October 14, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• January 15 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 22 2018 NYT Clues Answers
• May 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_9

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, October 14, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (37 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

October 14, 2021 Thursday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Long-term appeal	4
2A	5. Rock star Cobain	4
3A	9. Leave off	4
4A	13. Q: How much does it cost to park at stadiums? A: ___	4
5A	14. Postpone, as enrollment	5
6A	15. Captain in "The Mysterious Island"	4
7A	16. "My allergies are really acting up!"	10
8A	18. Sicily's highest peak	4
9A	19. Unusual time to start a vacation	7
10A	20. YouTube content	6
11A	22. "It ___" (pompous arrival's declaration)	3
12A	23. "That third strike cost us the game!"	11
13A	26. Like Swarthmore, but not Bryn Mawr	4
14A	28. Food industry lobby, for short	3
15A	29. Frost bit?	5
16A	30. Not leave to chance	6
17A	33. Run for fun, perhaps	4
18A	35. Spanish 101 verb	3
19A	36. "I keep losing things in the dryer!"	9
20A	39. Mitch's husband on "Modern Family"	3
21A	42. Architect ___ Ming Pei	4
22A	43. Calligraphy details	6
23A	47. Hoard	5
24A	49. Head across the pond?	3
25A	51. Ella Fitzgerald forte	4
26A	52. "My iPhone never works!"	11
27A	56. Wearer of a "Y" sweatshirt	3
28A	57. Wackadoodle	6
29A	58. Stand by the pool, maybe	7
30A	60. Fit for the task	4
31A	61. "This bug spray is useless!"	10
32A	64. Marquis de ___	4
33A	65. Like many a campfire story	5
34A	66. Water pitcher	4
35A	67. Pressure, informally	4
36A	68. It may be on the house	4
37A	69. One who's got your back	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. Long-term appeal"

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 staying power
• Words that mean the same thing: pegleg, branch, ramification
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Rock star Cobain"

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: KURT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Leave off"

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 prevent from being included or considered or accepted
• Words that mean the same thing: overlook, exclude, drop
• The opposite would be: include, attend to
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Q: How much does it cost to park at stadiums? A: ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ALOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Postpone, as enrollment"

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 hold back to a later time
• Words that mean the same thing: postpone, submit, hold over
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEFER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Captain in "The Mysterious Island""

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: NEMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. "My allergies are really acting up!""

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: BLOODYNOSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Sicily's highest peak"

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 inactive volcano in sicily; last erupted in 1961; the highest volcano in europe (10,500 feet)
• Words that mean the same thing: bunsen burner, Mount Etna, bunsen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Unusual time to start a vacation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the fourth day of the week; the third working day
• Words that mean the same thing: Wed, Wednesday
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIDWEEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. YouTube content"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the visible part of a television transmission
• Words that mean the same thing: television, video, picture
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VIDEOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. "It ___" (pompous arrival's declaration)"

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 pakistan intelligence agency; a powerful and almost autonomous political and military force; has procured nuclear technology and delivery capabilities; has had strong ties with the taliban and other militant islamic groups
• Words that mean the same thing: Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence, Inter-Services Intelligence
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ISI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. "That third strike cost us the game!""

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FREAKINGOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Like Swarthmore, but not Bryn Mawr"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Food industry lobby, for short"

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

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 15 Across: "29. Frost bit?"

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 literature in metrical form
• Words that mean the same thing: versify, rhyme, poesy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VERSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Not leave to chance"

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 make certain of
• Words that mean the same thing: check, see, secure
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENSURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Run for fun, perhaps"

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 mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
• Words that mean the same thing: erratum, literal error, typographical error
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TYPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Spanish 101 verb"

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: SER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. "I keep losing things in the dryer!""

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: DARNSOCKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Mitch's husband on "Modern Family""

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 river in east central england that flows past cambridge to join the ouse river
• Words that mean the same thing: River Cam, Cam River
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Architect ___ Ming Pei"

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: IEOH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Calligraphy details"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a short line at the end of the main strokes of a character
• Words that mean the same thing: serif, seriph
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERIFS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Hoard"

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 collect or gather
• Words that mean the same thing: hoard, accumulate, roll 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: AMASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "49. Head across the pond?"

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 a toilet in britain
• Words that mean the same thing: closet, W.C., water closet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. Ella Fitzgerald forte"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that singing jazz; the singer substitutes nonsense syllables for the words of the song and tries to sound like a musical instrument
• Words that mean the same thing: lam, scarper, turn tail
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. "My iPhone never works!""

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: ROTTENAPPLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "56. Wearer of a "Y" sweatshirt"

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: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. Wackadoodle"

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 someone unpleasantly strange or eccentric
• Words that mean the same thing: weirdy, crazy, looney
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WEIRDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "58. Stand by the pool, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: TIKIBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "60. Fit for the task"

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 followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
• Words that mean the same thing: able-bodied, capable
• The opposite would be: unable
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. "This bug spray is useless!""

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: BLASTEDOFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. Marquis de ___"

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 french soldier and writer whose descriptions of sexual perversion gave rise to the term `sadism' (1740-1814)
• Words that mean the same thing: de Sade, Comte Donatien Alphonse Francois de Sade, Marquis de Sade
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Like many a campfire story"

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 34 Across: "66. Water pitcher"

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 open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
• Words that mean the same thing: pitcher
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Pressure, informally"

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 form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
• Words that mean the same thing: inflame, fire up, wake
• The opposite would be: coldness, cool
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "68. It may be on the house"

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 right to take another's property if an obligation is not discharged
• Words that mean the same thing: spleen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "69. One who's got your back"

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!

Down Clues Decoded - Thursday NYT Crossword October 14, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Maze runners	7
2D	2. National Medal of Arts recipient whose novel "Juneteenth" was published posthumously	7
3D	3. Special treats	7
4D	4. Put (away)	4
5D	5. Puzzle whose name comes from the Japanese for "cleverness squared"	6
6D	6. World traveler?	3
7D	7. Hi-___	3
8D	8. Fountain near the Spanish Steps	5
9D	9. Wired	6
10D	10. Shooting stars	7
11D	11. "What's the point in me even trying"	7
12D	12. Glass elevator?	7
13D	14. Easter egg decorator	4
14D	17. Absolutely, informally	3
15D	21. Call upon	6
16D	24. Place to purchase pencils and paint	7
17D	25. Prizefight ending	4
18D	27. Lemon or turkey	3
19D	31. Upped the ante	6
20D	32. Old-fashioned preposition	3
21D	34. Microsoft Surfaces, e.g.	3
22D	37. The Big Easy	4
23D	38. Typical college interviewees: Abbr.	3
24D	39. Business that offers body waxing	7
25D	40. Creatures named for their changing shape	7
26D	41. Roald Dahl heroine	7
27D	44. Nickname for the subzero 1967 N.F.L. Championship Game	7
28D	45. Balls in a pocket	7
29D	46. Recipe that might call for ginger and soy sauce	7
30D	48. Word with fair or fight	6
31D	50. Chooses to receive marketing emails, say	6
32D	53. Prize declined by Sartre	5
33D	54. Diet-friendly	4
34D	55. Just scrape (by)	3
35D	59. Bit of creativity	4
36D	62. Scented souvenir	3
37D	63. Is after you?	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. Maze runners"

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: LABMICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. National Medal of Arts recipient whose novel "Juneteenth" was published posthumously"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states novelist who wrote about a young black man and his struggles in american society (1914-1994)
• Words that mean the same thing: Ralph Waldo Ellison, Ralph Ellison
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELLISON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Special treats"

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 something considered choice to eat
• Words that mean the same thing: kickshaw, treat, delicacy
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOODIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Put (away)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fill by packing tightly
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Puzzle whose name comes from the Japanese for "cleverness squared""

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: KENKEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. World traveler?"

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 (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
• Words that mean the same thing: flying saucer, unidentified flying object
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UFO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Hi-___"

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 widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells
• Words that mean the same thing: Ra, rhenium, 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: RES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Fountain near the Spanish Steps"

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: TREVI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Wired"

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: ONEDGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Shooting stars"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (astronomy) any of the small solid extraterrestrial bodies that hits the earth's atmosphere
• Words that mean the same thing: meteoroid, meteor, shooting star
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: METEORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "What's the point in me even trying""

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: IMNOUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Glass elevator?"

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 someone who proposes a toast; someone who drinks to the health of success of someone or some venture
• Words that mean the same thing: wassailer
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOASTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Easter egg decorator"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone whose job is to dye cloth
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DYER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. Absolutely, informally"

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: DEF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Call upon"

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 summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic
• Words that mean the same thing: conjure up, appeal, put forward
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INVOKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Place to purchase pencils and paint"

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: ARTSHOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Prizefight ending"

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 blow that renders the opponent unconscious
• Words that mean the same thing: knockout, knock cold, knock out
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KAYO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Lemon or turkey"

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 someone who is unsuccessful
• Words that mean the same thing: washout, turkey, misfire
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DUD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "31. Upped the ante"

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 raise the level or amount of something
• Words that mean the same thing: farm, evoke, parent
• The opposite would be: level, lower
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAISED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Old-fashioned preposition"

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: ERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Microsoft Surfaces, 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 small digital computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time
• Words that mean the same thing: PC, personal computer, microcomputer
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "37. The Big Easy"

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: NOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "38. Typical college interviewees: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a soft silver-white or yellowish metallic element of the alkali metal group; turns yellow in air; occurs in celestite and strontianite
• Words that mean the same thing: Sr, steradian, sr
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "39. Business that offers body waxing"

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: CARWASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Creatures named for their changing shape"

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 naked freshwater or marine or parasitic protozoa that form temporary pseudopods for feeding and locomotion
• Words that mean the same thing: ameba, amoeba
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMOEBAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Roald Dahl heroine"

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: MATILDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Nickname for the subzero 1967 N.F.L. Championship Game"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ICEBOWL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Balls in a pocket"

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 small croquette of mashed chick peas or fava beans seasoned with sesame seeds
• Words that mean the same thing: felafel
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FALAFEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Recipe that might call for ginger and soy sauce"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STIRFRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Word with fair or fight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STREET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Chooses to receive marketing emails, say"

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: OPTSIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Prize declined by Sartre"

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 swedish chemist remembered for his invention of dynamite and for the bequest that created the nobel prizes (1833-1896)
• Words that mean the same thing: Alfred Nobel, Alfred Bernhard Nobel
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOBEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Diet-friendly"

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 having relatively few calories
• Words that mean the same thing: low-cal, light, calorie-free
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. Just scrape (by)"

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: EKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "59. Bit of creativity"

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 content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
• Words that mean the same thing: approximation, thought, musical theme
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "62. Scented souvenir"

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 flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
• Words that mean the same thing: chaplet, wreath, leu
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "63. Is after you?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Words that mean the same thing: embody, personify, constitute
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	66.2%
Short Answer	14	18.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.1%
Sports	2	2.7%
History	2	2.7%
Food & Drink	2	2.7%
Literature	1	1.4%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.2 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

• 27442 Sun Dec 29 2024 Ny Times
• July 10 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 22 2018 NYT Clues Answers
• June 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 30 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Tuesday February 13 2007 NYT Crosswords
• October 29 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 15 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 11 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 17 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 14, 2025 at 09:38 AM

October 23, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

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• February 07 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, October 23, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Friday Puzzle October 23, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Cable news lineup	5
2A	6. Only character with the same name in both "Rent" and "La Bohème"	4
3A	10. Some urgent messages, in brief	4
4A	14. Dramatic device	5
5A	15. What's before after, at the end?	4
6A	16. Kaplan course subj.	4
7A	17. "That's enough for now"	10
8A	19. Singular	4
9A	20. Most promising slate of candidates	9
10A	21. Decision spot	4
11A	22. Dark half	3
12A	23. Sexy	3
13A	24. One who might have a brush with fame?	6
14A	26. Jobs at Apple, once	3
15A	27. Prom night worry	4
16A	29. Puzzle solver's cry	3
17A	30. Legal pad alternative	13
18A	33. Lightly lined apparel	13
19A	34. Batting equipment?	13
20A	35. Cost-of-living fig.	3
21A	36. Array on a screen	4
22A	37. The season opener?	3
23A	38. Author who was a childhood friend of Harper Lee	6
24A	40. Filch	3
25A	41. Melissa Jefferson ___ Lizzo	3
26A	44. Spots for bulbs	4
27A	45. Celebrity's influence	9
28A	48. Overhaul	4
29A	49. Goes in 100%	10
30A	50. Single piece of underwear, paradoxically	4
31A	51. Highland slope	4
32A	52. Background distraction	5
33A	53. Some are traditional, in brief	4
34A	54. Steel (oneself)	4
35A	55. Mount	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Cable news lineup"

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 sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something
• Words that mean the same thing: gore, control panel, jury
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PANEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Only character with the same name in both "Rent" and "La Bohème""

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: MIMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Some urgent messages, in brief"

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: APBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Dramatic device"

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 line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
• Words that mean the same thing: excursus, apart, divagation
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. What's before after, at the end?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that at any time
• Words that mean the same thing: of all time, e'er, always
• The opposite would be: never
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Kaplan course subj."

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: LSAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. "That's enough for now""

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: TAKEABREAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Singular"

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 lacking companions or companionship
• Words that mean the same thing: alone, sole, lonesome
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Most promising slate of candidates"

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 list of applicants winnowed from a longer list who have been deemed suitable and from which the successful person will be chosen
• Words that mean the same thing: short list
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHORTLIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Decision spot"

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 cutlery used for serving and eating food
• Words that mean the same thing: branch, pitchfork, forking
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Dark half"

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 dark negative feminine principle in chinese dualistic cosmology
• The opposite would be: yang
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Sexy"

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 used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
• Words that mean the same thing: blistering, spicy, red-hot
• The opposite would be: cold
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. One who might have a brush with fame?"

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 a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination
• Words that mean the same thing: creative person
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARTIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Jobs at Apple, once"

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 corporate executive responsible for the operations of the firm; reports to a board of directors; may appoint other managers (including a president)
• Words that mean the same thing: chief executive officer, chief operating officer
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "27. Prom night worry"

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 inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Puzzle solver's cry"

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: AHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "30. Legal pad alternative"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: WORDPROCESSOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. Lightly lined apparel"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: PINSTRIPESUIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Batting equipment?"

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: FAKEEYELASHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "35. Cost-of-living fig."

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 index of the cost of all goods and services to a typical consumer
• Words that mean the same thing: consumer price index, cost-of-living index, California Personality Inventory
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CPI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "36. Array on a screen"

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: APPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "37. The season opener?"

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 light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite
• Words that mean the same thing: si, ti, Ti
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "38. Author who was a childhood friend of Harper Lee"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long overcoat with a hood that can be pulled over the head
• Words that mean the same thing: hooded coat, hooded cloak
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAPOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "40. Filch"

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 uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
• Words that mean the same thing: pig, knock off, glom
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "41. Melissa Jefferson ___ Lizzo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "44. Spots for bulbs"

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 piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
• Words that mean the same thing: get laid, have a go at it, sleep with
• The opposite would be: turn out, get up
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "45. Celebrity's influence"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: STARPOWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "48. Overhaul"

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 do over, as of (part of) a house
• Words that mean the same thing: reconstruct, remake, remodel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "49. Goes in 100%"

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: RISKSITALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "50. Single piece of underwear, paradoxically"

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 set of two similar things considered as a unit
• Words that mean the same thing: yoke, distich, twin
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "51. Highland slope"

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

  The answer is: BRAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "52. Background distraction"

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 sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
• Words that mean the same thing: disturbance, stochasticity, make noise
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "53. Some are traditional, in brief"

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 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: wrath, individual retirement account, ira
• The 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 34 Across: "54. Steel (oneself)"

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 prepare oneself for a military confrontation
• Words that mean the same thing: encircle, girdle, fortify
• The opposite would be: disarm
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GIRD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "55. Mount"

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: GETON

  Great job if you got it right!

October 23, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Mark	5
2D	2. Japanese beer brand	5
3D	3. Camera mentioned in Paul Simon's "Kodachrome" (not a Kodak!)	5
4D	4. River of Germany	4
5D	5. Upgrade at a dealership	12
6D	6. Warrant	5
7D	7. Singer/actor who narrated 1964's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"	4
8D	8. Gist	4
9D	9. Put out	3
10D	10. Divvy up	5
11D	11. Autoimmune condition with itchy skin	9
12D	12. Use of a cushion or a backboard	8
13D	13. Anne or Jeanne: Abbr.	3
14D	18. B+ or A-	9
15D	21. E-tail perk	12
16D	24. Tree toppers	9
17D	25. Pine product	3
18D	26. Pine product	4
19D	27. Pieces of pomegranate	5
20D	28. Nightclub of song, familiarly	4
21D	30. Resource with content in 300+ languages	9
22D	31. ___ school	4
23D	32. Seeks judgment, in a way	4
24D	33. Fairy tale patriarch	8
25D	34. Grp. that watches TV	3
26D	39. Some may linger	5
27D	40. Encrusted	5
28D	41. Be in store	5
29D	42. Ashton Kutcher's role on "That '70s Show"	5
30D	43. Longtime senator Specter	5
31D	45. Who asks "What can I help you with?"	4
32D	46. Former Bulgarian monarch	4
33D	47. Omaha relative	4
34D	48. Tech sch. in upstate N.Y.	3
35D	49. Initials of the person who said "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you"	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. Mark"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
• Words that mean the same thing: mug, soft touch, fall guy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PATSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Japanese beer brand"

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: ASAHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Camera mentioned in Paul Simon's "Kodachrome" (not a Kodak!)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NIKON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. River of Germany"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: EDER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Upgrade at a dealership"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LEATHERSEATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Warrant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any admirable quality or attribute
• Words that mean the same thing: deserve, virtue, deservingness
• The opposite would be: demerit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MERIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Singer/actor who narrated 1964's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states composer noted for his innovative use of polytonality (1874-1954)
• Words that mean the same thing: James Ives, James Merritt Ives, Charles Edward Ives
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Gist"

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 the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
• Words that mean the same thing: core, heart and soul, 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: MEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Put out"

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 irritate or vex
• Words that mean the same thing: gall
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Divvy 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 allow to have
• Words that mean the same thing: grant, deal out, administer
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALLOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Autoimmune condition with itchy skin"

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 chronic skin disease characterized by dry red patches covered with scales; occurs especially on the scalp and ears and genitalia and the skin over bony prominences
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PSORIASIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Use of a cushion or a backboard"

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: BANKSHOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Anne or Jeanne: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. B+ or A-"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BLOODTYPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. E-tail perk"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: FREESHIPPING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Tree toppers"

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 someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
• Words that mean the same thing: ascendent, ascendant, root
• The opposite would be: descendant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANCESTORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Pine product"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Pine product"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any cone-shaped artifact
• Words that mean the same thing: retinal cone, conoid, cone cell
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Pieces of pomegranate"

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 fleshy and usually brightly colored cover of some seeds that develops from the ovule stalk and partially or entirely envelopes the seed
• Words that mean the same thing: aril
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Nightclub of song, familiarly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Resource with content in 300+ languages"

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: WIKIPEDIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. ___ school"

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 preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
• Words that mean the same thing: preparation, homework
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PREP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Seeks judgment, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that french writer whose novels described the sordid side of city life (1804-1857)
• Words that mean the same thing: Eugene Sue, sue, process
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Fairy tale patriarch"

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: PAPABEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "34. Grp. that watches TV"

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 government agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio and television and wire and cable and satellite
• Words that mean the same thing: Federal Communications Commission
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FCC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Some may linger"

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

  The answer is: ODORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Encrusted"

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 form a coat over
• Words that mean the same thing: cake, coat
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Be in store"

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 look forward to the probable occurrence of
• Words that mean the same thing: expect, look, wait
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWAIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Ashton Kutcher's role on "That '70s Show""

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: KELSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Longtime senator Specter"

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: ARLEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Who asks "What can I help you with?""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: SIRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. Former Bulgarian monarch"

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 male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
• Words that mean the same thing: czar, tzar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "47. Omaha relative"

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 the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
• Words that mean the same thing: Oto
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "48. Tech sch. in upstate N.Y."

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: RPI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "49. Initials of the person who said "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you""

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: RBG

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	70.0%
Short Answer	12	17.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.3%
History	2	2.9%
Geography	2	2.9%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.4 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	13 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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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 21, 2025 at 06:45 PM