December 18, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, December 18, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (35 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

NYT Friday Crossword Across Clues - December 18, 2020 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Vague sense	4
2A	5. Nick ___, football coach who led both L.S.U. and Alabama to national championships	5
3A	10. Look out for, say	4
4A	14. Line outside the entrance?	10
5A	16. State flower of Utah	4
6A	17. Using any means necessary	15
7A	19. The U.S. Open is played on it: Abbr.	3
8A	20. Supermodel Wek	4
9A	21. Caesar and others	6
10A	22. + or -, for a battery	3
11A	24. Recipe abbr.	3
12A	26. Torque symbol	3
13A	27. Kitchen tool for fruit	5
14A	29. What Neptune's chariot was drawn by	9
15A	33. Longtime CBS News host Charles	6
16A	35. Cleared one's cookies?	3
17A	36. PC program suffix	3
18A	37. Setting for forensic investigations	15
19A	41. Bit of needle work	3
20A	42. Conned	3
21A	43. Sacked	6
22A	44. Things typically found in dens	9
23A	48. Rank	5
24A	49. "___ et labora" ("Pray and work": Lat.)	3
25A	50. Like a hoppin' party	3
26A	51. Target of a 1972 ban	3
27A	52. Demi of pop	6
28A	55. Mantel piece	4
29A	57. "Yo!"	3
30A	60. Stereotypical cry from a sailor	15
31A	63. Erin Doherty's role on "The Crown"	4
32A	64. One involved with an operation	10
33A	65. Get-up	4
34A	66. Retreats from the heat	5
35A	67. Some real heady stuff?	4

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. Vague sense"

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 distinctive emotional aura experienced instinctively
• Words that mean the same thing: vibration
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VIBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Nick ___, football coach who led both L.S.U. and Alabama to national championships"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: SABAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Look out for, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Line outside the entrance?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OPENSESAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. State flower of Utah"

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: SEGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Using any means necessary"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CATCHASCATCHCAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. The U.S. Open is played on it: 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: EDT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Supermodel Wek"

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: ALEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Caesar and others"

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 food mixtures either arranged on a plate or tossed and served with a moist dressing; usually consisting of or including greens
• Words that mean the same thing: salad
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. + or -, for a battery"

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 either extremity of something that has length
• Words that mean the same thing: destruction, terminal, close
• The opposite would be: begin, beginning
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: END

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Recipe abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy 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: TSP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Torque symbol"

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 19th letter of the greek alphabet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Kitchen tool for fruit"

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

  The answer is: CORER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. What Neptune's chariot was drawn by"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that either of two large northern marine mammals having ivory tusks and tough hide over thick blubber
• Words that mean the same thing: seahorse, walrus, sea horse
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEAHORSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Longtime CBS News host Charles"

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: OSGOOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Cleared one's cookies?"

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 goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
• Words that mean the same thing: eat up, wipe out, eat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. PC program suffix"

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: EXE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Setting for forensic investigations"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SCENEOFTHECRIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Bit of needle work"

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

  The answer is: TAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Conned"

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 have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
• Words that mean the same thing: birth, feature, hold
• The opposite would be: refuse, abstain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Sacked"

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 take illegally; of intellectual property
• Words that mean the same thing: ransacked, despoil, rifle
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOOTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Things typically found in dens"

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 chair with a support on each side for arms
• Words that mean the same thing: armchair
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARMCHAIRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "48. Rank"

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 offensive or even (of persons) malicious; ; ; ; ; ; - ezra pound
• Words that mean the same thing: filthy, smutty, tight
• The opposite would be: nice
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NASTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "49. "___ et labora" ("Pray and work": Lat.)"

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 mouth or mouthlike opening
• Words that mean the same thing: OS, atomic number 76, Os
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "50. Like a hoppin' party"

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 humanistic study of a body of literature
• Words that mean the same thing: fall, alight, get off
• The opposite would be: extinguish, unlighted
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. Target of a 1972 ban"

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 insecticide that is also toxic to animals and humans; banned in the united states since 1972
• Words that mean the same thing: dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DDT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Demi of pop"

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: LOVATO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. Mantel piece"

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 open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to hold flowers
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "57. "Yo!""

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: HEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "60. Stereotypical cry from a sailor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SHIVERMETIMBERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Erin Doherty's role on "The Crown""

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 queen of england and scotland and ireland; daughter if james ii and the last of the stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last english ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. One involved with an operation"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: SCRUBNURSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Get-up"

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 informal terms for clothing
• Words that mean the same thing: enclothe, duds, garment
• The opposite would be: undress
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. Retreats from the heat"

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 fertile tract in a desert (where the water table approaches the surface)
• Words that mean the same thing: haven, oasis
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OASES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Some real heady stuff?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEER

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Friday Crossword Down Clues - December 18, 2020 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Mezza ___	4
2D	2. Modern register at a cashless establishment	4
3D	3. "Let's go!"	15
4D	4. Pkg. insert	3
5D	5. Close up	4
6D	6. Things in the plus column	6
7D	7. People who might tell you to stop, but probably shouldn't	15
8D	8. Org. that endorsed Obamacare	3
9D	9. Court suspensions?	4
10D	10. Square-cut masonry	6
11D	11. George Mallory's famous response to "Why did you want to climb Mount Everest?"	15
12D	12. "Wow!," quaintly	4
13D	13. Rafts	4
14D	15. Seasonal seafood delicacy	7
15D	18. Foe of Caesar	4
16D	23. Extra-bright	4
17D	25. Way	4
18D	27. ___ Mesa, Calif.	5
19D	28. Academy offering	5
20D	30. Obedience class command	4
21D	31. Mike Piazza, beginning in 2006	5
22D	32. Poorly kept	5
23D	34. Mideast capital	4
24D	38. Hold for another year, say	4
25D	39. Censure	7
26D	40. Way	4
27D	45. Really fancies	6
28D	46. Not fancy at all	4
29D	47. Center of a circle or square, maybe	6
30D	52. Future D.A.'s hurdle	4
31D	53. [Gulp!]	4
32D	54. Thereabouts	4
33D	56. Some members of the fam	4
34D	58. Source of the word "trousers"	4
35D	59. W.W. I battle locale	4
36D	61. One of the Beastie Boys	3
37D	62. Fella	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. Mezza ___"

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: VOCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Modern register at a cashless establishment"

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: IPAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "Let's go!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BETTERGETMOVING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Pkg. insert"

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: ENC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Close up"

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 fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
• Words that mean the same thing: cachet, stamp, sealing wax
• The opposite would be: unseal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Things in the plus column"

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 anything of material value or usefulness that is owned by a person or company
• Words that mean the same thing: plus, asset
• The opposite would be: liability
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASSETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. People who might tell you to stop, but probably shouldn't"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BACKSEATDRIVERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Org. that endorsed Obamacare"

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: AMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Court suspensions?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: sack up, net income, internet
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Square-cut masonry"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a rectangular block of hewn stone used for building purposes
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASHLAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. George Mallory's famous response to "Why did you want to climb Mount Everest?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BECAUSEITSTHERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "Wow!," quaintly"

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: EGAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Rafts"

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 large number or amount
• Words that mean the same thing: rafts, short ton, scads
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Seasonal seafood delicacy"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium 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: SHADROE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "18. Foe of Caesar"

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: CATO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Extra-bright"

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 colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 10, Ne
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Way"

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 course of conduct
• Words that mean the same thing: way, route, itinerary
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. ___ Mesa, Calif."

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 riblike part of a plant or animal (such as a middle rib of a leaf or a thickened vein of an insect wing)
• Words that mean the same thing: rib
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COSTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Academy offering"

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 an annual award by the academy of motion picture arts and sciences for achievements in motion picture production and performance
• Words that mean the same thing: Academy Award
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OSCAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Obedience class command"

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 bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
• Words that mean the same thing: reheel, bounder, blackguard
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Mike Piazza, beginning in 2006"

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: EXMET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Poorly kept"

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 full of seeds
• Words that mean the same thing: unwell, sordid, indisposed
• The opposite would be: seedless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEEDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Mideast capital"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the capital and chief port of qatar
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Qatar, El Beda, Bida
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Hold for another year, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fail to do something; leave something undone
• Words that mean the same thing: flunk, miscarry, break down
• The opposite would be: manage, succeed
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Censure"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that express strong disapproval of
• Words that mean the same thing: decry, objurgate, reprobate
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CONDEMN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Way"

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 an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
• Words that mean the same thing: route
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "45. Really fancies"

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 have a craving, appetite, or great desire for
• Words that mean the same thing: lust, hunger, thirst
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRAVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Not fancy at all"

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 emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
• Words that mean the same thing: hatred, detest
• The opposite would be: love
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Center of a circle or square, maybe"

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

  The answer is: STATUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "52. Future D.A.'s hurdle"

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 31 Down: "53. [Gulp!]"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OHNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "54. Thereabouts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ORSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "56. Some members of the fam"

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 person's brother or sister
• Words that mean the same thing: cognate, sibling, sib
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "58. Source of the word "trousers""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of several related languages of the celts in ireland and scotland
• Words that mean the same thing: Goidelic, Gaelic
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "59. W.W. I battle locale"

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: YSER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "61. One of the Beastie Boys"

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: MCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "62. Fella"

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: BUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	70.8%
Short Answer	14	19.4%
Geography	2	2.8%
Food & Drink	2	2.8%
Sports	1	1.4%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
History	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.4 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

More Crossword Resources

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

• January 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers June 02
• NYT Crossword January 03 1990 Xwordhint_52
• November 25 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 28 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• 27422 Mon Dec 09 2024 NYT By Elliot
• NYT Crossword Across September 16 2025
• December 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 04 2021 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 20, 2025 at 03:38 PM

September 20, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• July 17 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 26 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Saturday September 21 2024 Ny Times
• August 26 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 07 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, September 20, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

Across Clues Explained - Monday NYT Crossword September 20, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. What lava becomes after an eruption	5
2A	6. The "S" of L.S.U.	5
3A	11. Number of provinces in Canada	3
4A	14. Relative by marriage	5
5A	15. "This ___ to do the trick"	5
6A	16. Pub brew	3
7A	17. Pizza feature for a specialized diet	15
8A	20. Nay's opposite	3
9A	21. College official	4
10A	22. Gossiping types	6
11A	23. Products of Pilot and Bic	4
12A	24. Lead-in to girl or boy	4
13A	25. River beneath 37 Parisian bridges	5
14A	27. Pain	4
15A	28. Lucy of "Charlie's Angels"	3
16A	31. Five, in French	4
17A	32. Classic arcade game set in outer space	9
18A	34. Take on a position, along with its responsibilities	15
19A	37. Cleaned, as a window	9
20A	38. Storage for garden tools	4
21A	39. Sticky part of a gecko	3
22A	40. Dress like, for a costume party, say	4
23A	41. Contemptuous look	5
24A	43. Soccer great Mia	4
25A	44. Iota	4
26A	45. Eastern place of worship	6
27A	48. James who played Sonny Corleone	4
28A	49. Letters on a bottle of tanning lotion	3
29A	52. Lacking any moral compass	15
30A	55. Year, in Spain	3
31A	56. "Cleanup on ___ 5!"	5
32A	57. ___ noir (wine)	5
33A	58. "Affirmative!"	3
34A	59. Los Angeles N.B.A. player	5
35A	60. What lava is before an eruption	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. What lava becomes after an eruption"

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 lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
• Words that mean the same thing: careen, rock candy, rock
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROCKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. The "S" of L.S.U."

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 territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
• Words that mean the same thing: nation, tell, body politic
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Number of provinces in Canada"

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 cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Words that mean the same thing: X, 10, ten-spot
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Relative by marriage"

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: INLAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "This ___ to do the trick""

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: OUGHT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Pub brew"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Pizza feature for a specialized diet"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GLUTENFREECRUST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Nay's opposite"

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: AYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. College official"

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 administrator in charge of a division of a university or college
• Words that mean the same thing: doyen, James Dean, James Byron Dean
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Gossiping types"

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 (yiddish) a vulgar shrew; a shallow coarse termagant
• Words that mean the same thing: yenta
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YENTAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Products of Pilot and Bic"

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 writing implement with a point from which ink flows
• Words that mean the same thing: compose, write, indite
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Lead-in to girl or boy"

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: ATTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. River beneath 37 Parisian bridges"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a french river that flows through the heart of paris and then northward into the english channel
• Words that mean the same thing: Seine River
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Pain"

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 dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
• Words that mean the same thing: languish, suffer, smart
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Lucy of "Charlie's Angels""

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: LIU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Five, in French"

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: CINQ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Classic arcade game set in outer space"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of numerous small celestial bodies composed of rock and metal that move around the sun (mainly between the orbits of mars and jupiter)
• Words that mean the same thing: asteroid
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASTEROIDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Take on a position, along with its responsibilities"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ASSUMETHEMANTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Cleaned, as a window"

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 wipe with a squeegee
• Words that mean the same thing: squeegee
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SQUEEGEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Storage for garden tools"

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 outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
• Words that mean the same thing: throw off, throw away, exuviate
• The opposite would be: persistent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Sticky part of a gecko"

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

  The answer is: TOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Dress like, for a costume party, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state of southwestern india; a former portuguese colony
• Words that mean the same thing: Goa
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. Contemptuous look"

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 facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
• Words that mean the same thing: leer
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNEER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "43. Soccer great Mia"

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: HAMM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. Iota"

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 tiny or scarcely detectable amount
• Words that mean the same thing: smidge, iota, smidgin
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WHIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. Eastern place of worship"

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 an asian temple; usually a pyramidal tower with an upward curving roof
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAGODA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. James who played Sonny Corleone"

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: CAAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "49. Letters on a bottle of tanning lotion"

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 degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin from the direct rays of the sun
• Words that mean the same thing: sun protection factor
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "52. Lacking any moral compass"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ROTTENTOTHECORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Year, in Spain"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a palestinian international terrorist organization that split from the plo in 1974; has conducted terrorist attacks in 20 countries
• Words that mean the same thing: Abu Nidal Organization, Fatah Revolutionary Council, Black September
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. "Cleanup on ___ 5!""

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 long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
• Words that mean the same thing: gangway
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AISLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "57. ___ noir (wine)"

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 of several purple or white wine grapes used especially for burgundies and champagnes
• Words that mean the same thing: Pinot grape
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PINOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. "Affirmative!""

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 affirmative
• The opposite would be: no
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "59. Los Angeles N.B.A. player"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium 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: LAKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "60. What lava is before an eruption"

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 molten rock in the earth's crust
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAGMA

  Great job if you got it right!

September 20, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Monday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Latvia's capital	4
2D	2. Solitary	4
3D	3. Aid in solving a mystery	4
4D	4. Dennings of "2 Broke Girls"	3
5D	5. Land between Norway and Finland	6
6D	6. Couches	5
7D	7. Word before "the tables" or "the tide"	4
8D	8. Grow older	3
9D	9. Nonbinary pronoun pair	8
10D	10. "... and the list goes on"	8
11D	11. Opposite of loose	4
12D	12. Disney princess voiced by Idina Menzel	4
13D	13. Safeguards for tightrope walkers	4
14D	18. Official bird of Hawaii	4
15D	19. Genetic "messenger"	3
16D	23. Excite, as curiosity	5
17D	24. Played a part on stage	5
18D	25. One-named R&B singer with the 1999 6x platinum album "Unleash the Dragon"	5
19D	26. Follow shortly thereafter	5
20D	27. Volcanic emissions	5
21D	28. Thin and graceful	5
22D	29. One just passing time	5
23D	30. Secondhand	4
24D	31. Group in a playbill	4
25D	32. Starting squad	5
26D	33. Arrival	5
27D	35. Business announcement involving billions of dollars	8
28D	36. It's all about me, me, me	8
29D	41. Former Iranian leader	4
30D	42. Prime-time hour	6
31D	43. Sweltering	3
32D	44. One piece of evidence of a planet's habitability	5
33D	45. Address God	4
34D	46. Top-notch	4
35D	47. Classic Pontiac muscle cars	4
36D	48. Rapper J. ___	4
37D	49. Serenade, e.g.	4
38D	50. Big night for a high schooler	4
39D	51. Crumbly salad cheese	4
40D	53. Chastising syllable	3
41D	54. "Zero Dark Thirty" org.	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. Latvia's capital"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a port city on the gulf of riga that is the capital and largest city of latvia; formerly a member of the hanseatic league
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Latvia
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Solitary"

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 being the only one; single and isolated from others
• Words that mean the same thing: merely, but, simply
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Aid in solving a mystery"

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 slight indication
• Words that mean the same thing: clew, hint, cue
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Dennings of "2 Broke Girls""

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 leaves of the shrub catha edulis which are chewed like tobacco or used to make tea; has the effect of a euphoric stimulant
• Words that mean the same thing: qat, cat, quat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Land between Norway and Finland"

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 scandinavian kingdom in the eastern part of the scandinavian peninsula
• Words that mean the same thing: Kingdom of Sweden, Sverige
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWEDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Couches"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an upholstered seat for more than one person
• Words that mean the same thing: sofa, couch, lounge
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOFAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Word before "the tables" or "the tide""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a circular segment of a curve
• Words that mean the same thing: bit, flex, wrick
• The opposite would be: unbend
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TURN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Grow older"

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 how long something has existed
• Words that mean the same thing: eld, geezerhood, senesce
• The opposite would be: rejuvenate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Nonbinary pronoun pair"

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: THEYTHEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "... and the list goes on""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that additional unspecified odds and ends; more of the same
• Words that mean the same thing: and so on, etc., and so forth
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETCETERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Opposite of loose"

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 pulled or drawn tight
• Words that mean the same thing: tight
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Disney princess voiced by Idina Menzel"

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: ELSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Safeguards for tightrope walkers"

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 computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: lucre, network, sack up
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Official bird of Hawaii"

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: NENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Genetic "messenger""

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 (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
• Words that mean the same thing: ribonucleic acid
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Excite, as curiosity"

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 tightly woven fabric with raised cords
• Words that mean the same thing: temper, offend, irritation
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIQUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Played a part on stage"

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 perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
• Words that mean the same thing: playact, pretend, act
• The opposite would be: refrain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. One-named R&B singer with the 1999 6x platinum album "Unleash the Dragon""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: SISQO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Follow shortly thereafter"

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 issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
• Words that mean the same thing: result
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENSUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Volcanic emissions"

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 residue that remains when something is burned
• Words that mean the same thing: ash tree, ash
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Thin and graceful"

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 moving and bending with ease
• Words that mean the same thing: lithesome, supple, svelte
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LITHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. One just passing time"

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 person who does no work
• Words that mean the same thing: loafer, do-nothing, bum
• The opposite would be: busy
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDLER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Secondhand"

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 put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: exploited, utilize, utilise
• The opposite would be: misused
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "31. Group in a playbill"

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 actors in a play
• Words that mean the same thing: plaster cast, throw away, disgorge
• The opposite would be: keep down
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "32. Starting squad"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: ATEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "33. Arrival"

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 the beginning or early stages
• Words that mean the same thing: onslaught, onrush, oncoming
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONSET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "35. Business announcement involving billions of dollars"

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: MEGADEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "36. It's all about me, me, me"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an intense and irresistible love for yourself and concern for your own needs
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGOMANIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "41. Former Iranian leader"

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 title for the former hereditary monarch of iran
• Words that mean the same thing: Shah of Iran
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "42. Prime-time hour"

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: NINEPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Sweltering"

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: live, raging, spicy
• 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 32 Down: "44. One piece of evidence of a planet's habitability"

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 binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
• Words that mean the same thing: pee, piss, water supply
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WATER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "45. Address God"

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

  The answer is: PRAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "46. Top-notch"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "47. Classic Pontiac muscle cars"

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: GTOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "48. Rapper J. ___"

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 hardy cabbage with coarse curly leaves that do not form a head
• Words that mean the same thing: borecole, kail, kale
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "49. Serenade, 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 short musical composition with words
• Words that mean the same thing: birdcall, Sung, call
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SONG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "50. Big night for a high schooler"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a formal ball held for a school class toward the end of the academic year
• Words that mean the same thing: promenade
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PROM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "51. Crumbly salad cheese"

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: FETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "53. Chastising syllable"

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 utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
• Words that mean the same thing: tut-tut, tut
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "54. "Zero Dark Thirty" org."

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 agency of the united states government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the director of central intelligence under the supervision of the president and national security council
• Words that mean the same thing: Central Intelligence Agency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	56	73.7%
Short Answer	14	18.4%
Geography	2	2.6%
Sports	2	2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 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:

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• December 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 26 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• 2424 Sat Aug 24 2024 La Times Crossword
• August 26 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 08 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• Saturday September 21 2024 Ny Times
• Ny Times Crossword Answers July 14 2021

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 14, 2025 at 08:37 PM