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March 28, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (39 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

March 28, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle March 28, 2023

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Special ___ (some military missions) 3
2A 4. Falls behind 4
3A 8. Peeks at a classmate's paper, say 6
4A 14. Shout from the stands 3
5A 15. Spoken 4
6A 16. It's yours, for a while 6
7A 17. [Phew! That was close!] 8
8A 19. Kind of tax authorized by the 16th Amendment 6
9A 20. Showing no emotion 5
10A 21. Line of stitches 4
11A 23. Suisse peak 4
12A 24. Letter-shaped fastener 4
13A 26. [Har-har-har!] 8
14A 28. "Rock-a-Bye Baby" setting 7
15A 31. Stereotypical home for a Neanderthal 4
16A 32. Purrs, as an engine 4
17A 33. Close, poetically 4
18A 35. Dostoyevsky novel about a "positively beautiful man," with "The" 5
19A 39. ___ Dhabi 3
20A 40. [Puh-lease!] 7
21A 42. Org. for the Hawks and the Hornets 3
22A 43. Achievement-oriented, say 5
23A 45. Many a Marvel character 4
24A 46. Yours, in Tours 4
25A 47. Airbnb alternative 4
26A 49. Bag with a strap 7
27A 51. [D'oh!] 8
28A 55. Kismet 4
29A 56. Thick Japanese noodle 4
30A 57. Like a doornail, it's said 4
31A 59. Straws and didgeridoos, essentially 5
32A 62. Country that seized 8-Down in 2014 6
33A 64. [Woo-hoo!] 8
34A 66. Madagascar's aye-ayes and sifakas 6
35A 67. "Othello" villain 4
36A 68. Douglas ___ 3
37A 69. They can be slippery 6
38A 70. Kind of sax 4
39A 71. "That'll never ___" 3

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Special ___ (some military missions)"

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 (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Falls behind"

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 act of slowing down or falling behind
  • Words that mean the same thing: jug, dawdle, remand
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LAGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Peeks at a classmate's paper, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that weedy annual grass often occurs in grainfields and other cultivated land; seeds sometimes considered poisonous
  • Words that mean the same thing: shaft, Lolium temulentum, rig
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CHEATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Shout from the stands"

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: RAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Spoken"

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 examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Words that mean the same thing: oral examination, unwritten, viva voce
  • The opposite would be: aboral, anal
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ORAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. It's yours, for a while"

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 property that is leased or rented out or let
  • Words that mean the same thing: renting, lease, letting
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RENTAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. [Phew! That was close!]"

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: BROWWIPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Kind of tax authorized by the 16th Amendment"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time
  • The opposite would be: outgo
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INCOME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Showing no emotion"

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 member of the ancient greek school of philosophy founded by zeno
  • Words that mean the same thing: stoical, unemotional person
  • The opposite would be: emotional person
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STOIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Line of stitches"

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 joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces
  • Words that mean the same thing: crease, line, wrinkle
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Suisse peak"

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: ALPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Letter-shaped fastener"

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: TNUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. [Har-har-har!]"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: KNEESLAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. "Rock-a-Bye Baby" setting"

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 the upper branches and leaves of a tree or other plant
  • Words that mean the same thing: crown
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TREETOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Stereotypical home for a Neanderthal"

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 geological formation consisting of an underground enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea
  • Words that mean the same thing: spelunk, undermine
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CAVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Purrs, as an engine"

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 state of being or appearing to be actively engaged in an activity
  • Words that mean the same thing: HUM, Harkat ul-Ansar, seethe
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HUMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Close, poetically"

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 not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances
  • Words that mean the same thing: close, near, well-nigh
  • The opposite would be: far
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NIGH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Dostoyevsky novel about a "positively beautiful man," with "The""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person of subnormal intelligence
  • Words that mean the same thing: cretin, moron, imbecile
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IDIOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. ___ Dhabi"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ABU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. [Puh-lease!]"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: EYEROLL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Org. for the Hawks and the Hornets"

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: NBA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Achievement-oriented, say"

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: TYPEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Many a Marvel character"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
  • Words that mean the same thing: hero sandwich, hoagy, submarine
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HERO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Yours, in Tours"

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: ATOI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Airbnb alternative"

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: VRBO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Bag with a strap"

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 luggage consisting of a small case with a flat bottom and (usually) a shoulder strap
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SATCHEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. [D'oh!]"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: FACEPALM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. Kismet"

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 event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
  • Words that mean the same thing: circumstances, fortune, designate
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Thick Japanese noodle"

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: UDON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. Like a doornail, it's said"

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 people who are no longer living
  • Words that mean the same thing: perfectly, numb, utter
  • The opposite would be: live, living
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DEAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Straws and didgeridoos, essentially"

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 conduit consisting of a long hollow object (usually cylindrical) used to hold and conduct objects or liquids or gases
  • Words that mean the same thing: tube-shaped structure, electron tube, metro
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TUBES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. Country that seized 8-Down in 2014"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a former communist country in eastern europe and northern asia; established in 1922; included russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (ukraine and byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 december 1991
  • Words that mean the same thing: Soviet Russia, Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RUSSIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "64. [Woo-hoo!]"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: FISTPUMP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. Madagascar's aye-ayes and sifakas"

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 large-eyed arboreal prosimian having foxy faces and long furry tails
  • Words that mean the same thing: lemur
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEMURS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. "Othello" villain"

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 villain in william shakespeare's tragedy who tricked othello into murdering his wife
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IAGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "68. Douglas ___"

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 nonresinous wood of a fir tree
  • Words that mean the same thing: true fir, fir tree
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "69. They can be slippery"

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 elevated geological formation
  • Words that mean the same thing: slosh, squelch, slop
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLOPES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "70. Kind of sax"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ALTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "71. "That'll never ___""

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 two-winged insects characterized by active flight
  • Words that mean the same thing: vaporize, fly front, fly sheet
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FLY

    Great job if you got it right!

NYT Tuesday Crossword Down Clues - March 28, 2023 Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Eyeballs, e.g. 4
2D 2. Line made with a comb 4
3D 3. Video game genre for Space Invaders 9
4D 4. Revealing, as a neckline 6
5D 5. Shapiro of NPR 3
6D 6. Spaces to be filled, say 4
7D 7. Streamlined 5
8D 8. Black Sea peninsula 6
9D 9. One that rests in nests 3
10D 10. Tightly wrapped 7
11D 11. Ring-shaped island 5
12D 12. Home to the only N.F.L. team to win a Super Bowl in its own stadium (2021) 5
13D 13. Inactive computer mode 5
14D 18. Beverages with tasting notes 5
15D 22. TV news V.I.P.s 7
16D 25. Chichi 4
17D 27. Word with eye or empire 4
18D 28. "You know better than ___" 4
19D 29. Red gemstone 4
20D 30. Mouth, slangily 7
21D 34. Coll. senior's test 3
22D 36. Not wearing any clothing 9
23D 37. Orchestra-tuning instrument 4
24D 38. Common animal feature that humans lack 4
25D 40. Wyatt of the Wild West 4
26D 41. Bakery unit 4
27D 44. Ties, as a score 7
28D 46. Make mischief 5
29D 48. Impressively tough and cool 6
30D 50. Figure drawing? 6
31D 51. Rolls up, as a flag 5
32D 52. Challenge to ___ 5
33D 53. Pink drink, for short 5
34D 54. "GoodFellas" fellas, collectively 5
35D 58. Bygone telephone feature 4
36D 60. Actor Jannings who won the first Best Actor Oscar 4
37D 61. Light on one's feet 4
38D 63. Fury 3
39D 65. Drill instructor's rank, often: Abbr. 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. Eyeballs, 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 the ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
  • Words that mean the same thing: ball, globe, orb
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ORBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Line made with a comb"

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 something determined in relation to something that includes it
  • Words that mean the same thing: function, percentage, component part
  • The opposite would be: wholly
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PART

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Video game genre for Space Invaders"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: SHOOTEMUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Revealing, as a neckline"

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: LOWCUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Shapiro of NPR"

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: ARI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Spaces to be filled, 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 a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
  • Words that mean the same thing: col, break, gap
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GAPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Streamlined"

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 make slick or smooth
  • Words that mean the same thing: silklike, slick, silken
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLEEK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Black Sea peninsula"

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 ukrainian peninsula between the black sea and the sea of azov
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CRIMEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. One that rests in nests"

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 adult female chicken
  • Words that mean the same thing: biddy
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Tightly wrapped"

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 enclose in, or as if in, a case
  • Words that mean the same thing: incase, encase, case
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENCASED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Ring-shaped island"

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 island consisting of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ATOLL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Home to the only N.F.L. team to win a Super Bowl in its own stadium (2021)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a resort city in western florida; located on tampa bay on the gulf of mexico
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAMPA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Inactive computer mode"

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 natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
  • Words that mean the same thing: catch some Z's, slumber, eternal rest
  • The opposite would be: wake
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLEEP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Beverages with tasting notes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that fermented juice (of grapes especially)
  • Words that mean the same thing: come through, win, bring home the bacon
  • The opposite would be: fail, fall back
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WINES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. TV news V.I.P.s"

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 a mechanical device that prevents a vessel from moving
  • Words that mean the same thing: anchor, keystone, cast anchor
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANCHORS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Chichi"

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: TONY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Word with eye or empire"

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 morally objectionable behavior
  • Words that mean the same thing: immorality, iniquity, malevolent
  • The opposite would be: goodness, good
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EVIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. "You know better than ___""

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: THAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Red gemstone"

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 transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
  • Words that mean the same thing: carmine, cerise, blood-red
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RUBY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Mouth, slangily"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: PIEHOLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Coll. senior's test"

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: GRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "36. Not wearing any clothing"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: INTHEBUFF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "37. Orchestra-tuning instrument"

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 slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
  • Words that mean the same thing: hautboy, hautbois
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OBOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Common animal feature that humans lack"

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 the posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
  • Words that mean the same thing: tag, fundament, empennage
  • The opposite would be: head
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Wyatt of the Wild West"

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: EARP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Bakery unit"

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 shaped mass of baked bread that is usually sliced before eating
  • Words that mean the same thing: mill about, footle, tarry
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOAF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Ties, as a score"

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: EVENSUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Make mischief"

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: ACTUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Impressively tough and cool"

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: BADASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Figure drawing?"

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 drumbeat or bugle call that signals the military to return to their quarters
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TATTOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Rolls up, as a flag"

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 form into a cylinder by rolling
  • Words that mean the same thing: furl, roll 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: FURLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. Challenge to ___"

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: ADUEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Pink drink, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: COSMO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. "GoodFellas" fellas, collectively"

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 crime syndicate in the united states; organized in families; believed to have important relations to the sicilian mafia
  • Words that mean the same thing: Sicilian Mafia, Maffia, Cosa Nostra
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MAFIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "58. Bygone telephone feature"

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 face of a timepiece; graduated to show the hours
  • Words that mean the same thing: telephone dial
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DIAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "60. Actor Jannings who won the first Best Actor Oscar"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: EMIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "61. Light on one's feet"

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 moving quickly and lightly
  • Words that mean the same thing: nimble, quick, agile
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPRY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "63. Fury"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
  • Words that mean the same thing: wrath, anger, choler
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "65. Drill instructor's rank, often: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SGT

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 59 75.6%
Short Answer 10 12.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.6%
Sports 2 2.6%
Literature 1 1.3%
Geography 1 1.3%
History 1 1.3%
Food & Drink 1 1.3%
Abbreviation 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 39
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.9 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 9 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 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!

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 03, 2025 at 10:41 AM

on No comments:

Thursday, December 25, 2025

NYT Down Crossword December 25, 2025 - Master All 37 Top-to-Bottom Clues

All NYT Down Clues December 25, 2025 - 37 Vertical Answers with Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 37 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: April 02 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | October 23 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | November 07 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 25, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Thursday, December 25, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 25, 2025
Day of Week Thursday
Total Down Clues 37 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Easy

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 37 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Chillness
2 Down 2. "Oh me, oh my!"
3 Down 3. Ready to go
4 Down 4. "___ the Limit" (posthumous hit for the Notorious B.I.G.)
5 Down 5. Horses studied by touts
6 Down 6. Portuguese greeting
7 Down 7. O'er the fields ___ ...
8 Down 8. Eurasia or Oceania, in "1984"
9 Down 9. Like many Mormons
10 Down 10. The "R" of P.R.
11 Down 11. Vodka-and-pineapple juice cocktail popularized on "Sex and the City"
12 Down 15. Sews up
13 Down 17. Phil of the Grateful Dead
14 Down 19. Uber-enthusiasts
15 Down 22. Someone who might ask "Mother, may I?"
16 Down 27. Zoom call issue
17 Down 28. "S.N.L." V.I.P.
18 Down 29. Pilot who shares a tent with Yossarian in "Catch-22"
19 Down 30. Sides of pie slices, essentially
20 Down 31. Ballon ___ (soccer star's award)
21 Down 34. Slangy "dude"
22 Down 35. White House family of the 1980s
23 Down 36. Tax dodger's fear
24 Down 37. Loc. ___ (footnote abbr.)
25 Down 38. Very in
26 Down 39. Big name in windows and doors
27 Down 43. Raider in times past
28 Down 44. A person
29 Down 45. Go "Phew!," say
30 Down 46. "He has my permission"
31 Down 47. Total slimeball
32 Down 49. Intl. org. with 12 stars on its flag
33 Down 52. Halal cart offering
34 Down 53. Elided farewell
35 Down 54. Do pretty much nothing
36 Down 55. Between you and me
37 Down 58. At whom you might yell "Are we watching the same game?!"

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

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

Complete Down Solutions:

1 Down: "1. Chillness"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: A____B
  • Similar words: cool, sang-froid
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: great coolness and composure under strain
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APLOMB

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: H____Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOOBOY

3 Down: "3. Ready to go"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALLSET

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S
  • Similar words: toss, sky
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKYS

5 Down: "5. Horses studied by touts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: N__S
  • Similar words: hen-peck, nag
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NAGS

6 Down: "6. Portuguese greeting"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: olla
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OLA

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WEGO

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SUPERSTATE

9 Down: "9. Like many Mormons"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: U___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UTAHN

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: R__O
  • Similar words: RICO Act
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RICO

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: F______I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FLIRTINI

12 Down: "15. Sews up"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E_____S
  • Similar words: assure, guarantee
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make certain of
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENSURES

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: L__H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LESH

14 Down: "19. Uber-enthusiasts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: G___S
  • Similar words: geek, oddball
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a carnival performer who does disgusting acts
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GEEKS

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: conical buoy, nun buoy
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a woman religious
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NUN

16 Down: "27. Zoom call issue"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: E__O
  • Similar words: reverberate, reverberation
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECHO

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: H________R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HEADWRITER

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'R'
  • Similar words: Robert Orr, Bobby Orr
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: Canadian hockey player (born 1948)
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORR

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: R___I
  • Similar words: spoke, r
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RADII

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOR

21 Down: "34. Slangy "dude""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: B__H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRAH

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R_____S
  • Similar words: Reagan, Ronald Reagan
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: 40th President of the United States (1911-2004)
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REAGANS

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: I______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRSAUDIT

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CIT

25 Down: "38. Very in"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: spicy, red-hot
  • Opposite of: cold
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOT

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PELLA

27 Down: "43. Raider in times past"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: Krauthead, Jerry
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HUN

28 Down: "44. A person"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: E__H
  • Similar words: to each one, from each one
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (used of count nouns) every one considered individually
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EACH

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E____E
  • Similar words: emanate, expire
  • Opposite of: inhale
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: expel air
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EXHALE

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: L____M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LETHIM

31 Down: "47. Total slimeball"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: S____O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLEAZO

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: T___U
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THEEU

33 Down: "52. Halal cart offering"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: G__O
  • Similar words: gyroscope
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GYRO

34 Down: "53. Elided farewell"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GBYE

35 Down: "54. Do pretty much nothing"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: L__F
  • Similar words: linger, loll
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOAF

36 Down: "55. Between you and me"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O__S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OURS

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'F'
  • Similar words: referee
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REF

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

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

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Down Techniques

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

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

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

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

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 37 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

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

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

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

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

Last Updated: December 25, 2025 at 05:18 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 25 2025 down clues

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