December 12, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

December 12, 2023 Across Hints: NYT Tuesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Paper size longer than letter	5
2A	6. Letter between Whiskey and Yankee in the NATO alphabet	4
3A	10. ___ melt (sandwich)	4
4A	14. Start of a serial	5
5A	15. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" singer/lyricist	4
6A	16. Start and end of every row in Pascal's triangle	4
7A	17. Crotchety geezer with a heart of gold?	15
8A	20. Raggedy ___	3
9A	21. In a permissive manner	5
10A	22. King, queen or rook	5
11A	23. Paper-___	4
12A	25. City bird	6
13A	26. "Home Sweet Home" needlepoint pillow, e.g.?	12
14A	31. Seal up	5
15A	32. Greek god of love	4
16A	33. Streetcar, to a Brit	4
17A	37. Word with pressure, pocket or pollution	3
18A	38. Takes offense at	7
19A	41. Rink surface	3
20A	42. Capital of Azerbaijan	4
21A	44. Heredity unit	4
22A	45. Sorts	5
23A	47. Coup d'état that's been judicially suspended?	12
24A	50. Hotel Bible name	6
25A	53. "If all ___ fails ..."	4
26A	54. Decorate	5
27A	55. "To your health!" toast	5
28A	58. Employer of manicurists and pedicurists	3
29A	61. Where social graces were once taught ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme	15
30A	64. Like some farewells	4
31A	65. Febreze target	4
32A	66. Tickle	5
33A	67. Hellenic H's	4
34A	68. Baseball's Alonso or Rose	4
35A	69. "Designing Women" and "Young Sheldon" actress	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. Paper size longer than letter"

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 established by or founded upon law or official or accepted rules
• Words that mean the same thing: effectual, sound
• The opposite would be: illegal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEGAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Letter between Whiskey and Yankee in the NATO alphabet"

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: XRAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. ___ melt (sandwich)"

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: tuna fish, Opuntia tuna, 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 4 Across: "14. Start of a serial"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: PARTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" singer/lyricist"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BONO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Start and end of every row in Pascal's triangle"

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

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, 1, single
• The 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 7 Across: "17. Crotchety geezer with a heart of gold?"

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: GRUMPYOLDMENSCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Raggedy ___"

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: ANN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. In a permissive manner"

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 in a permissively lenient manner
• Words that mean the same thing: leniently
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAXLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. King, queen or rook"

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 separate part of a whole
• Words that mean the same thing: tack together, slice, firearm
• The opposite would be: disassemble
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIECE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Paper-___"

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 lose thickness; become thin or thinner
• Words that mean the same thing: slender, lose weight, slight
• The opposite would be: thicken, full
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. City bird"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that wild and domesticated birds having a heavy body and short legs
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIGEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. "Home Sweet Home" needlepoint pillow, e.g.?"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: SEWINGKITSCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "31. Seal 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 the temporal end; the concluding time
• Words that mean the same thing: conclusion, tightlipped, fill up
• The opposite would be: far, distant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLOSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Greek god of 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 (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
• Words that mean the same thing: sexual desire, concupiscence, physical attraction
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Streetcar, to a Brit"

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 conveyance that transports passengers or freight in carriers suspended from cables and supported by a series of towers
• Words that mean the same thing: ropeway, streetcar, trolley
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Word with pressure, pocket or pollution"

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 mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
• Words that mean the same thing: send, transmit, gentle 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: AIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Takes offense at"

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 feel bitter or indignant about
• Words that mean the same thing: begrudge, resent
• The opposite would be: wish
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Rink surface"

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

  The answer is: ICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Capital of Azerbaijan"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a port city on the caspian sea that is the capital of azerbaijan and an important center for oil production
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Azerbaijan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAKU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Heredity unit"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (genetics) a segment of dna that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding dna as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
• Words that mean the same thing: factor, cistron
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Sorts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
• Words that mean the same thing: sort, kind, form
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KINDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Coup d'état that's been judicially suspended?"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: STAYEDPUTSCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Hotel Bible name"

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: GIDEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "53. "If all ___ fails ...""

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: ELSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "54. Decorate"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: invest, deck, decorate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADORN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "55. "To your health!" toast"

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: SKOAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "58. Employer of manicurists and pedicurists"

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 health resort near a spring or at the seaside
• Words that mean the same thing: health club, watering place, watering hole
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "61. Where social graces were once taught ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme"

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: FINISHINGSCHOOL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "64. Like some farewells"

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 displaying warmth or affection
• Words that mean the same thing: adoring, partial, warm
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "65. Febreze target"

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 property detected by the olfactory system
• Words that mean the same thing: smell, olfactory perception, scent
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "66. Tickle"

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 occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
• Words that mean the same thing: divert, disport
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "67. Hellenic H's"

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

  The answer is: ETAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "68. Baseball's Alonso or Rose"

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: PETE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "69. "Designing Women" and "Young Sheldon" actress"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: POTTS

  Great job if you got it right!

December 12, 2023 Down Hints: NYT Tuesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Sports org. that awards the Vare Trophy	4
2D	2. Bring in	4
3D	3. Labor that requires brawn, not brains	9
4D	4. After-hours banking convenience, in brief	3
5D	5. Cosmetic pencil	8
6D	6. Microsoft game console	4
7D	7. Tape dispenser insert	4
8D	8. Raggedy ___	4
9D	9. ___ Kippur	3
10D	10. This evening	7
11D	11. Wipe from the memory, jocularly	5
12D	12. Longtime manufacturer of Sweethearts	5
13D	13. Very pale	5
14D	18. Comic actor Bowen	4
15D	19. Film with a huge cast	4
16D	24. "The Barber and ___ Wife" ("Sweeney Todd" song)	3
17D	25. Attention-getting sound	4
18D	26. Sign of healing	4
19D	27. Director Kazan	4
20D	28. Novelist Ken	5
21D	29. Greek goddess of peace	5
22D	30. Having well-defined muscles	5
23D	34. Removes the shampoo from, say	9
24D	35. Rock band on Butt-head's T-shirt	4
25D	36. Chicken wire pattern	4
26D	39. "The Candy House" author Jennifer	4
27D	40. Yarmulke, e.g.	8
28D	43. Data in password managers	7
29D	46. "___ a long story"	3
30D	48. Oodles	4
31D	49. Mattar paneer ingredients	4
32D	50. Embarrassing blunder	5
33D	51. Nincompoop	5
34D	52. Prima ___	5
35D	55. Team	4
36D	56. Muscle problem	4
37D	57. Story time monster	4
38D	59. The Washington ___	4
39D	60. Drinks labeled "XXX" in comics	4
40D	62. Short trip	3
41D	63. Med. plan choice	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. Sports org. that awards the Vare Trophy"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard 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: LPGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Bring in"

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 earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
• Words that mean the same thing: make, take in, pull in
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EARN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Labor that requires brawn, not brains"

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: GRUNTWORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. After-hours banking convenience, 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 unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
• Words that mean the same thing: asynchronous transfer mode, automated teller machine, atmosphere
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Cosmetic pencil"

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: LIPLINER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Microsoft game console"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: XBOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Tape dispenser insert"

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

  The answer is: ROLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Raggedy ___"

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: ANDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. ___ Kippur"

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: YOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. This evening"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the present or immediately coming night
• Words that mean the same thing: this evening, this night
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONIGHT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Wipe from the memory, jocularly"

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: UNSEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Longtime manufacturer of Sweethearts"

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: NECCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Very pale"

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 anemic looking from illness or emotion; ; ; ; ; - mary w. shelley
• Words that mean the same thing: white, blanched, bloodless
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASHEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Comic actor Bowen"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the bright positive masculine principle in chinese dualistic cosmology
• The opposite would be: yin
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YANG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Film with a huge cast"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
• Words that mean the same thing: epic poem, heroic poem, epical
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. "The Barber and ___ Wife" ("Sweeney Todd" song)"

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: HIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Attention-getting sound"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PSST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Sign of healing"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SCAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Director Kazan"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that english essayist (1775-1834)
• Words that mean the same thing: Charles Lamb, Lamb
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Novelist Ken"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states writer whose best-known novel was based on his experiences as an attendant in a mental hospital (1935-2001)
• Words that mean the same thing: Ken Elton Kesey, Ken Kesey
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KESEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Greek goddess of peace"

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: IRENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Having well-defined muscles"

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 utter monotonously and repetitively and rhythmically
• Words that mean the same thing: chant, modulate, intone
• The opposite would be: toneless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Removes the shampoo from, say"

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: RINSESOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Rock band on Butt-head's T-shirt"

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: ACDC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Chicken wire pattern"

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 number of openings per linear inch of a screen; measures size of particles
• Words that mean the same thing: meshwork, meshing, engage
• The opposite would be: disengage
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MESH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. "The Candy House" author Jennifer"

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: EGAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Yarmulke, e.g."

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 rounded brimless cap fitting the crown of the head
• Words that mean the same thing: calvaria, helmetflower
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKULLCAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Data in password managers"

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: USERIDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. "___ a long story""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the branch of engineering that deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to retrieve and store and transmit information
• Words that mean the same thing: information technology, 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: ITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Oodles"

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 large number or amount
• Words that mean the same thing: rafts, gobs, net ton
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Mattar paneer ingredients"

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 seed of a pea plant used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: pea plant, pea
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Embarrassing blunder"

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 socially awkward or tactless act
• Words that mean the same thing: slip, solecism, faux pas
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAFFE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Nincompoop"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IDIOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Prima ___"

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

  The answer is: DONNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. Team"

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

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: side of meat, English, 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 36 Down: "56. Muscle problem"

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 tight cluster of people or things
• Words that mean the same thing: nautical mile, ravel, mile
• The opposite would be: unknot, unravel
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "57. Story time monster"

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 cruel wicked and inhuman person
• Words that mean the same thing: fiend, devil, demon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OGRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. The Washington ___"

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 position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand
• Words that mean the same thing: situation, send, Emily Price Post
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. Drinks labeled "XXX" in comics"

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 a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
• Words that mean the same thing: ale
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "62. Short trip"

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 act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
• Words that mean the same thing: record hop, skip, hop-skip
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "63. Med. plan choice"

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 group insurance that entitles members to services of participating hospitals and clinics and physicians
• Words that mean the same thing: health maintenance 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: HMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	67.1%
Short Answer	9	11.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	7	9.2%
Geography	2	2.6%
Sports	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	41
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 Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: August 28, 2025 at 11:38 PM

May 02, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (30 clues)
• Down Clues (36 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• March 09 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 19 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 08 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 27 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 16 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, May 02, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 66 (30 Across, 36 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

Across Clues Explained - Saturday NYT Crossword May 02, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Unlike sheep	12
2A	13. Slangy phrase following an unpopular opinion	13
3A	14. "Oh my stars!"	14
4A	15. Small bits of progress	5
5A	16. Kind of student	3
6A	17. Actress Amanda	4
7A	18. ___ Diaz, detective on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"	4
8A	19. Emulate Beyoncé in 2003	6
9A	22. Spanish title: Abbr.	3
10A	23. Press, informally	3
11A	24. Ben-___	3
12A	25. Usual practice	4
13A	27. Leaves back at the house, maybe	7
14A	29. Kind of diet that can help lower blood pressure	6
15A	32. Sings like Mary Poppins	6
16A	33. Word in many Emmy categories	6
17A	35. Smaller than small	6
18A	37. Swells up, as a lip	7
19A	38. Strip	4
20A	39. Carry-___	3
21A	40. Its end might be lamented	3
22A	41. Reason to raise one's hand	3
23A	44. Basic chords	6
24A	46. Kind of rug that's bad to lose an earring in	4
25A	47. Crosspiece in a grate, often	4
26A	49. Org. for the L.A. Galaxy	3
27A	50. Title song character who's asked "Did your mom get back from her business trip?"	5
28A	51. Healthy soup base	14
29A	55. Provider of sensory deprivation	13
30A	56. "Don't admit to anything!"	12

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. Unlike sheep"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the doctrine that reason is the right basis for regulating conduct
• Words that mean the same thing: rationalism
• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FREETHINKING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "13. Slangy phrase following an unpopular opinion"

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: SAIDNOONEEVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "14. "Oh my stars!""

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LANDSAKESALIVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. Small bits of progress"

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 appreciable consequence (especially a lessening)
• Words that mean the same thing: indent, slit, nick
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Kind of student"

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 master's degree in education
• Words that mean the same thing: Master of Education
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Actress Amanda"

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: PEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. ___ Diaz, detective on "Brooklyn Nine-Nine""

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 large genus of erect or climbing prickly shrubs including roses
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Rosa
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Emulate Beyoncé in 2003"

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: GOSOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "22. Spanish title: Abbr."

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. Press, informally"

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

  The answer is: INK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Ben-___"

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: HUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Usual practice"

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 established custom
• Words that mean the same thing: habit
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WONT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Leaves back at the house, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
• Words that mean the same thing: blank out, draw a blank, forget
• The opposite would be: mind, remember
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FORGETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Kind of diet that can help lower blood pressure"

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: NOSALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Sings like Mary Poppins"

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 note that alternates rapidly with another note a semitone above it
• Words that mean the same thing: warble, shake, quaver
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRILLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Word in many Emmy categories"

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 similar things placed in order or happening one after another
• Words that mean the same thing: serial, serial publication
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Smaller than small"

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 of or relating to or comprising atoms
• Words that mean the same thing: nuclear
• The opposite would be: conventional
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATOMIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Swells up, as a lip"

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: GETSFAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Strip"

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 british politician (1788-1850)
• Words that mean the same thing: disrobe, unclothe, Sir Robert Peel
• The opposite would be: dress
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Carry-___"

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: ONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Its end might be lamented"

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 period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Words that mean the same thing: earned run average, epoch, 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: ERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Reason to raise one's hand"

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 solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner
• Words that mean the same thing: consecrate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Basic chords"

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

  The answer is: TRIADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Kind of rug that's bad to lose an earring in"

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 strong coarse tobacco that has been shredded
• Words that mean the same thing: screw, piece of ass, screwing
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Crosspiece in a grate, often"

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: IBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Org. for the L.A. Galaxy"

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 master's degree in library science
• Words that mean the same thing: millilitre, cubic centimetre, cc
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. Title song character who's asked "Did your mom get back from her business trip?""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a expert clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STACY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Healthy soup base"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: VEGETABLESTOCK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Provider of sensory deprivation"

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: ISOLATIONTANK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. "Don't admit to anything!""

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: DENYDENYDENY

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Saturday Puzzle May 02, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Crush alternative	5
2D	2. Disencumbers	4
3D	3. Ones making periodical changes, for short	3
4D	4. Charms	7
5D	5. Takes some hits	5
6D	6. Do-si-do do	7
7D	7. Valuable contacts	3
8D	8. Org. opposing school vouchers	3
9D	9. Part of a forest that can grow as fast as two feet a day	4
10D	10. Frequently ranked octet	5
11D	11. "Like THAT'S gonna happen!"	5
12D	12. ___ Thunberg, Time's youngest Person of the Year	5
13D	13. Language from which we get "karma"	8
14D	14. Heroine in Verdi's "Il Trovatore"	7
15D	15. Get carried away	5
16D	19. Showing more nerve	7
17D	20. Warms (up)	7
18D	21. Points of interest for epidemiologists	6
19D	24. Knight cap	6
20D	26. Smears	4
21D	28. What school lunch is often depicted as in cartoons	4
22D	30. Tip for increasing productivity	8
23D	31. Caddy alternative	7
24D	34. Excessively theatrical	5
25D	36. Invitation from a driver	7
26D	37. Unexpected blessing	7
27D	41. Striking	5
28D	42. Like Jabba the Hutt	5
29D	43. "Calvin and Hobbes" conveyance	5
30D	45. Bronze, e.g.	5
31D	46. Poker-faced	5
32D	48. Rest (on)	4
33D	50. Obsessive fan, slangily	4
34D	52. Skosh	3
35D	53. Took a course, say	3
36D	54. Abbr. in many an office building address	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. Crush alternative"

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: FANTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Disencumbers"

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 relieve from
• Words that mean the same thing: free, rid, disembarrass
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Ones making periodical changes, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a rapid automatic system to detect plastic explosives in passengers' luggage using x-ray technology and computers; designed for use in airports
• Words that mean the same thing: explosive detection system, erectile dysfunction, male erecticle dysfunction
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Charms"

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 attract; cause to be enamored
• Words that mean the same thing: trance, bewitch, capture
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENAMORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Takes some hits"

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 puff of a marijuana or hashish cigarette
• Words that mean the same thing: toke
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Do-si-do do"

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: HOEDOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Valuable contacts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an agency in the department of justice that enforces laws and regulations for the admission of foreign-born persons to the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 49, In, Hoosier State
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Org. opposing school vouchers"

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: NEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Part of a forest that can grow as fast as two feet a day"

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 large brown seaweeds having fluted leathery fronds
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KELP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Frequently ranked octet"

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 old world vine with lobed evergreen leaves and black berrylike fruits
• Words that mean the same thing: ivy, Hedera helix, common ivy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IVIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Like THAT'S gonna happen!""

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 not ever; at no time in the past or future
• Words that mean the same thing: ne'er
• The opposite would be: ever
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. ___ Thunberg, Time's youngest Person of the Year"

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: GRETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Language from which we get "karma""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (hinduism) an ancient language of india (the language of the vedas and of hinduism); an official language of india although it is now used only for religious purposes
• Words that mean the same thing: Sanskritic language
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SANSKRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Heroine in Verdi's "Il Trovatore""

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: LEONORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "15. Get carried away"

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 force that moves something along
• Words that mean the same thing: rove, vagabond, movement
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRIFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "19. Showing more nerve"

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 marked by courage and determination in the face of difficulties or danger; robust and uninhibited; ; -judith crist
• Words that mean the same thing: gutsy, plucky
• The opposite would be: gutless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GUTSIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "20. Warms (up)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make loose or looser
• Words that mean the same thing: loosen, loose, undo
• The opposite would be: stiffen
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOOSENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "21. Points of interest for epidemiologists"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the beginning or early stages
• Words that mean the same thing: onslaught, oncoming, onset
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONSETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "24. Knight cap"

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 armor plate that protects the head
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HELMET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Smears"

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 of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
• Words that mean the same thing: tar, Jack-tar, pitch
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. What school lunch is often depicted as in cartoons"

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 any gummy shapeless matter; usually unpleasant
• Words that mean the same thing: treacle, slop, mush
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Tip for increasing productivity"

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 one's day-to-day activities more efficient
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIFEHACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Caddy alternative"

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: TEARACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Excessively theatrical"

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 having characteristics of the stage especially an artificial and mannered quality
• Words that mean the same thing: stagey
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAGY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Invitation from a driver"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CLIMBIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Unexpected blessing"

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 sudden happening that brings good fortune (as a sudden opportunity to make money)
• Words that mean the same thing: gravy, manna from heaven, windfall
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GODSEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Striking"

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 evoking lifelike images within the mind
• Words that mean the same thing: lifelike, graphic, bright
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VIVID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Like Jabba the Hutt"

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 excessively fat
• Words that mean the same thing: corpulent, rotund, weighty
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBESE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. "Calvin and Hobbes" conveyance"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor
• Words that mean the same thing: beach wagon, paddy wagon, police van
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAGON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Bronze, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and nonmetallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten
• Words that mean the same thing: admixture, debase, metal
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALLOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Poker-faced"

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 abounding in rocks or stones
• Words that mean the same thing: rocky, granitelike, flinty
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STONY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Rest (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 have confidence or faith in
• Words that mean the same thing: trust, swear, bank
• The opposite would be: mistrust
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RELY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Obsessive fan, slangily"

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: STAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Skosh"

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 slight amount or degree of difference
• Words that mean the same thing: shade
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Took a course, say"

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 goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
• Words that mean the same thing: consume, corrode, rust
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. Abbr. in many an office building address"

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: STE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	47	71.2%
Short Answer	11	16.7%
Abbreviation	3	4.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	3.0%
Music	1	1.5%
History	1	1.5%
Geography	1	1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	30
Down Clues	36
Total Clues	66
Average Answer Length	5.6 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Saturday, 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

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• August 25 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
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• August 16 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 13 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 08 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 09 2025
• March 19 2024 NYT Clues Solutions

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 25, 2025 at 11:18 AM