February 15, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (36 clues)
• Down Clues (38 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (36 Across, 38 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle February 15, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Rise to the challenge	6
2A	7. Anthony Hopkins's role in the "Thor" film franchise	4
3A	11. Foldable bed	3
4A	14. Element essential to thyroid function	6
5A	15. Director/screenwriter Ephron	4
6A	16. "___ you good?"	3
7A	17. Might have, informally	6
8A	18. Parched, as land	4
9A	19. Upstate N.Y. campus	3
10A	20. Catastrophe at a tennis match?	13
11A	23. Overjoy	5
12A	25. "%&$@," in comics	4
13A	26. Author Morrison	4
14A	27. Leased	3
15A	28. Prefix with futurism	4
16A	29. Ransacks like a pirate	5
17A	30. Uncertainties at a football game?	14
18A	34. Promise to pay	3
19A	35. !!!!, in a text	3
20A	36. Security alerts at a boxing match?	14
21A	44. Country singer LeAnn	5
22A	45. Stars might have big ones	4
23A	46. "A mouse!"	3
24A	47. Two times quadri-	4
25A	48. Signify	4
26A	49. Pal, in Pamplona	5
27A	51. Supplies at a swim meet?	13
28A	54. Traveler's approx.	3
29A	55. Honolulu's island	4
30A	56. Season for pumpkin-spiced everything	6
31A	59. "Oh, ___ on!"	3
32A	60. Common songbird	4
33A	61. Rude looks	6
34A	62. Revolutionary Turner	3
35A	63. Campus anti-D.U.I. group	4
36A	64. Montana's capital	6

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. Rise to the challenge"

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: STEPUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Anthony Hopkins's role in the "Thor" film franchise"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (norse mythology) ruler of the aesir; supreme god of war and poetry and knowledge and wisdom (for which he gave an eye) and husband of frigg; identified with the teutonic wotan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Foldable bed"

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 sheath worn to protect a finger
• Words that mean the same thing: camp bed, crib, fingerstall
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Element essential to thyroid function"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)
• Words that mean the same thing: iodin, tincture of iodine, atomic number 53
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IODINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Director/screenwriter Ephron"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: NORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. "___ you good?""

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 unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Words that mean the same thing: equal, make up, comprise
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Might have, informally"

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: COULDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Parched, as land"

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 lacking sufficient water or rainfall
• Words that mean the same thing: waterless, desiccated, desiccate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Upstate N.Y. campus"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Catastrophe at a tennis match?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COURTDISASTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Overjoy"

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 fill with high spirits; fill with optimism
• Words that mean the same thing: lift up, pick up, uplift
• The opposite would be: depress
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. "%&$@," in comics"

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 profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
• Words that mean the same thing: expletive, curse, curse word
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Author Morrison"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: TONI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Leased"

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 brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
• Words that mean the same thing: get, Army of the Righteous, Army of the Pure
• The opposite would be: prevent, disallow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Prefix with futurism"

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

  The answer is: AFRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Ransacks like a pirate"

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 goods or money obtained illegally
• Words that mean the same thing: pelf, wampum, despoil
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "30. Uncertainties at a football game?"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert 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: FIELDQUESTIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Promise to pay"

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 informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. !!!!, in a text"

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: OMG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Security alerts at a boxing match?"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: RINGALARMBELLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Country singer LeAnn"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
• Words that mean the same thing: hoarfrost, frost, hoar
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Stars might have big ones"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: self-importance, egotism, self
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. "A mouse!""

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: EEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Two times quadri-"

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: OCTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Signify"

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 number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
• Words that mean the same thing: stain, scrape, pock
• The opposite would be: ignore
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Pal, in Pamplona"

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: AMIGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. Supplies at a swim meet?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: POOLRESOURCES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. Traveler's approx."

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 terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
• Words that mean the same thing: Basque Homeland and Freedom, Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Euskadi ta Askatasuna
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Honolulu's island"

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 island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
• Words that mean the same thing: Oahu Island
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAHU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Season for pumpkin-spiced everything"

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 the season when the leaves fall from the trees
• Words that mean the same thing: fall
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUTUMN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. "Oh, ___ on!""

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 branch of engineering that deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to retrieve and store and transmit information
• Words that mean the same thing: IT, information technology
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "60. Common songbird"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that english architect who designed more than fifty london churches (1632-1723)
• Words that mean the same thing: Sir Christopher Wren, jenny wren
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WREN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. Rude looks"

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 fixed look with eyes open wide
• Words that mean the same thing: asterisk, gaze, star
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STARES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "62. Revolutionary Turner"

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: NAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "63. Campus anti-D.U.I. group"

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: SADD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "64. Montana's capital"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that capital of the state of montana; located in western montana
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Montana
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HELENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Tuesday Puzzle February 15, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Editor's bracketed disclaimer	3
2D	2. "___ cute!"	3
3D	3. Teach	7
4D	4. Spirit guide?	5
5D	5. Excessive	5
6D	6. Prickly ___ (cactus variety)	4
7D	7. How some risks are taken	7
8D	8. Chips brand whose "Cool Ranch" flavor is called "Cool American" in Europe	7
9D	9. "Fighting" Notre Dame team	5
10D	10. Diddly-squat	4
11D	11. "SpongeBob SquarePants," for one	7
12D	12. Points in the right direction	7
13D	13. Falling block game	6
14D	21. Stir-fry protein option	4
15D	22. Moe, Larry or Curly	6
16D	23. Figure in a Grimm story	3
17D	24. Neckwear in Honolulu	3
18D	28. Ocean shade	4
19D	29. Arm or branch	4
20D	31. Of direct descent	6
21D	32. Some four-footed friends	4
22D	33. Casual shoe brand	4
23D	36. Lasagna filling	7
24D	37. "Things don't look good for me!"	7
25D	38. Restrained	7
26D	39. Beached, as a boat in sand	7
27D	40. TV streaming device	4
28D	41. Off-duty time	7
29D	42. Part of a relay race	3
30D	43. Reggae relative	3
31D	44. Ensnare using deceptive strategies	6
32D	48. Comedian Anne	5
33D	49. Less than 90º	5
34D	50. Valuable part of ore	5
35D	52. Exercises on an ergometer	4
36D	53. Not well thought through	4
37D	57. "___ Explain Things to Me" (Rebecca Solnit essay collection)	3
38D	58. Covert 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. Editor's bracketed disclaimer"

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 urge to attack someone
• Words that mean the same thing: set
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "___ cute!""

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 to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
• Words that mean the same thing: to a fault, as well, also
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Teach"

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 give an education to
• Words that mean the same thing: civilize, civilise, school
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDUCATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Spirit guide?"

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 someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
• Words that mean the same thing: pilot program, buffer, fender
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PILOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Excessive"

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 not yet payable
• Words that mean the same thing: unreasonable, unwarranted, excessive
• The opposite would be: due
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNDUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Prickly ___ (cactus variety)"

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 sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit available in many varieties
• Words that mean the same thing: pear tree, Pyrus communis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. How some risks are taken"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONADARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Chips brand whose "Cool Ranch" flavor is called "Cool American" in Europe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DORITOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "Fighting" Notre Dame team"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that people of ireland or of irish extraction
• Words that mean the same thing: Irish whiskey, Irish Gaelic, Irish people
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Diddly-squat"

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 quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: naught, nix, zippo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "SpongeBob SquarePants," for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine
• Words that mean the same thing: sketch, toon, animated cartoon
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CARTOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Points in the right direction"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the countries of asia
• Words that mean the same thing: eastern hemisphere, East, orientate
• The opposite would be: disorient
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORIENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Falling block game"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that 100 tetri equal 1 lari in georgia
• Words that mean the same thing: tetri
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TETRIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. Stir-fry protein option"

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 cheeselike food made of curdled soybean milk
• Words that mean the same thing: bean curd
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOFU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Moe, Larry or Curly"

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 person of unquestioning obedience
• Words that mean the same thing: flunky, flunkey, goat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STOOGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Figure in a Grimm story"

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 (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
• Words that mean the same thing: gremlin, extremely low frequency, brownie
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Neckwear in Honolulu"

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

  The answer is: LEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Ocean shade"

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 shade of blue tinged with green
• Words that mean the same thing: cobalt blue, peacock blue, turquoise
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AQUA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Arm or branch"

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 one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper
• Words that mean the same thing: branch, tree branch, arm
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIMB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Of direct descent"

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 in a straight unbroken line of descent from parent to child
• Words that mean the same thing: direct
• The opposite would be: collateral
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LINEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Some four-footed friends"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the genus canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
• Words that mean the same thing: chase after, frank, tag
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Casual shoe brand"

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 (ethnic slur) offensive and derogatory name for a black man who is abjectly servile and deferential to whites
• Words that mean the same thing: turkey cock, tomcat, tom turkey
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Lasagna filling"

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

  The answer is: RICOTTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. "Things don't look good for me!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IMTOAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Restrained"

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 fasten with a rope
• Words that mean the same thing: leash, rope
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEASHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Beached, as a boat in sand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that stuck in a place where a ship can no longer float
• The opposite would be: afloat
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGROUND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. TV streaming device"

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: ROKU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Off-duty time"

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 time available for ease and relaxation
• Words that mean the same thing: leisure time
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEISURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Part of a relay race"

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 human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle
• Words that mean the same thing: stage, peg, pegleg
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Reggae relative"

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: SKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "44. Ensnare using deceptive strategies"

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: ROPEIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Comedian Anne"

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: MEARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Less than 90º"

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 mark (') placed above a vowel to indicate pronunciation
• Words that mean the same thing: knifelike, penetrating, acuate
• The opposite would be: chronic, obtuse
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACUTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Valuable part of ore"

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 chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: metallic element, alloy, metallic
• The opposite would be: nonmetallic
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: METAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Exercises on an ergometer"

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 arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
• Words that mean the same thing: dustup, row, words
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. Not well thought through"

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 red eruption of the skin
• Words that mean the same thing: heady, reckless, blizzard
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "57. "___ Explain Things to Me" (Rebecca Solnit essay collection)"

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 force of workers available
• Words that mean the same thing: serviceman, gentleman, military personnel
• The opposite would be: woman, civilian
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Covert org."

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 united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
• Words that mean the same thing: National Security 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: NSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	44	59.5%
Short Answer	17	23.0%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.4%
Geography	3	4.1%
Sports	3	4.1%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Science/Technology	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	36
Down Clues	38
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 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 Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 11, 2025 at 09:17 PM

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 14, 2026 | 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 (39 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (39 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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. Cherokee or Wrangler	4
2A	5. Omelet ingredients	4
3A	9. Big noisy fight	5
4A	14. Cornfield measure	4
5A	15. Little flying pest	4
6A	16. Dale who sang "Happy Trails" with Roy Rogers	5
7A	17. Crew building	9
8A	19. Assigns stars to, as on Yelp	5
9A	20. "Spare" things at a barbecue	4
10A	21. Stately tree	3
11A	23. Before, in poetry	3
12A	24. Atlantic City attraction	6
13A	27. "Is it bigger than a ___?"	8
14A	29. 911 respondent, in brief	3
15A	30. Latina toon explorer	4
16A	32. Beatles song with the lyric "She promises the earth to me"	4
17A	33. Pinocchio's are easily exposed	4
18A	35. "Absolutely, amigo!"	4
19A	37. The White Stripes and the Black Keys, for two	4
20A	39. Close boxing match outcome	13
21A	42. Picket line crosser	4
22A	43. Silverstein who wrote and illustrated "The Giving Tree"	4
23A	44. Contacted on Instagram, informally	4
24A	46. Bills typically found in a tip jar	4
25A	48. Mallorca or Menorca, por ejemplo	4
26A	50. Place for a piercing or a plug	3
27A	51. All-out boxing match	8
28A	54. Sarcastic	6
29A	56. "Hamilton" composer ___-Manuel Miranda	3
30A	57. Singer/actress Rita ___	3
31A	58. It's "smashed" in a particle accelerator	4
32A	59. Playful aquatic mammal	5
33A	61. Flip out ... or a hint to the beginnings of 17-, 27-, 39- and 51-Across	9
34A	66. Word said while pointing	5
35A	67. "Never Have I ___" (sleepover game)	4
36A	68. Coldest possible temperature on the Kelvin scale	4
37A	69. Informal hoops game	5
38A	70. Winter road application	4
39A	71. Rams' mates	4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Cherokee or Wrangler"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a car suitable for traveling over rough terrain
• Similar words include: landrover
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JEEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Omelet ingredients"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
• Similar words include: ball, orchis, ballock
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EGGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Big noisy fight"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a noisy riotous fight
• Similar words include: scrimmage, battle royal
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MELEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Cornfield measure"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
• Similar words include: Akko, Akka, Accho
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Little flying pest"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GNAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Dale who sang "Happy Trails" with Roy Rogers"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states anatomist who identified four pituitary hormones and discovered vitamin e (1882-1971)
• Similar words include: Arthur Evans, Herbert McLean Evans, Sir Arthur John Evans
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EVANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Crew building"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a shed at the edge of a river or lake; used to store boats
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOATHOUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Assigns stars to, as on Yelp"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a local tax on property (usually used in the plural)
• Similar words include: denounce, snitch, grade
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. "Spare" things at a barbecue"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that support resembling the rib of an animal
• Similar words include: roast, jest at, ridicule
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RIBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Stately tree"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
• Similar words include: elmwood, elm tree
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Before, in poetry"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Atlantic City attraction"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a public building for gambling and entertainment
• Similar words include: gambling casino, cassino
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CASINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. "Is it bigger than a ___?""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a container used to keep bread or cake in
• Similar words include: bread-bin
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BREADBOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. 911 respondent, in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Latina toon explorer"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Beatles song with the lyric "She promises the earth to me""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a young woman
• Similar words include: fille, female child, miss
• Opposite of: boy, male child

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GIRL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Pinocchio's are easily exposed"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
• Similar words include: Trygve Lie, lie down, lie
• Opposite of: stand, arise

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. "Absolutely, amigo!""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SISI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. The White Stripes and the Black Keys, for two"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that two items of the same kind
• Similar words include: duad, brace, couplet
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DUOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Close boxing match outcome"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPLITDECISION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Picket line crosser"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
• Similar words include: blackleg, rat, fink
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Silverstein who wrote and illustrated "The Giving Tree""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SHEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Contacted on Instagram, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Bills typically found in a tip jar"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Similar words include: one, I, unity
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Mallorca or Menorca, por ejemplo"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Place for a piercing or a plug"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
• Similar words include: pinna, spike, auricle
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. All-out boxing match"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a fight with bare fists
• Similar words include: fisticuffs, fistfight
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLUGFEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Sarcastic"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNARKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. "Hamilton" composer ___-Manuel Miranda"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states sculptor and architect whose public works include the memorial to veterans of the vietnam war in washington (born in 1959)
• Similar words include: Maya Lin
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Singer/actress Rita ___"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
• Similar words include: os, osmium, bone
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. It's "smashed" in a particle accelerator"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
• Similar words include: corpuscle, speck, mote
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Playful aquatic mammal"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the fur of an otter
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Flip out ... or a hint to the beginnings of 17-, 27-, 39- and 51-Across"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOBANANAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Word said while pointing"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a location other than here; that place
• Similar words include: at that place, on that point, thither
• Opposite of: here

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. "Never Have I ___" (sleepover game)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that at any time
• Similar words include: always, ever so, of all time
• Opposite of: never

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Coldest possible temperature on the Kelvin scale"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a quantity of no importance
• Similar words include: cipher, zilch, zip
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ZERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. Informal hoops game"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HORSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "70. Winter road application"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)
• Similar words include: salinity, Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, table salt
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "71. Rams' mates"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
• Similar words include: Ewe, ewe
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EWES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Quick boxing punch	3
2D	2. Prefix with friendly or warrior	3
3D	3. Slice of history	3
4D	4. ___ dish (lab item)	5
5D	5. Self-esteem builder	8
6D	6. African antelopes	4
7D	7. Something an electric car doesn't use	3
8D	8. Have the reins	5
9D	9. Disney's Ariel and her sisters	8
10D	10. Youngest of the Gabor sisters	3
11D	11. One slow to develop	11
12D	12. Beginning of el año	5
13D	13. English county NE of London	5
14D	18. Female red deer	4
15D	22. "Break a ___!"	3
16D	24. "The Simpsons" collectible	3
17D	25. Out of place	5
18D	26. Pedometer	11
19D	27. Single, double or triple	7
20D	28. Ancient Celtic priest	5
21D	31. Clears (of)	4
22D	34. Word hidden, aptly, in "teen's language"	5
23D	36. Completes, as a cake	4
24D	38. Move stealthily	5
25D	40. Lead-in to "except after C"	8
26D	41. "Let me go first"	8
27D	45. Like some humor and wine	3
28D	47. To be, in Barcelona	3
29D	49. Soon, in poems	4
30D	51. Animal that sleeps upside down	5
31D	52. Certain art print, informally	5
32D	53. Wise sorts	5
33D	55. Astound	5
34D	58. Brother of Cain	4
35D	60. TV medical drama settings, in brief	3
36D	62. Things traveling through fallopian tubes	3
37D	63. Previously unseen	3
38D	64. "Rules ___ rules"	3
39D	65. Abba title sung after the line "The love you gave me, nothing else can save me"	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Quick boxing punch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
• Similar words include: poking, dig, poke
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Prefix with friendly or warrior"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ECO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Slice of history"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Similar words include: geological era, earned run average, epoch
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERA

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4D: "4. ___ dish (lab item)"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PETRI

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5D: "5. Self-esteem builder"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EGOBOOST

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6D: "6. African antelopes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that large african antelope having a head with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail
• Similar words include: gnu, wildebeest
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GNUS

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7D: "7. Something an electric car doesn't use"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
• Similar words include: natural gas, shoot a line, bluster
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GAS

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8D: "8. Have the reins"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an indication of potential opportunity
• Similar words include: bullock, direct, guide
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STEER

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9D: "9. Disney's Ariel and her sisters"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that half woman and half fish; lives in the sea
• Similar words include: mermaid
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MERMAIDS

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10D: "10. Youngest of the Gabor sisters"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EVA

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11D: "11. One slow to develop"

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LATEBLOOMER

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12D: "12. Beginning of el año"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENERO

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13D: "13. English county NE of London"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a county in southeastern england on the north sea and the thames estuary
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ESSEX

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14D: "18. Female red deer"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of several mostly spotted fishes that resemble groupers
• Similar words include: hinder, back
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HIND

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15D: "22. "Break a ___!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a human limb; commonly used to refer to a whole limb but technically only the part of the limb between the knee and ankle
• Similar words include: stage, pegleg, peg
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEG

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16D: "24. "The Simpsons" collectible"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CEL

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17D: "25. Out of place"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that not functioning properly
• Similar words include: awry, imperfectly, wrong
• Opposite of: perfectly

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMISS

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18D: "26. Pedometer"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STEPCOUNTER

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19D: "27. Single, double or triple"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BASEHIT

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20D: "28. Ancient Celtic priest"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a pre-christian priest among the celts of ancient gaul and britain and ireland
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DRUID

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21D: "31. Clears (of)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that relieve from
• Similar words include: free, disembarrass, rid
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RIDS

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22D: "34. Word hidden, aptly, in "teen's language""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLANG

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23D: "36. Completes, as a cake"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
• Similar words include: deoxyephedrine, meth, crank
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ICES

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24D: "38. Move stealthily"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who is regarded as underhanded and furtive and contemptible
• Similar words include: surreptitious, stalker, sneaky
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SNEAK

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25D: "40. Lead-in to "except after C""

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IBEFOREE

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26D: "41. "Let me go first""

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ILLSTART

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27D: "45. Like some humor and wine"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a reformer who opposes the use of intoxicating beverages
• Similar words include: prohibitionist, teetotal, ironic
• Opposite of: phlegmy, wet

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DRY

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28D: "47. To be, in Barcelona"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SER

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29D: "49. Soon, in poems"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that at another time
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANON

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30D: "51. Animal that sleeps upside down"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a disinclination to work or exert yourself
• Similar words include: tree sloth, acedia, slothfulness
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLOTH

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31D: "52. Certain art print, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LITHO

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32D: "53. Wise sorts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
• Similar words include: sag, sag down, swag
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAGES

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33D: "55. Astound"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that affect with wonder
• Similar words include: pose, bewilder, perplex
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMAZE

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34D: "58. Brother of Cain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that norwegian mathematician (1802-1829)
• Similar words include: Niels Henrik Abel, Niels Abel
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABEL

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35D: "60. TV medical drama settings, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
• Similar words include: Er, erbium, emergency room
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERS

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36D: "62. Things traveling through fallopian tubes"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
• Similar words include: egg cell, ovum
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OVA

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37D: "63. Previously unseen"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
• Similar words include: fresh, young, unexampled
• Opposite of: worn, old

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEW

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38D: "64. "Rules ___ rules""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Similar words include: ar, constitute, be
• Opposite of: differ

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARE

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39D: "65. Abba title sung after the line "The love you gave me, nothing else can save me""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
• Similar words include: soh, sol, so
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOS

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues

39 Down Clues

78 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 14, 2026 at 09:06 AM