July 31, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• September 11 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 27 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 24 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 31

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (33 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

Across Clues Explained - Wednesday NYT Crossword July 31, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. 1/16 of a cup: Abbr.	4
2A	5. Something to drool over?	3
3A	8. Mr. of detective fiction	4
4A	12. Ghostly, say	5
5A	13. Suffix with acetyl	3
6A	14. "Scrubs" nurse married to Dr. Turk	5
7A	16. "Arr, matey! So ye seek buried treasure to fill yer ship's hull? Well, the first clue is easy. Just ___"	15
8A	19. Muscleman with a mohawk	3
9A	20. Clip	5
10A	21. Wintry chill	3
11A	22. "At yer next clue already? Then off to the races! Now turn toward the dawn and go ___"	15
12A	27. Portfolio options, for short	4
13A	28. Venmo transfer, e.g.	5
14A	29. Member of a raiding party	8
15A	33. Like universal recipients	6
16A	36. "Dies ___" (hymn)	4
17A	37. Marauder's tool	3
18A	39. Vagabond	4
19A	40. Like an American in Paris	6
20A	43. Companywide info-sharing system	8
21A	46. Dennis of "The Alamo"	5
22A	48. Pond swimmer	4
23A	49. "Aye, the treasure be heavy, so flex yer biceps! With this third clue, turn right and go ___"	15
24A	55. Folk rocker DiFranco	3
25A	56. Singer Black	5
26A	57. 1930s Depression-fighting org.	3
27A	58. "'X' marks the spot! Grab a spade! Dance a jig! Here's the very last clue. Proceed ___"	15
28A	63. ___ York (biggest city in los Estados Unidos)	5
29A	64. Farm female	3
30A	65. Grab, as booty	5
31A	66. H.S. exam	4
32A	67. Sound from a punctured tire	3
33A	68. Schlep	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. 1/16 of a cup: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TBSP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Something to drool over?"

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 top part of an apron; covering the chest
• Words that mean the same thing: tipple
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BIB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Mr. of detective fiction"

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: MOTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "12. Ghostly, 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 suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
• Words that mean the same thing: eery
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "13. Suffix with acetyl"

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 compass point midway between northeast and east
• Words that mean the same thing: east northeast
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "14. "Scrubs" nurse married to Dr. Turk"

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: CARLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. "Arr, matey! So ye seek buried treasure to fill yer ship's hull? Well, the first clue is easy. Just ___""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STARTATTHESKULL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Muscleman with a mohawk"

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: MRT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Clip"

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 (physics) a deformation of an object in which parallel planes remain parallel but are shifted in a direction parallel to themselves
• Words that mean the same thing: fleece
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Wintry chill"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small drink of liquor
• Words that mean the same thing: coolness, clip, pinch
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. "At yer next clue already? Then off to the races! Now turn toward the dawn and go ___""

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert 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: EASTTWELVEPACES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "27. Portfolio options, 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 militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
• Words that mean the same thing: ire, Irish Republican Army, Provos
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Venmo transfer, e.g."

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: ECASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Member of a raiding party"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of a military unit trained as shock troops for hit-and-run raids
• Words that mean the same thing: ranger
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COMMANDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Like universal recipients"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TYPEAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "36. "Dies ___" (hymn)"

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: IRAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Marauder's tool"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
• Words that mean the same thing: ax
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AXE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Vagabond"

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 disreputable vagrant
• Words that mean the same thing: bum, tramp
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Like an American in Paris"

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 in a foreign country
• Words that mean the same thing: overseas, afield
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABROAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "43. Companywide info-sharing system"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a restricted computer network; a private network created using world wide web software
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INTRANET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "46. Dennis of "The Alamo""

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: QUAID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. Pond swimmer"

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 blue-green color or pigment
• Words that mean the same thing: blue-green, blue green, cyan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "49. "Aye, the treasure be heavy, so flex yer biceps! With this third clue, turn right and go ___""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SOUTHSEVENSTEPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "55. Folk rocker DiFranco"

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

  The answer is: ANI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "56. Singer Black"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CLINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "57. 1930s Depression-fighting org."

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 powerful lobby that advocates the right to own and bear arms and rejects any gun regulation by the government
• Words that mean the same thing: National Rifle Association
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "58. "'X' marks the spot! Grab a spade! Dance a jig! Here's the very last clue. Proceed ___""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WESTFIVETHENDIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "63. ___ York (biggest city in los Estados Unidos)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NUEVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "64. Farm female"

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 member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EWE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "65. Grab, as booty"

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 take hold of; grab
• Words that mean the same thing: sequester, capture, attach
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEIZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "66. H.S. exam"

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: PSAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "67. Sound from a punctured tire"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an independent federal agency that administers compulsory military service
• Words that mean the same thing: USSS, US Secret Service, Secret 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: SSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "68. Schlep"

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 capacious bag or basket
• Words that mean the same thing: tug, carryall, lug
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword July 31, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Colorful aquarium swimmer	5
2D	2. Babysitters' banes	5
3D	3. Francis Drake, for one	3
4D	4. Pirate's parrot, e.g.	3
5D	5. Where the National Institutes of Health is headquartered	8
6D	6. It's gathered during recon	5
7D	7. "Act your age!"	6
8D	8. Roast V.I.P.s	3
9D	9. ___ Island (storied site of buried treasure)	3
10D	10. Officer's baton	9
11D	11. Skateboarding maneuver	5
12D	12. Salinger heroine	4
13D	15. Swiss range	4
14D	17. City on the Nile	5
15D	18. Build	5
16D	23. Preschool punishment	7
17D	24. Refrain syllable	3
18D	25. Settle up	3
19D	26. It covers a lot of ground	7
20D	29. Surveillance org.	3
21D	30. Magic 8 Ball, e.g.	3
22D	31. French noblemen or noblewomen	9
23D	32. Commercial lead-in to Clean	3
24D	34. Honest ___	3
25D	35. Spam generator	3
26D	38. Diplomatic arrangements	8
27D	41. "That's the spot!"	3
28D	42. Things hurled at the Olympics	5
29D	44. Like John Tyler, among all U.S. presidents	5
30D	45. Univ. dorm supervisors	3
31D	47. Looks closely (into)	6
32D	49. Cut into planks, say	4
33D	50. Best	5
34D	51. Metric that determines YouTube success	5
35D	52. Stop seeing each other	5
36D	53. Pirate's booty, say	5
37D	54. Wise	4
38D	59. Fed. electricity provider since 1933	3
39D	60. "___ chance!"	3
40D	61. D.C. winter hrs.	3
41D	62. Prefix with Latin or Luddite	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. Colorful aquarium swimmer"

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

  The answer is: TETRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Babysitters' banes"

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

  The answer is: BRATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Francis Drake, for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that term of address for a man
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Pirate's parrot, 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 a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
• Words that mean the same thing: favorite, favourite, dearie
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Where the National Institutes of Health is headquartered"

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: BETHESDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. It's gathered during recon"

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: INTEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "Act your age!""

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 behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
• Words that mean the same thing: comport, conduct, deport
• The opposite would be: misbehave
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEHAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Roast V.I.P.s"

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 one million periods per second
• Words that mean the same thing: Mc, MHz, megahertz
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. ___ Island (storied site of buried treasure)"

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 hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
• Words that mean the same thing: oak tree
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Officer's baton"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a short stout club used primarily by policemen
• Words that mean the same thing: billystick, billy, nightstick
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRUNCHEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Skateboarding maneuver"

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: OLLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Salinger heroine"

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: ESME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "15. Swiss range"

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 large mountain system in south-central europe; scenic beauty and winter sports make them a popular tourist attraction
• Words that mean the same thing: alp, the Alps
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. City on the Nile"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an ancient city on the nile in egypt; two dams across the nile have been built nearby
• Words that mean the same thing: Assuan, Assouan
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASWAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "18. Build"

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 construct, build, or erect
• Words that mean the same thing: set up, rear, put up
• The opposite would be: level, unerect
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERECT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Preschool punishment"

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: TIMEOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Refrain syllable"

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: TRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Settle up"

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 something that remunerates
• Words that mean the same thing: salary, devote, pay up
• The opposite would be: default
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. It covers a lot of ground"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that mixed asphalt and crushed gravel or sand; used especially for paving but also for roofing
• Words that mean the same thing: mineral pitch
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASPHALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Surveillance org."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an independent agency of the united states government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the director of central intelligence under the supervision of the president and national security council
• Words that mean the same thing: Central Intelligence Agency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Magic 8 Ball, e.g."

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

  The answer is: ORB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. French noblemen or noblewomen"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a noblewoman ranking below a duchess and above a countess
• Words that mean the same thing: marquee, marquess, marquis
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARQUISES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Commercial lead-in to Clean"

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: OXI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Honest ___"

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: ABE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Spam generator"

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 botfly larva; typically develops inside the body of a horse or sheep or human
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Diplomatic arrangements"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an informal alliance between countries
• Words that mean the same thing: entente, entente cordiale
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENTENTES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. "That's the spot!""

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 express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
• Words that mean the same thing: ooh
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Things hurled at the Olympics"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an athletic competition in which a disk-shaped object is thrown as far as possible
• Words that mean the same thing: discus, saucer
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DISCI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Like John Tyler, among all U.S. presidents"

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 tenth part; one part in ten equal parts
• Words that mean the same thing: one-tenth, ten percent, tenth part
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TENTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Univ. dorm supervisors"

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 network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 88, RA, Re
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Looks closely (into)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an excavation; usually a quarry or mine
• Words that mean the same thing: dig, turn over, delve
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DELVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Cut into planks, 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 cut with a saw
• Words that mean the same thing: saw
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Best"

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: ONEUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Metric that determines YouTube success"

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 way of regarding situations or topics etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: see, consider, vista
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VIEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Stop seeing each other"

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: ENDIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. Pirate's booty, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
• Words that mean the same thing: dirty money, booty, pry
• The opposite would be: disesteem, disrespect
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRIZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "54. Wise"

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 mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
• Words that mean the same thing: salvia, sage-green
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. Fed. electricity provider since 1933"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. "___ chance!""

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 soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides)
• Words that mean the same thing: rich, flesh out, avoirdupois
• The opposite would be: leanness, thin
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "61. D.C. winter hrs."

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 standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
• Words that mean the same thing: Eastern Time, Eastern Standard Time
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "62. Prefix with Latin or Luddite"

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 (used as a combining form) recent or new
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	41	55.4%
Short Answer	24	32.4%
Geography	3	4.1%
Abbreviation	2	2.7%
History	2	2.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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• May 07 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 31
• September 11 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 03 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 02 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 01 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 27 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 12 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: October 01, 2025 at 08:49 AM

December 17, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

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• July 06 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 17, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (39 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Thursday Puzzle December 17, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Needing some kneading, say	4
2A	5. Language in which a nutty person might be told "Yer bum's oot the windae"	5
3A	10. Hunting store purchase	4
4A	14. Hook's henchman	4
5A	15. Stamp holder	5
6A	16. Birthday ___	4
7A	17. Basic idea	4
8A	18. Items that are hard to throw away?	10
9A	20. Remedy	8
10A	22. Troublemaker of 1-Down	4
11A	23. Important piece in échecs	3
12A	24. Money-collecting org.	3
13A	25. Word included to prevent libel, say	7
14A	28. Rough write-up	5
15A	30. Ballet basic	4
16A	31. Losing tic-tac-toe row	3
17A	32. Cry of dismay in 5-Across	3
18A	34. Singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey ___	3
19A	35. Landed	4
20A	36. Work suggested by this puzzle's circled and shaded squares	15
21A	41. Strongly advocate	4
22A	42. -: Abbr.	3
23A	43. One of the Kennedys	3
24A	44. Pudding flavor	3
25A	45. Big name in in-flight internet	4
26A	46. ___ Nadu (Indian state)	5
27A	50. America ___, star of TV's "Ugly Betty"	7
28A	52. Extinct flightless bird	3
29A	54. Lead-in to puncture	3
30A	55. Actress Chaplin	4
31A	56. Like an unused air mattress	8
32A	58. That's gnus to me!	10
33A	61. Shortcoming	4
34A	62. Word before rich or talk	4
35A	63. Rent	5
36A	64. Swiss Alp next to Lake Lucerne	4
37A	65. Just OK	4
38A	66. Small and pointy-eared, perhaps	5
39A	67. What "exaggerated" is sometimes misspelled with	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. Needing some kneading, 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 causing a dull and steady pain
• Words that mean the same thing: aching
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACHY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Language in which a nutty person might be told "Yer bum's oot the windae""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the dialect of english used in scotland
• Words that mean the same thing: Scotsman, Scottish, Scot
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Hunting store purchase"

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 projectiles to be fired from a gun
• Words that mean the same thing: ammunition
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Hook's henchman"

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: SMEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Stamp holder"

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 one or more recordings issued together; originally released on 12-inch phonograph records (usually with attractive record covers) and later on cassette audiotape and compact disc
• Words that mean the same thing: record album
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALBUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Birthday ___"

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 specific feeling of desire
• Words that mean the same thing: want, regard, indirect request
• The opposite would be: begrudge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Basic idea"

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 central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
• Words that mean the same thing: heart and soul, essence, nitty-gritty
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Items that are hard to throw away?"

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 a curved piece of wood; when properly thrown will return to thrower
• Words that mean the same thing: boomerang, throwing stick, backfire
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOMERANGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Remedy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison
• Words that mean the same thing: counterpoison
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTIDOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Troublemaker of 1-Down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (norse mythology) trickster; god of discord and mischief; contrived death of balder and was overcome by thor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOKI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Important piece in échecs"

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 (corporate finance) the amount, expressed as a percentage, that is earned on a company's total capital calculated by dividing the total capital into earnings before interest, taxes, or dividends are paid
• Words that mean the same thing: return on investment, return on invested capital
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Money-collecting org."

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 bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
• Words that mean the same thing: Internal Revenue 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: IRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Word included to prevent libel, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that report or maintain
• Words that mean the same thing: supposed, so-called, aver
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALLEGED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Rough write-up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
• Words that mean the same thing: blueprint, gulp, swig
• The opposite would be: discharge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Ballet basic"

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: PLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Losing tic-tac-toe row"

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: OXO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Cry of dismay in 5-Across"

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: ACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: RAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. Landed"

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: ALIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Work suggested by this puzzle's circled and shaded squares"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BEETHOVENSFIFTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Strongly advocate"

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 instinctive motive
• Words that mean the same thing: itch, inspire, urge on
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. -: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. One of the Kennedys"

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 tough youth of 1950's and 1960's wearing edwardian style clothes
• Words that mean the same thing: Teddy boy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Pudding flavor"

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 diagram or picture illustrating textual material
• Words that mean the same thing: common fig tree, Al-Jama'a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya, Ficus carica
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Big name in in-flight internet"

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: GOGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "46. ___ Nadu (Indian state)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the mixed dravidian and caucasian people of southern india and sri lanka
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAMIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. America ___, star of TV's "Ugly Betty""

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: FERRERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Extinct flightless bird"

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

  The answer is: MOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. Lead-in to puncture"

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: ACU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Actress Chaplin"

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: OONA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. Like an unused air mattress"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that collapse by releasing contained air or gas
• Words that mean the same thing: chopfallen, chapfallen, crestfallen
• The opposite would be: inflate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEFLATED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. That's gnus to me!"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that large african antelope having a head with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail
• Words that mean the same thing: gnu
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WILDEBEEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. Shortcoming"

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 imperfection in an object or machine
• Words that mean the same thing: fault, blemish, defect
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "62. Word before rich or talk"

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 state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
• Words that mean the same thing: baseless, loose, unused
• The opposite would be: busy, run
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "63. Rent"

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 property that is leased or rented out or let
• Words that mean the same thing: rent, let, letting
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "64. Swiss Alp next to Lake Lucerne"

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: RIGI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "65. Just OK"

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: SOSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "66. Small and pointy-eared, perhaps"

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 suggestive of an elf in strangeness and otherworldliness; ; - john mason brown
• Words that mean the same thing: elflike, elfish, fey
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELFIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "67. What "exaggerated" is sometimes misspelled with"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a expert 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: ONEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle December 17, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Mythical realm accessible only by the rainbow bridge Bifrost	6
2D	2. Key to this puzzle's theme?	6
3D	3. Greek goddess of the hearth	6
4D	4. Sight on Disney World's Expedition Everest ride	4
5D	5. Flavor: Sp.	5
6D	6. Sticks together	5
7D	7. Instrument featured in 36-Across	4
8D	8. Rum ___ Tugger ("Cats" cat)	3
9D	9. Most foul	9
10D	10. Up	5
11D	11. Puttering around?	8
12D	12. Flavor enhancer	3
13D	13. Exclamations of surprise	3
14D	19. Credit line?	4
15D	21. Leave behind	5
16D	25. ___ Freed, early radio personality who coined the term "rock 'n' roll"	4
17D	26. It takes people out	4
18D	27. Biblical verb	4
19D	29. What the opening motif of 36-Across is said to represent	4
20D	30. Response to "Grazie!"	5
21D	33. Epithet for a judge	9
22D	35. Lover of Radames, in opera	4
23D	36. Muscly	4
24D	37. Tribe that fought the Iroquois	4
25D	38. Servings with sweet-and-sour sauce	8
26D	39. Summer Triangle star	4
27D	40. ___ position	5
28D	45. Something editable using CRISPR technology	4
29D	47. Oscar winner Marlee	6
30D	48. Cooling-off period?	6
31D	49. First name of this puzzle's dedicatee, born December 1770	6
32D	51. Copland ballet with a hoedown	5
33D	52. Longtime star of F.C. Barcelona	5
34D	53. A lot	5
35D	56. What 49-Down became in later life	4
36D	57. Prefix with Cuban	4
37D	58. Ill. neighbor	3
38D	59. Formal "yes"	3
39D	60. Reef predator	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. Mythical realm accessible only by the rainbow bridge Bifrost"

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 (norse mythology) the heavenly dwelling of the norse gods (the aesir) and slain war heroes
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASGARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Key to this puzzle's theme?"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: CMINOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Greek goddess of the hearth"

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 (greek mythology) the goddess of the hearth and its fire in ancient mythology; identified with roman vesta
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HESTIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Sight on Disney World's Expedition Everest ride"

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 large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
• Words that mean the same thing: abominable snowman
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YETI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Flavor: Sp."

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: SABOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Sticks together"

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 lump of material formed from the content of a liquid
• Words that mean the same thing: clabber, clot, curdle
• The opposite would be: homogenize
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Instrument featured in 36-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 slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
• Words that mean the same thing: hautbois, hautboy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Rum ___ Tugger ("Cats" cat)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion
• Words that mean the same thing: breadbasket, tummy, stomach
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Most foul"

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 offensively malodorous
• Words that mean the same thing: foul, stinking, fetid
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMELLIEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Up"

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 stop sleeping
• Words that mean the same thing: arouse, waken, alive
• The opposite would be: fall asleep, asleep
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Puttering around?"

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: MINIGOLF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Flavor enhancer"

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 white crystalline compound used as a food additive to enhance flavor; often used in chinese cooking
• Words that mean the same thing: monosodium glutamate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MSG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Exclamations of surprise"

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 midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
• Words that mean the same thing: OH, Ohio, Buckeye 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: OHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Credit line?"

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 actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
• Words that mean the same thing: character, purpose, use
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Leave behind"

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 narrow excavation in the earth
• Words that mean the same thing: dump, chuck, trench
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DITCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. ___ Freed, early radio personality who coined the term "rock 'n' roll""

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: ALAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. It takes people out"

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 opening that permits escape or release
• Words that mean the same thing: perish, give-up the ghost, pop off
• The opposite would be: be born, enter
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Biblical verb"

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: DOTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. What the opening motif of 36-Across is said to represent"

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 event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
• Words that mean the same thing: designate, doom, lot
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Response to "Grazie!""

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: PREGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Epithet for a judge"

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 not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
• Words that mean the same thing: honourable, honest, good
• The opposite would be: dishonest, dishonorable
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HONORABLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Lover of Radames, in opera"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AIDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Muscly"

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 ardent follower and admirer
• Words that mean the same thing: lover, fan, buffer
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Tribe that fought the Iroquois"

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 member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
• Words that mean the same thing: Lake Erie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Servings with sweet-and-sour sauce"

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: EGGROLLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Summer Triangle star"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that prolific spanish playwright (1562-1635)
• Words that mean the same thing: Lope Felix de Vega Carpio, Lope de Vega
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VEGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. ___ position"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FETAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Something editable using CRISPR technology"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Oscar winner Marlee"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium 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: MATLIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Cooling-off period?"

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: ICEAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. First name of this puzzle's dedicatee, born December 1770"

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: LUDWIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Copland ballet with a hoedown"

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

  The answer is: RODEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Longtime star of F.C. Barcelona"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MESSI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. A lot"

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 many times at short intervals
• Words that mean the same thing: oftentimes, a great deal, frequently
• The opposite would be: rarely, infrequently
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OFTEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. What 49-Down became in later life"

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 people who have severe hearing impairments
• Words that mean the same thing: indifferent, deafen
• The opposite would be: hearing
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Prefix with Cuban"

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 rounded thickly curled hairdo
• Words that mean the same thing: Afro hairdo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Ill. neighbor"

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 midwestern state in north central united states
• Words that mean the same thing: WI, Wisconsin, Badger 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: WIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. Formal "yes""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. Reef predator"

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 fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	54	69.2%
Short Answer	14	17.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	5	6.4%
History	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 04:22 PM