December 25, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (26 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, December 25, 2021

Difficulty Level: Challenging Thursday Puzzle

Total Clues: 61 (26 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 6.1 letters

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

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

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Things you might snap on, nowadays"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PHOTOAPPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "10. Something suddenly fashionable"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THENEWBLACK

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SHORTSWEATHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Bases of support"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PLINTHS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TSELIOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Charge"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IONIZE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TSETSE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TALC

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RAIMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "24. Ball ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the part of a hammerhead opposite the flat striking surface (may have various shapes)
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "25. Body opening?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ANY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Stuff"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that crowd or pack to capacity
• Words that mean the same thing: ram, cram, chock up
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JAMPACK

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LSD

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GODFORBID

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OOHIMSCARED

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RHINO

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GIVES

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TEENS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Battery type"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NICAD

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Aquaman portrayer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MOMOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Side (with)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a friendly nation
• Words that mean the same thing: friend
• The opposite would be: foe
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALLY

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MEGACORPORATION

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELENADELLEDONNE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SLEEVELESSDRESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Saturday NYT Crossword December 25, 2021

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

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Relating to sound"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PHONIC

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HERTZ

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONTHERADIO

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Pained expression"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OWW

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ABET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Checkout choice"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PLASTICBAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Some spreads"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PATES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Lug"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SCHLEP

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THINLY

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: KEITEL

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SLOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ROSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Souvlaki go-with"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
• Words that mean the same thing: pocket bread
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PITA

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "21. Switch letters"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMFM

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IPOS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MARC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. 21 popes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: JOHNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Japanese beer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: KIRIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Lose it completely"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GOINSANE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DEVIATOR

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OHEMGEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Refuse"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DECLINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "33. Pass on"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RETELL

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SALONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "36. Reins in"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TAMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "37. Spongelike delicacy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MOREL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "38. Enough"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMPLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "39. Cannonball targets"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: POOLS

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DYNES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "43. Manner"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MODE

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ARES

  Great job if you got it right!

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

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CAV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "48. Kick in"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADD

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

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

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	26
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	61
Average Answer Length	6.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Saturday, and these puzzles are usually challenging level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 6 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

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

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 28, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (36 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (34 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Surname of two Indian prime ministers	6
2A	7. Fly-by-night types?	4
3A	11. Go (for)	3
4A	14. Drew Carey, Halle Berry or Guy Fieri, originally	6
5A	15. Baroque instrument	4
6A	16. Long-handled gardening tool or immoral pleasure seeker, per contestant Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" (incorrectly)	3
7A	17. Walking-around money for Pavarotti?	11
8A	19. Veto	3
9A	20. Whistling stickup man on "The Wire"	4
10A	21. Cry of frustration	5
11A	22. McGwire's rival in 1990s M.L.B.	4
12A	23. Hajj destination	5
13A	25. Baseball team formerly known as the Colt .45s	6
14A	27. Preacher's gift?	13
15A	29. Fly catcher?	4
16A	30. Kind of a drag?	4
17A	31. Parrot	3
18A	32. Perceptive	7
19A	35. Icy passage to Antarctica's McMurdo Station	7
20A	37. Get ___ (shine scholastically)	3
21A	38. Muscle exercised with a shoulder press, familiarly	4
22A	40. Billionaire Musk	4
23A	41. 5 and 8 go into 42, for example?	13
24A	45. Fan of "I" statements	6
25A	46. Dissect with a diagram	5
26A	47. "___, actually ..."	4
27A	48. Start of many first-year course names	5
28A	50. Lawman who got out of Dodge	4
29A	54. 60 minuti	3
30A	55. Local leader is prohibited?	11
31A	57. Clear	3
32A	58. Bum around Europe	4
33A	59. Intentional creases	6
34A	60. Org. targeting Walter White on "Breaking Bad"	3
35A	61. Changes the locks?	4
36A	62. Acted all crabby?	6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Surname of two Indian prime ministers"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that daughter of nehru who served as prime minister of india from 1966 to 1977 (1917-1984)
• Similar words include: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GANDHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Fly-by-night types?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
• Similar words include: owl, bird of night, hooter
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OWLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Go (for)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that select as an alternative over another
• Similar words include: choose, prefer
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Drew Carey, Halle Berry or Guy Fieri, originally"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a native or resident of ohio
• Similar words include: Buckeye
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OHIOAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Baroque instrument"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of a family of bowed stringed instruments that preceded the violin family
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VIOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Long-handled gardening tool or immoral pleasure seeker, per contestant Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" (incorrectly)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Walking-around money for Pavarotti?"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TENORTWENTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Veto"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a quantity of no importance
• Similar words include: disallow, zero, aught
• Opposite of: permit, allow

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Whistling stickup man on "The Wire""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OMAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Cry of frustration"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AARGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. McGwire's rival in 1990s M.L.B."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Hajj destination"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that joint capital (with riyadh) of saudi arabia; located in western saudi arabia; as the birthplace of muhammad it is the holiest city of islam
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MECCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Baseball team formerly known as the Colt .45s"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASTROS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Preacher's gift?"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PASTORPRESENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Fly catcher?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
• Similar words include: glove, manus, hand
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MITT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Kind of a drag?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any very large body of (salt) water
• Similar words include: independent, principal, master
• Opposite of: dependent

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Parrot"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
• Similar words include: anthropoid, aper, caricature
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Perceptive"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that having physical sensation
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SENSATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Icy passage to Antarctica's McMurdo Station"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROSSSEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Get ___ (shine scholastically)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Muscle exercised with a shoulder press, familiarly"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DELT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Billionaire Musk"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. 5 and 8 go into 42, for example?"

13 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FACTORFICTION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Fan of "I" statements"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a conceited and self-centered person
• Similar words include: egocentric, egotist, swellhead
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EGOIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Dissect with a diagram"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that analyze syntactically by assigning a constituent structure to (a sentence)
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PARSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. "___, actually ...""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine
• Similar words include: comfortably, considerably, intimately
• Opposite of: badly, disadvantageously

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Start of many first-year course names"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that formally making a person known to another or to the public
• Similar words include: introduction, presentation
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INTRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Lawman who got out of Dodge"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. 60 minuti"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
• Similar words include: operating system, atomic number 76, OS
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Local leader is prohibited?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MAYORMAYNOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Clear"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that relieve from
• Similar words include: free, disembarrass
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Bum around Europe"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• Similar words include: keister, butt, asshole
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Intentional creases"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various types of fold formed by doubling fabric back upon itself and then pressing or stitching into shape
• Similar words include: pleat, ruffle, plicate
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLEATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Org. targeting Walter White on "Breaking Bad""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations
• Similar words include: Drug Enforcement Administration, Drug Enforcement Agency
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. Changes the locks?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
• Similar words include: dye, dyestuff
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "62. Acted all crabby?"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that move unobtrusively or furtively
• Similar words include: sidle, sashay
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIDLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Programming statement that can result in spaghetti code	4
2D	2. [Excuse me]	4
3D	3. Totenberg of public radio	4
4D	4. People who get walked all over	8
5D	5. Bit of a laugh	3
6D	6. Not separated	6
7D	7. Throwing style	7
8D	8. Bit of a lark	4
9D	9. Lady-killer	8
10D	10. Machiavellian, in a way	3
11D	11. Answer to "Why's your report card in the trash?"	10
12D	12. Written with venom	9
13D	13. Oil, they say	8
14D	18. Birthplace of Dr Pepper	4
15D	22. Fremont and Folsom in S.F., for two	3
16D	24. México's Tabasco, Jalisco and others	7
17D	26. Guardians of bushido tradition	7
18D	27. National drink of Puerto Rico	10
19D	28. Two, for many a putt-putt hole	3
20D	29. It's a zoo out there	9
21D	32. Blue stop sign?	8
22D	33. Third in order	8
23D	34. Resident of Rivendell, in Tolkien	3
24D	36. Dark and sultry, like a femme fatale's gaze	8
25D	39. Comes on little cat feet	7
26D	42. "___ death do us part"	3
27D	43. Comedian Jimmy	4
28D	44. Opposite of 39-Down	6
29D	49. Where to look if you're looking for LUV (i.e., Southwest Airlines)	4
30D	51. Fussbudgety, say	4
31D	52. Mindless repetition	4
32D	53. Affliction for many first responders, in brief	4
33D	55. "Spy vs. Spy" magazine	3
34D	56. Who said "I'm so mean I make medicine sick"	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Programming statement that can result in spaghetti code"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. [Excuse me]"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
• Similar words include: hem
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AHEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Totenberg of public radio"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of ea
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NINA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. People who get walked all over"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who is physically weak and ineffectual
• Similar words include: welcome mat, doormat, wuss
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOORMATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Bit of a laugh"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Not separated"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that constituting the undiminished entirety; lacking nothing essential especially not damaged; - bacon
• Similar words include: inviolate, entire, integral
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INTACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Throwing style"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that with hand brought forward and down from above shoulder level
• Similar words include: overhand, overhanded
• Opposite of: underhand

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OVERARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Bit of a lark"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a movable organ for flying (one of a pair)
• Similar words include: extension, annex, flank
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Lady-killer"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a successful womanizer; a man who behaves selfishly in his sexual relationships with women
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOTHARIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Machiavellian, in a way"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that marked by skill in deception
• Similar words include: wily, dodgy, slick
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Answer to "Why's your report card in the trash?""

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OHNOREASON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Written with venom"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POISONPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Oil, they say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEXASTEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Birthplace of Dr Pepper"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a city in east central texas
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WACO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Fremont and Folsom in S.F., for two"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. México's Tabasco, Jalisco and others"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ESTADOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Guardians of bushido tradition"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SENSEIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. National drink of Puerto Rico"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PINACOLADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Two, for many a putt-putt hole"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course
• Similar words include: equality, equivalence, equation
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. It's a zoo out there"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a collection of live animals for study or display
• Similar words include: zoological garden, zoo
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MENAGERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Blue stop sign?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAFEWORD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Third in order"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that from 63 million to 2 million years ago
• Similar words include: Tertiary period, 3rd, third
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TERTIARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Resident of Rivendell, in Tolkien"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
• Similar words include: pixie, gremlin, pixy
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Dark and sultry, like a femme fatale's gaze"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLOEEYED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Comes on little cat feet"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the tip of a toe
• Similar words include: tip, tippytoe, tiptoe
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIPTOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "42. "___ death do us part""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Comedian Jimmy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CARR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Opposite of 39-Down"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TROMPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "49. Where to look if you're looking for LUV (i.e., Southwest Airlines)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a stock exchange in new york
• Similar words include: New York Stock Exchange, N. Y. Stock Exchange, big board
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NYSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "51. Fussbudgety, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that of or related to the anus
• Similar words include: anal retentive
• Opposite of: oral

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Mindless repetition"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that memorization by repetition
• Similar words include: rote learning
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Affliction for many first responders, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an anxiety disorder associated with serious traumatic events and characterized by such symptoms as survivor guilt, reliving the trauma in dreams, numbness and lack of involvement with reality, or recurrent thoughts and images
• Similar words include: posttraumatic stress disorder
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PTSD

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33D: "55. "Spy vs. Spy" magazine"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that roused to anger; - mark twain
• Similar words include: insane, huffy, disturbed
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MAD

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34D: "56. Who said "I'm so mean I make medicine sick""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
• Similar words include: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

36 Across Clues

34 Down Clues

70 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 28, 2026 at 07:07 AM