December 25, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (33 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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• February 02 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
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• October 02 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, December 25, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (37 Across, 33 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

December 25, 2020 Friday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Temple figure	5
2A	6. Joins hands?	5
3A	11. Refresh, as the memory	3
4A	14. "All this kid stuff now, it's crazy"	5
5A	15. Fictional hero whose name is Spanish for "fox"	5
6A	16. Link, of a sort	3
7A	17. ___ code	5
8A	18. Setting for the start of "The Sound of Music"	5
9A	19. Locale traversed by Lewis and Clark: Abbr.	3
10A	20. Studio upgrade	10
11A	22. Standouts on the pitcher's mound	4
12A	23. ___ Bay (place mentioned in "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay")	6
13A	24. Provides	7
14A	26. Season ticket holder, presumably	3
15A	27. Dance traditionally performed to tell a story	4
16A	30. Reefer	6
17A	31. Wet-weather footwear	6
18A	33. Like someone associated with a blue, pink and white flag, for short	5
19A	34. Time magazine's 2019 Person of the Year	13
20A	37. Hard to pick up	5
21A	38. Command after a crash	6
22A	39. "Sure, that time works for me"	6
23A	41. Not handle ice well, say	4
24A	42. Tour grp.	3
25A	45. Whistle blower	7
26A	47. Watering hole	6
27A	49. They end in septembre	4
28A	50. Type of rental agreement	10
29A	53. Topper	3
30A	54. Book club leader on TV	5
31A	55. Sound	5
32A	56. "If u ask me ..."	3
33A	57. Madame___ (online lifestyle magazine)	5
34A	58. Pharmaceutical giant, informally	5
35A	59. Perfect score ... or half of one	3
36A	60. Parts of an assembly	5
37A	61. City NE of Manchester	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. Temple figure"

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 spiritual leader of a jewish congregation; qualified to expound and apply jewish law
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RABBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Joins hands?"

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 sudden very loud noise
• Words that mean the same thing: clap, applaud, gonorrhea
• The opposite would be: boo
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Refresh, as the memory"

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 sharp change in direction
• Words that mean the same thing: lope, trot, ramble
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. "All this kid stuff now, it's crazy""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IMOLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Fictional hero whose name is Spanish for "fox""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ZORRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Link, of a sort"

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 address of a web page on the world wide web
• Words that mean the same thing: uniform resource locator, universal resource locator
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. ___ code"

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 of or relating to punishment
• Words that mean the same thing: punishable
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PENAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Setting for the start of "The Sound of Music""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a church associated with a monastery or convent
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABBEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Locale traversed by Lewis and Clark: Abbr."

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 an agency of the united nations affiliated with the world bank
• Words that mean the same thing: International Development Association
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Studio upgrade"

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: ONEBEDROOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Standouts on the pitcher's mound"

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: single, whiz, wiz
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. ___ Bay (place mentioned in "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay")"

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: FRISCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. Provides"

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 substance similar to stucco but exclusively applied to masonry walls
• Words that mean the same thing: give, generate, hand over
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RENDERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Season ticket holder, presumably"

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 device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
• Words that mean the same thing: devotee, winnow, sports fan
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "27. Dance traditionally performed to tell a story"

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 polynesian rain dance performed by a woman
• Words that mean the same thing: Hawaiian dancing, hula-hula
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HULA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Reefer"

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: DOOBIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "31. Wet-weather footwear"

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 waterproof overshoe that protects shoes from water or snow
• Words that mean the same thing: gumshoe, rubber, golosh
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GALOSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. Like someone associated with a blue, pink and white flag, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: TRANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Time magazine's 2019 Person of the Year"

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: GRETATHUNBERG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. Hard to 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 spontaneous loss of consciousness caused by insufficient blood to the brain
• Words that mean the same thing: lightheaded, weak, pass out
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Command after a crash"

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 place a new load on
• Words that mean the same thing: recharge
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RELOAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "39. "Sure, that time works for me""

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: IMFREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. Not handle ice well, 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 one of a pair of planks used to make a track for rolling or sliding objects
• Words that mean the same thing: slue, slew, shoe
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "42. Tour grp."

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: PGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Whistle blower"

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 (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
• Words that mean the same thing: reviewer, umpire, peer review
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REFEREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Watering hole"

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 room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
• Words that mean the same thing: pub, bar, taphouse
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. They end in septembre"

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: ETES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "50. Type of rental agreement"

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: LEASETOOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. Topper"

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 either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
• Words that mean the same thing: eyelid, chapeau, hat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Book club leader on TV"

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

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: OPRAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Sound"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the audible part of a transmitted signal
• Words that mean the same thing: audio frequency, sound recording, sound
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUDIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. "If u ask me ...""

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 united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
• Words that mean the same thing: International Maritime Organization
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "57. Madame___ (online lifestyle magazine)"

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: NOIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "58. Pharmaceutical giant, informally"

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: LILLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "59. Perfect score ... or half of one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "60. Parts of an assembly"

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 flight of stairs or a flight of steps
• Words that mean the same thing: tread, whole step, whole tone
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "61. City NE of Manchester"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a city on the river aire in west yorkshire in northern england; a center of the clothing industry
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEEDS

  Great job if you got it right!

December 25, 2020 Friday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Con	6
2D	2. Supreme Egyptian god	6
3D	3. Rib-eye request	6
4D	4. Overindulges in 5-Down	5
5D	5. Activity by the water cooler	11
6D	6. Magnate	4
7D	7. Rebecca in the Basketball Hall of Fame	4
8D	8. Shaded area	5
9D	9. Like many biochem majors	6
10D	10. Kind of flour	3
11D	11. Spot to pick up a smoothie	8
12D	12. Process involving a server	8
13D	13. Readers, e.g.	7
14D	21. Labor leader?	5
15D	22. Was su-u-uper into	6
16D	25. "Better than I expected!"	11
17D	28. Popular fantasy film franchise, for short	4
18D	29. Word on either side of "to"	5
19D	31. Sorting header in a music app	6
20D	32. "The Avengers" role	4
21D	34. When the sports preshow ends	8
22D	35. Used as improv fodder, say	8
23D	36. Sound	5
24D	37. Like many a campsite at night	7
25D	40. Fishing gear left underwater	6
26D	42. Toy associated with France	6
27D	43. Throw away all inhibitions	6
28D	44. Gets to	6
29D	46. Like ghost stories	5
30D	48. One of Donald Duck's nephews	5
31D	51. Major D.C. lobby	4
32D	52. "___ Gotta Have It"	4
33D	54. Ending with clip or slip	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. Con"

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: RIPOFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Supreme Egyptian god"

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: AMENRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Rib-eye request"

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: BONEIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Overindulges in 5-Down"

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 divulge confidential information or secrets
• Words that mean the same thing: spill the beans, prattle, talk
• The opposite would be: keep quiet
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Activity by the water cooler"

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: IDLECHATTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Magnate"

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 male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
• Words that mean the same thing: tzar, tsar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CZAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Rebecca in the Basketball Hall of Fame"

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: LOBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Shaded area"

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 tree (as opposed to shrub)
• Words that mean the same thing: arbour, spindle, pergola
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARBOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Like many biochem majors"

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: PREMED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Kind of flour"

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 source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
• Words that mean the same thing: soybean plant, soy sauce, soybean
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Spot to pick up a smoothie"

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: JUICEBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Process involving a server"

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 logical or comprehensible arrangement of separate elements
• Words that mean the same thing: prescribe, set up, grade
• The opposite would be: disorder, deregulate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORDERING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Readers, e.g."

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 optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision
• Words that mean the same thing: Methedrine, glass in, looking glass
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLASSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. Labor leader?"

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 an assistant (often the father of the soon-to-be-born child) who provides support for a woman in labor by encouraging her to use techniques learned in childbirth-preparation classes
• Words that mean the same thing: birthing coach, monitrice, labor coach
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOULA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Was su-u-uper into"

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 love intensely
• Words that mean the same thing: adore, idolised, idolized
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADORED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. "Better than I expected!""

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: NOTBADATALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "28. Popular fantasy film franchise, for short"

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

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: LOTR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. Word on either side of "to""

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 the residue that remains when something is burned
• Words that mean the same thing: ash, ash 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: ASHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "31. Sorting header in a music app"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a kind of literary or artistic work
• Words that mean the same thing: genre, literary genre, musical style
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GENRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. "The Avengers" role"

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 very large person; impressive in size or qualities
• Words that mean the same thing: predominate, heavyweight, loom
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HULK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. When the sports preshow ends"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GAMETIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Used as improv fodder, say"

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: RIFFEDON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Sound"

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 sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
• Words that mean the same thing: resound, stochasticity, randomness
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Like many a campsite at night"

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: FIRELIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Fishing gear left underwater"

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: EELPOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Toy associated with France"

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 intelligent dog with a heavy curly solid-colored coat that is usually clipped; an old breed sometimes trained as sporting dogs or as performing dogs
• Words that mean the same thing: poodle dog
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POODLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Throw away all inhibitions"

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: GOWILD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Gets to"

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 cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
• Words that mean the same thing: chafe, get to, nark
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANNOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Like ghost stories"

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 suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
• Words that mean the same thing: eery
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. One of Donald Duck's nephews"

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: LOUIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Major D.C. lobby"

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 association of people to promote the welfare of senior citizens
• Words that mean the same thing: Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AARP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. "___ Gotta Have It""

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: SHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Ending with clip or slip"

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: ONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	75.7%
Short Answer	9	12.9%
Abbreviation	2	2.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	33
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.5 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!

More Crossword Resources

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

• February 02 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 28 2019 NYT Clues Answers
• May 26 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 12 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• All NYT Down Clues September 16 2025 41
• 27420 Fri Dec 06 2024 NYT By Robyn
• July 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 08 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Thursday March 22 2001 Crossword

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 12:39 PM

December 21, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (42 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 21, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 77 (42 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

December 21, 2023 Thursday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Queue before Q	4
2A	5. Org. with a top 10 list	3
3A	8. Some fluffy slippers	4
4A	12. "The Good Dinosaur" dinosaur	4
5A	13. Predators whose females are the main hunters	5
6A	15. Stand-out performance?	4
7A	16. Water under the drawbridge	4
8A	17. High up	5
9A	18. Nov. or Dec. event for a Sagittarius	4
10A	19. Transport, in a way	3
11A	20. Put in a box	7
12A	22. It's a ball	3
13A	23. Fitting	3
14A	24. Irrigation structure	3
15A	25. Messenger ___	3
16A	26. Teeny	3
17A	27. Reefer and clipper	5
18A	29. Scarf down	3
19A	31. Group known for playing mind games	5
20A	33. See 62-Down	4
21A	34. Not cool	5
22A	36. "Knives Out" director Johnson	4
23A	37. Like a custard	4
24A	38. Farmer's market booth	5
25A	39. Kitchen cabinet climbers	4
26A	40. People don't see through them	9
27A	43. Duo with the 2011 #1 hit "Party Rock Anthem"	5
28A	46. Cook again in oil	5
29A	50. Cooks, as some kernels	7
30A	53. Brown in strips	7
31A	55. Lead-in to season	3
32A	56. "Bet you can't do better!"	7
33A	58. 2010 health law, in brief	3
34A	59. Hard walk	4
35A	61. Fanatical	5
36A	62. Latin love	4
37A	63. Sludge	4
38A	64. Bird that flies with its neck outstretched	5
39A	65. "Good as ___" (Lizzo hit)	4
40A	66. Wild catch?	4
41A	67. Substitute for "subs"	5
42A	68. "Golly!"	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. Queue before Q"

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: LGBT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Org. with a top 10 list"

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 federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the department of justice
• Words that mean the same thing: Federal Bureau of Investigation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Some fluffy slippers"

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: UGGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "12. "The Good Dinosaur" dinosaur"

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: ARLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "13. Predators whose females are the main hunters"

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 large gregarious predatory feline of africa and india having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
• Words that mean the same thing: Leo, Panthera leo, king of beasts
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Stand-out performance?"

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 any activity that is performed alone without assistance
• Words that mean the same thing: unaccompanied, alone
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Water under the drawbridge"

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 ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water
• Words that mean the same thing: fosse
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "17. High 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 at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALOFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "18. Nov. or Dec. event for a Sagittarius"

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: BDAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "19. Transport, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a vehicle carrying many passengers; used for public transport
• Words that mean the same thing: busbar, motorbus, double-decker
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "20. Put in a box"

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: CRATEUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "22. It's a ball"

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 ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
• Words that mean the same thing: globe, eyeball, orbit
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "23. Fitting"

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 (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
• Words that mean the same thing: pertinent, minded, apposite
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "24. Irrigation structure"

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 barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
• Words that mean the same thing: dike, decametre, dekametre
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "25. Messenger ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "26. Teeny"

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 short time
• Words that mean the same thing: spend a penny, pee, weeny
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "27. Reefer and clipper"

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 vessel that carries passengers or freight
• Words that mean the same thing: send, embark, ship
• The opposite would be: disembark
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHIPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "29. Scarf down"

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 take in solid food
• Words that mean the same thing: deplete, run through, eat on
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "31. Group known for playing mind games"

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 faint constellation in the polar region of the southern hemisphere and containing part of the large magellanic cloud
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MENSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "33. See 62-Down"

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 tropical american prickly pear of jamaica
• Words that mean the same thing: Opuntia tuna, tuna fish, Anguilla sucklandii
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "34. Not cool"

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: UNHIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "36. "Knives Out" director Johnson"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RIAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "37. Like a custard"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EGGY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "38. Farmer's market booth"

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 compartment in a stable where a single animal is confined and fed
• Words that mean the same thing: stand, booth, stalling
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "39. Kitchen cabinet climbers"

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 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: ant, pismire, emmet
• The 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 26 Across: "40. People don't see through them"

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: GLASSEYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "43. Duo with the 2011 #1 hit "Party Rock Anthem""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LMFAO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "46. Cook again in oil"

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: REFRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. Cooks, as some kernels"

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: AIRPOPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "53. Brown in strips"

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: CHARLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Lead-in to season"

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: PRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. "Bet you can't do better!""

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: TOPTHIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. 2010 health law, in brief"

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: ACA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "59. Hard walk"

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 journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers)
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TREK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "61. Fanatical"

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 of or infected by rabies
• Words that mean the same thing: fanatical, fanatic, overzealous
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RABID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "62. Latin love"

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 (roman mythology) god of love; counterpart of greek eros
• Words that mean the same thing: Cupid
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "63. Sludge"

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 any thick, viscous matter
• Words that mean the same thing: gook, seep, transude
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OOZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "64. Bird that flies with its neck outstretched"

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 united states writer (1871-1900)
• Words that mean the same thing: Hart Crane, Grus, stretch out
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "65. "Good as ___" (Lizzo hit)"

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 place of pain and turmoil
• Words that mean the same thing: Hades, underworld, the pits
• The opposite would be: Heaven
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Across: "66. Wild catch?"

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 person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
• Words that mean the same thing: quarry, fair game, target
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PREY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Across: "67. Substitute for "subs""

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 man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
• Words that mean the same thing: zep, wedge, 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: HEROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Across: "68. "Golly!""

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: ISAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Thursday NYT Crossword December 21, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Criticize harshly	8
2D	2. Squeeze together?	8
3D	3. *What iodine might do	8
4D	4. Squirt	3
5D	5. *Expresses regret about	9
6D	6. Bit of skiwear	4
7D	7. *Blank, e.g., in Scrabble	9
8D	8. Kind of port	3
9D	9. With 47-Down, fail spectacularly ... or what the answers to the starred clues do?	8
10D	10. Gives an angry look	8
11D	11. Protein-rich crop	8
12D	13. TV newswoman Spencer	4
13D	14. Daze	4
14D	20. Bank offerings, in brief	3
15D	21. Receptionist-turned-administrator on "The Office"	3
16D	28. Workplace inequity	6
17D	30. Moments of discovery	4
18D	32. This might get the word out	6
19D	34. Wash. setting	3
20D	35. Layer on a roll	3
21D	41. Booty	4
22D	42. Taylor Swift's record-setting ___ Tour	4
23D	43. Something to work on	6
24D	44. Something to look into	6
25D	45. *Liberated	6
26D	47. See 9-Down	6
27D	48. Maker of Max Throat Care drops	6
28D	49. Adverb for an anniversary	6
29D	51. Delivery site	5
30D	52. *Place to be pampered	5
31D	53. *X, to a sorority sister	5
32D	54. Camouflages	5
33D	57. Way up on a mountain	4
34D	60. Middle C, e.g.	3
35D	62. With 33-Across, deep-sea catch	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. Criticize harshly"

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 beat with a cane
• Words that mean the same thing: call down, chew out, call on the carpet
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAMBASTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Squeeze together?"

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: GROUPHUG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. *What iodine might do"

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 make a strident sound
• Words that mean the same thing: nail, shell, blare
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLASTING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Squirt"

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 small amount (especially of a drink)
• Words that mean the same thing: tally, total, add together
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. *Expresses regret about"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a very slender natural or synthetic fiber
• Words that mean the same thing: filum, fibril, filament
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FILAMENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Bit of skiwear"

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 footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
• Words that mean the same thing: kicking, the boot, kick
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. *Blank, e.g., in Scrabble"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that incapable of reproducing
• Words that mean the same thing: sterile, unfertile
• The opposite would be: fertile
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INFERTILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Kind of port"

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: USB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. With 47-Down, fail spectacularly ... or what the answers to the starred clues do?"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert 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: GODOWNIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Gives an angry look"

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: GLARESAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Protein-rich crop"

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 a source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
• Words that mean the same thing: soybean, Glycine max, soy
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOYBEANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "13. TV newswoman Spencer"

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: LARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Daze"

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 make senseless or dizzy by or as if by a blow
• Words that mean the same thing: sandbag, bedaze, stupefy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "20. Bank offerings, in brief"

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 soft bluish-white ductile malleable toxic bivalent metallic element; occurs in association with zinc ores
• Words that mean the same thing: cadmium, compact disc, Cd
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Receptionist-turned-administrator on "The Office""

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: PAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "28. Workplace inequity"

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: PAYGAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "30. Moments of discovery"

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: AHAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "32. This might get the word out"

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 implement used to erase 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: ERASER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "34. Wash. setting"

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 north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
• Words that mean the same thing: US Army, U. S. Army, U.S.A.
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "35. Layer on a roll"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread; often used in combination
• Words that mean the same thing: cater, supply, run
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "41. Booty"

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

  The answer is: LOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "42. Taylor Swift's record-setting ___ Tour"

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 period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Words that mean the same thing: ERA, era, geological era
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "43. Something to work on"

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 portable computer small enough to use in your lap
• Words that mean the same thing: laptop computer
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAPTOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "44. Something to look into"

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 polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIRROR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "45. *Liberated"

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 withdrawal of heat to change something from a liquid to a solid
• Words that mean the same thing: immobilise, frost, freeze out
• The opposite would be: unblock, unfreeze
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FREEZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "47. See 9-Down"

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 the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
• Words that mean the same thing: flare, flame, fire
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLAMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "48. Maker of Max Throat Care drops"

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: RICOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "49. Adverb for an anniversary"

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 reference book that is published regularly once every year
• Words that mean the same thing: yearbook, annual, annually
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEARLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "51. Delivery site"

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 structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PORCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "52. *Place to be pampered"

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 extra component of a machine or other apparatus
• Words that mean the same thing: free, give up, unembellished
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "53. *X, to a sorority sister"

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

  The answer is: CHINO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "54. Camouflages"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
• Words that mean the same thing: obscure, conceal, shroud
• The opposite would be: show
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HIDES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "57. Way up on a mountain"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "60. Middle C, e.g."

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 metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
• Words that mean the same thing: key out, key fruit, fundamental
• The opposite would be: atonality
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "62. With 33-Across, deep-sea catch"

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: AHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	68.8%
Short Answer	17	22.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.9%
Sports	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	42
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	77
Average Answer Length	4.8 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 Thursday, 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: August 28, 2025 at 07:38 PM