March 11, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (42 clues)
• Down Clues (36 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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• March 25 2024 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (42 Across, 36 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

Across Clues Explained - Wednesday NYT Crossword March 11, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Ingredient in many a sandie cookie	5
2A	6. Stick in the oven	4
3A	10. Hooded snake	5
4A	15. Part of the Dutch Caribbean	5
5A	16. Voice above tenor	4
6A	17. Brainstormers' flurry	5
7A	18. Relent	5
8A	19. Lead-in to prompter	4
9A	20. They're on their second decade	5
10A	21. Singer Ella with the 2018 Grammy-winning R&B hit "Boo'd Up"	3
11A	22. Hot food?	8
12A	25. Reason for seasonal shots	3
13A	26. Biblical garden	4
14A	28. Bad way to be led	6
15A	29. Fake I.R.S. call, e.g.	4
16A	30. Takeback of a car, for short	4
17A	31. "Georgie ___" (nursery rhyme)	6
18A	32. Sticky roll	4
19A	33. Costa ___	4
20A	35. Word repeatedly sung before "Born is the king of Israel"	4
21A	36. Torah holders	4
22A	37. TV gunslinger Wynonna, supposed descendant of Wyatt	4
23A	39. Plant that yields a potent laxative	4
24A	40. Hot food?	10
25A	45. Bo-o-oring	4
26A	48. Less amiable	6
27A	49. Jokes	4
28A	53. It makes a rowboat go	3
29A	54. "Heavenly" man's name	6
30A	55. Chinese zodiac animal of 2020	3
31A	56. Sch. whose newspaper is The Prospector ("Assayer of Student Opinion")	4
32A	58. Incredible deals	6
33A	59. Chipper greeting	4
34A	60. Contrive	5
35A	62. A fan of	4
36A	63. Southern terminus of Amtrak's Silver Meteor	5
37A	64. Words from an emcee	5
38A	65. Just sit there being mad	4
39A	66. Word before peace or child	5
40A	67. One who can never go home again	5
41A	68. Sunbathes	4
42A	69. Critics' assignments	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Ingredient in many a sandie cookie"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that wood of a pecan tree
• Words that mean the same thing: Carya illinoinsis, Carya illinoensis, pecan 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: PECAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Stick in the oven"

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 form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
• Words that mean the same thing: estrus, heating, heat energy
• The opposite would be: anestrus, cool
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Hooded snake"

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 venomous asiatic and african elapid snakes that can expand the skin of the neck into a hood
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COBRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. Part of the Dutch Caribbean"

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

  The answer is: ARUBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Voice above tenor"

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 singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
• Words that mean the same thing: countertenor, contralto
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Brainstormers' flurry"

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

  The answer is: IDEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Relent"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished
• Words that mean the same thing: lull
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LETUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Lead-in to prompter"

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: TELE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. They're on their second decade"

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 time of life between the ages of 12 and 20
• Words that mean the same thing: teenager, adolescent, teen
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Singer Ella with the 2018 Grammy-winning R&B hit "Boo'd Up""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Hot food?"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EYECANDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Reason for seasonal shots"

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 an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease
• Words that mean the same thing: influenza, grippe
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Biblical garden"

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 place of complete bliss and delight and peace
• Words that mean the same thing: nirvana, promised land, heaven
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Bad way to be led"

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 away from the right path or direction
• Words that mean the same thing: wide
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASTRAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Fake I.R.S. call, e.g."

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 fraudulent business scheme
• Words that mean the same thing: mulct, bunco, gyp
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Takeback of a car, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard 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: REPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "31. "Georgie ___" (nursery rhyme)"

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: PORGIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "32. Sticky roll"

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 long thin piece of cloth or paper as used for binding or fastening
• Words that mean the same thing: tape recording, mag tape, videotape
• The opposite would be: erase
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "33. Costa ___"

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: RICA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "35. Word repeatedly sung before "Born is the king of Israel""

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 period extending from dec. 24 to jan. 6
• Words that mean the same thing: Yuletide, Yule, Christmas
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "36. Torah holders"

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 (judaism) sacred chest where the ancient hebrews kept the two tablets containing the ten commandments
• Words that mean the same thing: ark, Ark of the Covenant, Ark
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "37. TV gunslinger Wynonna, supposed descendant of Wyatt"

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: EARP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "39. Plant that yields a potent laxative"

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 succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "40. Hot food?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STUDMUFFIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Bo-o-oring"

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 pompous or pretentious talk or writing
• Words that mean the same thing: bombast, fustian, rant
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Less amiable"

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 approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
• Words that mean the same thing: mean, mingy, miserly
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEANER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. Jokes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
• Words that mean the same thing: strangle, fret, joke
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. It makes a rowboat go"

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 an implement used to propel or steer a boat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. "Heavenly" man's name"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ANGELO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Chinese zodiac animal of 2020"

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 long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
• Words that mean the same thing: dirty dog, lowlife, fink
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. Sch. whose newspaper is The Prospector ("Assayer of Student Opinion")"

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: UTEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. Incredible deals"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an advantageous purchase
• Words that mean the same thing: bargain, steal, buy
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "59. Chipper greeting"

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: HIYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "60. Contrive"

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: GINUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. A fan 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: INTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "63. Southern terminus of Amtrak's Silver Meteor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the extinct algonquian people formerly living in northern indiana and southern michigan
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIAMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "64. Words from an emcee"

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 formally making a person known to another or to the public
• Words that mean the same thing: presentation, introduction
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INTRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "65. Just sit there being mad"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that agitation resulting from active worry
• Words that mean the same thing: fret, lather, grizzle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "66. Word before peace or child"

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 located inward; - leonard bernstein; - david denby; - a.r.gurney,jr.
• Words that mean the same thing: intimate, internal, interior
• The opposite would be: outer
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INNER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Across: "67. One who can never go home again"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who is voluntarily absent from home or country
• Words that mean the same thing: deportation, deportee, expatriation
• The opposite would be: repatriate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Across: "68. Sunbathes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
• Words that mean the same thing: tan, topaz, tangent
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Across: "69. Critics' assignments"

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 (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
• Words that mean the same thing: sensation, lead, wizard
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword March 11, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Apt surname for a close-up magician?	6
2D	2. Literary convenience	7
3D	3. Hot food?	8
4D	4. ___ Dhabi	3
5D	5. Back of one's neck	4
6D	6. Criticizes venomously	7
7D	7. High-voltage foe of Spider-Man	7
8D	8. On the loose	7
9D	9. Something a sandal shows that a loafer doesn't	7
10D	10. Ending of four state capitals [Can you name them all?]	4
11D	11. Reverent poem	3
12D	12. Hot food?	8
13D	13. Practiced at the track	7
14D	14. Make an ass out of u and me, as they say	6
15D	23. Dog's protestation	3
16D	24. Requirement for pink hair	3
17D	27. Credit card-only, say	6
18D	29. Muscly	6
19D	34. What MoMA knows best?	3
20D	36. Actor Mahershala	3
21D	38. Alternatives to Nikes	5
22D	39. Jackson 5 dos	5
23D	41. One with an opening to fill?	7
24D	42. Mix of red and blue	7
25D	43. Like leftovers, for now	7
26D	44. Genius Grant recipients, e.g.	7
27D	45. Concerned with wealth, possessions and respectability, in modern lingo	6
28D	46. Gender-neutral neologism added to Merriam-Webster in 2018	6
29D	47. "That's true about me, right?"	6
30D	50. Singer Grande	6
31D	51. Portmanteau coinage for a queer-identified e-sports player, say	6
32D	52. Alternative to an elevator	6
33D	57. Knit and ___	4
34D	59. Bit of help in an escape room	4
35D	61. "The Raven" poet	3
36D	63. Prefix with judge or trial	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. Apt surname for a close-up magician?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states golfer (born in 1929)
• Words that mean the same thing: Arnold Daniel Palmer, Arnold Palmer
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PALMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Literary convenience"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EREADER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Hot food?"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CUTIEPIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. ___ Dhabi"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ABU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Back of one's neck"

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 back side of the neck
• Words that mean the same thing: nucha, scruff
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Criticizes venomously"

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: HATESON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. High-voltage foe of Spider-Man"

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: ELECTRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. On the loose"

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: ATLARGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Something a sandal shows that a loafer doesn't"

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 the nail at the end of a toe
• Words that mean the same thing: 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: TOENAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Ending of four state capitals [Can you name them all?]"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
• Words that mean the same thing: urban center, metropolis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Reverent poem"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Hot food?"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a photograph of a muscular man in minimal attire
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEEFCAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Practiced at the track"

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: RANLAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Make an ass out of u and me, as they say"

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 take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
• Words that mean the same thing: bear, strike, don
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASSUME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. Dog's protestation"

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 informal terms for the mouth
• Words that mean the same thing: yip, trap, maw
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Requirement for pink hair"

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 usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
• Words that mean the same thing: dyestuff
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Credit card-only, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NOCASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. Muscly"

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 having strength or power greater than average or expected
• Words that mean the same thing: secure, unattackable, solid
• The opposite would be: impotent, weak
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STRONG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "34. What MoMA knows best?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "36. Actor Mahershala"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
• Words that mean the same thing: Cassius Clay, Cassius Marcellus Clay, Muhammad Ali
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "38. Alternatives to Nikes"

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 large american feline resembling a lion
• Words that mean the same thing: Felis concolor, mountain lion, catamount
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PUMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "39. Jackson 5 dos"

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 rounded thickly curled hairdo
• Words that mean the same thing: Afro hairdo, Afro
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "41. One with an opening to fill?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person qualified to practice dentistry
• Words that mean the same thing: dental practitioner, tooth doctor
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DENTIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "42. Mix of red and blue"

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 primary subtractive color for light; a dark purple-red color; the dye for magenta was discovered in 1859, the year of the battle of magenta
• Words that mean the same thing: Battle of Magenta
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAGENTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "43. Like leftovers, for now"

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: UNEATEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "44. Genius Grant recipients, e.g."

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 boy or man
• Words that mean the same thing: buster, beau, comrade
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FELLOWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "45. Concerned with wealth, possessions and respectability, in modern lingo"

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: BOUGIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Gender-neutral neologism added to Merriam-Webster in 2018"

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: LATINX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. "That's true about me, right?""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: ARENTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Singer Grande"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ARIANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Portmanteau coinage for a queer-identified e-sports player, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GAYMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. Alternative to an elevator"

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 flight of stairs or a flight of steps
• Words that mean the same thing: step, stair, steps
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAIRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "57. Knit and ___"

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 gold or silver wire thread
• Words that mean the same thing: purl stitch, sough, eddy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PURL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "59. Bit of help in an escape room"

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 an indirect suggestion
• Words that mean the same thing: suggest, mite, trace
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "61. "The Raven" poet"

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 united states writer and poet (1809-1849)
• Words that mean the same thing: Edgar Allan Poe
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "63. Prefix with judge or trial"

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 destruction of heart tissue resulting from obstruction of the blood supply to the heart muscle
• Words that mean the same thing: mi, statute mile, stat mi
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	57	73.1%
Short Answer	9	11.5%
Food & Drink	4	5.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.8%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	42
Down Clues	36
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	5.0 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

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

• September 13 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 15 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 10 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 01 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 22 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 25 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 02 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 25 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 22 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 01 2020 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 26, 2025 at 02:42 PM

October 23, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

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• February 07 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, October 23, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Friday Puzzle October 23, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Cable news lineup	5
2A	6. Only character with the same name in both "Rent" and "La Bohème"	4
3A	10. Some urgent messages, in brief	4
4A	14. Dramatic device	5
5A	15. What's before after, at the end?	4
6A	16. Kaplan course subj.	4
7A	17. "That's enough for now"	10
8A	19. Singular	4
9A	20. Most promising slate of candidates	9
10A	21. Decision spot	4
11A	22. Dark half	3
12A	23. Sexy	3
13A	24. One who might have a brush with fame?	6
14A	26. Jobs at Apple, once	3
15A	27. Prom night worry	4
16A	29. Puzzle solver's cry	3
17A	30. Legal pad alternative	13
18A	33. Lightly lined apparel	13
19A	34. Batting equipment?	13
20A	35. Cost-of-living fig.	3
21A	36. Array on a screen	4
22A	37. The season opener?	3
23A	38. Author who was a childhood friend of Harper Lee	6
24A	40. Filch	3
25A	41. Melissa Jefferson ___ Lizzo	3
26A	44. Spots for bulbs	4
27A	45. Celebrity's influence	9
28A	48. Overhaul	4
29A	49. Goes in 100%	10
30A	50. Single piece of underwear, paradoxically	4
31A	51. Highland slope	4
32A	52. Background distraction	5
33A	53. Some are traditional, in brief	4
34A	54. Steel (oneself)	4
35A	55. Mount	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Cable news lineup"

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 sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something
• Words that mean the same thing: gore, control panel, jury
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PANEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Only character with the same name in both "Rent" and "La Bohème""

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: MIMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Some urgent messages, in brief"

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: APBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Dramatic device"

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 line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
• Words that mean the same thing: excursus, apart, divagation
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. What's before after, at the end?"

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 at any time
• Words that mean the same thing: of all time, e'er, always
• The opposite would be: never
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Kaplan course subj."

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: LSAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. "That's enough for now""

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: TAKEABREAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Singular"

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 lacking companions or companionship
• Words that mean the same thing: alone, sole, lonesome
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Most promising slate of candidates"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a list of applicants winnowed from a longer list who have been deemed suitable and from which the successful person will be chosen
• Words that mean the same thing: short list
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHORTLIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Decision spot"

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 cutlery used for serving and eating food
• Words that mean the same thing: branch, pitchfork, forking
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Dark half"

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 dark negative feminine principle in chinese dualistic cosmology
• The opposite would be: yang
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Sexy"

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 used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
• Words that mean the same thing: blistering, spicy, red-hot
• The opposite would be: cold
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. One who might have a brush with fame?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination
• Words that mean the same thing: creative person
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARTIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Jobs at Apple, once"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the corporate executive responsible for the operations of the firm; reports to a board of directors; may appoint other managers (including a president)
• Words that mean the same thing: chief executive officer, chief operating officer
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "27. Prom night worry"

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 inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Puzzle solver's cry"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "30. Legal pad alternative"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: WORDPROCESSOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. Lightly lined apparel"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: PINSTRIPESUIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Batting equipment?"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FAKEEYELASHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "35. Cost-of-living fig."

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 index of the cost of all goods and services to a typical consumer
• Words that mean the same thing: consumer price index, cost-of-living index, California Personality Inventory
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CPI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "36. Array on a screen"

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: APPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "37. The season opener?"

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 light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite
• Words that mean the same thing: si, ti, Ti
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "38. Author who was a childhood friend of Harper Lee"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long overcoat with a hood that can be pulled over the head
• Words that mean the same thing: hooded coat, hooded cloak
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAPOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "40. Filch"

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: pig, knock off, glom
• The 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 25 Across: "41. Melissa Jefferson ___ Lizzo"

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: AKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "44. Spots for bulbs"

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 piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
• Words that mean the same thing: get laid, have a go at it, sleep with
• The opposite would be: turn out, get up
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "45. Celebrity's influence"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: STARPOWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "48. Overhaul"

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 do over, as of (part of) a house
• Words that mean the same thing: reconstruct, remake, remodel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "49. Goes in 100%"

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: RISKSITALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "50. Single piece of underwear, paradoxically"

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 set of two similar things considered as a unit
• Words that mean the same thing: yoke, distich, twin
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "51. Highland slope"

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

  The answer is: BRAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "52. Background distraction"

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 sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
• Words that mean the same thing: disturbance, stochasticity, make noise
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "53. Some are traditional, in brief"

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 militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
• Words that mean the same thing: wrath, individual retirement account, ira
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "54. Steel (oneself)"

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 prepare oneself for a military confrontation
• Words that mean the same thing: encircle, girdle, fortify
• The opposite would be: disarm
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GIRD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "55. Mount"

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: GETON

  Great job if you got it right!

October 23, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Mark	5
2D	2. Japanese beer brand	5
3D	3. Camera mentioned in Paul Simon's "Kodachrome" (not a Kodak!)	5
4D	4. River of Germany	4
5D	5. Upgrade at a dealership	12
6D	6. Warrant	5
7D	7. Singer/actor who narrated 1964's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"	4
8D	8. Gist	4
9D	9. Put out	3
10D	10. Divvy up	5
11D	11. Autoimmune condition with itchy skin	9
12D	12. Use of a cushion or a backboard	8
13D	13. Anne or Jeanne: Abbr.	3
14D	18. B+ or A-	9
15D	21. E-tail perk	12
16D	24. Tree toppers	9
17D	25. Pine product	3
18D	26. Pine product	4
19D	27. Pieces of pomegranate	5
20D	28. Nightclub of song, familiarly	4
21D	30. Resource with content in 300+ languages	9
22D	31. ___ school	4
23D	32. Seeks judgment, in a way	4
24D	33. Fairy tale patriarch	8
25D	34. Grp. that watches TV	3
26D	39. Some may linger	5
27D	40. Encrusted	5
28D	41. Be in store	5
29D	42. Ashton Kutcher's role on "That '70s Show"	5
30D	43. Longtime senator Specter	5
31D	45. Who asks "What can I help you with?"	4
32D	46. Former Bulgarian monarch	4
33D	47. Omaha relative	4
34D	48. Tech sch. in upstate N.Y.	3
35D	49. Initials of the person who said "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you"	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. Mark"

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 person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
• Words that mean the same thing: mug, soft touch, fall guy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PATSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Japanese beer brand"

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: ASAHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Camera mentioned in Paul Simon's "Kodachrome" (not a Kodak!)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NIKON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. River of Germany"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EDER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Upgrade at a dealership"

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: LEATHERSEATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Warrant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any admirable quality or attribute
• Words that mean the same thing: deserve, virtue, deservingness
• The opposite would be: demerit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MERIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Singer/actor who narrated 1964's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states composer noted for his innovative use of polytonality (1874-1954)
• Words that mean the same thing: James Ives, James Merritt Ives, Charles Edward Ives
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Gist"

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 flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
• Words that mean the same thing: core, heart and soul, nitty-gritty
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Put out"

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 irritate or vex
• Words that mean the same thing: gall
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Divvy up"

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 allow to have
• Words that mean the same thing: grant, deal out, administer
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALLOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Autoimmune condition with itchy skin"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a chronic skin disease characterized by dry red patches covered with scales; occurs especially on the scalp and ears and genitalia and the skin over bony prominences
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PSORIASIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Use of a cushion or a backboard"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: BANKSHOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Anne or Jeanne: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. B+ or A-"

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: BLOODTYPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. E-tail perk"

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: FREESHIPPING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Tree toppers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
• Words that mean the same thing: ascendent, ascendant, root
• The opposite would be: descendant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANCESTORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Pine product"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
• Words that mean the same thing: Jack-tar, pitch, seafarer
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Pine product"

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 cone-shaped artifact
• Words that mean the same thing: retinal cone, conoid, cone cell
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Pieces of pomegranate"

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 fleshy and usually brightly colored cover of some seeds that develops from the ovule stalk and partially or entirely envelopes the seed
• Words that mean the same thing: aril
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Nightclub of song, familiarly"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: COPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Resource with content in 300+ languages"

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: WIKIPEDIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. ___ school"

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 preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
• Words that mean the same thing: preparation, homework
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PREP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Seeks judgment, in a way"

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 french writer whose novels described the sordid side of city life (1804-1857)
• Words that mean the same thing: Eugene Sue, sue, process
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Fairy tale patriarch"

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: PAPABEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "34. Grp. that watches TV"

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 an independent government agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio and television and wire and cable and satellite
• Words that mean the same thing: Federal Communications Commission
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FCC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Some may linger"

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 any property detected by the olfactory system
• Words that mean the same thing: odour, odor, olfactory perception
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Encrusted"

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 form a coat over
• Words that mean the same thing: cake, coat
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Be in store"

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 look forward to the probable occurrence of
• Words that mean the same thing: expect, look, wait
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWAIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Ashton Kutcher's role on "That '70s Show""

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: KELSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Longtime senator Specter"

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: ARLEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Who asks "What can I help you with?""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: SIRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. Former Bulgarian monarch"

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 male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
• Words that mean the same thing: czar, tzar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "47. Omaha relative"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
• Words that mean the same thing: Oto
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "48. Tech sch. in upstate N.Y."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RPI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "49. Initials of the person who said "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you""

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: RBG

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	70.0%
Short Answer	12	17.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.3%
History	2	2.9%
Geography	2	2.9%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.4 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	13 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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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 21, 2025 at 06:45 PM