April 16, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, April 16, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (33 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

April 16, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Game on an erasable court	9
2A	10. Dispenser item	5
3A	15. Ill-proportioned	9
4A	16. Kirkuk resident	5
5A	17. Sharp mind, so to speak	9
6A	18. Official gemstone of Utah and Texas	5
7A	19. Post ___ analysis	3
8A	20. The "Z" in "XYZ"	6
9A	22. Agree (with)	4
10A	23. Yappy lap dogs, for short	4
11A	24. Fast time	7
12A	26. Former name of Kazakhstan's capital	6
13A	29. Johnny who used to cry "Come on down!"	5
14A	30. Sweeping, say	5
15A	31. Wild-goose chase	9
16A	35. Last U.S. president to have facial hair	4
17A	36. One team in an intramural match	5
18A	37. Birthplace of 35-Across	4
19A	38. Football tactic to prevent a long return	9
20A	40. Sticking point	5
21A	41. Ham it up	5
22A	42. Rears	6
23A	43. Backdrop of many John le Carré novels	7
24A	46. Reasonable	4
25A	47. Device outmoded by the smartphone	4
26A	48. Kind of acid produced during exercise	6
27A	50. Smartphone capability, for short	3
28A	53. Get-up-and-go	5
29A	55. Cost of the cheap seats?	9
30A	57. Flabbergasted	5
31A	58. Longtime morning TV co-host	9
32A	59. Grammy-winning Kravitz	5
33A	60. Grands costing many grand	9

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. Game on an erasable court"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a game in which a child tosses a stone into an area drawn on the ground and then hops through it and back to regain the stone
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOPSCOTCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "10. Dispenser item"

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 plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
• Words that mean the same thing: stubble, shuck, chaff
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STRAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "15. Ill-proportioned"

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 not well-proportioned and pleasing in shape
• The opposite would be: shapely
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNSHAPELY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "16. Kirkuk resident"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a native or inhabitant of iraq
• Words that mean the same thing: Iraki
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRAQI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "17. Sharp mind, so to speak"

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: STEELTRAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. Official gemstone of Utah and Texas"

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 yellow quartz
• Words that mean the same thing: common topaz, false topaz, tan
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOPAZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. Post ___ analysis"

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: HOC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. The "Z" in "XYZ""

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 fastener for locking together two toothed edges by means of a sliding tab
• Words that mean the same thing: zip up, zip fastener, zip
• The opposite would be: unzip
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZIPPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "22. Agree (with)"

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 aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
• Words that mean the same thing: gybe, fit, jib
• The opposite would be: disagree
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JIBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. Yappy lap dogs, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a disparaging term for a british person
• Words that mean the same thing: pommy, pom
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Fast time"

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 ninth month of the islamic calendar; the month of fasting; the holiest period for the islamic faith
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAMADAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Former name of Kazakhstan's capital"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that remote city of kazakhstan that (ostensibly for security reasons) was made the capital in 1998
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Kazakhstan, Akmola
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASTANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "29. Johnny who used to cry "Come on down!""

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: OLSON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Sweeping, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a specific piece of work required to be done as a duty or for a specific fee
• Words that mean the same thing: job, task
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Wild-goose chase"

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: SNIPEHUNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Last U.S. president to have facial hair"

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 united states sculptor (1860-1936)
• Words that mean the same thing: Lorado Taft, President Taft, William Howard Taft
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. One team in an intramural match"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch
• Words that mean the same thing: struggle, shinny, shin
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Birthplace of 35-Across"

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

  The answer is: OHIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Football tactic to prevent a long return"

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: SQUIBKICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Sticking point"

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

  The answer is: PRONG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Ham it 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 give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Rears"

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 fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• Words that mean the same thing: bottom, rear end, posterior
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUSHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Backdrop of many John le Carré novels"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: COLDWAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Reasonable"

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 mentally healthy; free from mental disorder
• Words that mean the same thing: reasonable
• The opposite would be: insane
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Device outmoded by the smartphone"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (trademark) a pocket-sized device used to play music files
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IPOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Kind of acid produced during exercise"

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 of or relating to or obtained from milk (especially sour milk or whey)
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LACTIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. Smartphone capability, 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 navigational system involving satellites and computers that can determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on earth by computing the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver
• Words that mean the same thing: Global Positioning System
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. Get-up-and-go"

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 forceful exertion
• Words that mean the same thing: dynamism, heartiness, muscularity
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VIGOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Cost of the cheap seats?"

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: COACHFARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. Flabbergasted"

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: INAWE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Longtime morning TV co-host"

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: KATHIELEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Grammy-winning Kravitz"

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: LENNY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Grands costing many grand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states piano maker (born in germany) who founded a famous piano manufacturing firm in new york (1797-1871)
• Words that mean the same thing: Steinway, Heinrich Engelhard Steinway, Henry Engelhard Steinway
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEINWAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword April 16, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Reaction to someone tapping a microphone, maybe	4
2D	2. Not falling for	4
3D	3. Tiny fraction of a min.	4
4D	4. "Isn't ___ Lovely"	3
5D	5. Dish akin to a stromboli	7
6D	6. Best conditions	6
7D	7. They joined the Big Ten in '14	5
8D	8. Keep time, in a way	4
9D	9. It takes you to another site	9
10D	10. Something one can't stand to do	3
11D	11. Malicious "gift"	11
12D	12. Fleet	5
13D	13. Seaport whose name derives from the Arabic for "obstacle"	5
14D	14. Dry up with age	5
15D	21. File types	5
16D	23. Had a blast at a bash	11
17D	25. Good name for a landscaper?	3
18D	26. Follower of John	4
19D	27. The Big Aristotle of the N.B.A.	4
20D	28. Mapo ___ (traditional Sichuan dish)	4
21D	29. Postponed	5
22D	31. Evidence of having gone on a run	9
23D	32. "This looks bad"	4
24D	33. Yellow-striped ball	4
25D	34. Outfits	4
26D	36. "To your health!"	5
27D	39. Mini production company	3
28D	40. Start working, perhaps	7
29D	42. Discipline with postures like White Crane Spreads Its Wings and Grasp the Sparrow's Tail	6
30D	43. Courteous	5
31D	44. Offer one's two cents	5
32D	45. 2017 sequel to "The Wolverine"	5
33D	46. Tabasco, for one	5
34D	49. Cover	4
35D	50. Soiree, say	4
36D	51. Small game, often	4
37D	52. Matches at a table	4
38D	54. Spanish chess piece	3
39D	56. Quantity that sounds like an expression of relief	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. Reaction to someone tapping a microphone, maybe"

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 (poetic) tranquil silence
• Words that mean the same thing: quieten, hush up, quiesce
• The opposite would be: louden
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Not falling for"

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: ONTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Tiny fraction of a min."

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: PSEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. "Isn't ___ Lovely""

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: SHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Dish akin to a stromboli"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard 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: CALZONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Best conditions"

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 most favorable conditions or greatest degree or amount possible under given circumstances
• Words that mean the same thing: optimum
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPTIMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. They joined the Big Ten in '14"

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: TERPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Keep time, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sudden very loud noise
• Words that mean the same thing: bam, bang, gonorrhoea
• The opposite would be: boo
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. It takes you to another site"

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 link from a hypertext file to another location or file; typically activated by clicking on a highlighted word or icon at a particular location on the screen
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HYPERLINK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Something one can't stand to do"

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 be around, often idly or without specific purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: posture, sit down, seat
• The opposite would be: stand, arise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Malicious "gift""

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TROJANHORSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Fleet"

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 part of a river where the current is very fast
• Words that mean the same thing: speedy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAPID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Seaport whose name derives from the Arabic for "obstacle""

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 jordan's port; located in southwestern jordan on the gulf of aqaba
• Words that mean the same thing: Al Aqabah, Akaba
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AQABA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Dry up with age"

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 lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness; ; ; ; -w.f.starkie
• Words that mean the same thing: wizened, shrivelled, shriveled
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIZEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. File types"

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 uttering in an irritated tone
• Words that mean the same thing: wood file, rasping, rasp
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RASPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Had a blast at a bash"

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: PARTIEDDOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Good name for a landscaper?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Follower of John"

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 new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
• Words that mean the same thing: turn, behave, roleplay
• 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: ACTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. The Big Aristotle of the N.B.A."

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: SHAQ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Mapo ___ (traditional Sichuan dish)"

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 cheeselike food made of curdled soybean milk
• Words that mean the same thing: bean curd
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOFU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Postponed"

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: ONICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Evidence of having gone on a run"

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: SKITRACKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. "This looks bad""

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: UHOH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Yellow-striped ball"

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

  The answer is: NINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "34. Outfits"

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 informal terms for clothing
• Words that mean the same thing: clothe, dress, fit out
• The opposite would be: undress
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. "To your health!""

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 27 Down: "39. Mini production company"

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: BMW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "40. Start working, perhaps"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: PUNCHIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Discipline with postures like White Crane Spreads Its Wings and Grasp the Sparrow's Tail"

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 chinese system of slow meditative physical exercise designed for relaxation and balance and health
• Words that mean the same thing: t'ai chi, tai chi, t'ai chi chuan
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAICHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Courteous"

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 applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military
• Words that mean the same thing: civic, polite
• The opposite would be: uncivil, sidereal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CIVIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "44. Offer one's two cents"

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 express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
• Words that mean the same thing: reckon, suppose, speak up
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "45. 2017 sequel to "The Wolverine""

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 mountain peak in the st. elias range in the southwestern yukon territory in canada (19,850 feet high)
• Words that mean the same thing: Mount Logan
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOGAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "46. Tabasco, for one"

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 territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
• Words that mean the same thing: express, body politic, Department of 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: STATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Cover"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
• Words that mean the same thing: pelage, cake, surface
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. Soiree, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a gay festivity
• Words that mean the same thing: blowout, jamboree, gala affair
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GALA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "51. Small game, often"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PREY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "52. Matches at a table"

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 seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
• Words that mean the same thing: find, insure, get 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: SEES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "54. Spanish chess piece"

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: REY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "56. Quantity that sounds like an expression of relief"

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 small elite group
• The opposite would be: many
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	76.4%
Short Answer	7	9.7%
Abbreviation	2	2.8%
Sports	2	2.8%
Food & Drink	2	2.8%
History	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.4 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 Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

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

• April 04 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 17 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 25 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 31 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 15 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 31 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 07 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 06 2022 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 18, 2025 at 05:19 AM

27434 Sat Dec 21, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 21, 2024

Let's go into the puzzle, starting with the across clues and answers, followed by the down clues and answers.

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Shifty little sucker?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: BENDYSTRAW




• The clue is 11. C.D., e.g.: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ACCT




• The clue is 15. Madrid's Teatro Real, for one. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: OPERAHOUSE




• The clue is 16. Character who says "I am short, fat and proud of that". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: POOH




• The clue is 17. The "King of Mambo". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: TITOPUENTE




• The clue is 18. Austrian composer Mahler. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ALMA




• The clue is 19. No longer waffle. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: OPT

  Possible Answer : prefer, choose, opt




• The clue is 20. Pill alternatives, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: IUDS

  Possible Answer : IUD, intrauterine_device




• The clue is 22. Returner's call. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: LET

  Possible Answer : permit, have, rent, get, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Lashkar-e-Toiba, lease, Army_of_the_Righteous, LET, net_ball, countenance, Army_of_the_Pure, let, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, allow

  Possible Opposite Answer : prevent, forbid, disallow




• The clue is 23. À la king?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: NOBLY

  Possible Answer : nobly




• The clue is 26. Reason for foot-tapping. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: ANTSINESS




• The clue is 28. Lines in bars. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: URLS

  Possible Answer : universal_resource_locator, uniform_resource_locator, URL




• The clue is 29. Confirmation, for one. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: RITE

  Possible Answer : religious_rite, ritual, rite




• The clue is 30. Mount ___, Canada's highest peak. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: LOGAN

  Possible Answer : Mount_Logan, Logan




• The clue is 31. Certain tech exec. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: CIO

  Possible Answer : CIO, Congress_of_Industrial_Organizations




• The clue is 32. Chinese dog breed, for short. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: PEKE

  Possible Answer : Peke, Pekinese, Pekingese




• The clue is 33. All the greater. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: MORESO




• The clue is 34. Alabama is in it, but Alaska is not. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: LOWERFORTYEIGHT




• The clue is 37. Adds to the code, say. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ENACTS

  Possible Answer : enact, ordain, act_out, reenact




• The clue is 38. Stake. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: FUND

  Possible Answer : store, stock, investment_company, investment_firm, fund, monetary_fund, investment_trust




• The clue is 39. Apt name for a thief. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ROB

  Possible Answer : surcharge, plume, rob, hook, soak, gazump, fleece, overcharge, pluck

  Possible Opposite Answer : undercharge




• The clue is 40. "The Hate U Give" author Thomas. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ANGIE




• The clue is 41. First name in country. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: REBA




• The clue is 42. Rooney of "Women Talking". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: MARA

  Possible Answer : mara, Mara, Dolichotis_patagonum




• The clue is 43. Most of the 1980s. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: REAGANERA




• The clue is 45. Slogged (through). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: WADED

  Possible Answer : chock_up, bundle, jam, ram, compact, wade, jampack, cram, pack, wad




• The clue is 46. Its first airing was "The French Chef" with Julia Child. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: PBS

  Possible Answer : petabit, PiB, pebibyte, atomic_number_82, PB, petabyte, PBS, lead, Pb, phosphate_buffer_solution, Pbit




• The clue is 47. "And the ___ raths outgrabe" ("Jabberwocky" line). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: MOME




• The clue is 48. Exclamation with a shake. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: BRR




• The clue is 49. Black-and-white divers. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: AUKS

  Possible Answer : auk




• The clue is 51. It's a little shady. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: BONSAITREE




• The clue is 56. Last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, familiarly. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: CLEO




• The clue is 57. "Worth a shot". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: ITCANTHURT




• The clue is 58. What some people display after getting stuck?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TATS

  Possible Answer : intertwine, cheapness, TAT, Thematic_Apperception_Test, tackiness, sleaze, tat




• The clue is 59. Far below the surface. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: DEEPSEATED

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. X follower, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: BOT

  Possible Answer: bot

• The clue is 2. Lead-in to -gram. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: EPI

  Possible Answer: EPI, Eysenck_Personality_Inventory

• The clue is 3. Losing athlete in the 2002 and 2003 N.B.A. Finals. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: NET

  Possible Answer: lucre, sack_up, final, meshing, web, last, profit, mesh, internet, net_profit, profits, clear, sack, cyberspace, nett, earnings, meshwork, network, net, net_income

  Possible Opposite Answer : gross

• The clue is 4. Runs off at the mouth?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: DROOLS

  Possible Answer: humbug, bosh, drivel, tosh, slobber, bilgewater, slabber, tarradiddle, salivate, boloney, slaver, dribble, twaddle, drool, taradiddle, baloney, tommyrot

• The clue is 5. Like a noisy toy. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: YAPPY

• The clue is 6. Turned (off). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SHUT

  Possible Answer: keep_out, exclude, shut, shut_out, close, unopen, closed

  Possible Opposite Answer : admit, open

• The clue is 7. Oft-kissed part of the statue of St. Peter in Vatican City. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: TOE

  Possible Answer: toe, toenail

• The clue is 8. Shield, with "for". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: RUNINTERFERENCE

• The clue is 9. Not born yesterday, so to speak. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ASTUTE

  Possible Answer: astute, sharp, shrewd

• The clue is 10. Bed hogs, at times. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: WEEDS

  Possible Answer: locoweed, Mary_Jane, weeds, smoke, weed, pot, widow's_weeds, gage, sens, green_goddess, dope, sess, grass, skunk, mourning_band

  Possible Opposite Answer : cultivated_plant

• The clue is 11. Shrinks' org.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: APA

• The clue is 12. One who's made it to some degree?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: COLLEGEGRAD

• The clue is 13. Lands. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: COMESASHORE

• The clue is 14. "I kinda like it!". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: THATSNOTBAD

• The clue is 21. Isolated. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SILOED

• The clue is 23. SALT, but not PEPPER. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: NUCLEARPACT

• The clue is 24. Star-forming region nearest to Earth. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: ORIONNEBULA

• The clue is 25. Go ballistic. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: BLOWAGASKET

• The clue is 26. Jhené ___, Grammy-nominated R&B singer. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: AIKO

• The clue is 27. Japanese food that's a good source of what it spells backward. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: NORI

• The clue is 29. Some who whistle while they work. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: REFS

  Possible Answer: referee, ref

• The clue is 32. Comms group. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: PRTEAM

• The clue is 33. Noisy Asian bird. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: MYNA

  Possible Answer: mynah, mynah_bird, myna_bird, myna, mina, minah

• The clue is 35. Pen for a hit. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ECIG

• The clue is 36. Latin for "trumpet". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TUBA

  Possible Answer: sousaphone, bass_horn, tuba

• The clue is 41. Like many on a Zoom call. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: REMOTE

  Possible Answer: removed, remote, remote_control, outside, distant, outback

  Possible Opposite Answer : close

• The clue is 42. Vineyard eponym. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: MARTHA

• The clue is 44. Like a sole-source contract. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: NOBID

• The clue is 45. Form letters?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: WRITE

  Possible Answer: drop_a_line, pen, compose, save, spell, write, publish, indite

• The clue is 48. Blue laws, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: BANS

  Possible Answer: ostracise, shun, cast_out, proscription, prohibition, ban, banish, BAN, forbidding, Bachelor_of_Arts_in_Nursing, banning, ostracize, censor, forbiddance, blackball

• The clue is 50. This means trouble. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SOS

  Possible Answer: sol, soh, SOS, so

• The clue is 52. Woodpecker's fare. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SAP

  Possible Answer: cosh, run_down, muggins, play_out, sap, exhaust, tire, saphead, fool, tomfool, blackjack

• The clue is 53. Bad place to be stuck. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: RUT

  Possible Answer: estrus, rut, furrow, groove, oestrus, heat

  Possible Opposite Answer : anestrus

• The clue is 54. Short palindrome in the middle of a famous longer one. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ERE

• The clue is 55. Track stat. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ETD

  Possible Answer: explosive_trace_detection, ETD