitter"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration
• Similar words include: scarf joint
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCARF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Petri dish medium"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent
• Similar words include: nutrient agar, agar-agar
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AGAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Niecy ___ of "Clean House""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states writer noted for his droll epigrams (1902-1971)
• Similar words include: Ogden Nash
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Exposed, as one's dirty laundry"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that expose to fresh air
• Similar words include: ventilate, transmit, publicise
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AIRED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Protein in a niçoise salad"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that tropical american prickly pear of jamaica
• Similar words include: Opuntia tuna, tuna fish, Anguilla sucklandii
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TUNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Guthrie who sang "Alice's Restaurant""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Neutral shade in some Florida décor?"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAMPABEIGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. One getting top billing"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
• Similar words include: genius, stellar, starring
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Just OK"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Break in the action"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished
• Similar words include: letup, tranquillize, calm down
• Opposite of: agitate

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LULL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Censures"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that something of little value
• Similar words include: shit, hoot, beshrew
• Opposite of: bless

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DAMNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Lighthearted invitation for joining one's sled team?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SKIPTOMYLUGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. [Is this thing on?]"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAPTAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Fish feared by dragons in "How to Train Your Dragon""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of 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
• Similar words include: eel
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Cry of defeat"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ILOST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Chess piece that can be promoted"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an article deposited as security
• Similar words include: cat's-paw, hock, instrument
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Creature of Sherpa folklore"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
• Similar words include: abominable snowman
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YETI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Chop (off)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cut off from a whole
• Similar words include: trim, discerp, clip
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Fancify … or a phonetic hint to 17-, 23-, 50- and 62-Across"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ZHUZHUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Stalling sounds"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Tolkien trilogy, to fans"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOTR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Word after latch or glom"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. "Death of a Salesman" salesman"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. A half-filled auditorium, per Robert Frost"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any place of pain and turmoil
• Similar words include: Inferno, hellhole, pit
• Opposite of: Heaven

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Puts the pedal to the metal"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GUNSIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Headline during a zombie attack?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THEDEADSIEGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "55. Pair of cymbals with a foot pedal"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HIHAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Gain"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
• Similar words include: realise, gain, garner
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. World's most-watched television franchise, informally"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a material effigy that is worshipped
• Similar words include: matinee idol, graven image, god
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IDOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. School within both Princeton and Carleton?"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ETON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Price of makeup at the dollar store, informally?"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BUCKAROUGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. No longer applicable"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise
• Similar words include: debatable, debate, deliberate
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Feel sore"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
• Similar words include: smart, suffer, yen
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Console for the game Pitfall!"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATARI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Partner of odds"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
• Similar words include: death, destruction, remnant
• Opposite of: beginning, begin

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Rhyming word after speed"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that something that is read
• Similar words include: say, take, learn
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: READ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. Loses color"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a wooden strip forming part of a fence
• Similar words include: pale, blanch, chum up
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PALES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Exams that are often optional	4
2D	2. Florence farewell	4
3D	3. Munitions	4
4D	4. Spreads on social media	7
5D	5. Cosmetics-regulating org.	3
6D	6. Couldn't get enough of	5
7D	7. Reason for a tucked tail, perhaps	5
8D	8. ___-Saxon	5
9D	9. Issa of "Insecure"	3
10D	10. How a Dylan impersonator might sing	7
11D	11. Tate Modern and others	10
12D	12. "That slaps," for something good, e.g.	5
13D	13. One might be mounted	5
14D	18. Tiny deviation from a general trend	4
15D	22. Product from Rit	3
16D	24. New York City deli name	4
17D	25. It might be fixed at a chef's table	4
18D	26. Cashier's tray	4
19D	27. ___ gobi (potato curry)	4
20D	28. Prepare to do an oil change, say	10
21D	31. "The shoddy sandwich knife couldn't cut the mustard," e.g.	3
22D	32. Early H.I.V. med	3
23D	33. "___ knows?"	3
24D	35. Phuket native	4
25D	36. "___ she lovely?" (Stevie Wonder question)	4
26D	39. Greeting that becomes another greeting if you add an A at the front and reverse it	4
27D	40. Promote	4
28D	43. Stinging insects	7
29D	46. The least amount a person might give	7
30D	48. Tennis umpire's call	3
31D	49. Rowlands of "A Woman Under the Influence"	4
32D	50. Subject	5
33D	51. Discover by chance	5
34D	52. Two in a hand	5
35D	53. ___ Baron Cohen, "The Trial of the Chicago 7" actor	5
36D	54. Ticked off	5
37D	58. Twofold	4
38D	59. Fairy tale baddie	4
39D	60. Some island rings	4
40D	62. Setting for many a joke with a priest, a pastor and a rabbi	3
41D	63. Sharp knock	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Exams that are often optional"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
• Similar words include: Saturday, Sabbatum, Sat
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Florence farewell"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
• Similar words include: aloha
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CIAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Munitions"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that weapons considered collectively
• Similar words include: blazon, branch, munition
• Opposite of: disarm

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Spreads on social media"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REPOSTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Cosmetics-regulating org."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a federal agency in the department of health and human services established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products
• Similar words include: Food and Drug Administration
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Couldn't get enough of"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATEUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Reason for a tucked tail, perhaps"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the state of having committed an offense
• Similar words include: guilt trip, guilty conscience, guilt feelings
• Opposite of: innocence

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GUILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. ___-Saxon"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANGLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Issa of "Insecure""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. How a Dylan impersonator might sing"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that in a nasal manner
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NASALLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Tate Modern and others"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARTMUSEUMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "That slaps," for something good, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar
• Similar words include: vernacular, cod, slang term
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. One might be mounted"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
• Similar words include: horse cavalry, knight, gymnastic horse
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HORSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Tiny deviation from a general trend"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sudden minor shock or meaningless interruption
• Similar words include: radar target, pip
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Product from Rit"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
• Similar words include: dyestuff
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. New York City deli name"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KATZ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. It might be fixed at a chef's table"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a list of dishes available at a restaurant
• Similar words include: fare, card, carte
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MENU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Cashier's tray"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that unstratified soil deposited by a glacier; consists of sand and clay and gravel and boulders mixed together
• Similar words include: cashbox, trough, money box
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. ___ gobi (potato curry)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Prepare to do an oil change, say"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POPTHEHOOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. "The shoddy sandwich knife couldn't cut the mustard," e.g."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a humorous play on words
• Similar words include: punning, wordplay, paronomasia
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Early H.I.V. med"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an antiviral drug (trade name retrovir) used in the treatment of aids; adverse side effects include liver damage and suppression of the bone marrow
• Similar words include: zidovudine, ZDV, Retrovir
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AZT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. "___ knows?""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a united nations agency to coordinate international health activities and to help governments improve health services
• Similar words include: World Health Organization
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Phuket native"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a native or inhabitant of thailand
• Similar words include: Central Thai, Tai, Siamese
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THAI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. "___ she lovely?" (Stevie Wonder question)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Greeting that becomes another greeting if you add an A at the front and reverse it"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOLA

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27D: "40. Promote"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that blockage consisting of an object designed to fill a hole tightly
• Similar words include: punch, sparking plug, secure
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLUG

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28D: "43. Stinging insects"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REDANTS

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29D: "46. The least amount a person might give"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONEIOTA

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30D: "48. Tennis umpire's call"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
• Similar words include: net ball, allow, get
• Opposite of: disallow, forbid

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LET

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31D: "49. Rowlands of "A Woman Under the Influence""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GENA

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32D: "50. Subject"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
• Similar words include: subject, idea, composition
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THEME

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33D: "51. Discover by chance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HITON

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34D: "52. Two in a hand"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a tie in tennis or table tennis that requires winning two successive points to win the game
• Similar words include: II, devil, dickens
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEUCE

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35D: "53. ___ Baron Cohen, "The Trial of the Chicago 7" actor"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SACHA

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36D: "54. Ticked off"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that irritate or vex
• Similar words include: gall, irk
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRKED

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37D: "58. Twofold"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that consisting of or involving two parts or components usually in pairs
• Similar words include: treble, threefold, twofold
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DUAL

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38D: "59. Fairy tale baddie"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
• Similar words include: fiend, demon, devil
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OGRE

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39D: "60. Some island rings"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
• Similar words include: lei, garland, chaplet
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEIS

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40D: "62. Setting for many a joke with a priest, a pastor and a rabbi"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
• Similar words include: measure, stripe, Browning automatic rifle
• Opposite of: unbar

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BAR

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41D: "63. Sharp knock"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
• Similar words include: belt, hip-hop, knock
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAP

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues

41 Down Clues

78 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 03, 2025 at 03:49 AM