July 29, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, July 29, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (35 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

July 29, 2022 Friday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Breakout company of the 1970s	5
2A	6. What 7-Down is pig Latin for	3
3A	9. Unpopular worker	4
4A	13. What often has Fox, but not FX	10
5A	16. Machete-like knife	4
6A	17. Comment upon calling back	10
7A	18. "Ma Belle ___" (1970 #5 hit)	4
8A	19. Pics on pecs, say	4
9A	20. Rogers of old westerns	3
10A	21. Employment history	6
11A	23. One of two	4
12A	25. ___ Hall, former "Today" host with a self-titled daytime talk show	6
13A	26. "Well, my comment sure sounds dumb now ..."	13
14A	30. Area around the mouth	5
15A	31. Blows wildly	5
16A	32. Tooth driller's deg.	3
17A	35. God often represented as a beautiful winged youth	4
18A	36. Falafel shop stock	5
19A	37. Prohibition of Leviticus 11	4
20A	38. Not forward	3
21A	39. It looks better with curls	5
22A	40. "You must be dreaming"	5
23A	41. Remark from one who gets a round	13
24A	44. Judged to be	6
25A	45. Retirement plan, informally	4
26A	46. Strip	6
27A	47. World's busiest airport: Abbr.	3
28A	48. Sound of an unsuccessful attempt at stone skimming	4
29A	52. French liqueur flavoring	4
30A	53. Cry after pulling a prank	10
31A	56. Liquid weapon, or a solid one	4
32A	57. Sole proprietors?	10
33A	58. Dishes served in the final scene of "Titus Andronicus"	4
34A	59. Cards, say	3
35A	60. Coffer, e.g.	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Breakout company of the 1970s"

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: ATARI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. What 7-Down is pig Latin for"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Unpopular worker"

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 someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
• Words that mean the same thing: fink, blackleg, strikebreaker
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. What often has Fox, but not FX"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BASICCABLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Machete-like knife"

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 cord fastened around the neck with an ornamental clasp and worn as a necktie
• Words that mean the same thing: bola, bola tie, bolo tie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Comment upon calling back"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ITSMEAGAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. "Ma Belle ___" (1970 #5 hit)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Pics on pecs, 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 tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
• Words that mean the same thing: sleaze, Thematic Apperception Test, tackiness
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Rogers of old westerns"

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: ROY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Employment history"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the particular occupation for which you are trained
• Words that mean the same thing: life history, calling, vocation
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAREER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. One of two"

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 two equal parts of a divisible whole
• Words that mean the same thing: one-half
• The opposite would be: whole
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HALF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. ___ Hall, former "Today" host with a self-titled daytime talk show"

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: TAMRON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. "Well, my comment sure sounds dumb now ...""

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: ISPOKETOOSOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Area around the mouth"

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 low triangular area of alluvial deposits where a river divides before entering a larger body of water
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DELTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Blows wildly"

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 feeling of intense anger
• Words that mean the same thing: bawl out, scold, irritate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Tooth driller's deg."

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 doctor's degree in dental surgery
• Words that mean the same thing: Doctor of Dental Surgery, DD, Doctor of Divinity
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. God often represented as a beautiful winged youth"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
• Words that mean the same thing: physical attraction, sexual desire, concupiscence
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Falafel shop stock"

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 usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
• Words that mean the same thing: pita, pocket bread
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PITAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Prohibition of Leviticus 11"

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 meat from a domestic hog or pig
• Words that mean the same thing: porc, pork barrel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Not forward"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (nautical, aeronautical) situated at or toward the stern or tail
• Words that mean the same thing: astern, abaft
• The opposite would be: fore
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. It looks better with curls"

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: BICEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. "You must be dreaming""

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: NOWAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. Remark from one who gets a round"

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: DRINKSAREONME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Judged to be"

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: SEENAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Retirement plan, informally"

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 united states writer whose novels portray middle-class jewish life (born in 1933)
• Words that mean the same thing: Philip Roth, Philip Milton Roth
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "46. Strip"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that take away possessions from someone
• Words that mean the same thing: undress, strip, deprive
• The opposite would be: invest
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIVEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "47. World's busiest airport: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "48. Sound of an unsuccessful attempt at stone skimming"

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 noise of a rounded object dropping into a liquid without a splash
• Words that mean the same thing: plump, plunk, plonk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "52. French liqueur flavoring"

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 black tropical american cuckoo
• Words that mean the same thing: ani
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "53. Cry after pulling a prank"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: APRILFOOLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. Liquid weapon, or a solid one"

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 (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
• Words that mean the same thing: macebearer, macer, Chemical Mace
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "57. Sole proprietors?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SHOESTORES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. Dishes served in the final scene of "Titus Andronicus""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top
• Words that mean the same thing: PIE, Proto-Indo European, pie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "59. Cards, say"

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 state in the rocky mountains
• Words that mean the same thing: id, Idaho, ID
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "60. Coffer, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates
• Words that mean the same thing: dresser, pectus, thorax
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHEST

  Great job if you got it right!

July 29, 2022 Down Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Some	4
2D	2. "Cheerio!"	4
3D	3. One who helps out briefly?	4
4D	4. Acoustic flourishes during a comic's set	8
5D	5. Something can't be neat if you add this	3
6D	6. Motley skill set	11
7D	7. Where a town in Wyoming was once sold (for $900,000)	4
8D	8. Man found within state lines?	3
9D	9. Uno alternative	6
10D	10. Daytime TV catchphrase	10
11D	11. Xenomorph, more familiarly	5
12D	12. Dutch for "farmer"	4
13D	14. Eric ___, author of "The Very Lonely Firefly"	5
14D	15. Wraps up	7
15D	22. First Hebrew prophet to have a biblical book named for him	4
16D	24. Lead-in to a street name, perhaps	3
17D	25. Fun times between the sheets?	11
18D	26. Impression	4
19D	27. Feudal underling	4
20D	28. Red herring, for one	10
21D	29. Hall of fame collaborator?	5
22D	33. 1/8 oz.	4
23D	34. Isle along the Sound of Sleat	4
24D	36. They're broken just for fun	7
25D	37. Dismiss	8
26D	39. Stack at a T.S.A. checkpoint	4
27D	40. Bun holder	3
28D	42. Candy brand with autumn-colored packaging	6
29D	43. Takes a turn, in a way	5
30D	44. Land between the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez	5
31D	46. Still not done in the dryer, say	4
32D	47. M.L.B. all-time leader in grand slams (25), informally	4
33D	49. Legends	4
34D	50. Cries during a match	4
35D	51. Secret indication	4
36D	54. It's written as a vertical line bisecting a circle	3
37D	55. Org. with trust issues?	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. Some"

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: ABIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "Cheerio!""

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: TATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. One who helps out briefly?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ASST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Acoustic flourishes during a comic's set"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RIMSHOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Something can't be neat if you add this"

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 water frozen in the solid state
• Words that mean the same thing: frost, icing, trash
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Motley skill set"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: BAGOFTRICKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Where a town in Wyoming was once sold (for $900,000)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EBAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Man found within state lines?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard 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: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Uno alternative"

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: SBARRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Daytime TV catchphrase"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COMEONDOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Xenomorph, more familiarly"

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 person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
• Words that mean the same thing: extraterrestrial, extraterrestrial being, estrange
• The opposite would be: acquaintance, citizen
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALIEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Dutch for "farmer""

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 white native of cape province who is a descendant of dutch settlers and who speaks afrikaans
• Words that mean the same thing: Afrikaner, Afrikander
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Eric ___, author of "The Very Lonely Firefly""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CARLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Wraps up"

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

  The answer is: ENCASES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. First Hebrew prophet to have a biblical book named for him"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
• Words that mean the same thing: Book of Amos
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Lead-in to a street name, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Fun times between the sheets?"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: TOGAPARTIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Impression"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
• Words that mean the same thing: estimation, musical theme, thought
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Feudal underling"

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 (middle ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
• Words that mean the same thing: helot, villein
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Red herring, for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PLOTDEVICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Hall of fame collaborator?"

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 english conspirator who claimed that there was a jesuit plot to assassinate charles ii (1649-1705)
• Words that mean the same thing: Joyce Carol Oates, Titus Oates
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OATES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. 1/8 oz."

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 unit of apothecary weight equal to an eighth of an ounce or to 60 grains
• Words that mean the same thing: drachma, drachm
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Isle along the Sound of Sleat"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SKYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. They're broken just for fun"

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 plaything consisting of a container filled with toys and candy; suspended from a height for blindfolded children to break with sticks
• Words that mean the same thing: pinata
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PINATAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Dismiss"

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: POOHPOOH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Stack at a T.S.A. checkpoint"

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 container; usually has a lid
• Words that mean the same thing: binful, bin, ABA transit number
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Bun holder"

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 computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: meshwork, web, nett
• The opposite would be: gross
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Candy brand with autumn-colored packaging"

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: REESES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Takes a turn, in a way"

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 rotary motion of an object around its own axis
• Words that mean the same thing: turn over, roll out, pluck
• The opposite would be: unwind
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROLLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. Land between the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mountain peak in the southern sinai peninsula (7,500 feet high); it is believed to be the peak on which moses received the ten commandments
• Words that mean the same thing: Sinai Desert, Mount Sinai, Sinai Peninsula
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SINAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Still not done in the dryer, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a slight wetness
• Words that mean the same thing: dampness, tone down, deaden
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. M.L.B. all-time leader in grand slams (25), informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AROD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Legends"

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 knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote
• Words that mean the same thing: traditional knowledge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Cries during a match"

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: OLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "51. Secret indication"

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: PSST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. It's written as a vertical line bisecting a circle"

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 21st letter of the greek alphabet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "55. Org. with trust issues?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an independent agency of the united states federal government that maintains fair and free competition; enforces federal antitrust laws; educates the public about identity theft
• Words that mean the same thing: Federal Trade Commission
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FTC

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	76.4%
Short Answer	9	12.5%
History	2	2.8%
Abbreviation	2	2.8%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	13 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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 08, 2025 at 10:44 AM

December 16, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• June 09 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 07 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 07 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers July 15 2021
• September 18 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (35 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

December 16, 2020 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Dreidels, e.g.	4
2A	5. Little bit	5
3A	10. Fancy-schmancy	4
4A	14. Mother of Zeus	4
5A	15. Home with a smoke flap	5
6A	16. Up to it	4
7A	17. Place to land that's not on land	15
8A	20. Nasdaq listings: Abbr.	3
9A	21. "___ the only one?"	3
10A	22. Amateur sports level	6
11A	23. 2002 musical that won eight Tonys	9
12A	27. Quick pics	5
13A	28. Gaelic language	4
14A	29. Deli counter device	5
15A	31. The Bronx Bombers, briefly	3
16A	32. Include on an email	6
17A	35. Spin	5
18A	37. Very picture of idleness?	11
19A	40. Father of ___ (epithet for Toussaint L'Ouverture)	5
20A	41. Rise up	6
21A	44. Canine breeders' org.	3
22A	47. Plastic-like clogs	5
23A	49. Offshore	4
24A	50. Pfizer competitor	5
25A	52. Felix of "The Odd Couple," for one	9
26A	55. How Russia ranks first among all countries	6
27A	57. Shakespeare's "Richard ___"	3
28A	58. Suffix with lemon or lime	3
29A	59. Treasury notes ... or what the two sides of 17-, 23-, 37- and 52-Across are joined with?	15
30A	63. Help with a heist	4
31A	64. Something you grin and bare?	5
32A	65. Beyond regulation, briefly	4
33A	66. Kind of wave	4
34A	67. Pick up	5
35A	68. Toy celebrated at Brickworld conventions	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Dreidels, 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 upper part of anything
• Words that mean the same thing: upper side, spinning top, topnotch
• The opposite would be: bottom
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Little bit"

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: SKOSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Fancy-schmancy"

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 elegant and fashionable; ; ; ; - julia child
• Words that mean the same thing: classy, swish
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Mother of Zeus"

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 fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
• Words that mean the same thing: Pterocnemia pennata, Rhea americana, nandu
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RHEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Home with a smoke flap"

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 native american tent; usually of conical shape
• Words that mean the same thing: tipi, teepee
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEPEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Up to it"

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 (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
• Words that mean the same thing: capable, able-bodied
• The opposite would be: unable
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Place to land that's not on land"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AIRCRAFTCARRIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Nasdaq listings: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ratio of the adjacent side to the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle
• Words that mean the same thing: Colorado, carbon monoxide, cobalt
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. "___ the only one?""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard 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: AMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Amateur sports level"

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 disparaging terms for small people
• Words that mean the same thing: wood pewee, peewit, pewit
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEEWEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. 2002 musical that won eight Tonys"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HAIRSPRAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "27. Quick pics"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of catching an object with the hands
• Words that mean the same thing: break down, snap, child's play
• The opposite would be: inelasticity
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Gaelic language"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ERSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Deli counter device"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an ordered reference standard
• Words that mean the same thing: scale of measurement, surmount, scurf
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. The Bronx Bombers, briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NYY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Include on an email"

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 cause to be attached
• Words that mean the same thing: impound, tie, seize
• The opposite would be: detach
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATTACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Spin"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sharp bend in a line produced when a line having a loop is pulled tight
• Words that mean the same thing: swirl, birl, twist
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TWIRL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Very picture of idleness?"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: SCREENSAVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Father of ___ (epithet for Toussaint L'Ouverture)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a republic in the west indies on the western part of the island of hispaniola; achieved independence from france in 1804; the poorest and most illiterate nation in the western hemisphere
• Words that mean the same thing: Hispaniola, Hayti, Republic of Haiti
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAITI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Rise up"

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 organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one faction tries to wrest control from another
• Words that mean the same thing: nauseate, disgust, uprising
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REVOLT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Canine breeders' org."

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: AKC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "47. Plastic-like clogs"

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: CROCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "49. Offshore"

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 in the direction of the sea
• Words that mean the same thing: seaward, seawards
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Pfizer competitor"

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: MERCK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "52. Felix of "The Odd Couple," for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NEATFREAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "55. How Russia ranks first among all countries"

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: INAREA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Shakespeare's "Richard ___""

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 cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
• Words that mean the same thing: threesome, three, trine
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: III

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "58. Suffix with lemon or lime"

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 sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
• Words that mean the same thing: fruit drink
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Treasury notes ... or what the two sides of 17-, 23-, 37- and 52-Across are joined with?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GOVERNMENTBONDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. Help with a heist"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ABET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. Something you grin and bare?"

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 hard bonelike structures in the jaws of vertebrates; used for biting and chewing or for attack and defense
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOOTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "65. Beyond regulation, briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: INOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "66. Kind of wave"

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 ratio of the length of the side opposite the given angle to the length of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle
• Words that mean the same thing: sin
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "67. Pick up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a general conscious awareness
• Words that mean the same thing: sentience, good sense, common sense
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SENSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "68. Toy celebrated at Brickworld conventions"

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 (trademark) a child's plastic construction set for making mechanical models
• Words that mean the same thing: Lego 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: LEGO

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - December 16, 2020 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Windpipe	7
2D	2. Toy company that made Etch A Sketch a success	7
3D	3. Fights through adversity	8
4D	4. Pouch	3
5D	5. Part of a philatelist's collection	5
6D	6. Fermented milk drinks	6
7D	7. Elect (to)	3
8D	8. Brief moment	3
9D	9. Disorganized pile	4
10D	10. ), briefly	5
11D	11. With 45-Down, Luke Skywalker's mentor	6
12D	12. Dopey co-worker	6
13D	13. Martin Luther's crime	6
14D	18. Dorm monitors, for short	3
15D	19. Wildlife sanctuary	7
16D	24. Get through to	5
17D	25. Show decorum	7
18D	26. Oscillates about a vertical axis	4
19D	30. Mythomaniac	4
20D	33. Cheese plate staple	7
21D	34. Next in line	4
22D	36. "Reading Rainbow" host Burton	5
23D	38. School founded by Henry VI	4
24D	39. Hit TV show rebranded as "The Conners" in 2018	8
25D	42. Iditarod pace setter	7
26D	43. Develops a liking for	7
27D	44. Female friends, in Spain	6
28D	45. See 11-Down	6
29D	46. Cowardly	6
30D	48. New Orleans team	6
31D	51. Home of the Minoan civilization	5
32D	53. Give 10%	5
33D	54. Make stuff up	3
34D	56. Parts of black widow spiders' diets	4
35D	60. One of the Three Stooges	3
36D	61. Long, long time	3
37D	62. Need for making latkes	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. Windpipe"

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 membranous tube with cartilaginous rings that conveys inhaled air from the larynx to the bronchi
• Words that mean the same thing: windpipe
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRACHEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Toy company that made Etch A Sketch a success"

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: OHIOART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Fights through adversity"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that continue to exist
• Words that mean the same thing: remain, endure, hang in
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PERSISTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Pouch"

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 enclosed space
• Words that mean the same thing: pocket, pouch, Sauk
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Part of a philatelist's collection"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the distinctive form in which a thing is made
• Words that mean the same thing: revenue stamp, postage, impression
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Fermented milk drinks"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: KEFIRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Elect (to)"

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 select as an alternative over another
• Words that mean the same thing: choose, prefer
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Brief moment"

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 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the systeme international d'unites
• Words that mean the same thing: unsweet, s, secant
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Disorganized pile"

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 collection of objects laid on top of each other
• Words that mean the same thing: raft, sight, jalopy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. ), briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PAREN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. With 45-Down, Luke Skywalker's mentor"

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: OBIWAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Dopey co-worker"

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 ready to fall asleep
• Words that mean the same thing: sleepy-eyed, sleepyheaded
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLEEPY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Martin Luther's crime"

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 any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox position
• Words that mean the same thing: heterodoxy, unorthodoxy
• The opposite would be: orthodoxy
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HERESY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Dorm monitors, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function
• Words that mean the same thing: Re, right ascension, celestial longitude
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Wildlife sanctuary"

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 formality and propriety of manner
• Words that mean the same thing: allow, taciturnity, earmark
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESERVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Get through to"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the limits within which something can be effective
• Words that mean the same thing: turn over, get to, grasp
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Show decorum"

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: ACTNICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Oscillates about a vertical axis"

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 infectious tropical disease resembling syphilis in its early stages; marked by red skin eruptions and ulcerating lesions
• Words that mean the same thing: yaw, frambesia, swerve
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YAWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Mythomaniac"

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 person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
• Words that mean the same thing: prevaricator
• The opposite would be: square shooter
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "33. Cheese plate staple"

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 thin crisp wafer made of flour and water with or without leavening and shortening; unsweetened or semisweet
• Words that mean the same thing: cracker bonbon, firecracker, banger
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRACKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Next in line"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who is entitled by law or by the terms of a will to inherit the estate of another
• Words that mean the same thing: heritor, inheritor, successor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "36. "Reading Rainbow" host Burton"

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: LEVAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "38. School founded by Henry VI"

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: ETON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "39. Hit TV show rebranded as "The Conners" in 2018"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ROSEANNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "42. Iditarod pace setter"

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: LEADDOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "43. Develops a liking for"

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: TAKESTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Female friends, in Spain"

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: AMIGAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. See 11-Down"

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: KENOBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Cowardly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CRAVEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. New Orleans team"

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 a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
• Words that mean the same thing: paragon, nonpareil, ideal
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAINTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Home of the Minoan civilization"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the largest greek island in the mediterranean; site of the minoan civilization that reached its peak in 1600 bc
• Words that mean the same thing: Kriti
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRETE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Give 10%"

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

  The answer is: TITHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Make stuff up"

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 trivial lie
• Words that mean the same thing: story, tale, tarradiddle
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FIB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "56. Parts of black widow spiders' diets"

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 social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
• Words that mean the same thing: emmet, ant, pismire
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "60. One of the Three Stooges"

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: MOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "61. Long, long time"

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 longest division of geological time
• Words that mean the same thing: aeon
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "62. Need for making latkes"

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 slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
• Words that mean the same thing: anele, inunct, oil color
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	70.8%
Short Answer	11	15.3%
Abbreviation	5	6.9%
Sports	2	2.8%
Music	1	1.4%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
History	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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• May 04 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers July 15 2021
• NYT Across Crossword September 18 2025
• March 02 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
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Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 04:40 PM