December 21, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (39 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle December 21, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Bygone Russian ruler	4
2A	5. Rock band whose name also forms the call letters for a rock radio station in San Antonio	4
3A	9. Like some sprays	5
4A	14. "The Simpsons" character with a palindromic name	4
5A	15. Part of a foot	4
6A	16. "The best is ___ come"	5
7A	17. Capture the attention of	4
8A	18. Not quite shut	4
9A	19. Sing smoothly	5
10A	20. Hawk's home	5
11A	22. Russia's ___ Mountains	4
12A	24. Dating ___	3
13A	25. Skiing and snowboarding	12
14A	28. Fulfill completely	4
15A	29. With special importance	7
16A	32. Sewing shop supply	6
17A	35. Puts money (on)	4
18A	36. Lens holder	3
19A	37. Work hard for	4
20A	38. B or C of the Spice Girls	3
21A	39. Building with a loft	4
22A	40. Prominent feature of a fennec fox	3
23A	41. Pesky plant	4
24A	43. Card suit that symbolizes a medieval weapon	6
25A	45. Hare ___	7
26A	47. Sight near an exit sign	4
27A	48. Display of mentalism ... or a hint to this puzzle's shaded squares	12
28A	52. www.nytimes .com, for one	3
29A	53. Attempt, metaphorically	4
30A	54. Reserve	5
31A	56. Give away, as a story's ending	5
32A	58. Smooth (out)	4
33A	60. Walkie-talkie word	4
34A	61. Pinky and the Brain, for two	5
35A	62. It may be printed on a place mat	4
36A	63. ___-do-well	4
37A	64. Put into the pot	5
38A	65. First place?	4
39A	66. Wapitis	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. Bygone Russian ruler"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TSAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Rock band whose name also forms the call letters for a rock radio station in San Antonio"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
• Words that mean the same thing: osculate, osculation, candy kiss
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Like some sprays"

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 consonant produced through the nose with the mouth closed
• Words that mean the same thing: pinched, nasal bone, nasal consonant
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NASAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. "The Simpsons" character with a palindromic name"

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: OTTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Part of a foot"

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 length equal to one twelfth of a foot
• Words that mean the same thing: column inch, in, edge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. "The best is ___ come""

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: YETTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Capture the attention of"

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 mechanical device for gripping an object
• Words that mean the same thing: snap up, catch, snap
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Not quite shut"

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

  The answer is: AJAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Sing smoothly"

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

  The answer is: CROON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Hawk's home"

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 lofty nest of a bird of prey (such as a hawk or eagle)
• Words that mean the same thing: aery, eyry, eyrie
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Russia's ___ Mountains"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: URAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Dating ___"

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: APP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Skiing and snowboarding"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WINTERSPORTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Fulfill completely"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fill 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 15 Across: "29. With special importance"

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: NOTEDLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Sewing shop supply"

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 winder around which thread or tape or film or other flexible materials can be wound
• Words that mean the same thing: spool, reel, bobbin
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPOOLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Puts money (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 the money risked on a gamble
• Words that mean the same thing: stakes, wager, reckon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Lens holder"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the organ of sight
• Words that mean the same thing: oculus, optic, eyeball
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Work hard for"

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 earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
• Words that mean the same thing: pull in, realise, make
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EARN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. B or C of the Spice Girls"

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: MEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Building with a loft"

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 outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals
• Words that mean the same thing: b
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Prominent feature of a fennec fox"

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 sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
• Words that mean the same thing: pinna, auricle, capitulum
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. Pesky plant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any plant that crowds out cultivated plants
• Words that mean the same thing: green goddess, sess, pot
• The opposite would be: cultivated plant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "43. Card suit that symbolizes a medieval weapon"

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 playing card in the major suit that has one or more black figures on it
• Words that mean the same thing: nigger, spade, nigra
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPADES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Hare ___"

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 8th and most important avatar of vishnu; incarnated as a handsome young man playing a flute
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KRISHNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Sight near an exit sign"

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 swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
• Words that mean the same thing: doorway, room access, threshold
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. Display of mentalism ... or a hint to this puzzle's shaded squares"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SPOONBENDING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. www.nytimes .com, for one"

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 address of a web page on the world wide web
• Words that mean the same thing: uniform resource locator, universal resource locator
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. Attempt, metaphorically"

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 sudden sharp feeling
• Words that mean the same thing: knife thrust, dig, twinge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Reserve"

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 mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
• Words that mean the same thing: shop, memory, put in
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. Give away, as a story's ending"

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 (usually plural) valuables taken by violence (especially in war)
• Words that mean the same thing: cocker, featherbed, bumble
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. Smooth (out)"

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 heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
• Words that mean the same thing: branding iron, atomic number 26, cast-iron
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Walkie-talkie word"

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 (cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
• Words that mean the same thing: terminated, all over, o'er
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. Pinky and the Brain, for two"

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 film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence
• Words that mean the same thing: animated cartoon, toon, cartoon
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. It may be printed on a place mat"

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 list of dishes available at a restaurant
• Words that mean the same thing: bill of fare, fare, card
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MENU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "63. ___-do-well"

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 (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
• Words that mean the same thing: nee
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "64. Put into the pot"

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 place one's stake
• Words that mean the same thing: ante
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "65. First place?"

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 any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
• Words that mean the same thing: Shangri-la, nirvana, promised land
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "66. Wapitis"

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 large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
• Words that mean the same thing: red deer, European elk, Cervus elaphus canadensis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Tuesday NYT Crossword December 21, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Caesar dressing?	4
2D	2. Scatter	5
3D	3. Developer of the game Breakout	5
4D	4. M.L.B.'s first Rookie of the Year (1947)	8
5D	5. Sorento automaker	3
6D	6. Cause harm to	6
7D	7. Lasting marks	5
8D	8. Explosion fragments	8
9D	9. Home of the Met, the Whitney and the Frick, in brief	3
10D	10. Make fizzy	6
11D	11. Halts abruptly	9
12D	12. Crowning	4
13D	13. Actor Chaney nicknamed "The Man of a Thousand Faces"	3
14D	21. List shortener: Abbr.	4
15D	23. Plundered goods	4
16D	26. U.F.O. pilots	3
17D	27. Some N.F.L. blockers	3
18D	30. Orpheus' instrument	4
19D	31. Urges	4
20D	32. Ask for	4
21D	33. Talk show host Jack	4
22D	34. Ingredient in perfume and potpourri	9
23D	35. Furniture depicted in Frida Kahlo's "The Dream" (1940)	3
24D	38. Interim period	8
25D	39. Singing voice meaning "heavy-sounding"	8
26D	41. Question of identity	3
27D	42. First and only chimpanzee to orbit Earth	4
28D	43. Cronus, to Uranus	3
29D	44. Whale groups	4
30D	46. Long, thin strip used in building construction	6
31D	47. Prepare, in a way, as chicken	6
32D	49. Exposed for all to see	5
33D	50. Work of fiction	5
34D	51. One of Cyprus's two official languages	5
35D	52. "___ the housetop, click, click, click ..."	4
36D	55. Goofs	4
37D	56. Subway stop: Abbr.	3
38D	57. It may give you visuals	3
39D	59. Sister	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. Caesar dressing?"

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 one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Scatter"

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 spread by scattering ( is archaic)
• Words that mean the same thing: straw
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STREW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Developer of the game Breakout"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATARI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. M.L.B.'s first Rookie of the Year (1947)"

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 english chemist noted for his studies of molecular structures in plants (1886-1975)
• Words that mean the same thing: Jackie Robinson, Lennox Robinson, Edwin Arlington Robinson
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROBINSON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Sorento automaker"

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: KIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Cause harm to"

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 cause injuries or bodily harm to
• Words that mean the same thing: hurt, offend, bruise
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INJURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Lasting marks"

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 mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
• Words that mean the same thing: cicatrice, scar, scratch
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Explosion fragments"

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 shell containing lead pellets that explodes in flight
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHRAPNEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Home of the Met, the Whitney and the Frick, in brief"

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: NYC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Make fizzy"

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 expose to fresh air
• Words that mean the same thing: oxygenise, air out, air
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AERATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Halts abruptly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STOPSDEAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Crowning"

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

  The answer is: ATOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Actor Chaney nicknamed "The Man of a Thousand Faces""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: LON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. List shortener: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ETAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. Plundered goods"

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 goods or money obtained illegally
• Words that mean the same thing: boodle, scratch, clams
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "26. U.F.O. pilots"

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: ETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Some N.F.L. blockers"

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: RTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "30. Orpheus' instrument"

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

  The answer is: LYRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "31. Urges"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a yearning for something or to do something
• Words that mean the same thing: hankering, languish, pine
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Ask for"

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 movement of a read/write head to a specific data track on a disk
• Words that mean the same thing: essay, look for, search
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Talk show host Jack"

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: PAAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Ingredient in perfume and potpourri"

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 fragrant rootstock of various irises especially florentine iris; used in perfumes and medicines
• Words that mean the same thing: orris
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORRISROOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Furniture depicted in Frida Kahlo's "The Dream" (1940)"

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

  The answer is: BED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Interim period"

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 the time between one event, process, or period and another
• Words that mean the same thing: interim, lag, in the meantime
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEANTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Singing voice meaning "heavy-sounding""

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 a male singer
• Words that mean the same thing: baritone horn, baritone voice, barytone
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARITONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Question of identity"

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 nations agency to coordinate international health activities and to help governments improve health services
• Words that mean the same thing: World Health Organization
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. First and only chimpanzee to orbit Earth"

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: ENOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Cronus, to Uranus"

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: Logos, boy, Word
• 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 29 Down: "44. Whale groups"

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

  The answer is: PODS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Long, thin strip used in building construction"

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 flexible strip (wood or rubber) used in drawing curved lines
• Words that mean the same thing: slat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPLINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Prepare, in a way, as chicken"

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

  The answer is: DEBONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Exposed for all to see"

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 make public
• Words that mean the same thing: bar, block off, publicise
• The opposite would be: unbar
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Work of fiction"

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 extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
• Words that mean the same thing: refreshing, new, fresh
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOVEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. One of Cyprus's two official languages"

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 hellenic branch of the indo-european family of languages
• Words that mean the same thing: Hellene, Hellenic, Hellenic language
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GREEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. "___ the housetop, click, click, click ...""

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: UPON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Goofs"

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 to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: mistake, drift, err
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Subway stop: 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: STA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. It may give you visuals"

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 39 Down: "59. Sister"

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 woman religious
• Words that mean the same thing: conical buoy, nun buoy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	59	75.6%
Short Answer	14	17.9%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Geography	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.7 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 01:24 AM

January 26, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, January 26, 2024

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Friday Puzzle January 26, 2024

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Record label for Pink, SZA and H.E.R.	3
2A	4. The "handsaw" in Hamlet's "I know a hawk from a handsaw"	5
3A	9. Song words preceding "his kiss"	5
4A	14. They're often caving, but not spelunking	9
5A	16. Everybody's opposite	5
6A	17. "That's genius!"	9
7A	18. Put off	5
8A	19. Show of Force?	8
9A	20. Attacked in a snowball fight	6
10A	21. A popular nightclub might have one	4
11A	22. Take risks	6
12A	23. Rutabaga, for one	5
13A	26. "It's all over for us!"	9
14A	29. Canine protector	6
15A	31. ___ system	3
16A	32. Stage of metamorphosis	4
17A	33. Syst. in which "Deaf Power" can be indicated by an open palm over one ear and the other hand forming a closed fist in the air	3
18A	34. Couches	7
19A	37. Hound	3
20A	38. Toni Morrison title	4
21A	40. Andre Young a.k.a. Dr. ___	3
22A	41. Architectural finish	6
23A	43. Foe-run land?	9
24A	46. Unnaturally white	5
25A	47. Work through seven stages, say	6
26A	48. Like holographic Pokémon cards	4
27A	50. Takes it easy	6
28A	51. Passage that might be a mess after a rainstorm	8
29A	55. Kidney-related	5
30A	56. Exonerating words	9
31A	57. Stand and deliver?	5
32A	58. "The Bachelor" outing	9
33A	59. Not natural, in a way	5
34A	60. Havens	5
35A	61. Rubik's Cube, once	3

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. Record label for Pink, SZA and H.E.R."

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: RCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. The "handsaw" in Hamlet's "I know a hawk from a handsaw""

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 greek mathematician and inventor who devised a way to determine the area of a triangle and who described various mechanical devices (first century)
• Words that mean the same thing: Hero of Alexandria, Hero
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HERON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Song words preceding "his kiss""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ITSIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. They're often caving, but not spelunking"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who is easily taken advantage of
• Words that mean the same thing: snap, child's play, cinch
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PUSHOVERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Everybody's opposite"

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: NOONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. "That's genius!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GREATIDEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Put off"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DEFER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Show of Force?"

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: STARWARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Attacked in a snowball fight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cast, hurl, or throw repeatedly with some missile
• Words that mean the same thing: rain cats and dogs, rain buckets, pour
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PELTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. A popular nightclub might have one"

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 formation of people or things one beside another
• Words that mean the same thing: transmission line, logical argument, origin
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Take risks"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BEBOLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Rutabaga, for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a fleshy underground stem or root serving for reproductive and food storage
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Tuber
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUBER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. "It's all over for us!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WERETOAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Canine protector"

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 hard white substance covering the crown of a tooth
• Words that mean the same thing: tooth enamel
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENAMEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. ___ system"

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: NAV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Stage of metamorphosis"

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 insect in the inactive stage of development (when it is not feeding) intermediate between larva and adult
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PUPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Syst. in which "Deaf Power" can be indicated by an open palm over one ear and the other hand forming a closed fist in the air"

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 sign language used in the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: American sign language
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Couches"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long wooden bench with a back
• Words that mean the same thing: settee, settle
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SETTEES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Hound"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault
• Words that mean the same thing: nagger, common scold, peck
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Toni Morrison title"

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 type genus of the sulidae
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Sula
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SULA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Andre Young a.k.a. Dr. ___"

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 22 Across: "41. Architectural finish"

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 plaster now made mostly from portland cement and sand and lime; applied while soft to cover exterior walls or surfaces
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STUCCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Foe-run land?"

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: ENEMYTURF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Unnaturally white"

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 anemic looking from illness or emotion; ; ; ; ; - mary w. shelley
• Words that mean the same thing: bloodless, blanched, livid
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASHEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Work through seven stages, say"

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 cause to feel sorrow
• Words that mean the same thing: aggrieve, sorrow
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRIEVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Like holographic Pokémon cards"

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 not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
• Words that mean the same thing: rarified, rarefied, uncommon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. Takes it easy"

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 coldness due to a cold environment
• Words that mean the same thing: chill, tingle, shivering
• The opposite would be: heat
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHILLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Passage that might be a mess after a rainstorm"

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: DIRTROAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Kidney-related"

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 of or relating to the kidneys
• Words that mean the same thing: nephritic
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RENAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Exonerating words"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: NOTGUILTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "57. Stand and deliver?"

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

  The answer is: ORATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. "The Bachelor" outing"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GROUPDATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "59. Not natural, in a way"

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 assume a posture as for artistic purposes
• Words that mean the same thing: place, present, put
• The opposite would be: unposed
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POSED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "60. Havens"

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 fertile tract in a desert (where the water table approaches the surface)
• Words that mean the same thing: haven, oasis
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OASES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "61. Rubik's Cube, once"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
• Words that mean the same thing: rage, furor, cult
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword January 26, 2024

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy, for short	4
2D	2. Terse	4
3D	3. Offshore	4
4D	4. Starts off-key?	8
5D	5. ___-les-Bains, spa town on Lake Geneva	5
6D	6. Amended, as a map	6
7D	7. Some Minecraft blocks	4
8D	8. Org. that advises on ransomware risk mitigation	3
9D	9. Taking too much credit, say	6
10D	10. Simple skating jump	7
11D	11. Release of a new product to a limited audience	10
12D	12. "This relationship has been a bit overwhelming"	10
13D	13. Many a Comic-Con attendee	4
14D	15. ___ Renaissance	6
15D	20. Vexes	6
16D	22. Skara ___, Scottish site of Europe's most complete Neolithic village	4
17D	23. Ride	5
18D	24. Pandemic health worker, say	10
19D	25. Ones whose careers have turning points?	10
20D	27. "The door's open!"	5
21D	28. Attach	5
22D	30. Some Best Buy offerings	6
23D	35. "Fair point"	4
24D	36. High-value ones are called "unicorns"	8
25D	39. "Has the meeting already begun?"	7
26D	42. Account recovery need	6
27D	44. Gave a hoot	6
28D	45. Bugles alternative	6
29D	49. Lock horns	5
30D	50. Cut down to size, maybe	4
31D	51. Bilingual girl of TV and film	4
32D	52. "Frozen" figure	4
33D	53. Princess in "A Bug's Life"	4
34D	54. Not natural, in a way	4
35D	56. Many a humanitarian effort, in brief	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. World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RPGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Terse"

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 marked by rude or peremptory shortness
• Words that mean the same thing: laconic, terse, short
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CURT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Offshore"

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 in the direction of the sea
• Words that mean the same thing: seawards, seaward
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Starts off-key?"

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: HOTWIRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. ___-les-Bains, spa town on Lake Geneva"

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: EVIAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Amended, as a map"

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: REDREW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Some Minecraft blocks"

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

  The answer is: ORES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Org. that advises on ransomware risk mitigation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Taking too much credit, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: INDEBT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Simple skating jump"

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: TOELOOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Release of a new product to a limited audience"

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: SOFTLAUNCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "This relationship has been a bit overwhelming""

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: INEEDSPACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Many a Comic-Con attendee"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NERD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. ___ Renaissance"

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 district of manhattan; now largely a black ghetto
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARLEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Vexes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an annoyed or irritated mood
• Words that mean the same thing: peeve
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEEVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Skara ___, Scottish site of Europe's most complete Neolithic village"

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

  The answer is: BRAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Ride"

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 someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)
• Words that mean the same thing: razz, card, ribbing
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Pandemic health worker, 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: UNSUNGHERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. Ones whose careers have turning points?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a female ballet dancer
• Words that mean the same thing: ballerina, danseuse
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALLERINAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. "The door's open!""

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 to come or go into
• Words that mean the same thing: enroll, introduce, record
• The opposite would be: drop out, exit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Attach"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TAGON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Some Best Buy offerings"

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: LEDTVS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. "Fair point""

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 proper alignment; the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment
• Words that mean the same thing: unfeigned, reliable, genuine
• The opposite would be: false, untruthful
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. High-value ones are called "unicorns""

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 the act of setting in operation
• Words that mean the same thing: inauguration, startup
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STARTUPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. "Has the meeting already begun?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMILATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Account recovery need"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: USERID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Gave a hoot"

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 utter a sudden loud cry
• Words that mean the same thing: shouted, yell, cry
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YELLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Bugles alternative"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FRITOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "49. Lock horns"

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 present reasons and arguments
• Words that mean the same thing: fence, reason, indicate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARGUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Cut down to size, 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 the yield from plants in a single growing season
• Words that mean the same thing: prune, pasture, snip
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CROP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Bilingual girl of TV and film"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard 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: DORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. "Frozen" figure"

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: OLAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Princess in "A Bug's Life""

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: ATTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Not natural, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that color with dye
• Words that mean the same thing: coloured, bleached, dye
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DYED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Many a humanitarian effort, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
• Words that mean the same thing: nongovernmental organization
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	57	81.4%
Short Answer	7	10.0%
History	3	4.3%
Music	1	1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
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 Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: August 27, 2025 at 11:37 PM