November 22, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (34 clues)
• Down Clues (42 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, November 22, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (34 Across, 42 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

NYT Monday Crossword Across Clues - November 22, 2021 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Bottom of a shoe	4
2A	5. Had on	4
3A	9. Insurance worker	5
4A	14. Work by a composer	4
5A	15. Skating leap	4
6A	16. Outdoor party locale	5
7A	17. Pastime for armchair sports enthusiasts	15
8A	20. Corrosive substance	6
9A	21. ExxonMobil's business	3
10A	22. Toy that goes up slow and comes down fast	4
11A	23. Close, as a jacket	8
12A	26. What a grocery scanner scans, for short	3
13A	29. Unidentifiable protein	11
14A	34. They're paid to play	4
15A	36. Grp. that extends from Canada to Chile	3
16A	37. Lustful, informally	5
17A	38. Sightseeing on wheels	7
18A	40. Finally starts talking	7
19A	42. Like draft beers	5
20A	43. "Baby Cobra" comic Wong	3
21A	44. Christmas season	4
22A	45. Holy site in Jerusalem	11
23A	49. When a plane is due in, in brief	3
24A	50. Hair stylist, fancily	8
25A	52. Old Glory, for one	4
26A	56. Sch. in Fort Worth	3
27A	57. "The very idea!"	6
28A	61. Spanish or French, but not German	15
29A	64. "Tosca" or "Turandot"	5
30A	65. Opening for a coin	4
31A	66. Speak to a deaf person, in a way	4
32A	67. What the start of 17-, 29-, 45- or 61-Across is, in a bookstore	5
33A	68. Tickle Me Elmo maker, once	4
34A	69. Otherwise	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. Bottom of a shoe"

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 underside of footwear or a golf club
• Words that mean the same thing: lonesome, lone, resole
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Had on"

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 be dressed in
• Words that mean the same thing: tire out, wear, wear down
• The opposite would be: refresh
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Insurance worker"

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 active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
• Words that mean the same thing: agentive role, factor, broker
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Work by a composer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a musical work that has been created
• Words that mean the same thing: composition, piece of music, musical composition
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Skating leap"

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: AXEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Outdoor party locale"

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 paved outdoor area adjoining a residence
• Words that mean the same thing: terrace
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PATIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Pastime for armchair sports enthusiasts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FANTASYBASEBALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Corrosive substance"

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 of various water-soluble compounds capable of turning litmus blue and reacting with an acid to form a salt and water
• Words that mean the same thing: base
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALKALI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. ExxonMobil's business"

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 slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
• Words that mean the same thing: petroleum, inunct, vegetable oil
• The 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!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Toy that goes up slow and comes down fast"

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 vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
• Words that mean the same thing: sledge, sleigh
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Close, as a jacket"

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: BUTTONUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. What a grocery scanner scans, for short"

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: UPC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "29. Unidentifiable protein"

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: MYSTERYMEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "34. They're paid to play"

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 athlete who plays for pay
• Words that mean the same thing: professional, pro
• The opposite would be: con, amateur
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "36. Grp. that extends from Canada to Chile"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an association including most countries in the western hemisphere; created in 1948 to promote military and economic and social and cultural cooperation
• Words that mean the same thing: Organization of American States
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "37. Lustful, informally"

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 feeling great sexual desire
• Words that mean the same thing: turned on, horny, steamy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RANDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "38. Sightseeing on wheels"

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: BUSTOUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "40. Finally starts talking"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: OPENSUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "42. Like draft beers"

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: ONTAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "43. "Baby Cobra" comic Wong"

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 united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
• Words that mean the same thing: Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali, Cassius Marcellus Clay
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Christmas season"

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 period extending from dec. 24 to jan. 6
• Words that mean the same thing: Christmastide, Christmas, Noel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YULE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Holy site in Jerusalem"

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: WESTERNWALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "49. When a plane is due in, 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 terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
• Words that mean the same thing: Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Basque Homeland and Freedom
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Hair stylist, fancily"

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

  The answer is: COIFFEUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "52. Old Glory, for one"

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 emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
• Words that mean the same thing: signal flag, masthead, fleur-de-lis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "56. Sch. in Fort Worth"

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: TCU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. "The very idea!""

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: INEVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "61. Spanish or French, but not German"

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: ROMANCELANGUAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "64. "Tosca" or "Turandot""

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 drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
• Words that mean the same thing: opera house
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "65. Opening for a coin"

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 position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable
• Words that mean the same thing: expansion slot, time slot, one-armed bandit
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "66. Speak to a deaf person, in a way"

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 perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
• Words that mean the same thing: polarity, signboard, signed
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIGN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "67. What the start of 17-, 29-, 45- or 61-Across is, in a bookstore"

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

  The answer is: GENRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "68. Tickle Me Elmo maker, once"

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: TYCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "69. Otherwise"

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: ELSE

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Monday Crossword Down Clues - November 22, 2021 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Living room seat	4
2D	2. Iridescent gem	4
3D	3. Meathead	4
4D	4. Abbr. before a date on a business shingle	5
5D	5. Question to a suspected culprit	8
6D	6. Popular acne medication	3
7D	7. Starts up again, as a computer	7
8D	8. Pal of Jerry on "Seinfeld"	6
9D	9. Primate with no tail	3
10D	10. Talks on and on	4
11D	11. And others: Abbr.	4
12D	12. River on which Cleopatra cruised	4
13D	13. Couldn't keep a secret	4
14D	18. Grad	4
15D	19. Shpeak indishtinctly	4
16D	24. Ruler in pre-Communist Russia	4
17D	25. Heap for burning	4
18D	26. Instruction for a violinist	5
19D	27. Dehydrated plum	5
20D	28. Things weighed against benefits	5
21D	30. Not just a few	4
22D	31. Come next	5
23D	32. One who's 18 or older	5
24D	33. Like an impatient and competitive personality	5
25D	35. "Now!" in the operating room	4
26D	39. Intl. group that has no members in Europe or North America	4
27D	40. Minnesota's St. ___ College	4
28D	41. Enter en masse, as a car	8
29D	43. In a terrible way	7
30D	46. Coll. military program	4
31D	47. Most pleasant	6
32D	48. Where inhaled air goes	4
33D	51. Find a second function for	5
34D	52. Creature that goes "ribbit!"	4
35D	53. Run easily	4
36D	54. "You said it, brother!"	4
37D	55. Actress Teri	4
38D	58. Colorado skiing mecca	4
39D	59. Objects in an Easter hunt	4
40D	60. Surrealist Magritte	4
41D	62. Scottish negative	3
42D	63. Member of a D.C. "Squad"	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. Living room seat"

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

  The answer is: SOFA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Iridescent gem"

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 translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color; some varieties are used as gemstones
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Meathead"

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: LUNK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Abbr. before a date on a business shingle"

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: ESTAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Question to a suspected culprit"

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: WASITYOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Popular acne medication"

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: OXY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Starts up again, as a computer"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cause to load (an operating system) and start the initial processes
• Words that mean the same thing: bring up, reboot, boot
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REBOOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Pal of Jerry on "Seinfeld""

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: ELAINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Primate with no tail"

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 various primates with short tails or no tail at all
• Words that mean the same thing: aper, copycat, caricature
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Talks on and on"

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 light informal conversation for social occasions
• Words that mean the same thing: small talk, yak, chitchat
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. And others: Abbr."

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: ETAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. River on which Cleopatra cruised"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the world's longest river (4150 miles); flows northward through eastern africa into the mediterranean; the nile river valley in egypt was the site of the world's first great civilization
• Words that mean the same thing: Nile River
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Couldn't keep a secret"

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 express in words
• Words that mean the same thing: tell, say, evidence
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Grad"

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 white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the ammonium double sulfate of aluminum
• Words that mean the same thing: ammonium alum, potassium alum, graduate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Shpeak indishtinctly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (music) a curved line spanning notes that are to be played legato
• Words that mean the same thing: dim, daub, smudge
• The opposite would be: focus
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Ruler in pre-Communist Russia"

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

  The answer is: TSAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Heap for burning"

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 wood heaped for burning a dead body as a funeral rite
• Words that mean the same thing: funeral pyre
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PYRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Instruction for a violinist"

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: UPBOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Dehydrated plum"

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 cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
• Words that mean the same thing: rationalise, snip, trim
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRUNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Things weighed against benefits"

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 pecuniary reimbursement to the winning party for the expenses of litigation
• Words that mean the same thing: toll, be, monetary value
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COSTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Not just a few"

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 quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by `as' or `too' or `so' or `that'; amounting to a large but indefinite number
• The opposite would be: few
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MANY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Come next"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ENSUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. One who's 18 or older"

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 fully developed person from maturity onward
• Words that mean the same thing: fully grown, full-grown, big
• The opposite would be: juvenile
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADULT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Like an impatient and competitive personality"

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: TYPEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. "Now!" in the operating room"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Intl. group that has no members in Europe or North America"

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 an organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the production and sale of petroleum
• Words that mean the same thing: Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Minnesota's St. ___ College"

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: OLAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Enter en masse, as a car"

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: PILEINTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. In a terrible way"

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 used as intensifiers
• Words that mean the same thing: awful, frightfully, abysmally
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWFULLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Coll. military program"

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 training program to prepare college students to be commissioned officers
• Words that mean the same thing: Reserve Officers Training Corps
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROTC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Most pleasant"

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 pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance; - george meredith
• Words that mean the same thing: prissy, squeamish, skillful
• The opposite would be: nasty
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NICEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Where inhaled air goes"

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 either of two saclike respiratory organs in the chest of vertebrates; serves to remove carbon dioxide and provide oxygen to the blood
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LUNG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Find a second function for"

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 use again after processing
• Words that mean the same thing: reprocess, recycle
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Creature that goes "ribbit!""

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 various tailless stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping; semiaquatic and terrestrial species
• Words that mean the same thing: salientian, toad frog, toad
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FROG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Run easily"

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 slow pace of running
• Words that mean the same thing: trot, canter, jog
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. "You said it, brother!""

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 primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
• Words that mean the same thing: Amon, Amun
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "55. Actress Teri"

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: GARR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Colorado skiing mecca"

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: VAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "59. Objects in an Easter hunt"

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 oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
• Words that mean the same thing: egg, ball, testicle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "60. Surrealist Magritte"

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: RENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "62. Scottish negative"

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: NAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "63. Member of a D.C. "Squad""

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: AOC

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	72.4%
Short Answer	9	11.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.3%
Abbreviation	3	3.9%
Music	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	34
Down Clues	42
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 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 13, 2025 at 03:16 PM

December 03, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, December 03, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (33 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Friday Puzzle December 03, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. This and that	4
2A	5. God of fertility, agriculture and the afterlife	6
3A	11. "Love Life" network	3
4A	14. Cassowary kin	4
5A	15. Doing something wrong	10
6A	17. Objectives	4
7A	18. Fresh burst of energy	10
8A	19. Five-star	8
9A	21. Class structures?	5
10A	22. Makeup palette assortment	5
11A	23. Coruscates	6
12A	25. Less likely to happen	6
13A	27. You might seek forgiveness for this	4
14A	28. Scans, say	5
15A	29. New parents' purchases to block off staircases	9
16A	34. Actress Mara of "Pose"	4
17A	35. Empanadas and patatas bravas	5
18A	36. "Happy to help!"	4
19A	37. Nice position to be in?	9
20A	39. Kind of cup	5
21A	40. Just gets (by)	4
22A	41. Go to bat for	6
23A	42. San ___, seat of California's Marin County	6
24A	45. Not expired	5
25A	46. Everything one could possibly offer, with "the"	5
26A	47. Mariah Carey and Madonna, for two	8
27A	50. "Later, dude!"	10
28A	53. ___ oil, extract obtained from the Amazon rainforest	4
29A	54. Reverent	10
30A	55. Pirate's activity	4
31A	56. "Five Guys Named ___" (1992 Broadway musical)	3
32A	57. Back-combed	6
33A	58. Oh, to be in France!	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. This and that"

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 (used with count nouns) two considered together; the two
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. God of fertility, agriculture and the afterlife"

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 egyptian god of the underworld and judge of the dead; husband and brother of isis; father of horus
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OSIRIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. "Love Life" network"

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: HBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Cassowary kin"

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

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. Doing something wrong"

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: UPTONOGOOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Objectives"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
• Words that mean the same thing: take, design, aspire
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Fresh burst of energy"

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: SECONDWIND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Five-star"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of the highest quality
• Words that mean the same thing: tiptop, ace, A-one
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOPNOTCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Class structures?"

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 piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
• Words that mean the same thing: desk
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DESKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Makeup palette assortment"

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 quality of a person's voice
• Words that mean the same thing: tone up, flavor, intone
• The opposite would be: atonicity
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Coruscates"

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 momentary flash of light
• Words that mean the same thing: shine, glitter, spark
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLINTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Less likely to happen"

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: IFFIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. You might seek forgiveness for this"

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 temporary provision of money (usually at interest)
• Words that mean the same thing: lend, loanword
• The opposite would be: borrow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Scans, say"

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 something that is read
• Words that mean the same thing: show, register, understand
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: READS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. New parents' purchases to block off staircases"

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: BABYGATES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Actress Mara of "Pose""

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: KATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Empanadas and patatas bravas"

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 thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry and pipturus albidus
• Words that mean the same thing: tappa, tapa, tappa bark
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAPAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. "Happy to help!""

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 having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
• Words that mean the same thing: sure as shooting, for sure, sure enough
• The opposite would be: uncertain, unsure
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Nice position to be in?"

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: STEADYGIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Kind of cup"

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 southern states that seceded from the united states in 1861
• Words that mean the same thing: Confederacy, Confederate States, South
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIXIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Just gets (by)"

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: EKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Go to bat for"

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 argue or speak in defense of
• Words that mean the same thing: fight, fight down, support
• The opposite would be: prosecute, attack
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEFEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. San ___, seat of California's Marin County"

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: RAFAEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Not expired"

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 well grounded in logic or truth or having legal force
• The opposite would be: invalid
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VALID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Everything one could possibly offer, with "the""

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 everything that exists anywhere
• Words that mean the same thing: mankind, earth, universe
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WORLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Mariah Carey and Madonna, for two"

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: GAYICONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. "Later, dude!""

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: ADIOSAMIGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. ___ oil, extract obtained from the Amazon rainforest"

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: ACAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. Reverent"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that full of or exhibiting respect
• Words that mean the same thing: reverential, venerating
• The opposite would be: disrespectful
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESPECTFUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Pirate's activity"

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 sudden short attack
• Words that mean the same thing: foray, foray into, maraud
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. "Five Guys Named ___" (1992 Broadway musical)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: MOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "57. Back-combed"

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 annoy persistently
• Words that mean the same thing: ride, beleaguer, badger
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEASED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. Oh, to be in France!"

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: ETRE

  Great job if you got it right!

December 03, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Challenge while sitting	4
2D	2. Answer to the old riddle "What's round on the ends and high in the middle?"	4
3D	3. Play with fire	9
4D	4. Blanks	9
5D	5. Out-of-office procedure?	6
6D	6. 72 answers and 34 black squares, for this puzzle	5
7D	7. Hankering	4
8D	8. Quintana __, Mexican state that's home to Cancún	3
9D	9. Spot for the night	3
10D	10. Covering some ground?	7
11D	11. Vertical dimension of a flag	5
12D	12. Bops	5
13D	13. "___ are ..."	4
14D	16. Longtime newswoman Ifill	4
15D	20. Gender-neutral possessive	4
16D	23. Holder of emergency supplies	5
17D	24. Giant in chip manufacturing	4
18D	25. Gets to	4
19D	26. Many a Guinness Book record	4
20D	27. Shade akin to royal blue	5
21D	29. 6-0 set, in tennis slang	5
22D	30. "Whatever!"	9
23D	31. Pet that's mostly black with a white chest	9
24D	32. Ellie Kemper's role on "The Office"	4
25D	33. ___ money	4
26D	35. Kid	4
27D	38. Firmly fixed	7
28D	39. Offerer of fresh cuts	4
29D	41. Made last night, say	6
30D	42. Its participants are in for a wild ride	5
31D	43. Pop up	5
32D	44. Completely bomb	4
33D	45. Fuzzy	5
34D	46. Not cool - not cool at all!	4
35D	47. Some Twitter postings	4
36D	48. Brand that offers "Leg Mask" products	4
37D	49. One of nine for a traditional Baha'i temple	4
38D	51. Pro	3
39D	52. Org. at Grand Central Terminal	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. Challenge while sitting"

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 troublesome child
• Words that mean the same thing: little terror, holy terror, terror
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Answer to the old riddle "What's round on the ends and high in the middle?""

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 a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
• Words that mean the same thing: Buckeye State, Ohio River, OH
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OHIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Play with fire"

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: TEMPTFATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Blanks"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: HASNOIDEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Out-of-office procedure?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who ousts or supplants someone else
• Words that mean the same thing: ousting, ejector
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OUSTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. 72 answers and 34 black squares, for this puzzle"

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

  The answer is: SPECS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Hankering"

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 contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
• Words that mean the same thing: itching, spoil, urge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ITCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Quintana __, Mexican state that's home to Cancún"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: ROO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Spot for the night"

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 hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
• Words that mean the same thing: lodge, hostel, auberge
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Covering some ground?"

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 cover with sod
• Words that mean the same thing: double-dyed, everlasting, stark
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SODDING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Vertical dimension of a flag"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that lifting device for raising heavy or cumbersome objects
• Words that mean the same thing: run up, lift, wind
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Bops"

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 have sexual intercourse with
• Words that mean the same thing: sleep together, roll in the hay, make love
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BONKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. "___ are ...""

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 likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
• Words that mean the same thing: betting odds
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. Longtime newswoman Ifill"

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: GWEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Gender-neutral possessive"

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

  The answer is: ONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Holder of emergency supplies"

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: GOBAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Giant in chip manufacturing"

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 narrative song with a recurrent refrain
• Words that mean the same thing: position, put, 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: LAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Gets to"

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 irritate or vex
• Words that mean the same thing: gall, irk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Many a Guinness Book record"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a notable achievement
• Words that mean the same thing: effort, exploit
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Shade akin to royal blue"

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: LAPIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. 6-0 set, in tennis slang"

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 (yiddish) glazed yeast-raised doughnut-shaped roll with hard crust
• Words that mean the same thing: beigel
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAGEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. "Whatever!""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: ASIFICARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Pet that's mostly black with a white chest"

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: TUXEDOCAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Ellie Kemper's role on "The Office""

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 an early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "33. ___ money"

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 small hard fruit
• Words that mean the same thing: source, germ, seminal fluid
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "35. Kid"

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 native of yorkshire
• Words that mean the same thing: barbarian, youngster, nipper
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TYKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Firmly fixed"

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: DEADSET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "39. Offerer of fresh cuts"

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 shop selling ready-to-eat food products
• Words that mean the same thing: food shop, delicatessen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "41. Made last night, say"

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: DAYOLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "42. Its participants are in for a wild ride"

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

  The answer is: RODEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Pop 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 come into existence; take on form or shape
• Words that mean the same thing: spring up, grow, turn out
• The opposite would be: go to bed, turn in
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. Completely bomb"

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 arithmetic operation performed on floating-point numbers
• Words that mean the same thing: washout, dud, fizzle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "45. Fuzzy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not clearly understood or expressed; ; -anatole broyard; - p.a.sorokin; - john locke
• Words that mean the same thing: dim, faint, wispy
• The opposite would be: defined
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VAGUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "46. Not cool - not cool at all!"

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 get warm or warmer
• Words that mean the same thing: quick, lovesome, ardent
• The opposite would be: cool
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WARM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "47. Some Twitter postings"

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: GIFS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "48. Brand that offers "Leg Mask" products"

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: NAIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "49. One of nine for a traditional Baha'i temple"

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 place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
• Words that mean the same thing: English, position, incline
• The opposite would be: top
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "51. Pro"

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: genius, champion, A-one
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "52. Org. at Grand Central Terminal"

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: MTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	62	86.1%
Short Answer	4	5.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.8%
History	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 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 13, 2025 at 09:37 AM