May 20, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, May 20, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

NYT Friday Crossword Across Clues - May 20, 2022 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Prefix with directional	4
2A	5. Border	4
3A	9. Sort who refuses to answer	4
4A	13. A sumo wrestler's is called a mawashi	9
5A	15. Catherine of "Schitt's Creek"	5
6A	16. Spot remover?	9
7A	17. Candle holders, sometimes	5
8A	18. Close	4
9A	19. Prophetic	9
10A	21. ___-jongg	3
11A	23. U.S. locale that, when said quickly, sounds like a cheer	4
12A	24. Highway exit sign	3
13A	25. As seen in chemistry class?	7
14A	29. Velvet-voiced Mel	5
15A	31. Word with happy or rush	4
16A	32. Causing a boom, maybe	10
17A	36. Pokémon that ultimately evolves into Alakazam	4
18A	37. Digital alternative	5
19A	38. ___ of Citium, philosopher who founded Stoicism	4
20A	39. Vulnerable area	10
21A	41. Keen	4
22A	42. Monster's opposite	5
23A	43. Doctrines	7
24A	45. ___-term test for divergence (calculus concept)	3
25A	47. Improvise on stage	4
26A	49. San Francisco's ___ Hill	3
27A	50. Grammy winner for 1983's "Flashdance ... What a Feeling"	9
28A	53. Small flaw	4
29A	56. Ambulatory aids	5
30A	57. Manet called him "the painter of painters"	9
31A	60. Cousin of an aardwolf	5
32A	61. Unlikely match	9
33A	62. ___ noche (tonight: Sp.)	4
34A	63. Source	4
35A	64. Its website has a "Fantasy" page	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. Prefix with directional"

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: OMNI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Border"

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 lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
• Words that mean the same thing: border, adjoin, edge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Sort who refuses to answer"

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 burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness
• Words that mean the same thing: one dollar bill, buck, dollar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. A sumo wrestler's is called a mawashi"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a garment that provides covering for the loins
• Words that mean the same thing: breechclout, breechcloth
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOINCLOTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Catherine of "Schitt's Creek""

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: OHARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Spot remover?"

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: DOGNAPPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Candle holders, sometimes"

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 block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)
• Words that mean the same thing: patty, coat, cake
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Close"

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 move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
• Words that mean the same thing: close, exclude, unopen
• The opposite would be: open, admit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Prophetic"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that perceiving the significance of events before they occur; -r.h.rovere
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRESCIENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. ___-jongg"

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: MAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. U.S. locale that, when said quickly, sounds like a cheer"

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 island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
• Words that mean the same thing: Oahu Island
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAHU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Highway exit sign"

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 state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
• Words that mean the same thing: gasoline, flatulence, gasolene
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. As seen in chemistry class?"

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 a white powdered poisonous trioxide of arsenic; used in manufacturing glass and as a pesticide (rat poison) and weed killer
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 33, white arsenic, ratsbane
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARSENIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Velvet-voiced Mel"

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: TORME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Word with happy or rush"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
• Words that mean the same thing: hr, time of day, minute
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Causing a boom, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (of speed) greater than the speed of sound in a given medium (especially air)
• Words that mean the same thing: ultrasonic
• The opposite would be: sonic
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUPERSONIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Pokémon that ultimately evolves into Alakazam"

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: ABRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Digital alternative"

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 text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
• Words that mean the same thing: impress, mark, photographic print
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. ___ of Citium, philosopher who founded Stoicism"

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 ancient greek philosopher who formulated paradoxes that defended the belief that motion and change are illusory (circa 495-430 bc)
• Words that mean the same thing: Zeno of Citium, Zeno of Elea
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZENO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Vulnerable area"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: SOFTTARGET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Keen"

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 (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
• Words that mean the same thing: zealous, greedy, esurient
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Monster's opposite"

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 (used informally) very small
• Words that mean the same thing: wee, weensy, teensy-weensy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEENY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Doctrines"

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 religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
• Words that mean the same thing: tenet, dogma
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOGMATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. ___-term test for divergence (calculus concept)"

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 last or greatest in an indefinitely large series
• Words that mean the same thing: n-th
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Improvise on stage"

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 berber living in northern morocco
• Words that mean the same thing: Riffian, flick, riffle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. San Francisco's ___ Hill"

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 informal term for an upper-class or wealthy person
• Words that mean the same thing: toff
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. Grammy winner for 1983's "Flashdance ... What a Feeling""

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: IRENECARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. Small flaw"

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 impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
• Words that mean the same thing: gouge, dent, chip
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Ambulatory aids"

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 stick that people can lean on to help them walk
• Words that mean the same thing: cane, tin, terminate
• The opposite would be: hire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CANES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. Manet called him "the painter of painters""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that spanish painter (1599-1660)
• Words that mean the same thing: Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VELAZQUEZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. Cousin of an aardwolf"

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 doglike nocturnal mammal of africa and southern asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
• Words that mean the same thing: hyaena
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HYENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. Unlikely match"

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: ODDCOUPLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. ___ noche (tonight: Sp.)"

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: ESTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Source"

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 (botany) the usually underground organ that lacks buds or leaves or nodes; absorbs water and mineral salts; usually it anchors the plant to the ground
• Words that mean the same thing: rootle, theme, rout
• The opposite would be: descendant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. Its website has a "Fantasy" page"

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: ESPN

  Great job if you got it right!

May 20, 2022 Friday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Up there, you might say	3
2D	2. Stock exchange?	4
3D	3. Close	4
4D	4. Unable to perform operations	10
5D	5. Weisshorn, e.g.	3
6D	6. Astronomer Thomas for whom a comet is named	4
7D	7. Not yet delivered, after "in"	5
8D	8. Status on a conservationist's "Red List"	10
9D	9. Non-coffee Starbucks order	4
10D	10. Germans call it Genfersee	10
11D	11. Political ___	5
12D	12. They're rigged	5
13D	14. Board game set on an island	5
14D	15. "It ___ to me ..."	6
15D	20. Unit equal to 907.2 kilograms	8
16D	22. Like only one member of the Supreme Court in its history (Sonia Sotomayor)	8
17D	25. Solvers' reactions	4
18D	26. Lead-in to call	4
19D	27. Browse, say	10
20D	28. Seek advancement through flattery	10
21D	30. Only one-word country that contains all five vowels	10
22D	33. Literature's Napoleon, e.g.	3
23D	34. Contending	4
24D	35. Best Picture winner in 2022	4
25D	40. W.N.B.A. great Weatherspoon	6
26D	44. Highly exaggerated and subjective, as journalism	5
27D	45. Specialization	5
28D	46. High-chair features	5
29D	48. Italian nickname that omits Al-	5
30D	51. "99 Luftballons" singer	4
31D	52. Big name in fashion footwear	4
32D	54. Holds gingerly, maybe	4
33D	55. Underwater forest	4
34D	58. Charade	3
35D	59. Kind of garden	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. Up there, you might 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 past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
• Words that mean the same thing: previous, former, quondam
• The opposite would be: new, young
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Stock exchange?"

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 sound made by a cow or bull
• Words that mean the same thing: moo, low
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Close"

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

  The answer is: NIGH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Unable to perform operations"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that lacking knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts and methods
• The opposite would be: numerate
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INNUMERATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Weisshorn, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any high mountain
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Astronomer Thomas for whom a comet is named"

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: BOPP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Not yet delivered, after "in""

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: UTERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Status on a conservationist's "Red List""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that pose a threat to; present a danger to
• Words that mean the same thing: imperil, peril, endanger
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THREATENED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Non-coffee Starbucks order"

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: CHAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Germans call it Genfersee"

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: LAKEGENEVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Political ___"

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 particular environment or walk of life
• Words that mean the same thing: area, scene of action, sphere
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. They're rigged"

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 vertical spar for supporting sails
• Words that mean the same thing: mast
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MASTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Board game set on an island"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CATAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. "It ___ to me ...""

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 come to pass
• Words that mean the same thing: occur, happen, take place
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCCURS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Unit equal to 907.2 kilograms"

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: SHORTTON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Like only one member of the Supreme Court in its history (Sonia Sotomayor)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an american whose first language is spanish
• Words that mean the same thing: Hispanic American, Spanish American, Latino
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HISPANIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Solvers' reactions"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AHAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Lead-in to call"

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: ROBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Browse, say"

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: SURFTHENET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Seek advancement through flattery"

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: CURRYFAVOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Only one-word country that contains all five vowels"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a republic on the southeastern coast of africa on the mozambique channel; became independent from portugal in 1975
• Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Mozambique, Mocambique
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOZAMBIQUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Literature's Napoleon, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that domestic swine
• Words that mean the same thing: Sus scrofa, fuzz, cop
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Contending"

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: INIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Best Picture winner in 2022"

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 closing section of a musical composition
• Words that mean the same thing: finale
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CODA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. W.N.B.A. great Weatherspoon"

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 indian nun and missionary in the roman catholic church (born of albanian parents in what is now macedonia); dedicated to helping the poor in india (1910-1997)
• Words that mean the same thing: Mother Theresa, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, Theresa
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TERESA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "44. Highly exaggerated and subjective, as journalism"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
• Words that mean the same thing: bizarre, flakey, outre
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GONZO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "45. Specialization"

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 position particularly well suited to the person who occupies it
• Words that mean the same thing: corner, recess, recession
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NICHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. High-chair features"

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 open receptacle for holding or displaying or serving articles or food
• Words that mean the same thing: tray
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Italian nickname that omits Al-"

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: FREDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "51. "99 Luftballons" singer"

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: NENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "52. Big name in fashion footwear"

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: ALDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "54. Holds gingerly, maybe"

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 small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
• Words that mean the same thing: cupful, cup, loving cup
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "55. Underwater forest"

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 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 34 Down: "58. Charade"

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 legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
• Words that mean the same thing: roleplay, do, play
• The opposite would be: refrain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "59. Kind of garden"

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 school of mahayana buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith; china and japan
• Words that mean the same thing: Elvis, loony toons, window pane
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	75.7%
Short Answer	8	11.4%
History	5	7.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.9%
Sports	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.5 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 09, 2025 at 10:17 PM

February 20, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

February 20, 2024 Tuesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Mail inits. since 1971	4
2A	5. ___-Carlton (hotel chain)	4
3A	9. Lettuce or cabbage	5
4A	14. Small recess	4
5A	15. Drill (into)	4
6A	16. Hero of Narnia in C. S. Lewis novels	5
7A	17. Evidence of a day at the beach	9
8A	19. In a deadpan manner	5
9A	20. Spleen	3
10A	21. Middle of a classic boast from Caesar	4
11A	22. Spanish girlfriend	5
12A	23. "Phooey!"	5
13A	25. Chocolate confection with a molten core	8
14A	28. Partner of "ceases"	7
15A	31. "Science is like ___: Sometimes something useful comes out, but that is not the reason we are doing it": Richard Feynman	3
16A	32. Cleric's title, for short	3
17A	33. Tiki bar drink	6
18A	35. Part of a decent-sized plot	4
19A	36. Effect of secondhand pot smoke	11
20A	39. Uber-fan	4
21A	41. Ted ___, author of the best-selling short-story collection "Exhalation"	6
22A	42. Make a mistake	3
23A	43. "Well, lah-di-___"	3
24A	45. Made an irreverently sarcastic comment	7
25A	49. Flight of fancy	8
26A	52. Crooner Mel who was called "The Velvet Fog"	5
27A	53. Common sight along the Norwegian coast	5
28A	54. Male admirer	4
29A	57. Signature Obama achievement, in brief	3
30A	58. Held on (to)	5
31A	59. Description of 17-, 25-, 36- and 49-Across, in different senses?	9
32A	61. Where it's at	5
33A	62. Afghan's place	4
34A	63. Bottom of a boat	4
35A	64. Army squad leaders: Abbr.	5
36A	65. Rudely "welcome" the away team	4
37A	66. "Toy Story" boy	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. Mail inits. since 1971"

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 independent federal agency that provides mail processing and delivery service for individuals and businesses in the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: US Postal Service, United States Postal Service
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. ___-Carlton (hotel chain)"

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 swiss hotelier who created a chain of elegant hotels (1850-1918)
• Words that mean the same thing: Cesar Ritz
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RITZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Lettuce or cabbage"

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: MOOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Small recess"

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 sheltered and secluded place
• Words that mean the same thing: corner
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOOK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Drill (into)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who evokes boredom
• Words that mean the same thing: aegir, gauge, drill hole
• The opposite would be: interest
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Hero of Narnia in C. S. Lewis novels"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ASLAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Evidence of a day at the beach"

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: BIKINITAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. In a deadpan 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 dry laconic manner; he said dryly
• Words that mean the same thing: dryly, laconically
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRILY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Spleen"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Middle of a classic boast from Caesar"

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: ISAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Spanish girlfriend"

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: AMIGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. "Phooey!""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: NERTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Chocolate confection with a molten core"

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: LAVACAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Partner of "ceases""

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 choose not to consume
• Words that mean the same thing: refrain, abstain, desist
• The opposite would be: consume
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DESISTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. "Science is like ___: Sometimes something useful comes out, but that is not the reason we are doing it": Richard Feynman"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that activities associated with sexual intercourse
• Words that mean the same thing: sexual urge, sex activity, excite
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Cleric's title, 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 rate of revolution of a motor
• Words that mean the same thing: revolutions per minute, rev up, rpm
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Tiki bar drink"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MAITAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Part of a decent-sized plot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
• Words that mean the same thing: Akko, Accho, Akka
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. Effect of secondhand pot smoke"

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: CONTACTHIGH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Uber-fan"

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: STAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Ted ___, author of the best-selling short-story collection "Exhalation""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: CHIANG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Make a mistake"

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 to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: mistake, stray, slip
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. "Well, lah-di-___""

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 longer of the two telegraphic signals used in morse code
• Words that mean the same thing: dash
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Made an irreverently sarcastic comment"

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: SNARKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Flight of fancy"

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: WILDIDEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. Crooner Mel who was called "The Velvet Fog""

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: TORME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. Common sight along the Norwegian coast"

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 long narrow inlet of the sea between steep cliffs; common in norway
• Words that mean the same thing: fiord
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FJORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. Male admirer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a man who is the lover of a girl or young woman
• Words that mean the same thing: dandy, young man, fellow
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "57. Signature Obama achievement, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "58. Held on (to)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation
• Words that mean the same thing: adhere, cleave, cling
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLUNG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Description of 17-, 25-, 36- and 49-Across, in different senses?"

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: HALFBAKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. Where it's at"

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 scene of any event or action (especially the place of a meeting)
• Words that mean the same thing: locale, locus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VENUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. Afghan's place"

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 largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Bottom of a boat"

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 projection or ridge that suggests a keel
• Words that mean the same thing: stagger, careen, reel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KEEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. Army squad leaders: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SSGTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "65. Rudely "welcome" the away team"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that showing your contempt by derision
• Words that mean the same thing: mockery, jeering, scoffing
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JEER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "66. "Toy Story" boy"

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!

Down Clues Decoded - Tuesday NYT Crossword February 20, 2024

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Remove the fastenings from	6
2D	2. Evening party	6
3D	3. Tools for fireplaces	6
4D	4. Winter item on a car's roof rack	3
5D	5. Hank Aaron holds the M.L.B. record for these, for short (2,297)	4
6D	6. Smidgen	4
7D	7. Fishing net	5
8D	8. Mindfulness-based practice	3
9D	9. Cop-turned-vigilante in a postapocalyptic film	6
10D	10. Courtier who oversees Hamlet's duel with Laertes	5
11D	11. Member of a powerful ruling elite	8
12D	12. B-baller in California	7
13D	13. "___ takers?"	3
14D	18. Altima maker	6
15D	22. "___ Maria"	3
16D	24. Shakespeare's "___ of Athens"	5
17D	26. "Given the way things appear …"	6
18D	27. 12/24 or 12/31	3
19D	29. Small songbird	3
20D	30. Upper part of a Vandyke beard, informally	6
21D	34. German "Geez!"	3
22D	35. Belligerent, in British slang	5
23D	36. Swiss founder of analytical psychology	8
24D	37. Largest Chinese ethnic group	3
25D	38. Like "three men" of nursery rhyme	6
26D	39. Patch things up, say?	3
27D	40. Unimportant things	7
28D	43. Funereal compositions	6
29D	44. Chip in	3
30D	46. N.H.L. team with a mythological eponym	6
31D	47. Presided over a roast, say	6
32D	48. Lethal	6
33D	50. Dunkable edible	5
34D	51. Degrade	5
35D	55. Nobelist Wiesel	4
36D	56. Miles away	4
37D	58. Big name in pharmacies	3
38D	59. One of Islam's Five Pillars	3
39D	60. Inits. before a nickname	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. Remove the fastenings from"

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 untie or unfasten
• The opposite would be: bind
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNBIND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Evening party"

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 party of people assembled in the evening (usually at a private 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: SOIREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Tools for fireplaces"

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 fire iron consisting of a metal rod with a handle; used to stir a fire
• Words that mean the same thing: poker game, salamander, poker
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POKERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Winter item on a car's roof rack"

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 narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Hank Aaron holds the M.L.B. record for these, for short (2,297)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a run that is the result of the batter's performance
• Words that mean the same thing: rbi, run batted 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: RBIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Smidgen"

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 tiny or scarcely detectable amount
• Words that mean the same thing: scintilla, smidge, smidgeon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IOTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Fishing net"

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 long fishing line with many shorter lines and hooks attached to it (usually suspended between buoys)
• Words that mean the same thing: trotline, trawl line, trawl net
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRAWL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Mindfulness-based practice"

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 school of mahayana buddhism asserting that enlightenment can come through meditation and intuition rather than faith; china and japan
• Words that mean the same thing: Lucy in the sky with diamonds, dose, battery-acid
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Cop-turned-vigilante in a postapocalyptic film"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MADMAX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Courtier who oversees Hamlet's duel with Laertes"

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: OSRIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Member of a powerful ruling elite"

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

  The answer is: OLIGARCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. B-baller in California"

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: LALAKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. "___ takers?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one or some or every or all without specification
• Words that mean the same thing: whatsoever, whatever
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Altima maker"

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 seventh month of the civil year; the first month of the ecclesiastic year (in march and april)
• Words that mean the same thing: Nisan
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NISSAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. "___ Maria""

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: AVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Shakespeare's "___ of Athens""

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: TIMON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. "Given the way things appear …""

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: ASITIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. 12/24 or 12/31"

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 (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
• Words that mean the same thing: even, evening, eventide
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Small songbird"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that either of two soft fleshy milk-secreting glandular organs on the chest of a woman
• Words that mean the same thing: bosom, breast, boob
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Upper part of a Vandyke beard, informally"

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: STACHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. German "Geez!""

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: ACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Belligerent, in British 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 (informal british usage) aggravation or aggression
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGGRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Swiss founder of analytical psychology"

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: CARLJUNG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Largest Chinese ethnic group"

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 imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
• Words that mean the same thing: Han dynasty
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Like "three men" of nursery rhyme"

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: INATUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Patch things up, say?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fasten by sewing; do needlework
• Words that mean the same thing: tailor, stitch, sew together
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Unimportant things"

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 cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
• Words that mean the same thing: small beer, triviality, technicality
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIFLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Funereal compositions"

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 song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
• Words that mean the same thing: coronach, lament, dirge
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIRGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Chip in"

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 condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
• Words that mean the same thing: hyperkinetic syndrome, sum up, tot up
• The opposite would be: take away, subtract
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. N.H.L. team with a mythological eponym"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: KRAKEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Presided over a roast, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that act as a master of ceremonies
• Words that mean the same thing: compere, emcee
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMCEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Lethal"

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 causing or capable of causing death
• Words that mean the same thing: lifelessly, deathly, pestilent
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEADLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Dunkable edible"

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 small ring-shaped friedcake
• Words that mean the same thing: doughnut, sinker
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DONUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Degrade"

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 cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
• Words that mean the same thing: humble, chagrin, humiliate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. Nobelist Wiesel"

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: ELIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Miles away"

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 (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Big name in pharmacies"

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 summary of your academic and work history
• Words that mean the same thing: curriculum vitae, resume, CV
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CVS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. One of Islam's Five Pillars"

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 fifth pillar of islam is a pilgrimage to mecca during the month of dhu al-hijja; at least once in a lifetime a muslim is expected to make a religious journey to mecca and the kaaba
• Words that mean the same thing: hajj, hadj
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAJ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. Inits. before a nickname"

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: AKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	64.5%
Short Answer	16	21.1%
Abbreviation	3	3.9%
Sports	2	2.6%
Literature	1	1.3%
Science/Technology	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: August 27, 2025 at 02:43 PM