27446 Thu Jan 02, 2025 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Across Clues :

1. First in a series, 5. Pixel rival, 10. Snap, 14. Average Joe's name (that's not Joe), 15. Bases loaded, e.g., 16. Iris's location, 17. Temporary cover of a sort, 18. Epic with the line "Come, friend, you too must die", 19. Festival covering, 20. Start of a quip by comic Steven Wright, 23. Summer abroad, 24. Sounds of refreshment, 25. King's ___, 27. Adjust on the timeline, 29. Pressure cooker sound, 31. Producer of an explosion, 32. ___ Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama, 34. Deep notes, 35. Middle of the quip ... and a hint to eight squares in this puzzle, 38. French buds, 40. Plotted, 41. Up to, informally, 42. Low pair, 44. Beyond cross, 48. Drink featured in the Elvis film "Blue Hawaii", 50. Govt. prosecutors, 51. Besides, 52. End of the quip, 56. Actor Jannings, 57. Youngest golfer to score below his age in a P.G.A. Tour event, 58. White Sox or Red Sox player, informally, 59. Runner's assignment, 60. Cricket segments, 61. Miller option, 62. Flower whose name means "flame" in ancient Greek, 63. Lead-in to maniac, 64. Troublesome threes, e.g.

Down Clues :

1. "Jeopardy!" offering, 2. 12-time Olympic swimming medalist Ryan ___, 3. Worn at the edges, 4. Prefix with sexual, 5. Possible response to "Where are you?", 6. Craft kit fabrics, 7. "Right away, boss!", 8. Comedian Trevor, 9. "___ Game" (1986 Hugo Award winner), 10. Cot alternative, 11. Wear out one's welcome, say, 12. Achilles, for two, 13. Muesli bit, 21. Underworld figure, 22. Is in the past, 26. Chain parts: Abbr., 28. Singer Tori, 29. Head liners?, 30. Choquequirao inhabitant, 33. "Let ___!", 34. Urban addr. specification, 35. Like cuisine with lumpia and longganisa, 36. "Looks that way, unfortunately", 37. Minimal, 38. Bread box?, 39. Noxious, 42. "Qué ___?" ("How's it going?," in Spanish), 43. Only U.S. president buried in Washington, D.C., 45. Home of Firenze, 46. They have nine players, 47. Get released, 49. Early text messager, 50. One of a Disney septet, 53. Root of resentment, at times, 54. Reckon, 55. Word before and after an ampersand, in the grocery, 56. Maker of toys for girls and boys

Break down the NYT Crosswords: January 02, 2025

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

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. First in a series. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALPHA

  
  

  Possible Answer : alpha




• The clue is 5. Pixel rival. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IPHONE

  
  



• The clue is 10. Snap. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PHOTO

  
  

  Possible Answer : photograph, pic, exposure, photo, picture




• The clue is 14. Average Joe's name (that's not Joe). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NORM

  
  

  Possible Answer : norm, average




• The clue is 15. Bases loaded, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MENON

  
  



• The clue is 16. Iris's location. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UVEA

  
  

  Possible Answer : uvea




• The clue is 17. Temporary cover of a sort. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SCAB

  
  

  Possible Answer : fink, scab, rat, strikebreaker, blackleg




• The clue is 18. Epic with the line "Come, friend, you too must die". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ILIAD

  
  

  Possible Answer : Iliad




• The clue is 19. Festival covering. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TENT

  
  

  Possible Answer : tent, camp_out, bivouac, encamp, camp, collapsible_shelter




• The clue is 20. Start of a quip by comic Steven Wright. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (14 letters)

  The answer: WHYISNTTHEWORD

  
  



• The clue is 23. Summer abroad. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ETE

  
  



• The clue is 24. Sounds of refreshment. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AHS

  
  



• The clue is 25. King's ___. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RANSOM

  
  

  Possible Answer : redeem, ransom_money, ransom




• The clue is 27. Adjust on the timeline. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: REDATE

  
  



• The clue is 29. Pressure cooker sound. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HISS

  
  

  Possible Answer : hissing, razzing, whoosh, snort, hushing, raspberry, siss, Bronx_cheer, hiss, razz, sibilate, bird, sizz, fizzle, boo, hoot, sibilation

  Possible Opposite Answer : applaud




• The clue is 31. Producer of an explosion. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TNT

  
  

  Possible Answer : trinitrotoluene, TNT




• The clue is 32. ___ Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MARIAN

  
  

  Possible Answer : Marian




• The clue is 34. Deep notes. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BASS

  
  

  Possible Answer : bass, basso, bass_voice, bass_part, sea_bass, freshwater_bass, deep




• The clue is 35. Middle of the quip ... and a hint to eight squares in this puzzle. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

  The answer: PHONETICALLY

  
  

  Possible Answer : phonetically




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

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

  The answer: AMIS

  
  



• The clue is 40. Plotted. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: GRAPHED

  
  

  Possible Answer : graph, chart




• The clue is 41. Up to, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TIL

  
  



• The clue is 42. Low pair. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TWOS

  
  

  Possible Answer : II, 2, two, deuce




• The clue is 44. Beyond cross. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RAGING

  
  

  Possible Answer : cod, rally, have_words, chew_out, chafe, annoy, angry, tantalize, taunt, rile, ramp, bawl_out, rag, torment, irritate, get_at, gravel, tease, jaw, remonstrate, hot, razz, lambast, tantalise, crucify, berate, raging, ride, chew_up, lecture, furious, call_on_the_carpet, dress_down, scold, rage, reproof, wild, get_to, twit, nark, tempestuous, bait, lambaste, nettle, bedevil, trounce, frustrate, reprimand, devil, chide, bother, dun, rebuke, storm, take_to_task, vex, call_down




• The clue is 48. Drink featured in the Elvis film "Blue Hawaii". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MAITAI

  
  



• The clue is 50. Govt. prosecutors. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DAS

  
  

  Possible Answer : hyrax, DA, dassie, district_attorney, das, coney, cony




• The clue is 51. Besides. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TOO

  
  

  Possible Answer : excessively, as_well, also, to_a_fault, too, overly, besides, likewise




• The clue is 52. End of the quip. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (14 letters)

  The answer: SPELLEDWITHANF

  
  



• The clue is 56. Actor Jannings. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EMIL

  
  



• The clue is 57. Youngest golfer to score below his age in a P.G.A. Tour event. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SNEAD

  
  

  Possible Answer : Sam_Snead, Snead, Samuel_Jackson_Snead




• The clue is 58. White Sox or Red Sox player, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALER

  
  



• The clue is 59. Runner's assignment. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LANE

  
  

  Possible Answer : lane




• The clue is 60. Cricket segments. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OVERS

  
  

  Possible Answer : over




• The clue is 61. Miller option. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LITE

  
  

  Possible Answer : calorie-free, light, lite, low-cal




• The clue is 62. Flower whose name means "flame" in ancient Greek. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PHLOX

  
  

  Possible Answer : phlox




• The clue is 63. Lead-in to maniac. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NYMPHO

  
  

  Possible Answer : nymphomaniac, nympho




• The clue is 64. Troublesome threes, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PHASE

  
  

  Possible Answer : phase_angle, form, stage, phase

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. "Jeopardy!" offering. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ANSWER

  
  

  Possible Answer: answer, suffice, serve, solvent, reply, respond, resolution, result, solution, resolve, response, do

  Possible Opposite Answer : question

• The clue is 2. 12-time Olympic swimming medalist Ryan ___. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LOCHTE

  
  

• The clue is 3. Worn at the edges. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FRAYED

  
  

  Possible Answer: scratch, frayed, rub, chafe, fray, frazzle, fret

• The clue is 4. Prefix with sexual. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AMBI

  
  

• The clue is 5. Possible response to "Where are you?". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: IMINHERE

  
  

• The clue is 6. Craft kit fabrics. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FELTS

  
  

  Possible Answer: mat, felt, matt-up, matte, felt_up, matte_up, mat_up

• The clue is 7. "Right away, boss!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ONIT

  
  

• The clue is 8. Comedian Trevor. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NOAH

  
  

  Possible Answer: Noah

• The clue is 9. "___ Game" (1986 Hugo Award winner). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ENDERS

  
  

• The clue is 10. Cot alternative. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FUTON

  
  

  Possible Answer: futon

• The clue is 11. Wear out one's welcome, say. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: OVERSTAY

  
  

  Possible Answer: outstay, overstay

• The clue is 12. Achilles, for two. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: TENDONS

  
  

  Possible Answer: sinew, tendon

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

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

  The answer: OAT

  
  

  Possible Answer: oat

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

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

  The answer: SATAN

  
  

  Possible Answer: Devil, Old_Nick, Lucifer, Satan, the_Tempter, Prince_of_Darkness, Beelzebub

• The clue is 22. Is in the past. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WAS

  
  

  Possible Answer: be, Evergreen_State, follow, embody, comprise, equal, represent, personify, Washington, cost, make_up, live, exist, constitute, WA

  Possible Opposite Answer : differ

• The clue is 26. Chain parts: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MTS

  
  

  Possible Answer: meitnerium, element_109, MT, metric_ton, t, tonne, machine_translation, Montana, Mt, atomic_number_109, Treasure_State

• The clue is 28. Singer Tori. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AMOS

  
  

  Possible Answer: Amos, Book_of_Amos

• The clue is 29. Head liners?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HAIRS

  
  

  Possible Answer: whisker, hairsbreadth, tomentum, fuzz, hair, pilus, hair's-breadth, haircloth

• The clue is 30. Choquequirao inhabitant. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INCA

  
  

  Possible Answer: Incan, Inka, Inca

• The clue is 33. "Let ___!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ITGO

  
  

• The clue is 34. Urban addr. specification. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BLDG

  
  

• The clue is 35. Like cuisine with lumpia and longganisa. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: FILIPINO

  
  

  Possible Answer: Philippine, Filipino

• The clue is 36. "Looks that way, unfortunately". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: AFRAIDSO

  
  

• The clue is 37. Minimal. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LEAST

  
  

  Possible Answer: least, to_the_lowest_degree

  Possible Opposite Answer : most

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

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

  The answer: ATM

  
  

  Possible Answer: atmosphere, automated_teller, standard_pressure, atm, automatic_teller, asynchronous_transfer_mode, ATM, cash_dispenser, automated_teller_machine, automatic_teller_machine, cash_machine, standard_atmosphere

• The clue is 39. Noxious. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: MIASMAL

  
  

  Possible Answer: vapourous, vaporous, miasmal, miasmic

• The clue is 42. "Qué ___?" ("How's it going?," in Spanish). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TAL

  
  

• The clue is 43. Only U.S. president buried in Washington, D.C.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WILSON

  
  

  Possible Answer: Edward_Osborne_Wilson, Mount_Wilson, Thomas_Woodrow_Wilson, Harriet_Wilson, Wilson, Angus_Frank_Johnstone_Wilson, Alexander_Wilson, James_Wilson, E._O._Wilson, Sir_Angus_Wilson, Robert_Woodrow_Wilson, John_Tuzo_Wilson, Charles_Thomson_Rees_Wilson, President_Wilson, Edmund_Wilson, Woodrow_Wilson

• The clue is 45. Home of Firenze. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ITALIA

  
  

  Possible Answer: Italian_Republic, Italia, Italy

• The clue is 46. They have nine players. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NONETS

  
  

• The clue is 47. Get released. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GOFREE

  
  

• The clue is 49. Early text messager. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TELEX

  
  

  Possible Answer: telex_machine, telex, teleprinter, teletypewriter, teletype_machine

• The clue is 50. One of a Disney septet. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DWARF

  
  

  Possible Answer: shadow, midget, dwarf, nanus, gnome, overshadow

• The clue is 53. Root of resentment, at times. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ENVY

  
  

  Possible Answer: begrudge, enviousness, invidia, envy

• The clue is 54. Reckon. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DEEM

  
  

  Possible Answer: view_as, deem, hold, take_for

• The clue is 55. Word before and after an ampersand, in the grocery. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HALF

  
  

  Possible Answer: one-half, half

  Possible Opposite Answer : whole

• The clue is 56. Maker of toys for girls and boys. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELF

  
  

  Possible Answer: pixie, pixy, elf, imp, gremlin, ELF, hob, extremely_low_frequency, brownie

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 25, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (35 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (37 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Response to discovering the theme of a crossword	3
2A	4. Dashing through the ___ ...	4
3A	8. Foam on a seashore	4
4A	12. One who runs, informally	3
5A	13. Possible base for a Caesar salad	4
6A	14. Of help	5
7A	16. Dawdle	8
8A	18. Some anxious behavior on one's feet	6
9A	20. Stew (over)	6
10A	21. In a ___ open sleigh ...	8
11A	23. Where Bart Simpson directs his prank calls	4
12A	24. Buffet stand vessel	3
13A	25. Rare day for an N.F.L. game: Abbr.	3
14A	26. One way to take a bull	10
15A	31. Old dagger carried by Scottish Highlanders	4
16A	32. Michael of "Barbie"	4
17A	33. Hits from the side, informally	6
18A	35. First portrayer of Albus Dumbledore, the final live-action role in his long film career	13
19A	39. Stretch	6
20A	40. Letter after three consecutive rhyming letters	4
21A	41. Right-eous path?	4
22A	42. Footwear for a bride, perhaps	10
23A	48. JFK or EWR alternative	3
24A	49. Cable lead-in to TV	3
25A	50. Jump in skates	4
26A	51. What's seen "all the way" through this puzzle?	8
27A	54. Ryan with swimming gold medals in four straight Olympics	6
28A	56. "All that being said ..."	6
29A	57. Ado	8
30A	59. "Yes ___!"	5
31A	60. Something typed in this field: YYYY	4
32A	61. Fashion designer Lange	3
33A	62. Many a vacation package	4
34A	63. Transcript ruiners	4
35A	64. ___ pop (hybrid music genre)	3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Response to discovering the theme of a crossword"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Dashing through the ___ ..."

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals
• Similar words include: snowfall, Charles Percy Snow, bamboozle
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Foam on a seashore"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that waves breaking on the shore
• Similar words include: breakers, breaker, surfboard
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SURF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. One who runs, informally"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person active in party politics
• Similar words include: politician, political leader, politico
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "13. Possible base for a Caesar salad"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that informal terms for money
• Similar words include: lettuce, pelf, boodle
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "14. Of help"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that being of use or service
• Similar words include: useful
• Opposite of: useless

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UTILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Dawdle"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Similar words include: lounge, linger, mill about
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOLLYGAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Some anxious behavior on one's feet"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
• Similar words include: step, tempo, pace
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PACING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Stew (over)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that haunt like a ghost; pursue
• Similar words include: haunt, ghost
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OBSESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. In a ___ open sleigh ..."

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONEHORSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Where Bart Simpson directs his prank calls"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Buffet stand vessel"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a large vase that usually has a pedestal or feet
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: URN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Rare day for an N.F.L. game: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. One way to take a bull"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BYTHEHORNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Old dagger carried by Scottish Highlanders"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a relatively long dagger with a straight blade
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DIRK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Michael of "Barbie""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Hits from the side, informally"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TBONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. First portrayer of Albus Dumbledore, the final live-action role in his long film career"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RICHARDHARRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Stretch"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an amount of time
• Similar words include: menstruation, time period, flow
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PERIOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Letter after three consecutive rhyming letters"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
• Similar words include: scintilla, smidge, whit
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Right-eous path?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
• Similar words include: eastern United States, Orient, eastward
• Opposite of: west

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Footwear for a bride, perhaps"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WHITEHEELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. JFK or EWR alternative"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. Cable lead-in to TV"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Jump in skates"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AXEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. What's seen "all the way" through this puzzle?"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that produce laughter
• Similar words include: riant, laugh, express mirth
• Opposite of: cry

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAUGHING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Ryan with swimming gold medals in four straight Olympics"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOCHTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. "All that being said ...""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANDYET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Ado"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that loud confused noise from many sources
• Similar words include: katzenjammer, uproar, hubbub
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BROUHAHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. "Yes ___!""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Something typed in this field: YYYY"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
• Similar words include: twelvemonth, yr, class
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Fashion designer Lange"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIZ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. Many a vacation package"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area
• Similar words include: term of enlistment, turn, spell
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. Transcript ruiners"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that have sexual intercourse with
• Similar words include: make out, eff, bang
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EFFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. ___ pop (hybrid music genre)"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Chillness	6
2D	2. "Oh me, oh my!"	6
3D	3. Ready to go	6
4D	4. "___ the Limit" (posthumous hit for the Notorious B.I.G.)	4
5D	5. Horses studied by touts	4
6D	6. Portuguese greeting	3
7D	7. O'er the fields ___ ...	4
8D	8. Eurasia or Oceania, in "1984"	10
9D	9. Like many Mormons	5
10D	10. The "R" of P.R.	4
11D	11. Vodka-and-pineapple juice cocktail popularized on "Sex and the City"	8
12D	15. Sews up	7
13D	17. Phil of the Grateful Dead	4
14D	19. Uber-enthusiasts	5
15D	22. Someone who might ask "Mother, may I?"	3
16D	27. Zoom call issue	4
17D	28. "S.N.L." V.I.P.	10
18D	29. Pilot who shares a tent with Yossarian in "Catch-22"	3
19D	30. Sides of pie slices, essentially	5
20D	31. Ballon ___ (soccer star's award)	3
21D	34. Slangy "dude"	4
22D	35. White House family of the 1980s	7
23D	36. Tax dodger's fear	8
24D	37. Loc. ___ (footnote abbr.)	3
25D	38. Very in	3
26D	39. Big name in windows and doors	5
27D	43. Raider in times past	3
28D	44. A person	4
29D	45. Go "Phew!," say	6
30D	46. "He has my permission"	6
31D	47. Total slimeball	6
32D	49. Intl. org. with 12 stars on its flag	5
33D	52. Halal cart offering	4
34D	53. Elided farewell	4
35D	54. Do pretty much nothing	4
36D	55. Between you and me	4
37D	58. At whom you might yell "Are we watching the same game?!"	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Chillness"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that great coolness and composure under strain
• Similar words include: assuredness, sang-froid, poise
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APLOMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Oh me, oh my!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOOBOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Ready to go"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALLSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "___ the Limit" (posthumous hit for the Notorious B.I.G.)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
• Similar words include: flip, sky, pitch
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SKYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Horses studied by touts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault
• Similar words include: nag, jade, plug
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Portuguese greeting"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in india for writing paper
• Similar words include: olla
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. O'er the fields ___ ..."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WEGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Eurasia or Oceania, in "1984""

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SUPERSTATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Like many Mormons"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UTAHN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. The "R" of P.R."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that law intended to eradicate organized crime by establishing strong sanctions and forfeiture provisions
• Similar words include: RICO Act, anti-racketeering law, Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RICO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Vodka-and-pineapple juice cocktail popularized on "Sex and the City""

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FLIRTINI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "15. Sews up"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that make certain of
• Similar words include: see, guarantee, assure
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENSURES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "17. Phil of the Grateful Dead"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LESH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. Uber-enthusiasts"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a carnival performer who does disgusting acts
• Similar words include: oddball, eccentric person, flake
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GEEKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Someone who might ask "Mother, may I?""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a woman religious
• Similar words include: nun buoy, conical buoy
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "27. Zoom call issue"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
• Similar words include: recall, sound reflection, reverberate
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ECHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "28. "S.N.L." V.I.P."

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HEADWRITER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Pilot who shares a tent with Yossarian in "Catch-22""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that canadian hockey player (born 1948)
• Similar words include: Robert Orr, Bobby Orr
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Sides of pie slices, essentially"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the length of a line segment between the center and circumference of a circle or sphere
• Similar words include: radius, r, wheel spoke
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RADII

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Ballon ___ (soccer star's award)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "34. Slangy "dude""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BRAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. White House family of the 1980s"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that 40th president of the united states (1911-2004)
• Similar words include: Ronald Wilson Reagan, Reagan, Ronald Reagan
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REAGANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Tax dodger's fear"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRSAUDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Loc. ___ (footnote abbr.)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Very in"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of 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
• Similar words include: spicy, red-hot, raging
• Opposite of: cold

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Big name in windows and doors"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PELLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Raider in times past"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of a nomadic people who invaded europe in the 4th century
• Similar words include: Krauthead, Boche, Kraut
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. A person"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (used of count nouns) every one considered individually
• Similar words include: from each one, apiece, to each one
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Go "Phew!," say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that give out (breath or an odor)
• Similar words include: breathe out, expire, give forth
• Opposite of: inhale

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EXHALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. "He has my permission""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LETHIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Total slimeball"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLEAZO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Intl. org. with 12 stars on its flag"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THEEU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Halal cart offering"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a greek sandwich: sliced roast lamb with onion and tomato stuffed into pita bread
• Similar words include: gyroscope
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GYRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Elided farewell"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GBYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Do pretty much nothing"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a shaped mass of baked bread that is usually sliced before eating
• Similar words include: lollygag, fuck off, loll
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Between you and me"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OURS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. At whom you might yell "Are we watching the same game?!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
• Similar words include: referee
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues

37 Down Clues

72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

• Complete NYT Crossword Archive
• Advanced Solving Techniques
• Common Crossword Words

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: December 25, 2025 at 04:21 AM