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January 29, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, January 29, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (37 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

January 29, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword January 29, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Article of attire akin to a tarboosh 3
2A 4. Facetious response to "How'd you know that?" 3
3A 7. One might be forever 5
4A 12. Union deserters 4
5A 14. Choice for those eager to retire and travel? 10
6A 16. ___ Plus (brand with a "Lubrastrip") 4
7A 17. Brownish-orange shade 10
8A 18. Big brass 8
9A 20. Reliable 6
10A 21. Baglike structure 3
11A 22. Spacewalk, e.g., in NASA shorthand 3
12A 23. Insect repellent ingredient 4
13A 24. Twitter : retweet :: Facebook : ___ 5
14A 26. Email notification, maybe 4
15A 27. Go (for) 3
16A 30. Hot dogs do this 4
17A 31. Bar exam? 9
18A 33. Early trans-Atlantic voyager 5
19A 34. Creature in Liberty Mutual ads 3
20A 35. Build 5
21A 36. Small bit of floor décor 9
22A 38. Material harvested for its hydrophobic properties 4
23A 39. Basic cleaner 3
24A 40. Actor who voiced the title character in 2018's "Sherlock Gnomes" 4
25A 41. Like some toothpastes 5
26A 42. Choice for a cinematographer 4
27A 43. Swab 3
28A 44. Exec with a noted mansion 3
29A 46. "The weapon of the powerless against the powerful," according to Molly Ivins 6
30A 49. "100% happening!" 8
31A 51. State in which you might get a tax deduction 10
32A 53. One with briefs, briefly 4
33A 54. Defcon 1 mentality 10
34A 55. Lisa with the 1994 hit "Stay" 4
35A 56. Fuji, e.g. 5
36A 57. ___ Lovett of "Sweeney Todd" 3
37A 58. Snoop 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. Article of attire akin to a tarboosh"

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 city in north central morocco; religious center
  • Words that mean the same thing: tarboosh, Fes
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FEZ

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Facetious response to "How'd you know that?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that apparent power to perceive things that are not present to the senses
  • Words that mean the same thing: clairvoyance, E.S.P., second sight
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ESP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "7. One might be forever"

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 distinctive form in which a thing is made
  • Words that mean the same thing: emboss, impression, cast
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STAMP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "12. Union deserters"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a man who was formerly a certain woman's husband
  • Words that mean the same thing: ex-wife, X, ex
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EXES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Choice for those eager to retire and travel?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SLEEPERCAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. ___ Plus (brand with a "Lubrastrip")"

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: ATRA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Brownish-orange shade"

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: TERRACOTTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Big brass"

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 brass instrument consisting of a long tube whose length can be varied by a u-shaped slide
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TROMBONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Reliable"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a convict who is considered trustworthy and granted special privileges
  • Words that mean the same thing: trustworthy
  • The opposite would be: untrustworthy
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRUSTY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Baglike structure"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an enclosed space
  • Words that mean the same thing: theca, pocket, pouch
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Spacewalk, e.g., in NASA shorthand"

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: EVA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Insect repellent ingredient"

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: DEET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. Twitter : retweet :: Facebook : ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that assets belonging to or due to or contributed by an individual person or group
  • Words that mean the same thing: parcel, plowshare, divvy up
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SHARE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Email notification, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "27. Go (for)"

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 select as an alternative over another
  • Words that mean the same thing: choose, prefer
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OPT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Hot dogs do this"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the noise made by a short puff of steam (as from an engine)
  • Words that mean the same thing: puff, gasp, trouser
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PANT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "31. Bar exam?"

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: PUBTRIVIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. Early trans-Atlantic voyager"

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: PINTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Creature in Liberty Mutual ads"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: EMU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "35. Build"

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 construct, build, or erect
  • Words that mean the same thing: upright, tumid, raise
  • The opposite would be: unerect, level
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERECT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "36. Small bit of floor décor"

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: ACCENTRUG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "38. Material harvested for its hydrophobic properties"

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 outer bark of the cork oak; used for stoppers for bottles etc.
  • Words that mean the same thing: cork up, bottle cork, bob
  • The opposite would be: uncork
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CORK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "39. Basic cleaner"

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 strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "40. Actor who voiced the title character in 2018's "Sherlock Gnomes""

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: DEPP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "41. Like some toothpastes"

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

    The answer is: MINTY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "42. Choice for a cinematographer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form images
  • Words that mean the same thing: genus Lens, lense, electron lens
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "43. Swab"

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 cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
  • Words that mean the same thing: swab, mow, 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: MOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "44. Exec with a noted mansion"

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: HEF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "46. "The weapon of the powerless against the powerful," according to Molly Ivins"

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 witty language used to convey insults or scorn; ; ; --jonathan swift
  • Words that mean the same thing: caustic remark, irony, sarcasm
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SATIRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "49. "100% happening!""

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: DONEDEAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "51. State in which you might get a tax deduction"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the state of being a parent
  • Words that mean the same thing: parentage
  • The word looks like this: __________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PARENTHOOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "53. One with briefs, briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ATTY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "54. Defcon 1 mentality"

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: CRISISMODE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "55. Lisa with the 1994 hit "Stay""

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 united states physiologist (born in germany) who did research on parthenogenesis (1859-1924)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Jacques Loeb
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOEB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "56. Fuji, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh
  • Words that mean the same thing: Malus pumila, orchard apple tree
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: APPLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "57. ___ Lovett of "Sweeney Todd""

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 form of address for a married woman
  • Words that mean the same thing: Mister, Mrs., Mr.
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MRS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "58. Snoop"

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 heavy iron lever with one end forged into a wedge
  • Words that mean the same thing: lever, nose, jimmy
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PRY

    Great job if you got it right!

January 29, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Achievements 5
2D 2. Really, really hot 10
3D 3. "100% not happening!" 10
4D 4. First name on the Supreme Court 5
5D 5. Desertlike 4
6D 6. /, maybe 3
7D 7. Something you can't get in a restaurant 12
8D 8. Food for a grizzly bear 5
9D 9. Doesn't hesitate 4
10D 10. Apt name for a yoga instructor? 4
11D 11. Talk up? 4
12D 13. Uncle ___ 3
13D 14. Hot spot 5
14D 15. George Washington signed America's first one in 1790 6
15D 19. TV roommates for 50+ years 12
16D 23. Fix, as in beta 5
17D 25. Penny-___ 4
18D 26. Recapitulate 5
19D 27. Excessive 10
20D 28. Unlikely member of the "clean-plate club" 10
21D 29. Bit of ink 3
22D 31. Some guest roles on cop shows 5
23D 32. Pressing need 4
24D 33. Bud 3
25D 37. Convictions 6
26D 41. Le ___ (newspaper) 5
27D 42. Von Trapp daughter who sings "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" 5
28D 43. Indicative and subjunctive, e.g. 5
29D 45. Spacecraft activity 5
30D 46. Org. concerned with lab safety? 4
31D 47. 50+ group 4
32D 48. Word with round or road 4
33D 49. Symbol of opportunity 4
34D 50. Indian lentil dish 3
35D 52. What you might say after reading a tricky crossword clue 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. Achievements"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a notable achievement
  • Words that mean the same thing: exploit, feat, effort
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FEATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Really, really hot"

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: EXTRASPICY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "100% not happening!""

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: ZEROCHANCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. First name on the Supreme Court"

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: ELENA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Desertlike"

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 (used especially of vegetation) having lost all moisture
  • Words that mean the same thing: shrivelled, sear, withered
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SERE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. /, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: PER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Something you can't get in a restaurant"

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: SECRETRECIPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Food for a grizzly bear"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that flesh of any of several primarily freshwater game and food fishes
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TROUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Doesn't hesitate"

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 new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
  • Words that mean the same thing: roleplay, dissemble, enactment
  • The opposite would be: refrain
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Apt name for a yoga instructor?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the property of having little or no contrast; lacking highlights or gloss
  • Words that mean the same thing: matted, lustrelessness, mat
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MATT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Talk up?"

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 address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer
  • Words that mean the same thing: beg, implore
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PRAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "13. Uncle ___"

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

    The answer is: SAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Hot spot"

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 kitchen appliance used for cooking food
  • Words that mean the same thing: stave in, kitchen range, kitchen stove
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STOVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. George Washington signed America's first one in 1790"

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 document granting an inventor sole rights to an invention
  • Words that mean the same thing: evident, letters patent, plain
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PATENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. TV roommates for 50+ years"

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: BERTANDERNIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Fix, as in beta"

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 locate and correct errors in a computer program code
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DEBUG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Penny-___"

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 (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Recapitulate"

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: SUMUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Excessive"

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: OVERTHETOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Unlikely member of the "clean-plate club""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: PICKYEATER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Bit of ink"

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 tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
  • Words that mean the same thing: tackiness, intertwine, cheapness
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Some guest roles on cop shows"

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: PERPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Pressing need"

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 heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
  • Words that mean the same thing: Fe, cast-iron, smoothing iron
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Bud"

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 close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Words that mean the same thing: buddy, chum, chum up
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Convictions"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
  • Words that mean the same thing: dogma, tenet
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TENETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Le ___ (newspaper)"

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: MONDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Von Trapp daughter who sings "Sixteen Going on Seventeen""

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: LIESL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Indicative and subjunctive, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
  • Words that mean the same thing: climate, modality, mode
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MOODS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Spacecraft activity"

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: FLYBY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Org. concerned with lab safety?"

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: SPCA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. 50+ group"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an association of people to promote the welfare of senior citizens
  • Words that mean the same thing: Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AARP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Word with round or road"

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 journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
  • Words that mean the same thing: touch off, actuate, tripper
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Symbol of opportunity"

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 swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
  • Words that mean the same thing: threshold, doorway, room access
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DOOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Indian lentil dish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 10 liters
  • Words that mean the same thing: dkl, dekaliter, dekalitre
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. What you might say after reading a tricky crossword clue"

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: HMM

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 49 68.1%
Short Answer 16 22.2%
Food & Drink 2 2.8%
Literature 1 1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 1 1.4%
Movies/Film 1 1.4%
Geography 1 1.4%
Abbreviation 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 35
Total Clues 72
Average Answer Length 5.2 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 Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

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 19, 2025 at 07:16 PM

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Monday, December 29, 2025

Today's Down Crossword NYT December 29, 2025 - Every Vertical Solution Explained

Today's Down Crossword NYT December 29, 2025 - Every Vertical Solution Explained

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 43 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: December 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | March 04 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | August 20 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 29, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Monday, December 29, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 29, 2025
Day of Week Monday
Total Down Clues 43 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 43 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Cry like a baby
2 Down 2. Admired figures
3 Down 3. Battle cry of the U.S. Marine Corps
4 Down 4. Kind of bagel
5 Down 5. Many a PC file
6 Down 6. Really eager
7 Down 7. Actor Michael of "Arrested Development"
8 Down 8. Caught sight of
9 Down 9. Place to be pampered
10 Down 10. 1996 #1 hit for the Spice Girls
11 Down 11. Water, in Colombia
12 Down 12. Team that plays at Citi Field
13 Down 13. "Over here!"
14 Down 18. Onetime retail chain giant
15 Down 19. ___ Grey tea
16 Down 24. Very light brown
17 Down 26. Tail-less cat
18 Down 28. Above, in poetry
19 Down 29. Synthetic fiber
20 Down 30. Fencing sword
21 Down 31. Not on time
22 Down 32. "Gimme a ___!"
23 Down 33. Commoner
24 Down 34. Norway's capital
25 Down 37. Two lengths of a pool
26 Down 39. What a punch line may end
27 Down 40. Part of a drill assembly or comedy routine
28 Down 41. "Frozen" snowman
29 Down 44. Seafood with claws
30 Down 46. Jeter in the Baseball Hall of Fame
31 Down 48. Rushing yards, e.g., informally
32 Down 49. "Well, dang it!"
33 Down 50. Slightly out of tune
34 Down 53. Put into law
35 Down 54. Move smoothly to another topic
36 Down 55. Without a date
37 Down 56. River past Cincinnati
38 Down 57. Lima's land
39 Down 59. Tiny canine pest
40 Down 60. Drove over the legal limit
41 Down 62. Ticked (off)
42 Down 64. Peculiar
43 Down 65. The Falcons, on a scoreboard

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

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

Complete Down Solutions:

1 Down: "1. Cry like a baby"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: B__L
  • Similar words: bellow, yawp
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: shout loudly and without restraint
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BAWL

2 Down: "2. Admired figures"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I___S
  • Similar words: god, perfection
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a material effigy that is worshipped
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IDOLS

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: O___H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OORAH

4 Down: "4. Kind of bagel"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S____E
  • Similar words: benne, benni
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SESAME

5 Down: "5. Many a PC file"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'F'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PDF

6 Down: "6. Really eager"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: A__G
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: highly excited
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGOG

7 Down: "7. Actor Michael of "Arrested Development""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: C__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CERA

8 Down: "8. Caught sight of"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: E____D
  • Similar words: descry, espy
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: catch sight of
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ESPIED

9 Down: "9. Place to be pampered"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: health spa, watering hole
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPA

10 Down: "10. 1996 #1 hit for the Spice Girls"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: W_____E
  • Similar words: wannabee, aspirer
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an ambitious and aspiring young person
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WANNABE

11 Down: "11. Water, in Colombia"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A__A
  • Similar words: agua toad, Bufo marinus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGUA

12 Down: "12. Team that plays at Citi Field"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M__S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer METS

13 Down: "13. "Over here!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PSST

14 Down: "18. Onetime retail chain giant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: K___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KMART

15 Down: "19. ___ Grey tea"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: E__L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EARL

16 Down: "24. Very light brown"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: E__U
  • Similar words: beige
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a very light brown
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECRU

17 Down: "26. Tail-less cat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'X'
  • Word pattern: M__X
  • Similar words: Manx cat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MANX

18 Down: "28. Above, in poetry"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OER

19 Down: "29. Synthetic fiber"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: R___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a synthetic silklike fabric
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAYON

20 Down: "30. Fencing sword"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EPEE

21 Down: "31. Not on time"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L__E
  • Similar words: lately, of late
  • Opposite of: early
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LATE

22 Down: "32. "Gimme a ___!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'C'
  • Similar words: unsweet, secant
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEC

23 Down: "33. Commoner"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: P__B
  • Similar words: plebeian
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: one of the common people
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PLEB

24 Down: "34. Norway's capital"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: O__O
  • Similar words: Christiania
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OSLO

25 Down: "37. Two lengths of a pool"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: swoosh, swish
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAP

26 Down: "39. What a punch line may end"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: J__E
  • Similar words: jocularity, prank
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JOKE

27 Down: "40. Part of a drill assembly or comedy routine"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: prick, flake
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a small piece or quantity of something
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BIT

28 Down: "41. "Frozen" snowman"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: O__F
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OLAF

29 Down: "44. Seafood with claws"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: L_____R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: flesh of a lobster
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOBSTER

30 Down: "46. Jeter in the Baseball Hall of Fame"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: D___K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEREK

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STAT

32 Down: "49. "Well, dang it!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OHRATS

33 Down: "50. Slightly out of tune"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: P____Y
  • Similar words: resinous, jet
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: of the blackest black; similar to the color of jet or coal
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PITCHY

34 Down: "53. Put into law"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E___T
  • Similar words: act out, reenact
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: order by virtue of superior authority; decree
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENACT

35 Down: "54. Move smoothly to another topic"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEGUE

36 Down: "55. Without a date"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: S__G
  • Similar words: snitch, shop
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a male deer
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STAG

37 Down: "56. River past Cincinnati"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: O__O
  • Similar words: OH, Buckeye State
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OHIO

38 Down: "57. Lima's land"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: P__U
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PERU

39 Down: "59. Tiny canine pest"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: F__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FLEA

40 Down: "60. Drove over the legal limit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S__D
  • Similar words: hotfoot, step on it
  • Opposite of: decelerate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: move fast
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPED

41 Down: "62. Ticked (off)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: T__D
  • Similar words: tee up, tee
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: place on a tee
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEED

42 Down: "64. Peculiar"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'D'
  • Similar words: left over, singular
  • Opposite of: even
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: not divisible by two
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ODD

43 Down: "65. The Falcons, on a scoreboard"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATL

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

  • Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
  • Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
  • Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
  • Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
  2. Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
  5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically

Time-Saving Down Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Down first Get a mental map of the vertical flow
Fill short Down words 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors
Use crossing letters Across letters help confirm Down answers
Look for themes Related Down answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 43 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.

About This Page: We provide comprehensive Down clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 29, 2025 at 05:23 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 29 2025 down clues

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