LA2430 Friday, August 29, 2024 LA Times Predictions Steps by Crossword hints blogs

Across Clues

Clue	Answer
Unflattering press for a celeb	BAD PR
Fries, e.g.	SIDE
Owned	HAD
On a cruise	AT SEA
Ridicule	TAUNT
2019 March Madness champs	UVA
“Call Me Maybe” or “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)”?	TELEPHONE NUMBER
BTS genre	K-POP
Done deal	SURE BET
Tony winner Hagen	UTA
NFL three-pointers, for short	FGS
“Popular” or “Fashion!”?	IN TUNE
“Sound of da Police” or “The Artist in the Ambulance”?	SIREN SONG
Figure, briefly	BOD
Lebanese capital	BEIRUT
Art stand	EASEL
“Midnight Train to Georgia” or “Chattanooga Choo Choo”?	RAILROAD TRACK
Griswold of the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” films	CLARK
Adidas addition	INSOLE
Undecided initials	TBA
“Sittin’ in the Sun (Countin’ My Money)” or “Can’t Buy Me Love”?	BUDGET CUT
“I’m Too Sexy” or “Summer in the City”?	HOT AIR
Antioxidant juice brand	POM
Some mantras	OMS
Puzzles	ENIGMAS
“Success!”	TA-DA!
“Take Me Out to the Ballgame” or “Talkin’ Baseball”?	LINEDRIVE SINGLE
Actress Ryan	MEG
Watch rim	BEZEL
Wood finish	STAIN
Equal	ARE
Actor’s compilation	REEL
Explored a national park, perhaps	HIKED

 Friday, August 29, 2024 LA Times

Down Clues

Clue	Answer
Item used at home	BAT
Used (up)	ATE
Fiber alternative	DSL
Cheat at cards, say	PEEK
Reneé of the “Mean Girls” musical	RAPP
Like bumper-to-bumper traffic	STOP/GO
“Amsterdam” novelist McEwan	IAN
Union __	DUES
The blahs	ENNUI
Commotion	HUBBUB
Maker of Healthy Start Newborn skin products	AVEENO
Moved unpredictably	DARTED
Spoil	TURN
Long Island university that has hosted several presidential debates	HOFSTRA
Ran into	MET
Common port type	USB
Cake part	TIER
Opera solo	ARIA
Arrive quietly	SNEAK UP
Actor Stoltz	ERIC
Void’s partner	NULL
Roam (about)	GAD
Bad marks	STIGMAS
Sea eagle	ERNE
Not followed	LAST
Crystal ball, e.g.	ORB
Pixar film set on the Day of the Dead	COCO
Longtime “Project Runway” host Heidi	KLUM
GRE org.	ETS
Title role for Geena Davis	THELMA
Tougher to fillet, perhaps	BONIER
Not much, colorwise	A TINGE
“Spill!”	DO TELL!
Period	AGE
Clue	Answer
Film trivia site	IMDB
More red	RARER
Coffee specification	SIZE
“Spill!”	DISH!
Averse to	ANTI
Neckline shape	VEE
Nickelodeon slime	GAK
Fabrication	LIE
Sew up	END

March 07, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, March 07, 2024

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (33 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

March 07, 2024 Thursday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Culture setters?	4
2A	5. 14-Across subfield	5
3A	10. Spill the beans	4
4A	14. B-school subject	4
5A	15. "___ of wisdom" ("Dalai Lama," in translation)	5
6A	16. Protagonist who would "just as soon kiss a Wookiee"	4
7A	17. Modern reimagining of a Robert Frost classic, part 1	15
8A	20. Loses a lap?	5
9A	21. Denigrates	6
10A	22. Security camera letters	4
11A	24. Things that Harvard no longer requires	4
12A	25. Reimagining, part 2	15
13A	32. Lo-o-o-ong time	3
14A	33. Layered rock	5
15A	34. ___ Africa (nickname of singer/activist Miriam Makeba)	4
16A	35. Bit	4
17A	37. Like the fruits durian and mangosteen	5
18A	39. Impudent person	4
19A	40. Rarely the winner in a nature documentary	4
20A	41. What a clutch lacks	5
21A	43. Certain turkey	3
22A	44. Reimagining, part 3	15
23A	48. Study, with "over"	4
24A	49. Untimely?	4
25A	50. Bird in an early warning system	6
26A	53. Waste's way away	5
27A	56. End of the reimagining	15
28A	61. Design deet	4
29A	62. Like a twangy voice	5
30A	63. Traditional knowledge	4
31A	64. "Codswallop!"	4
32A	65. Key material	5
33A	66. Rapper ___ Gravy	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. Culture setters?"

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 workplace for the conduct of scientific research
• Words that mean the same thing: laboratory, science laboratory, lab
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. 14-Across subfield"

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 single computer instruction that results in a series of instructions in machine language
• Words that mean the same thing: macro instruction
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MACRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Spill the beans"

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 divulge confidential information or secrets
• Words that mean the same thing: prattle, peach, gabble
• The opposite would be: keep quiet
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. B-school subject"

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: ECON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "___ of wisdom" ("Dalai Lama," in translation)"

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 large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere
• Words that mean the same thing: sea
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCEAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Protagonist who would "just as soon kiss a Wookiee""

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: LEIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Modern reimagining of a Robert Frost classic, part 1"

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: IKNOWWHOSEWOODS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Loses a lap?"

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 growth in strength or number or importance
• Words that mean the same thing: acclivity, rising slope, heighten
• The opposite would be: descent, turn in
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RISES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Denigrates"

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 treat, mention, or speak to rudely
• Words that mean the same thing: diss, affront, insult
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DISSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Security camera letters"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: CCTV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Things that Harvard no longer requires"

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 seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
• Words that mean the same thing: Saturday, Sat, Sabbatum
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Reimagining, part 2"

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: THESEAREMYHORSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "32. Lo-o-o-ong time"

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 longest division of geological time
• Words that mean the same thing: aeon
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "33. Layered rock"

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 sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of successive layers of clay
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "34. ___ Africa (nickname of singer/activist Miriam Makeba)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that informal terms for a mother
• Words that mean the same thing: ma, momma, mamma
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Bit"

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 slight but appreciable amount
• Words that mean the same thing: hint, pinch, touch
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Like the fruits durian and mangosteen"

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

  The answer is: ASIAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Impudent person"

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 person regarded as arrogant and annoying
• Words that mean the same thing: snoot, snob, prig
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Rarely the winner in a nature documentary"

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 person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
• Words that mean the same thing: feed, target, raven
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PREY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. What a clutch lacks"

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 elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position
• Words that mean the same thing: whip, shoulder strap, lather
• The opposite would be: unstrap
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STRAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Certain turkey"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (ethnic slur) offensive and derogatory name for a black man who is abjectly servile and deferential to whites
• Words that mean the same thing: turkey cock, tom turkey, Uncle Tom
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Reimagining, part 3"

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: ISRESTLESSIHAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "48. Study, with "over""

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 tiny hole admitting passage of a liquid (fluid or gas)
• Words that mean the same thing: center, concentrate, stoma
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "49. Untimely?"

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 being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
• Words that mean the same thing: lately, tardy, recently
• The opposite would be: early
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "50. Bird in an early warning system"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone acting as an informer or decoy for the police
• Words that mean the same thing: canary bird, canary-yellow, snitcher
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CANARY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. Waste's way away"

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 waste pipe that carries away sewage or surface water
• Words that mean the same thing: gutter, toilet, sewerage
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "56. End of the reimagining"

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: ALOTTODOGIDDYUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "61. Design deet"

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 detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work
• Words that mean the same thing: specification
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "62. Like a twangy voice"

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: os nasale, adenoidal, pinched
• The 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 30 Across: "63. Traditional knowledge"

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 knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote
• Words that mean the same thing: traditional knowledge
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. "Codswallop!""

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 pretentious or silly talk or writing
• Words that mean the same thing: humbug, drool, tarradiddle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "65. Key material"

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 very dark black
• Words that mean the same thing: Diospyros ebenum, pitch black, ebon
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EBONY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "66. Rapper ___ Gravy"

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: YUNG

  Great job if you got it right!

March 07, 2024 Thursday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. String of islands?	3
2D	2. Exclamation from Bill the Cat	3
3D	3. ___ mot	3
4D	4. Some barnyard sounds	6
5D	5. Makes shorter, in a way	4
6D	6. Long	4
7D	7. Org. chart figures	4
8D	8. ___ Tafari	3
9D	9. Sooner or later	6
10D	10. Opens up, in a way	8
11D	11. Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, astrologically	4
12D	12. Help around the House	4
13D	13. Lowest of the low?	4
14D	18. Subject of the mnemonic "Divorced, Beheaded, Died. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived" in Broadway's "Six"	5
15D	19. Featuring	4
16D	22. Some church assemblies	6
17D	23. Athlete who snaps	6
18D	24. Features of a dirty campaign	6
19D	25. Andante and largo	5
20D	26. Seeing sound?	3
21D	27. Get into it, rustically	6
22D	28. High-class	5
23D	29. Go off on	6
24D	30. Actor J. B. of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"	6
25D	31. Message on a cake in "Alice in Wonderland"	5
26D	36. Pirate costume staple	8
27D	38. Lil ___ X	3
28D	42. Like clothes in a hamper	5
29D	45. Variety	4
30D	46. Sampler suggestion	6
31D	47. "Fat chance!"	6
32D	50. Throw	4
33D	51. Prime Cuts brand	4
34D	52. Brushoffs	4
35D	53. Meh	4
36D	54. Novelist Jennifer	4
37D	55. Cunning	4
38D	57. Smidge	3
39D	58. Word often shortened to its last letter by texters	3
40D	59. Vessel with a tap	3
41D	60. Throw	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. String of islands?"

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

  The answer is: LEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Exclamation from Bill the Cat"

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: ACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. ___ mot"

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: BON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Some barnyard sounds"

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 disrespectful laugh
• Words that mean the same thing: snort, snicker, snigger
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNORTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Makes shorter, 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 a loft in a barn where hay is stored
• Words that mean the same thing: cut down, mop, pout
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Long"

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 dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
• Words that mean the same thing: hurt, smart, yen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Org. chart figures"

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

  The answer is: CEOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. ___ Tafari"

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 network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function
• Words that mean the same thing: reticular activating system, Ra, atomic number 88
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Sooner or later"

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: ONEDAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Opens up, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts
• Words that mean the same thing: heyday, bloom, efflorescence
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLOSSOMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, astrologically"

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 (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in leo
• Words that mean the same thing: Leo, Leo the Lion, Lion
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Help around the House"

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 officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer
• Words that mean the same thing: auxiliary, adjutant, aide-de-camp
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Lowest of the low?"

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 lowest part of the musical range
• Words that mean the same thing: basso, bass part, deep
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Subject of the mnemonic "Divorced, Beheaded, Died. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived" in Broadway's "Six""

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 married woman; a man's partner in marriage
• Words that mean the same thing: wive, married woman, wife
• The opposite would be: husband
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIVES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Featuring"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WITH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Some church assemblies"

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 chorus that sings as part of a religious ceremony
• Words that mean the same thing: choir, chorus, consort
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHOIRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Athlete who snaps"

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 area that is approximately central within some larger region
• Words that mean the same thing: marrow, nitty-gritty, gist
• The opposite would be: right
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CENTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Features of a dirty campaign"

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 slanderous defamation
• Words that mean the same thing: stain, smirch, cytologic smear
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMEARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. Andante and largo"

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 (music) the speed at which a composition is to be played
• Words that mean the same thing: pacing, pace, tempo
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEMPI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Seeing sound?"

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: AHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. Get into it, rustically"

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: RASSLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "28. High-class"

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 group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
• Words that mean the same thing: elite group, elect
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "29. Go off on"

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: RANTAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "30. Actor J. B. of "Curb Your Enthusiasm""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SMOOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "31. Message on a cake in "Alice in Wonderland""

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: EATME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Pirate costume staple"

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 protective cloth covering for an injured eye
• Words that mean the same thing: patch
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYEPATCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Lil ___ X"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
• Words that mean the same thing: Na, atomic number 11, sodium
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Like clothes in a hamper"

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 arrange in stacks
• Words that mean the same thing: heap, pack, stack
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PILED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Variety"

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 category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
• Words that mean the same thing: screen out, class, screen
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Sampler suggestion"

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: TRYONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. "Fat chance!""

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 only a very short time before; ; ; ; ; - w.b.yeats
• Words that mean the same thing: barely, scarce, scarcely
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARDLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Throw"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the actors in a play
• Words that mean the same thing: throw, roam, plaster bandage
• The opposite would be: keep down
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Prime Cuts brand"

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: ALPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Brushoffs"

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 radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known
• Words that mean the same thing: No, no, nobelium
• The opposite would be: yes
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Meh"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SOSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. Novelist Jennifer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EGAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "55. Cunning"

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 skill in deception
• Words that mean the same thing: tricky, crafty, sly
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WILY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. Smidge"

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 light touch or stroke
• Words that mean the same thing: swab, tap, splash
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Word often shortened to its last letter by texters"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard 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: YOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "59. Vessel with a tap"

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 large vase that usually has a pedestal or feet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "60. Throw"

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 wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
• Words that mean the same thing: thole, oarlock, pegleg
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	57	77.0%
Short Answer	12	16.2%
History	2	2.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.7%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.1 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 Thursday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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 07:20 AM

December 24, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 24, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (33 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

NYT Thursday Crossword Across Clues - December 24, 2020 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Wild party	4
2A	5. With 5-Down, some emergency bulletins	5
3A	10. Certain break-dancing move	4
4A	14. Piece by Puccini	4
5A	15. Lover of Giorgetta in Puccini's "Il Tabarro"	5
6A	16. Native language of 50 million citizens of India	4
7A	17. Spill a shipment of bowling balls?	15
8A	20. Gets down cold	7
9A	21. Kind of engine	6
10A	22. Person not to be trusted	3
11A	23. "I knew I was going ___ when it was taking longer and longer to wash my face": Harry Hill	4
12A	24. Works during a slow day at the restaurant?	13
13A	30. Hidden drawback	5
14A	31. "Paradise Lost" and others	5
15A	32. Certain deposit	3
16A	34. "The Game of Strategic Conquest"	4
17A	35. Word with rule or tackle	5
18A	36. Advantage	4
19A	37. Do drugs	3
20A	38. Piece of curling equipment	5
21A	39. Poker slang for three of a kind	5
22A	40. Go on a date with a honeybun?	13
23A	43. Body part that's also a woman's name	4
24A	44. SOS response	3
25A	45. A bit of resistance	6
26A	48. Gets away	7
27A	52. Is unable to get away, say ... or a hint to 17-, 24- and 40-Across?	15
28A	55. One target of doxycycline	4
29A	56. French setting for Puccini's "Il Tabarro"	5
30A	57. "This round's ___"	4
31A	58. Sad sound	4
32A	59. Half of a 1960s folk/pop group	5
33A	60. Run over	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. Wild party"

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 vigorous blow
• Words that mean the same thing: sock, bonk, knock
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. With 5-Down, some emergency bulletins"

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 deep yellow color
• Words that mean the same thing: gold, yellow-brown, brownish-yellow
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMBER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Certain break-dancing move"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a swift whirling motion (usually of a missile)
• Words that mean the same thing: twirl, tailspin, reel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Piece by Puccini"

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

  The answer is: ARIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Lover of Giorgetta in Puccini's "Il Tabarro""

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: LUIGI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Native language of 50 million citizens of India"

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 official literary language of pakistan, closely related to hindi; widely used in india (mostly by moslems); written in arabic script
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URDU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Spill a shipment of bowling balls?"

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: LETTHEGOODSROLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Gets down cold"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states poet (1869-1950)
• Words that mean the same thing: maestro, schoolmaster, overlord
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MASTERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Kind of engine"

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 german engineer (born in france) who invented the diesel engine (1858-1913)
• Words that mean the same thing: diesel engine, diesel motor, Rudolf Diesel
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIESEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Person not to be trusted"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
• Words that mean the same thing: scab, tell on, rotter
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. "I knew I was going ___ when it was taking longer and longer to wash my face": Harry Hill"

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 grow bald; lose hair on one's head
• Words that mean the same thing: denudate, barefaced, denuded
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Works during a slow day at the restaurant?"

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: WAITSFORNOONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "30. Hidden drawback"

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 drawback or difficulty that is not readily evident
• Words that mean the same thing: take in, watch, snap
• The opposite would be: unhitch
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CATCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "31. "Paradise Lost" and others"

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 long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
• Words that mean the same thing: epic, epic poem, heroic poem
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPICS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Certain deposit"

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

  The answer is: ORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. "The Game of Strategic Conquest""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
• Words that mean the same thing: take chances, peril, risk of exposure
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RISK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Word with rule or tackle"

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 small flat rectangular piece of glass on which specimens can be mounted for microscopic study
• Words that mean the same thing: slue, slither, swoop
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Advantage"

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 useful or valuable quality
• Words that mean the same thing: positive, summation, addition
• The opposite would be: liability, minus
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Do drugs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of using
• Words that mean the same thing: role, purpose, employment
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Piece of curling equipment"

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 lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
• Words that mean the same thing: Harlan Stone, Harlan F. Stone, Harlan Fisk Stone
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Poker slang for three of a kind"

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 journey for some purpose (usually including the return)
• Words that mean the same thing: tripper, trip out, travel
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Go on a date with a honeybun?"

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: TAKEONESSWEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Body part that's also a woman's name"

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 plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
• Words that mean the same thing: iris diaphragm, flag, sword lily
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. SOS response"

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 activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: economic aid, assist, help
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. A bit of resistance"

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 crackling or hissing noise caused by electrical interference
• Words that mean the same thing: atmospherics, electrostatic, atmospheric static
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STATIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Gets away"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of escaping physically
• Words that mean the same thing: get away, run, take to the woods
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESCAPES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Is unable to get away, say ... or a hint to 17-, 24- and 40-Across?"

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: CANTFINDTHETIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. One target of doxycycline"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. French setting for Puccini's "Il Tabarro""

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 french river that flows through the heart of paris and then northward into the english channel
• Words that mean the same thing: Seine River
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. "This round's ___""

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: ONME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Sad sound"

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 utterance expressing pain or disapproval
• Words that mean the same thing: groan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Half of a 1960s folk/pop group"

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 informal terms for a mother
• Words that mean the same thing: Mama, mama, momma
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Run over"

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 something that is read
• Words that mean the same thing: record, translate, scan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: READ

  Great job if you got it right!

December 24, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Lip ___	4
2D	2. Concentration	4
3D	3. Plops down	4
4D	4. Series of goals	8
5D	5. See 5-Across	6
6D	6. Makes a duck face, say	4
7D	7. Part of an Instagram profile	3
8D	8. Part of one's mental life	3
9D	9. "Good ___!"	8
10D	10. "You got that right about me!"	6
11D	11. Advantages	4
12D	12. Not going anywhere	4
13D	13. Zero	4
14D	18. Tract of low-growing vegetation	5
15D	19. Separates, in a sense	5
16D	23. There are more of these in the U.S. in October than any other month, surprisingly	6
17D	24. Pants measure	5
18D	25. Adrift	5
19D	26. Cons	6
20D	27. Speak out	5
21D	28. "Honest!"	5
22D	29. Not hold back fury	5
23D	30. High-quality French vineyard	3
24D	33. Start of this clue	3
25D	35. Endurance of hardship without complaint	8
26D	36. Polar bear, to seals	8
27D	38. Font flourish	5
28D	39. How often Bette Davis won Best Actress	5
29D	41. Baby rabbit	6
30D	42. Pageant identifiers	6
31D	45. Kind of artist	4
32D	46. Dish that might be seasoned with adobo sauce	4
33D	47. Actress Kendrick of "Pitch Perfect"	4
34D	48. It destroyed the town of Mascali in 1928	4
35D	49. What benchwarmers ride, with "the"	4
36D	50. 1815 novel made into films in 1996 and 2020	4
37D	51. Provide initial funding for	4
38D	53. Org. whose vision is "a great public school for every student"	3
39D	54. Barely perceptible, say	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. Lip ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various aromatic resinous substances used for healing and soothing
• Words that mean the same thing: ointment, unction, salve
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Concentration"

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

  The answer is: AREA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Plops down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that be around, often idly or without specific purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: pose, sit around, ride
• The opposite would be: arise, stand
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Series of goals"

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: HATTRICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. See 5-Across"

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 condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action
• Words that mean the same thing: alarum, alert, alarm
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALERTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Makes a duck face, say"

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 quantity that can be held in a mug
• Words that mean the same thing: phiz, soft touch, physiognomy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MUGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Part of an Instagram profile"

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: BIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Part of one's mental life"

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 inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: self-importance, egotism, self
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "Good ___!""

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 removing or getting rid of something
• Words that mean the same thing: ejection, elimination, exclusion
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIDDANCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "You got that right about me!""

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: SUREDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Advantages"

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 an athlete who plays for pay
• Words that mean the same thing: professional, pro
• The opposite would be: amateur, con
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Not going anywhere"

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 state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
• Words that mean the same thing: wild, slug, unfounded
• The opposite would be: run, work
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Zero"

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 quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: nothing, void, nix
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NULL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Tract of low-growing vegetation"

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 low evergreen shrub of the family ericaceae; has small bell-shaped pink or purple flowers
• Words that mean the same thing: heathland
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Separates, in a sense"

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 cylindrical tower used for storing silage
• Words that mean the same thing: silo
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SILOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. There are more of these in the U.S. in October than any other month, surprisingly"

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 woman who has recently been married
• Words that mean the same thing: St. Brigid, Saint Bridget, Bride
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRIDES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Pants measure"

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 narrowing of the body between the ribs and hips
• Words that mean the same thing: waistline, shank
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Adrift"

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: ATSEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Cons"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
• Words that mean the same thing: crook, felon, outlaw
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FELONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Speak out"

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 express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
• Words that mean the same thing: speak up, reckon, think
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. "Honest!""

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: NOLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. Not hold back fury"

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 start abruptly
• Words that mean the same thing: ignite, burst, flare 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: ERUPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. High-quality French vineyard"

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: CRU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Start of this clue"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 99, E, einsteinium
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Endurance of hardship without complaint"

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 an indifference to pleasure or pain
• Words that mean the same thing: stolidness, stolidity
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STOICISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Polar bear, to seals"

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 someone who attacks in search of booty
• Words that mean the same thing: vulture, marauder, predatory animal
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PREDATOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Font flourish"

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

  The answer is: SERIF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "39. How often Bette Davis won Best Actress"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to double the degree
• Words that mean the same thing: double, doubly
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TWICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "41. Baby rabbit"

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

  The answer is: KITTEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "42. Pageant identifiers"

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 framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame
• Words that mean the same thing: girdle, sash, waistband
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SASHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Kind of artist"

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 fraudulent business scheme
• Words that mean the same thing: rook, gip, hornswoggle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. Dish that might be seasoned with adobo sauce"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
• Words that mean the same thing: wetback, greaser
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TACO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "47. Actress Kendrick of "Pitch Perfect""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a former copper coin of pakistan and india
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "48. It destroyed the town of Mascali in 1928"

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

  The answer is: ETNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "49. What benchwarmers ride, with "the""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "50. 1815 novel made into films in 1996 and 2020"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: EMMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "51. Provide initial funding 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 a small hard fruit
• Words that mean the same thing: source, semen, seminal fluid
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "53. Org. whose vision is "a great public school for every student""

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: NEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "54. Barely perceptible, say"

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 switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
• Words that mean the same thing: obtuse, dimmed, subdued
• The opposite would be: undimmed, focus
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	56	77.8%
Short Answer	9	12.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.2%
Sports	1	1.4%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
History	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.2 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 Thursday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 01:23 PM