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Monday, September 8, 2025

July 22, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, July 22, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (31 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

July 22, 2022 Friday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. [Ooh, you're sexy!] 4
2A 5. Bed in the kitchen? 4
3A 9. Big ___ (athletic conference) 4
4A 13. Medicinal plant 4
5A 14. Tangy-and-sweet dessert topping 10
6A 16. Sail holder … or sale holder? 4
7A 17. "Everything comes down to this" 10
8A 18. Camouflage fabric 5
9A 20. Many string compositions by Haydn 5
10A 21. Butt of a joke? 14
11A 26. Weighed unscientifically 6
12A 27. Quaker of Pennsylvania? 5
13A 28. Store up 5
14A 29. Sudoku or anagrams 9
15A 33. Chip, e.g. 3
16A 34. Like Goliath, in the Bible story 5
17A 35. Short flight 3
18A 36. Going from club to club, say 9
19A 39. Things some people do at bars 5
20A 41. City near Kobe 5
21A 42. Perform for the approval of 6
22A 43. Only singer to have seven consecutive #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 14
23A 46. Not just bold 5
24A 47. First Black female billionaire, informally 5
25A 48. "Hey, I'm talking here!" 10
26A 52. Slice in a salad, maybe 4
27A 55. Ones who put you to sleep 10
28A 56. World's leading saffron producer 4
29A 57. Saxophone piece 4
30A 58. Pros 4
31A 59. Comment from one who's all thumbs? 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. [Ooh, you're sexy!]"

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: RAWR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Bed in the kitchen?"

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 grains used as food either unpolished or more often polished
  • Words that mean the same thing: Sir Tim Rice, Timothy Miles Bindon Rice, Elmer Reizenstein
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RICE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Big ___ (athletic conference)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Words that mean the same thing: Orient, E, eastward
  • The opposite would be: west
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EAST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Medicinal plant"

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 succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Tangy-and-sweet dessert topping"

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: LEMONSAUCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Sail holder … or sale holder?"

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 a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
  • Words that mean the same thing: one thousand, G, chiliad
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YARD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. "Everything comes down to this""

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: ITSDOORDIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Camouflage fabric"

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 sturdy twilled cloth of a yellowish brown color used especially for military uniforms
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KHAKI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Many string compositions by Haydn"

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 cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Words that mean the same thing: deuce-ace, leash, III
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRIOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Butt of a joke?"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: WHOOPEECUSHION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "26. Weighed unscientifically"

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 lift or elevate
  • Words that mean the same thing: heft, heft up, heave
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEFTED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "27. Quaker of Pennsylvania?"

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 any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASPEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Store 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 collect or gather
  • Words that mean the same thing: roll up, hoard, conglomerate
  • The 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 14 Across: "29. Sudoku or anagrams"

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: BRAINGAME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Chip, 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 the month following february and preceding april
  • Words that mean the same thing: blemish, mutilate, March
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Like Goliath, in the Bible story"

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 people who have been slain (as in battle)
  • Words that mean the same thing: off, dispatch, bump off
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Short flight"

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 act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
  • Words that mean the same thing: record hop, hops, skip
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Going from club to club, say"

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: ONTHETOWN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Things some people do at bars"

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 act of firing a projectile
  • Words that mean the same thing: stroke, guesswork, guessing
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SHOTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. City near Kobe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that port city on southern honshu on osaka bay; a commercial and industrial center of japan
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OSAKA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Perform for the approval of"

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: PLAYTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Only singer to have seven consecutive #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert 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: WHITNEYHOUSTON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Not just bold"

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 offensively bold
  • Words that mean the same thing: nervy, cheeky
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BRASH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. First Black female billionaire, informally"

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: OPRAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. "Hey, I'm talking here!""

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: LISTENTOME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. Slice in a salad, maybe"

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: FETA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "55. Ones who put you to sleep"

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: UTTERBORES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "56. World's leading saffron producer"

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 theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Words that mean the same thing: Islamic Republic of Iran, Persia
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "57. Saxophone piece"

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 tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera arundo and phragmites
  • Words that mean the same thing: vibrating reed, Walter Reed, John Reed
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "58. Pros"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: AYES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Comment from one who's all thumbs?"

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 the words of something written
  • Words that mean the same thing: schoolbook, textbook, school text
  • The opposite would be: trade edition
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEXT

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword July 22, 2022

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Line in geometry 3
2D 2. French phrase with a grave accent 3
3D 3. Real gem 9
4D 4. Spicy sweets 7
5D 5. Make fast again 5
6D 6. Reaches online, in a way 3
7D 7. Source of oil from the sea 3
8D 8. Brian who was a pioneer in ambient music 3
9D 9. Vermeer painted a girl with a pearl one 7
10D 10. Kind of feed 5
11D 11. Descendant of a prominent family 5
12D 12. Some tourist shop wares 4
13D 14. Popular 5
14D 15. Story segue 6
15D 19. They share our blood types 4
16D 21. Company behind the Hula-Hoop and Frisbee 5
17D 22. Foe of Skeletor in "Masters of the Universe" 5
18D 23. Relative of fennel 7
19D 24. Bolt for the finish line? 5
20D 25. Quick drive, informally 4
21D 29. Fellow 5
22D 30. Ship-to-ship communication 9
23D 31. "Carpe diem," for one 5
24D 32. Japanese-based electronics giant 5
25D 34. Man's nickname that's a baseball team's nickname backward 4
26D 37. Raised 7
27D 38. Queen celebrated at an annual feast 6
28D 39. Line in music 4
29D 40. Flips 7
30D 42. Latin lovers, officially speaking? 5
31D 43. Put down 5
32D 44. Precipitance 5
33D 45. Divisions of subdivisions 5
34D 46. Motion picture? 4
35D 49. Org. whose logo features a leaning silhouette 3
36D 50. Barbie, e.g. 3
37D 51. Unit of the Swedish krona 3
38D 53. Line on a receipt 3
39D 54. Worker in a tunnel, maybe 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. Line in geometry"

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 column of light (as from a beacon)
  • Words that mean the same thing: irradiate, light beam, radiate
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. French phrase with a grave accent"

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 flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Real gem"

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: WORKOFART

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Spicy sweets"

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: REDHOTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Make fast again"

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

    The answer is: RETIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Reaches online, in a way"

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: IMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Source of oil from the sea"

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 vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Words that mean the same thing: taunt, tantalise, put one 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: COD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Brian who was a pioneer in ambient music"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: ENO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Vermeer painted a girl with a pearl one"

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 jewelry to ornament the ear; usually clipped to the earlobe or fastened through a hole in the lobe
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EARRING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Kind of feed"

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 audible part of a transmitted signal
  • Words that mean the same thing: sound, audio frequency, audio recording
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AUDIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Descendant of a prominent family"

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

    The answer is: SCION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Some tourist shop wares"

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 the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Words that mean the same thing: tee up, teeing ground, football tee
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Popular"

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 prefer or wish to do something
  • Words that mean the same thing: like, care, wish
  • The opposite would be: disliked, dislike
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIKED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Story segue"

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: SOTHEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. They share our blood types"

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 of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
  • Words that mean the same thing: ape, aper, anthropoid
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: APES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "21. Company behind the Hula-Hoop and Frisbee"

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: WHAMO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "22. Foe of Skeletor in "Masters of the Universe""

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: HEMAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "23. Relative of fennel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a eurasian plant with small white flowers yielding caraway seed
  • Words that mean the same thing: Carum carvi
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CARAWAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "24. Bolt for the finish line?"

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: USAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "25. Quick drive, 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 swift whirling motion (usually of a missile)
  • Words that mean the same thing: gyrate, birl, tailspin
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Fellow"

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 boy or man
  • Words that mean the same thing: chap, blighter, fellow
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BLOKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Ship-to-ship communication"

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: AHOYTHERE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. "Carpe diem," for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a favorite saying of a sect or political group
  • Words that mean the same thing: slogan, shibboleth, catchword
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MOTTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Japanese-based electronics giant"

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: EPSON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "34. Man's nickname that's a baseball team's nickname backward"

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: STAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Raised"

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 raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help
  • Words that mean the same thing: lift, hoist, run 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: HOISTED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Queen celebrated at an annual feast"

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 (old testament) a beautiful jewess chosen by the king of persia to be his queen; she stopped a plot to massacre all the jews in persia (an event celebrated by jews as the feast of purim)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Book of Esther
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ESTHER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "39. Line in music"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (music) a curved line spanning notes that are to be played legato
  • Words that mean the same thing: daub, smear, blot
  • The opposite would be: focus
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLUR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "40. Flips"

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: HASAFIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "42. Latin lovers, officially speaking?"

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 head of the roman catholic church
  • Words that mean the same thing: Alexander Pope, Roman Catholic Pope, Catholic Pope
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POPES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Put down"

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 produce a literary work
  • Words that mean the same thing: spell, save, compose
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WRITE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. Precipitance"

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 overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
  • Words that mean the same thing: hastiness, precipitation, hurry
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HASTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "45. Divisions of subdivisions"

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 where you live at a particular time
  • Words that mean the same thing: domicile, base, nursing home
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOMES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "46. Motion picture?"

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 hazy or indistinct representation
  • Words that mean the same thing: obnubilate, smear, slur
  • The opposite would be: focus
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BLUR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "49. Org. whose logo features a leaning silhouette"

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: NBA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "50. Barbie, 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 an artifact designed to be played with
  • Words that mean the same thing: diddle, miniature, plaything
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "51. Unit of the Swedish krona"

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 mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "53. Line on a receipt"

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 charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government
  • Words that mean the same thing: task, assess, taxation
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "54. Worker in a tunnel, maybe"

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 social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Words that mean the same thing: emmet, pismire
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANT

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 53 75.7%
Short Answer 10 14.3%
Music 2 2.9%
History 2 2.9%
Geography 1 1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 1 1.4%
Food & Drink 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 31
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 70
Average Answer Length 5.4 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 08, 2025 at 02:44 PM

Saturday, September 13, 2025

December 14, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

December 14, 2021 Tuesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Policy nerd 4
2A 5. P.F. ___ (restaurant chain) 6
3A 11. Query 3
4A 14. Gaelic language 4
5A 15. Actor Pattinson 6
6A 16. Actress Farrow 3
7A 17. Northern European region 11
8A 19. Cozy lodging 3
9A 20. Kind of beef from Japan 4
10A 21. Like the richest soufflé 7
11A 23. County of Newark, N.J. 5
12A 26. Oil-drilling structure 3
13A 27. Feeling of dejection 7
14A 30. Its flag has a blue 61-Across 7
15A 34. Lyrical dedication 3
16A 35. Scare off 5
17A 37. Play dirty 5
18A 38. "Star Wars" racing vehicles 4
19A 40. Flier with a tail 5
20A 42. Fiona or Shrek 4
21A 43. Swords with blunted ends 5
22A 45. Radium discoverer 5
23A 47. Mr. ___ (Tootsie Pop's avian mascot) 3
24A 48. Its flag has a white 61-Across 7
25A 50. Beguile, to Brits 7
26A 52. "___ been meaning to mention ..." 3
27A 53. Military helicopters, colloquially 5
28A 54. 2021 Elizabeth Warren book 7
29A 58. Two kings or two queens, e.g. 4
30A 60. Chopper 3
31A 61. Flag symbol seen twice in this puzzle's grid 11
32A 66. Rapper ___ Wayne 3
33A 67. Novelist Graham 6
34A 68. Opera highlight 4
35A 69. It's a mess! 3
36A 70. Was in a state of suppressed agitation 6
37A 71. Actor Jon of "Good Omens" 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. Policy nerd"

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 insignificant student who is ridiculed as being affected or boringly studious
  • Words that mean the same thing: nerd, dweeb, swot
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WONK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. P.F. ___ (restaurant chain)"

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 the longest river of asia; flows eastward from tibet into the east china sea near shanghai
  • Words that mean the same thing: Changjiang, Chang, Chang Jiang
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CHANGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Query"

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 inquire about
  • Words that mean the same thing: take, need, necessitate
  • The opposite would be: obviate
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Gaelic language"

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 of several related languages of the celts in ireland and scotland
  • Words that mean the same thing: Gaelic, Goidelic
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Actor Pattinson"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that united states parliamentary authority and author (in 1876) of robert's rules of order (1837-1923)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Henry M. Robert, Henry Martyn Robert
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROBERT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Actress Farrow"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy 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: MIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Northern European region"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the peninsula in northern europe occupied by norway and sweden
  • Words that mean the same thing: Scandinavian Peninsula
  • The word looks like this: ___________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCANDINAVIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Cozy lodging"

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 hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
  • Words that mean the same thing: hostelry, lodge, auberge
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Kind of beef from Japan"

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 port city in japan on osaka bay in southern honshu; was damaged by an earthquake in 1995
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KOBE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Like the richest soufflé"

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: EGGIEST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. County of Newark, N.J."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a county in southeastern england on the north sea and the thames estuary
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ESSEX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Oil-drilling structure"

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 gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
  • Words that mean the same thing: semi, tractor trailer, trucking rig
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RIG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Feeling of dejection"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a position of inferior status; low in station or rank or fortune or estimation
  • Words that mean the same thing: downheartedness, dispiritedness, low-spiritedness
  • The opposite would be: highness, high status
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOWNESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Its flag has a blue 61-Across"

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 republic in northern europe; achieved independence from russia in 1917
  • Words that mean the same thing: Suomi, Republic of Finland
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FINLAND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "34. Lyrical dedication"

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

    The answer is: ODE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Scare off"

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 try to prevent; show opposition to
  • Words that mean the same thing: discourage, dissuade
  • The opposite would be: persuade
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DETER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Play dirty"

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: GOLOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. "Star Wars" racing vehicles"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Words that mean the same thing: pod, seedpod, seedcase
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PODS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Flier with a tail"

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 (astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COMET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Fiona or Shrek"

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 cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Words that mean the same thing: fiend, demon, monster
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OGRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Swords with blunted ends"

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 fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Words that mean the same thing: epee
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EPEES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Radium discoverer"

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 radioactivity equal to the amount of a radioactive isotope that decays at the rate of 37,000,000,000 disintegrations per second
  • Words that mean the same thing: Ci, Madame Curie, Marie Curie
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CURIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Mr. ___ (Tootsie Pop's avian mascot)"

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 nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
  • Words that mean the same thing: bird of Minerva, hooter, bird of night
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OWL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Its flag has a white 61-Across"

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 a constitutional monarchy in northern europe; consists of the mainland of jutland and many islands between the north sea and the baltic sea
  • Words that mean the same thing: Danmark, Kingdom of Denmark
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DENMARK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "50. Beguile, to Brits"

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 hold spellbound
  • Words that mean the same thing: enchant, transport, ravish
  • The opposite would be: disenchant
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENTHRAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. "___ been meaning to mention ...""

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: IVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. Military helicopters, colloquially"

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: HUEYS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. 2021 Elizabeth Warren book"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that continue to exist
  • Words that mean the same thing: endure, hold on, die hard
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PERSIST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "58. Two kings or two queens, e.g."

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 set of two similar things considered as a unit
  • Words that mean the same thing: couple, match, pair off
  • The 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 30 Across: "60. Chopper"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: AXE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Flag symbol seen twice in this puzzle's grid"

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: NORDICCROSS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "66. Rapper ___ Wayne"

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: LIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "67. Novelist Graham"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that english novelist and catholic (1904-1991)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Henry Graham Greene, Graham Greene
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GREENE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "68. Opera highlight"

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

    The answer is: ARIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "69. It's a mess!"

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 infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Words that mean the same thing: eye infection, pigsty, pigpen
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "70. Was in a state of suppressed agitation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that be in a huff; be silent or sullen
  • Words that mean the same thing: brood, stew, grizzle
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STEWED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "71. Actor Jon of "Good Omens""

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: HAMM

    Great job if you got it right!

NYT Tuesday Crossword Down Clues - December 14, 2021 Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Director Anderson 3
2D 2. Tolkien monster 3
3D 3. Secretive org. 3
4D 4. Logic puzzle invented by a math teacher as a teaching tool 6
5D 5. Baby's bed 4
6D 6. Refine, as a skill 4
7D 7. Lawyers' group, for short 3
8D 8. Actress Campbell 4
9D 9. Climber's belaying device 6
10D 10. Job for a play director 7
11D 11. Female friend in France 4
12D 12. Gluttony and lust, for two 4
13D 13. Philosopher Immanuel 4
14D 18. Outed maliciously online 5
15D 22. Home with a northern exposure 5
16D 23. Got married in Vegas, perhaps 6
17D 24. "That's awesome!" 6
18D 25. Its flag has a yellow 61-Across 6
19D 28. Little bit of time 3
20D 29. Soup starter 5
21D 30. "___ Jacques, dormez-vous?" 5
22D 31. Popular vote winner of 2000 6
23D 32. Its flag has a blue-and-white 61-Across 6
24D 33. Lingers (on) 6
25D 36. Second-tallest bird on earth 3
26D 39. Penultimate matches 5
27D 41. 10th anniversary gift 3
28D 44. Nest egg 7
29D 46. Set of moral principles 5
30D 49. Vacation destination 6
31D 51. "Yay!" 6
32D 54. Friends 4
33D 55. Sign at a highway cloverleaf 4
34D 56. Depend (on) 4
35D 57. See 58-Down 4
36D 58. With 57-Down, car air freshener shape 4
37D 59. Got an A on 4
38D 62. Drops on the grass? 3
39D 63. Hour, in Italy 3
40D 64. Virtual citizen in a popular video game franchise 3
41D 65. Symbolic U.S. "uncle" 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. Director Anderson"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy 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: WES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Tolkien monster"

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: ORC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Secretive org."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the united states cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect united states information systems and to produce foreign intelligence information
  • Words that mean the same thing: National Security Agency
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NSA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Logic puzzle invented by a math teacher as a teaching tool"

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

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 5 Down: "5. Baby's bed"

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 baby bed with high sides made of slats
  • Words that mean the same thing: pony, cribbage, trot
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CRIB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Refine, as a skill"

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 whetstone made of fine gritstone; used for sharpening razors
  • Words that mean the same thing: perfect
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Lawyers' group, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth; worn by arabs
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ABA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Actress Campbell"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the upper part of a glacier (beyond the limit of perpetual snow) where the snow turns to ice
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NEVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Climber's belaying device"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an african amulet
  • Words that mean the same thing: gres-gris, greegree
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GRIGRI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Job for a play director"

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 production of a drama on the stage
  • Words that mean the same thing: sleuth, betray, give away
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STAGING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Female friend in France"

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: AMIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Gluttony and lust, for two"

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 estrangement from god
  • Words that mean the same thing: trespass, transgress, sine
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SINS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Philosopher Immanuel"

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 influential german idealist philosopher (1724-1804)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Immanuel Kant
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KANT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Outed maliciously online"

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: DOXED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Home with a northern exposure"

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 eskimo hut; usually built of blocks (of sod or snow) in the shape of a dome
  • Words that mean the same thing: iglu
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IGLOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Got married in Vegas, perhaps"

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 run away secretly with one's beloved
  • Words that mean the same thing: run off, elope
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ELOPED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. "That's awesome!""

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: SODOPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Its flag has a yellow 61-Across"

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 scandinavian kingdom in the eastern part of the scandinavian peninsula
  • Words that mean the same thing: Sverige, Kingdom of Sweden
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SWEDEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Little bit of time"

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 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Words that mean the same thing: Securities and Exchange Commission, second, unsweet
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Soup starter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest (equity)
  • Words that mean the same thing: descent, hackneyed, sprout
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STOCK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. "___ Jacques, dormez-vous?""

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: FRERE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Popular vote winner of 2000"

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: ALGORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Its flag has a blue-and-white 61-Across"

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 constitutional monarchy in northern europe on the western side of the scandinavian peninsula; achieved independence from sweden in 1905
  • Words that mean the same thing: Norge, Kingdom of Norway, Noreg
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NORWAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Lingers (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 think moodily or anxiously about something
  • Words that mean the same thing: brood, inhabit, lie in
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DWELLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Second-tallest bird on earth"

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 any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
  • Words that mean the same thing: Emu novaehollandiae, Dromaius novaehollandiae, electromagnetic unit
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EMU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Penultimate matches"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that one of the two competitions in the next to the last round of an elimination tournament
  • Words that mean the same thing: semi, rig, articulated lorry
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEMIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. 10th anniversary gift"

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 silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
  • Words that mean the same thing: canister, can, atomic number 50
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Nest egg"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a fund of money put by as a reserve
  • Words that mean the same thing: preservation, delivery, deliverance
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAVINGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Set of moral principles"

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 principles of right and wrong that are accepted by an individual or a social group
  • Words that mean the same thing: value-system, ethical code, moral principle
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ETHIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Vacation destination"

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 hotel located in a resort area
  • Words that mean the same thing: haunt, resort hotel, fall back
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RESORT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. "Yay!""

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 victory cheer
  • Words that mean the same thing: hooray
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HURRAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "54. Friends"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Words that mean the same thing: sidekick, crony, pal
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PALS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "55. Sign at a highway cloverleaf"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an opening that permits escape or release
  • Words that mean the same thing: expire, cash in one's chips, croak
  • The opposite would be: be born, enter
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EXIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "56. Depend (on)"

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 have confidence or faith in
  • Words that mean the same thing: bank, swear, trust
  • The opposite would be: mistrust
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RELY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "57. See 58-Down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
  • Words that mean the same thing: tree diagram, Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, shoetree
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TREE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "58. With 57-Down, car air freshener shape"

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 coniferous tree
  • Words that mean the same thing: true pine, yearn, languish
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "59. Got an A on"

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 succeed at easily
  • Words that mean the same thing: ace, pass with flying colors, sweep through
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "62. Drops on the grass?"

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 water that has condensed on a cool surface overnight from water vapor in the air
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "63. Hour, in Italy"

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 mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Words that mean the same thing: Os, operating system, bone
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ORA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "64. Virtual citizen in a popular video game franchise"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: SIM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "65. Symbolic U.S. "uncle""

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 guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
  • Words that mean the same thing: surface-to-air missile
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 45 57.7%
Short Answer 17 21.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 8 10.3%
History 3 3.8%
Literature 1 1.3%
Geography 1 1.3%
Science/Technology 1 1.3%
Abbreviation 1 1.3%
Sports 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 41
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.7 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 11 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 05:18 AM