September 23, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

Across Clues Explained - Wednesday NYT Crossword September 23, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Kitchen item on a roll	5
2A	6. Serum vessel	4
3A	10. End of a "happy" simile	4
4A	14. The Pequod and others	10
5A	16. University of New Mexico mascot	4
6A	17. Like an illustrator's fingertips, maybe	10
7A	18. Milk sources for feta cheese	4
8A	19. One of 10 when one "hangs ten"	3
9A	20. Philosopher who posited that the simplest explanation is the most likely one	5
10A	21. Tongue ties?	5
11A	22. Microwave	4
12A	23. Classroom missile that might be grounds for detention	5
13A	25. Minor injury for an office clerk	3
14A	26. Major attack	9
15A	30. Musical riffing from Ella Fitzgerald	4
16A	32. "Kitchy-kitchy-___!"	3
17A	33. Number on a yarn skein	6
18A	34. Mtn. measure	3
19A	35. Some Japanese luxury cars	7
20A	37. They: Fr.	3
21A	38. Need for a sobfest	6
22A	40. Whole load	3
23A	41. Start for the Top 40 song titles "Sixteen," "Time" and "You"	4
24A	42. Focal point of an earthquake	9
25A	44. Lunch carrier, often	3
26A	45. One making empty threats	5
27A	46. Furry Endor resident	4
28A	48. Primer libro del Nuevo Testamento	5
29A	50. "___ a doctor, but ..."	5
30A	52. Audio brand Beats by ___	3
31A	55. Environmental activist Brockovich	4
32A	56. Series of documents that trace a path, as suggested by this puzzle	10
33A	58. Immunity-boosting element	4
34A	59. Bouncy strips that test one's balance	10
35A	60. Fringe	4
36A	61. "Out of Africa" writer Dinesen	4
37A	62. Bird on the Mexican flag	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. Kitchen item on a roll"

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 rectangular piece of absorbent cloth (or paper) for drying or wiping
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOWEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Serum vessel"

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 small bottle that contains a drug (especially a sealed sterile container for injection by needle)
• Words that mean the same thing: ampoule, phial, ampule
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VIAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. End of a "happy" simile"

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 burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness
• Words that mean the same thing: dollar bill, dollar, one dollar bill
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. The Pequod and others"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long narrow boat designed for quick turning and use in rough seas
• Words that mean the same thing: whaleboat
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WHALEBOATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. University of New Mexico mascot"

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: LOBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Like an illustrator's fingertips, maybe"

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: INKSTAINED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Milk sources for feta cheese"

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 a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
• Words that mean the same thing: Ewe, ewe
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EWES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. One of 10 when one "hangs ten""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one of the digits of the foot
• Words that mean the same thing: toenail
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Philosopher who posited that the simplest explanation is the most likely one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that english scholastic philosopher and assumed author of occam's razor (1285-1349)
• Words that mean the same thing: William of Ockham, William of Occam, Ockham
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCCAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Tongue ties?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
• Words that mean the same thing: fortify, plait, braid
• The opposite would be: untwine
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LACES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Microwave"

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 warhead of a missile designed to deliver an atom bomb
• Words that mean the same thing: microwave, zap, atomize
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Classroom missile that might be grounds for detention"

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 an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets
• Words that mean the same thing: sheet, woodworking plane, airplane
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Minor injury for an office clerk"

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 share of the profits
• Words that mean the same thing: slash, abridge, stinger
• The opposite would be: uncut, unmown
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Major attack"

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 an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution
• Words that mean the same thing: bill, flyer, circular
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BROADSIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Musical riffing from Ella Fitzgerald"

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, bunk, fly the coop
• The 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 16 Across: "32. "Kitchy-kitchy-___!""

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: KOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Number on a yarn skein"

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: DYELOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Mtn. measure"

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 angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
• Words that mean the same thing: elevation, altitude, EL
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. Some Japanese luxury cars"

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: LEXUSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. They: Fr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a midwestern state in north-central united states
• Words that mean the same thing: Illinois, IL, Prairie State
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Need for a sobfest"

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 part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function
• Words that mean the same thing: tissue paper, weave
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TISSUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Whole load"

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 united states unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds
• Words that mean the same thing: long ton, gross ton, short ton
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. Start for the Top 40 song titles "Sixteen," "Time" and "You""

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 being the only one; single and isolated from others
• Words that mean the same thing: just, but, entirely
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "42. Focal point of an earthquake"

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 the point on the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake
• Words that mean the same thing: epicentre
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPICENTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. Lunch carrier, often"

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 flexible container with a single opening
• Words that mean the same thing: purse, traveling bag, handbag
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. One making empty threats"

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 fierce or audacious person
• Words that mean the same thing: Panthera tigris
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "46. Furry Endor resident"

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: EWOK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "48. Primer libro del Nuevo Testamento"

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: MATEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. "___ a doctor, but ...""

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: IMNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "52. Audio brand Beats by ___"

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: DRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Environmental activist Brockovich"

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 early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. Series of documents that trace a path, as suggested by this puzzle"

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: PAPERTRAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. Immunity-boosting element"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a bluish-white lustrous metallic element; brittle at ordinary temperatures but malleable when heated; used in a wide variety of alloys and in galvanizing iron; it occurs naturally as zinc sulphide in zinc blende
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 30, Zn
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZINC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "59. Bouncy strips that test one's balance"

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: SLACKLINES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "60. Fringe"

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 boundary of a surface
• Words that mean the same thing: bound, boundary, butt on
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "61. "Out of Africa" writer Dinesen"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ISAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "62. Bird on the Mexican flag"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
• Words that mean the same thing: bird of Jove, double birdie
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAGLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword September 23, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Ninny	4
2D	2. "Ai-yi-yi!"	4
3D	3. What's aft a ship's aft	4
4D	4. Chicago trains	3
5D	5. Make less tight, as a waistband	6
6D	6. Larynx	8
7D	7. Ending with Louis	4
8D	8. At the previous speed, in scores	6
9D	9. It's dropped before a trip	3
10D	10. Detox	7
11D	11. Feature of a crawl space	10
12D	12. Have ___ in one's bonnet	4
13D	13. Something soft to sit on	4
14D	15. Lower-priced edition of a book	4
15D	21. ___-slipper	5
16D	22. Granola bit	3
17D	24. Full of cargo	5
18D	25. Activity that might involve setting out saucers of milk	10
19D	27. Old-fashioned newsboy's assignment	5
20D	28. Toy with tabs and interchangeable outfits	4
21D	29. Handicraft e-tail site	4
22D	30. Fulfill	4
23D	31. Alternative to a staple	4
24D	32. Writer Carolyn, the pen name of more than 10 authors of the Nancy Drew series	5
25D	35. "Hasta ___!"	5
26D	36. Result of whiplash, maybe	8
27D	39. Something that's "true whether or not you believe in it," per Neil deGrasse Tyson	7
28D	41. Flavor imparter to chardonnay	3
29D	43. Tests	6
30D	44. Hide, with "up"	6
31D	47. Forms to process	4
32D	48. Mediterranean appetizer	4
33D	49. Desertlike	4
34D	51. Longtime film rating org.	4
35D	52. "Oh, fudge!"	4
36D	53. Cambodian currency	4
37D	54. Otherwise	4
38D	56. Letters on a tire	3
39D	57. Coastal inlet	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. Ninny"

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 someone who is regarded as contemptible
• Words that mean the same thing: tease, razz, taunting
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TWIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "Ai-yi-yi!""

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: OHNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. What's aft a ship's aft"

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 consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)
• Words that mean the same thing: awake, come alive, fire up
• The opposite would be: sleep, fall asleep
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Chicago trains"

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 angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
• Words that mean the same thing: elevated, elevated railway, overhead railway
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Make less tight, as a waistband"

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: LETOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Larynx"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: VOICEBOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Ending with Louis"

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: IANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. At the previous speed, in scores"

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: ATEMPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. It's dropped before a trip"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LSD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Detox"

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 clean one's body or parts thereof, as by washing
• Words that mean the same thing: clean
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLEANSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Feature of a crawl space"

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: LOWCEILING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Have ___ in one's bonnet"

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: ABEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Something soft to sit 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 tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Lower-priced edition of a book"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
• Words that mean the same thing: stake, hind, rearward
• The opposite would be: front, ahead
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. ___-slipper"

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 polite name for any woman
• Words that mean the same thing: dame, noblewoman, lady
• The opposite would be: nobleman, Lord
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LADYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Granola bit"

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 usually large hard-shelled seed
• Words that mean the same thing: crackpot, nut case, testis
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Full of cargo"

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 remove with or as if with a ladle
• Words that mean the same thing: loaded, oppressed, ladle
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LADEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Activity that might involve setting out saucers of milk"

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: CATSITTING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Old-fashioned newsboy's assignment"

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 established line of travel or access
• Words that mean the same thing: path, itinerary, road
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROUTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Toy with tabs and interchangeable outfits"

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 small replica of a person; used as a toy
• Words that mean the same thing: dame, dolly, wench
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Handicraft e-tail site"

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: ETSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Fulfill"

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 fill to satisfaction
• Words that mean the same thing: fill, satiate, replete
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Alternative to a staple"

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 metal frame or container holding cartridges; can be inserted into an automatic gun
• Words that mean the same thing: cartridge holder, snip off, dress
• The opposite would be: unclip
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Writer Carolyn, the pen name of more than 10 authors of the Nancy Drew series"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: KEENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. "Hasta ___!""

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: LUEGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Result of whiplash, maybe"

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: SORENECK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Something that's "true whether or not you believe in it," per Neil deGrasse Tyson"

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 particular branch of scientific knowledge
• Words that mean the same thing: scientific discipline, skill
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCIENCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Flavor imparter to chardonnay"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Tests"

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 act of testing something
• Words that mean the same thing: test, trial run, visitation
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. Hide, with "up""

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 glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
• Words that mean the same thing: nursing bottle, bottleful, feeding bottle
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOTTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Forms to process"

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 activity directed toward making or doing something
• Words that mean the same thing: go, sour, make
• The opposite would be: idle, malfunction
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Mediterranean appetizer"

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: MEZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Desertlike"

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 sufficient water or rainfall
• Words that mean the same thing: desiccate, waterless, desiccated
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Longtime film rating org."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MPAA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. "Oh, fudge!""

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: DANG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. Cambodian currency"

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 basic unit of money in cambodia; equal to 100 sen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "54. Otherwise"

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: ELSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Letters on a tire"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of pressure
• Words that mean the same thing: pounds per square inch
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PSI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "57. Coastal inlet"

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: RIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	72.4%
Short Answer	14	18.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Literature	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Science/Technology	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

More Crossword Resources

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

• November 17 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 27 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 15 2025
• January 20 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 12 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 14 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 16 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 31 1990 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 22, 2025 at 10:44 AM

October 12, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (38 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• December 28 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 24 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 01 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 06 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, October 12, 2019

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 73 (38 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

Across Clues Explained - Saturday NYT Crossword October 12, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Crumbly salad ingredient	4
2A	5. Halves of some measurements	6
3A	11. It might involve a DNA test	3
4A	14. Love of mythology?	4
5A	15. Exam required before entering uni	6
6A	16. Something good in baseball, but bad in banking	3
7A	17. Kind of ball for indoor play	4
8A	18. Usually nonremunerative undertaking	10
9A	20. It's named for a Norse goddess of wisdom: Abbr.	3
10A	21. Will figure	3
11A	22. Supersede	7
12A	23. Funk of Funk & Wagnalls	5
13A	25. Punk cousin	3
14A	27. "Right on"	4
15A	28. Characters in "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"	6
16A	30. Batman portrayer of TV and film	8
17A	33. Request softener	10
18A	35. Online feed letters	3
19A	36. A spy might send a message in one	10
20A	38. Unaccredited university, say	10
21A	40. Do some basic math	3
22A	43. Green giant	10
23A	45. Sound around a cradle	8
24A	47. "Miss ___"	6
25A	49. Capitol Hill activity	4
26A	50. 1969 novel subtitled "Ardor: A Family Chronicle"	3
27A	52. Brandon ___, lead role in 1999's "Boys Don't Cry"	5
28A	53. Northern fishers' implements	7
29A	56. Arctic explorer John	3
30A	58. Skin pic	3
31A	59. Screen for a shooter	10
32A	61. Corrupt, in British slang	4
33A	62. Big Ten East sch.	3
34A	63. Genesis peak	6
35A	64. Bring down	4
36A	65. Crossed	3
37A	66. Lax in duty	6
38A	67. ___ Bongo, president of Gabon for 42 years	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. Crumbly salad ingredient"

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: FETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Halves of some measurements"

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 extent of something from side to side
• Words that mean the same thing: breadth, width
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIDTHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. It might involve a DNA test"

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: CSI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Love of mythology?"

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 (roman mythology) god of love; counterpart of greek eros
• Words that mean the same thing: Cupid
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Exam required before entering uni"

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: ALEVEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Something good in baseball, but bad in banking"

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 score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
• Words that mean the same thing: endure, persist, pass
• The opposite would be: malfunction, idle
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Kind of ball for indoor play"

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: NERF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Usually nonremunerative undertaking"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: PETPROJECT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. It's named for a Norse goddess of wisdom: 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 the sixth day of the week; the fifth working day
• Words that mean the same thing: Friday
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Will figure"

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 male human offspring
• Words that mean the same thing: boy, Word, Logos
• The opposite would be: daughter, girl
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Supersede"

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 substitute a person or thing for (another that is broken or inefficient or lost or no longer working or yielding what is expected)
• Words that mean the same thing: supervene upon, interchange, supersede
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REPLACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Funk of Funk & Wagnalls"

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 (old testament) the second patriarch; son of abraham and sarah who was offered by abraham as a sacrifice to god; father of jacob and esau
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ISAAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Punk cousin"

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: EMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. "Right 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 a primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
• Words that mean the same thing: Amun, Amon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Characters in "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World""

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 punctuation mark (,) used to indicate the separation of elements within the grammatical structure of a sentence
• Words that mean the same thing: Polygonia comma, comma butterfly, comma
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COMMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Batman portrayer of TV and film"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADAMWEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Request softener"

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: NOPRESSURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Online feed letters"

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: RSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. A spy might send a message in one"

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: SECRETCODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Unaccredited university, say"

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: DEGREEMILL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Do some basic math"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Green giant"

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: SIERRACLUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Sound around a cradle"

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: DIALTONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. "Miss ___""

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 city in south vietnam; formerly (as saigon) it was the capital of french indochina
• Words that mean the same thing: Ho Chi Minh City
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAIGON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Capitol Hill activity"

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 choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
• Words that mean the same thing: voter turnout, ballot, suffrage
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. 1969 novel subtitled "Ardor: A Family Chronicle""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
• Words that mean the same thing: adenosine deaminase
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Brandon ___, lead role in 1999's "Boys Don't Cry""

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: TEENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. Northern fishers' implements"

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: ICESAWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Arctic explorer John"

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: RAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "58. Skin pic"

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 tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
• Words that mean the same thing: tackiness, Thematic Apperception Test, cheapness
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Screen for a shooter"

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: LENSFILTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. Corrupt, in British slang"

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 relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way
• Words that mean the same thing: bend, crouch, dead set
• The opposite would be: straighten, unbend
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. Big Ten East sch."

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: PSU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Genesis peak"

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 mountain peak that noah's ark landed on as the waters of the great flood receded
• Words that mean the same thing: Mt. Ararat, Mount Ararat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARARAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. Bring 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 tear down so as to make flat with the ground
• Words that mean the same thing: dismantle, rase, level
• The opposite would be: raise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "65. Crossed"

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 come together
• Words that mean the same thing: assemble, suffer, fit
• The opposite would be: diverge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "66. Lax in duty"

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 failing in what duty requires
• Words that mean the same thing: delinquent, neglectful, derelict
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REMISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "67. ___ Bongo, president of Gabon for 42 years"

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: OMAR

  Great job if you got it right!

October 12, 2019 Down Hints: NYT Saturday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Amateur work based on existing characters, informally	6
2D	2. Boston college	7
3D	3. Singer with the 1992 double-platinum album "Little Earthquakes"	8
4D	4. Sound from a toy	3
5D	5. Newspaper with the slogan "Democracy Dies in Darkness," in brief	4
6D	6. "The L Word" creator Chaiken	5
7D	7. Case worker: Abbr.	3
8D	8. One who runs the show	10
9D	9. "___, boy!"	4
10D	10. Not stay in the bucket	4
11D	11. Joe might need this	7
12D	12. A "lousy teacher," per Bill Gates	7
13D	13. Partner of purposes	7
14D	19. "The Hunger Games" actress, in tabloids	4
15D	21. Like promethium, among all the rare earth metals	8
16D	24. Cranked (up)	5
17D	26. Down pat	8
18D	29. Italian film director Leone	6
19D	31. Kitchen drawers?	6
20D	32. Treat, in a way	8
21D	34. Tennis feat named for the athlete who achieved it in 2003 and 2015	10
22D	37. Woman's name that sounds like two letters of the alphabet	5
23D	39. Winter Olympics pair	8
24D	40. NyQuil alternative	7
25D	41. Bishop's territory	7
26D	42. Kind of bread with chopped fruit	7
27D	44. Treasure trove	7
28D	46. Minimalist's desire	4
29D	48. Flap one's gums	6
30D	51. Quarters	5
31D	54. Way off	4
32D	55. Kind of transfer	4
33D	57. Language ___	4
34D	60. TNT element?	3
35D	61. Dude	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. Amateur work based on existing characters, informally"

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: FANFIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Boston college"

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 united states writer and leading exponent of transcendentalism (1803-1882)
• Words that mean the same thing: Ralph Waldo Emerson
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMERSON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Singer with the 1992 double-platinum album "Little Earthquakes""

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: TORIAMOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Sound from a toy"

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: ARF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Newspaper with the slogan "Democracy Dies in Darkness," in brief"

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: WAPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "The L Word" creator Chaiken"

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: ILENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Case worker: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. One who runs the show"

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: TVPRODUCER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "___, boy!""

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 present location; this place
• Words that mean the same thing: hither, Hera
• The opposite would be: there
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Not stay in the bucket"

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 wet feed (especially for pigs) consisting of mostly kitchen waste mixed with water or skimmed or sour milk
• Words that mean the same thing: glop, spill, mush
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Joe might need this"

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 small pitcher for serving cream
• Words that mean the same thing: cream 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: CREAMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. A "lousy teacher," per Bill Gates"

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 an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: succeeder, winner, achiever
• The opposite would be: failure, loser
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUCCESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Partner of purposes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
• Words that mean the same thing: aim, design, spirit
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INTENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. "The Hunger Games" actress, in tabloids"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: JLAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Like promethium, among all the rare earth metals"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand
• Words that mean the same thing: scarce
• The opposite would be: abundant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCARCEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Cranked (up)"

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: AMPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Down pat"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that be or become completely proficient or skilled in
• Words that mean the same thing: down, overcome, dominate
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MASTERED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. Italian film director Leone"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: SERGIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "31. Kitchen drawers?"

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

  The answer is: AROMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Treat, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that impregnate with a medicinal substance
• Words that mean the same thing: medicine
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEDICATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Tennis feat named for the athlete who achieved it in 2003 and 2015"

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: SERENASLAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "37. Woman's name that sounds like two letters of the alphabet"

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: ELLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "39. Winter Olympics pair"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: LUGETEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "40. NyQuil alternative"

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: ADVILPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "41. Bishop's territory"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop
• Words that mean the same thing: episcopate, bishopric
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIOCESE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Kind of bread with chopped fruit"

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: DATENUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Treasure trove"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an especially rich vein of precious ore
• Words that mean the same thing: gold rush, gravy, bunce
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BONANZA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Minimalist's desire"

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 (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
• Words that mean the same thing: to a lesser extent
• The opposite would be: more
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Flap one's gums"

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 talk socially without exchanging too much information
• Words that mean the same thing: chit-chat, jaw, visit
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NATTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "51. Quarters"

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 particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
• Words that mean the same thing: domain, orbit, sphere
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AREAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "54. Way 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 (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "55. Kind of transfer"

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 ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
• Words that mean the same thing: telegram, conducting wire, cable
• The opposite would be: unwire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "57. 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 studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
• Words that mean the same thing: humanistic discipline, artistic creation, graphics
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "60. TNT element?"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "61. Dude"

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: BRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	69.9%
Short Answer	11	15.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.1%
Abbreviation	2	2.7%
Science/Technology	2	2.7%
History	1	1.4%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	38
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	73
Average Answer Length	5.6 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

• Saturdays NYT Across Sep 20 Full
• September 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 26 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 01 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 08 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 07 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 28 2021 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 29, 2025 at 05:18 PM