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Saturday, February 8, 2025

Unraveling the Wordplay: Answers to the NYT Crossword Clues

Unraveling the Wordplay: Answers to the NYT Crossword Clues

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of crossword puzzles, the New York Times stands as a beacon of linguistic brilliance. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the February 8, 2025 edition, uncovering the answers to the crossword clues that have left puzzlers scratching their heads.

Unraveling the Wordplay: Answers to the NYT Crossword Clues
Unraveling the Wordplay: Answers to the NYT Crossword Clues


Decoding the Crossword Clues

Across Clues Unraveled

Achoo: What may precede a blessing

BAMA: School whose mascot is Big Al the elephant, informally

APTS: Studios, say

BROWNNOSER: Flattering sort

NOBU: Celebrity chef with a role in the 1995 film "Casino"

BALLOONHAT: It gets inflated and goes straight to your head

TRIM: Prune

Down Clues Decoded

ABBA: Group that had a 40-year gap between its two most recent studio albums (1981-2021)

CRAM: Study, study, study!

ONOMATOPOEIA: Snap, crackle or pop

ASHE: "Days of Grace" memoirist, 1993

ANTIPATTERN: Common but often counterproductive response to a recurring problem

Exploring the Wordplay Techniques

The crossword clues in the New York Times often employ a variety of wordplay techniques to challenge and delight solvers. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common methods:

  • Puns and homophones: Clues that play on words with similar sounds but different meanings, like "Achoo" and "What may precede a blessing."
  • Abbreviations and acronyms: Clues that use shortened forms of words or phrases, such as "BAMA" for the University of Alabama.
  • Cultural references: Clues that draw from popular culture, history, or current events, like the mention of "Casino" and the celebrity chef Nobu.
  • Idiomatic expressions: Clues that reference common phrases or sayings, such as "It gets inflated and goes straight to your head" for "BALLOONHAT."

Mastering the NYT Crossword

Solving the New York Times crossword can be a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. Here are some tips and strategies to help you become a crossword pro:

  • Practice, practice, practice: The more crosswords you solve, the more familiar you'll become with the common clue types and wordplay techniques.
  • Utilize online resources: Websites like XWordInfo.com and CrosswordGuru.com offer valuable insights and tools for crossword enthusiasts.
  • Understand the art of construction: Appreciating how crossword puzzles are built can give you a deeper understanding of the clues.

FAQ

1. What is the significance of the NYT crossword?
The New York Times crossword puzzle is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and intellectually stimulating crossword puzzles in the world.

2. How can I improve my crossword-solving skills?
Consistent practice, exploring online resources, and understanding the techniques used by constructors can all help you become a better crossword solver.

3. What are some common crossword clue types?
Puns, homophones, abbreviations, cultural references, and idiomatic expressions are just a few of the common clue types found in crossword puzzles.

4. Can crossword puzzles help improve cognitive abilities?
Yes, research suggests that regularly solving crossword puzzles can help maintain and even improve cognitive function.

5. Where can I find more challenging crossword puzzles?
In addition to the New York Times, other reputable sources for challenging crossword puzzles include The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and various crossword puzzle books and websites.

Conclusion

The New York Times crossword puzzle is a true testament to the power of language and the human mind. So, grab a pen, sharpen your wits, and join us on this crossword adventure!

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Thursday, June 4, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 04, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. In "The Tempest," when Miranda says "O brave new world, That has such people in't!" 4
2A 5. Middlemen in illicit transactions 6
3A 11. Last over the line, say 7
4A 14. Sushi wrapper 4
5A 15. Waikiki welcomes 6
6A 16. Indigenous people of the Great Basin 3
7A 17. Forbidden idol 11
8A 19. "American ___" 3
9A 20. Neighborhood watering hole 9
10A 21. Subj. for one aspiring to become bilingual 3
11A 22. Particularly fine examples 4
12A 23. Tolkien's Treebeard, for one 3
13A 24. Cards 3
14A 26. Shamash holder 7
15A 28. Really rips into 7
16A 31. Become enamored with 6
17A 32. Beguile 6
18A 34. Bob who narrated "How I Met Your Mother" 5
19A 35. Historic Bulgarian ruler 4
20A 38. Faux flattery 5
21A 40. Bob who hosted PBS's "The Joy of Painting" 4
22A 41. Broad-shouldered Titan 5
23A 43. Most senior 6
24A 45. Italian liquor distilled from winemaking leftovers 6
25A 47. Downward dog and others 9
26A 50. Exactly as desired 10
27A 52. 151, once 3
28A 53. Discouraging words 3
29A 55. They come in black, Belgian and double varieties 4
30A 56. Path to spiritual harmony 3
31A 58. Bring out 6
32A 60. Lillehammer's land: Abbr. 3
33A 61. Large retail establishment ... and a hint to four squares in this puzzle 11
34A 63. Part of the conjugation of "ĂȘtre" 3
35A 64. Candy heart phrase 6
36A 65. Where "the man gave names to all ... the birds in the sky and all the wild animals" 4
37A 66. "Told you!" 3
38A 67. Containers in orchards 6
39A 68. Run into 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. In "The Tempest," when Miranda says "O brave new world, That has such people in't!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Middlemen in illicit transactions"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a barrier that serves to enclose an area
  • Similar words include: surround, argue, palisade
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FENCES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Last over the line, say"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
  • Similar words include: sluggish, irksome, wearisome
  • Opposite of: fast
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOWEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Sushi wrapper"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NORI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Waikiki welcomes"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
  • Similar words include: ciao, aloha
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOHAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Indigenous people of the Great Basin"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the shoshonean people of utah and colorado and new mexico
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Forbidden idol"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRAVENIMAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. "American ___""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top
  • Similar words include: Proto-Indo European
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Neighborhood watering hole"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOCALDIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Subj. for one aspiring to become bilingual"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Particularly fine examples"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
  • Similar words include: precious stone, gem, treasure
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Tolkien's Treebeard, for one"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "24. Cards"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
  • Similar words include: id, Idaho, I.D.
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Shamash holder"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judaism) a candelabrum with seven branches used in ceremonies to symbolize the seven days of creation
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MENORAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Really rips into"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that attack someone physically or emotionally
  • Similar words include: set on, round, assail
  • Opposite of: defend
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSAILS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Become enamored with"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKETO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Beguile"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion
  • Similar words include: tempt, lure
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Bob who narrated "How I Met Your Mother""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAGET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Historic Bulgarian ruler"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Similar words include: czar, tzar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Faux flattery"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm
  • Similar words include: fulsomeness, unction
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Bob who hosted PBS's "The Joy of Painting""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scottish explorer who led arctic expeditions that yielded geographic discoveries while searching for the northwest passage (1777-1856)
  • Similar words include: John Ross, Sir Ronald Ross, Nellie Ross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Broad-shouldered Titan"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a titan who was forced by zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders
  • Similar words include: telamon, map collection, book of maps
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATLAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Most senior"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the offspring who came first in the order of birth
  • Similar words include: firstborn
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELDEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Italian liquor distilled from winemaking leftovers"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that italian brandy made from residue of grapes after pressing
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRAPPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Downward dog and others"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YOGAPOSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Exactly as desired"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIKEACHARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. 151, once"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a user interface in which you type commands instead of choosing them from a menu or selecting an icon
  • Similar words include: command line interface
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Discouraging words"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known
  • Similar words include: no, No, nobelium
  • Opposite of: yes
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. They come in black, Belgian and double varieties"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Path to spiritual harmony"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adherent of any branch of taoism
  • Similar words include: Taoist
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Bring out"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
  • Similar words include: provoke, kindle, extract
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELICIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Lillehammer's land: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Large retail establishment ... and a hint to four squares in this puzzle"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIGBOXSTORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. Part of the conjugation of "ĂȘtre""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Similar words include: Eastern Standard Time, Eastern Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. Candy heart phrase"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEMINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. Where "the man gave names to all ... the birds in the sky and all the wild animals""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: paradise, heaven, promised land
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. "Told you!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: take in, run across, realise
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "67. Containers in orchards"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rugged box (usually made of wood); used for shipping
  • Similar words include: crate, crateful
  • Opposite of: uncrate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "68. Run into"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a meeting at which a number of athletic contests are held
  • Similar words include: run across, suffer, fitting
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. It's a matter of degrees 5
2D 2. Beer brand with the slogan "La Playa Awaits" 6
3D 3. Political leaflets 6
4D 4. "The Four Seasons" composer 7
5D 5. Altered excerpts of a film posted to social media, say 8
6D 6. Sons of ___, exemplars of biblical wickedness 3
7D 7. Site of an 1899-1909 gold rush 4
8D 8. Deep fissure 5
9D 9. Bald youngster? 6
10D 10. Montreal-to-Boston dir. 3
11D 11. Freudian censor 8
12D 12. Conservative guesses 12
13D 13. Links openings? 8
14D 18. Imported beverage brand 5
15D 22. Pint-size racers 7
16D 25. ___ mold 5
17D 27. "It Ain't Hard to Tell" rapper 3
18D 29. Six-winged angels 7
19D 30. Like the appearance of armadillos and anacondas 5
20D 33. Many a character on "The Pitt," informally 5
21D 35. "Just Do It" and "Think Different" 8
22D 36. Fashion photographer's direction 11
23D 37. Not prix fixe 8
24D 39. Movie theaters with many screens 10
25D 42. Fancy hotel amenity 3
26D 44. Nursery purchases 5
27D 46. More pretentious 6
28D 48. Disguise, in a way 6
29D 49. Fancy affair 6
30D 51. Soft rock? 5
31D 54. Tube placed during angioplasty 5
32D 57. Article that might be prewritten, informally 4
33D 59. Bullet point 4
34D 61. Airer of "The Graham Norton Show" 3
35D 62. Small square 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. It's a matter of degrees"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians
  • Similar words include: slant, fish, weight
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANGLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Beer brand with the slogan "La Playa Awaits""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the outermost region of the sun's atmosphere; visible as a white halo during a solar eclipse
  • Similar words include: Saint Ulmo's fire, St. Elmo's fire, electric glow
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CORONA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Political leaflets"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extended area of land
  • Similar words include: tract, nerve tract, pathway
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "The Four Seasons" composer"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that italian baroque composer and violinist (1675-1741)
  • Similar words include: Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, Antonio Vivaldi
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIVALDI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Altered excerpts of a film posted to social media, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FANEDITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Sons of ___, exemplars of biblical wickedness"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Site of an 1899-1909 gold rush"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a town in western alaska on the southern coast of the seward peninsula; an important center of an alaskan gold rush at the beginning of the 20th century
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Deep fissure"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deep opening in the earth's surface
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHASM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Bald youngster?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young eagle
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAGLET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Montreal-to-Boston dir."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point midway between south and southeast
  • Similar words include: south southeast, sou'-sou'-east
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Freudian censor"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (psychoanalysis) that part of the unconscious mind that acts as a conscience
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUPEREGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Conservative guesses"

12 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOWESTIMATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Links openings?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEESHOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Imported beverage brand"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Pint-size racers"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOKARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. ___ mold"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any thick, viscous matter
  • Similar words include: muck, gook, goo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. "It Ain't Hard to Tell" rapper"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
  • Similar words include: Na, sodium, atomic number 11
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Six-winged angels"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an angel of the first order; usually portrayed as the winged head of a child
  • Similar words include: seraph
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERAPHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Like the appearance of armadillos and anacondas"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rough to the touch; covered with scales or scurf
  • Similar words include: leprose, lepidote, scaley
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCALY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "33. Many a character on "The Pitt," informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERDOC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "35. "Just Do It" and "Think Different""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAGLINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "36. Fashion photographer's direction"

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRIKEAPOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Not prix fixe"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALACARTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "39. Movie theaters with many screens"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEGAPLEXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "42. Fancy hotel amenity"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: watering hole, health club, watering place
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "44. Nursery purchases"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of being covered with unclean things
  • Similar words include: ground, colly, dirt
  • Opposite of: clean
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOILS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "46. More pretentious"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that showily imitative of art or artists
  • Similar words include: arty
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "48. Disguise, in a way"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that convert information into code
  • Opposite of: decode
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENCODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "49. Fancy affair"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a party of people assembled in the evening (usually at a private house)
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOIREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "51. Soft rock?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that molten rock in the earth's crust
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "54. Tube placed during angioplasty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender tube inserted inside a tubular body part (as a blood vessel) to provide support during and after surgical anastomosis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "57. Article that might be prewritten, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a notice of someone's death; usually includes a short biography
  • Similar words include: obituary, necrology
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "59. Bullet point"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
  • Similar words include: particular, detail, token
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "61. Airer of "The Graham Norton Show""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BBC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "62. Small square"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: unity, unitary, unmatched
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

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Last updated: June 04, 2026 at 08:05 AM

Saturday, September 13, 2025

December 25, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021

Difficulty Level: Challenging Thursday Puzzle

Total Clues: 61 (26 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 6.1 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Saturday Puzzle December 25, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Things you might snap on, nowadays 9
2A 10. Something suddenly fashionable 11
3A 12. Welcome sign of spring 13
4A 14. Bases of support 7
5A 15. Writer whose initials, when doubled, become another answer in this puzzle 7
6A 17. Charge 6
7A 18. Fly far, far away? 6
8A 19. More familiar name for hydrated magnesium silicate 4
9A 20. Sam who directed "A Simple Plan" 5
10A 24. Ball ___ 4
11A 25. Body opening? 3
12A 26. Stuff 7
13A 28. Subject of some MK-Ultra experiments 3
14A 29. "Let's pray it never comes to that" 9
15A 31. Sarcastic response to an attempt at intimidation 11
16A 33. Java has a rare species of one 5
17A 34. "What ___?" 5
18A 36. Members of filmdom's Breakfast Club 5
19A 37. The oldest known one was found carved into a mammoth tusk (∼25,000 B.C.) 3
20A 40. Battery type 5
21A 42. They're filled with dough 4
22A 43. Aquaman portrayer 5
23A 45. Side (with) 4
24A 46. Listing in the Fortune 100 15
25A 49. W.N.B.A. M.V.P. in 2015 and 2019 15
26A 50. Jumper, e.g. 15

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. Things you might snap on, nowadays"

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: PHOTOAPPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "10. Something suddenly fashionable"

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: THENEWBLACK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "12. Welcome sign of spring"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SHORTSWEATHER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Bases of support"

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 an architectural support or base (as for a column or statue)
  • Words that mean the same thing: pedestal, plinth, footstall
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PLINTHS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Writer whose initials, when doubled, become another answer in this puzzle"

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: TSELIOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Charge"

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 become converted into ions
  • Words that mean the same thing: ionise
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IONIZE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Fly far, far away?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that bloodsucking african fly; transmits sleeping sickness etc.
  • Words that mean the same thing: tsetse fly, glossina, tzetze fly
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TSETSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. More familiar name for hydrated magnesium silicate"

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 fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate; used in a variety of products including talcum powder
  • Words that mean the same thing: talcum
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TALC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Sam who directed "A Simple Plan""

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: RAIMI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "24. 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 part of a hammerhead opposite the flat striking surface (may have various shapes)
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PEEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "25. Body opening?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ANY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Stuff"

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 crowd or pack to capacity
  • Words that mean the same thing: ram, cram, chock 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: JAMPACK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Subject of some MK-Ultra experiments"

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 powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
  • Words that mean the same thing: lysergic acid diethylamide
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LSD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. "Let's pray it never comes to that""

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: GODFORBID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Sarcastic response to an attempt at intimidation"

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: OOHIMSCARED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Java has a rare species of one"

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 massive powerful herbivorous odd-toed ungulate of southeast asia and africa having very thick skin and one or two horns on the snout
  • Words that mean the same thing: rhinoceros
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RHINO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. "What ___?""

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 elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
  • Words that mean the same thing: throw, break, generate
  • The opposite would be: take, starve
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GIVES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Members of filmdom's Breakfast Club"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the time of life between the ages of 12 and 20
  • Words that mean the same thing: adolescent, stripling, teenager
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. The oldest known one was found carved into a mammoth tusk (∼25,000 B.C.)"

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 diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
  • Words that mean the same thing: represent, single-valued function, function
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Battery type"

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 rechargeable battery with a nickel cathode and a cadmium anode; often used in emergency systems because of its low discharge rate when not in use
  • Words that mean the same thing: nickel-cadmium accumulator
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NICAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. They're filled with dough"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
  • Words that mean the same thing: automatic teller, cash machine, standard atmosphere
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ATMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Aquaman portrayer"

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: MOMOA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Side (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 a friendly nation
  • Words that mean the same thing: friend
  • The opposite would be: foe
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALLY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Listing in the Fortune 100"

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: MEGACORPORATION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. W.N.B.A. M.V.P. in 2015 and 2019"

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: ELENADELLEDONNE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Jumper, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: SLEEVELESSDRESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Saturday NYT Crossword December 25, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Relating to sound 6
2D 2. One cycle per second 5
3D 3. 1979 Donna Summer hit ... or where it was heard 10
4D 4. Model and body positivity activist Holliday 4
5D 5. Pained expression 3
6D 6. Help lift something, maybe? 4
7D 7. Checkout choice 10
8D 8. Some spreads 5
9D 9. Lug 6
10D 10. Bad way to be disguised 6
11D 11. "Bad Lieutenant" star 6
12D 12. Dulcé ___, correspondent for "The Daily Show" beginning in 2017 5
13D 13. Classic "I messed up" gift 5
14D 14. Souvlaki go-with 4
15D 16. Be behind bars? 4
16D 21. Switch letters 4
17D 22. Some news on Wall St. 4
18D 23. Linguist Okrand who created Klingon 4
19D 26. 21 popes 5
20D 27. Japanese beer 5
21D 29. Lose it completely 8
22D 30. One straying from the norm 8
23D 31. "No way!," spelled out in a text 7
24D 32. Refuse 7
25D 33. Pass on 6
26D 35. Places to get waxed 6
27D 36. Reins in 5
28D 37. Spongelike delicacy 5
29D 38. Enough 5
30D 39. Cannonball targets 5
31D 41. Units equal to 10 micronewtons 5
32D 43. Manner 4
33D 44. Father of many children with Aphrodite 4
34D 47. Ohio pro athlete, informally 3
35D 48. Kick in 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. Relating to sound"

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 pertaining to the phonic method of teaching reading
  • Words that mean the same thing: phonetic
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PHONIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. One cycle per second"

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 unit of frequency; one hertz has a periodic interval of one second
  • Words that mean the same thing: cycles/second, cps, Hz
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HERTZ

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. 1979 Donna Summer hit ... or where it was heard"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: ONTHERADIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Model and body positivity activist Holliday"

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: TESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Pained expression"

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: OWW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Help lift something, maybe?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ABET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Checkout choice"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: PLASTICBAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Some spreads"

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 liver or meat or fowl finely minced or ground and variously seasoned
  • Words that mean the same thing: poll, crown, pat
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PATES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Lug"

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 (yiddish) an awkward and stupid person
  • Words that mean the same thing: shlep, shlepper, schlepper
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCHLEP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Bad way to be disguised"

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 without force or sincere effort
  • Words that mean the same thing: thin, lightly
  • The opposite would be: thickly
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: THINLY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Bad Lieutenant" star"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: KEITEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Dulcé ___, correspondent for "The Daily Show" beginning in 2017"

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: SLOAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Classic "I messed up" gift"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any of many shrubs of the genus rosa that bear roses
  • Words that mean the same thing: rosebush, pink wine, rosiness
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROSES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Souvlaki go-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 usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
  • Words that mean the same thing: pocket bread
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PITA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "16. Be behind bars?"

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 have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
  • Words that mean the same thing: run, incline, be given
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "21. Switch letters"

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: AMFM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "22. Some news on Wall St."

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 corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public
  • Words that mean the same thing: initial offering, IPO, initial public offering
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IPOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "23. Linguist Okrand who created Klingon"

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 made from residue of grapes or apples after pressing
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MARC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. 21 popes"

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 united states artist and proponent of pop art (born in 1930)
  • Words that mean the same thing: whoremaster, John the Evangelist, trick
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: JOHNS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Japanese beer"

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: KIRIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Lose it completely"

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: GOINSANE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. One straying from the norm"

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: DEVIATOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. "No way!," spelled out in a text"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OHEMGEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Refuse"

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 change toward something smaller or lower
  • Words that mean the same thing: diminution, declination, decay
  • The opposite would be: improvement, ascent
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DECLINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "33. Pass on"

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 render verbally,
  • Words that mean the same thing: ingeminate, recite, reiterate
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RETELL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "35. Places to get waxed"

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 gallery where works of art can be displayed
  • Words that mean the same thing: salon, beauty parlor, beauty parlour
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SALONS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "36. Reins in"

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 correct by punishment or discipline
  • Words that mean the same thing: domesticize, tone down, tame
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAMES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "37. Spongelike delicacy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any of various edible mushrooms of the genus morchella having a brownish spongelike cap
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MOREL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "38. Enough"

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 more than enough in size or scope or capacity
  • Words that mean the same thing: rich, plentiful, plenteous
  • The opposite would be: meager
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AMPLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "39. Cannonball targets"

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 excavation that is (usually) filled with water
  • Words that mean the same thing: pond, puddle, pool
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POOLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "41. Units equal to 10 micronewtons"

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 unit of force equal to the force that imparts an acceleration of 1 cm/sec/sec to a mass of 1 gram
  • Words that mean the same thing: dyne
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DYNES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "43. Manner"

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 how something is done or how it happens
  • Words that mean the same thing: fashion, style, manner
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MODE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "44. Father of many children with Aphrodite"

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 (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
  • Words that mean the same thing: ar, are
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "47. Ohio pro athlete, informally"

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: CAV

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "48. Kick in"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ADD

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 52 85.2%
Short Answer 6 9.8%
Literature 1 1.6%
Movies/Film 1 1.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment 1 1.6%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 26
Down Clues 35
Total Clues 61
Average Answer Length 6.1 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 Saturday, and these puzzles are usually challenging level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 6 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 12, 2025 at 10:17 PM