February 04, 2023 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: Saturday, February 04, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

NYT Saturday Crossword Across Clues - February 04, 2023 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Smart	4
2A	5. Music genre	6
3A	11. Color akin to steel	3
4A	14. Grocery brand with an accent in its name	4
5A	15. Weight of the Liberty Bell, approximately	6
6A	16. Daily newspaper in Sacramento, Calif.	3
7A	17. ___ May, Marvel Comics character	4
8A	18. Keep away	10
9A	20. Spotted	8
10A	22. Tupac's "___ Gospel"	6
11A	23. Unit at a bar	5
12A	24. Brief pause	4
13A	25. Kind of rocket	5
14A	26. Ambitious goal or innovation	8
15A	30. Suffuse	5
16A	31. Parent's command when something almost gets broken by roughhousing siblings	9
17A	32. Long	4
18A	33. Some jams	5
19A	34. Vous ___ (part of a French 101 conjugation)	4
20A	35. Summer novel, typically	9
21A	37. Inebriate	5
22A	38. Fine film forum	8
23A	39. ___ Wojcicki, C.E.O. of YouTube since 2014	5
24A	40. Floors	4
25A	41. Scout's task	5
26A	42. Title Mrs. played by Rachel Brosnahan	6
27A	45. Mood booster	8
28A	48. Given to giving	10
29A	50. Language in which "Dia dhuit!" is "Hello!"	4
30A	51. Sanctuary for many couples	3
31A	52. "Be that as it may …"	6
32A	53. Pavlov with a Nobel Prize	4
33A	54. ___ sauce	3
34A	55. Execute	6
35A	56. Displaying remarkable skill	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. Smart"

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 elegance by virtue of being fashionable
• Words that mean the same thing: chicness, modishness, smartness
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Music genre"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an outbuilding (or part of a building) for housing automobiles
• Words that mean the same thing: service department
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GARAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Color akin to steel"

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 residue that remains when something is burned
• Words that mean the same thing: ash tree
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Grocery brand with an accent in its 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: RAGU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Weight of the Liberty Bell, approximately"

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: ONETON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Daily newspaper in Sacramento, Calif."

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 numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. ___ May, Marvel Comics character"

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 sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
• Words that mean the same thing: aunty, auntie
• The opposite would be: uncle
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Keep away"

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: STEERCLEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Spotted"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if stained
• Words that mean the same thing: mottle, blotchy, blotch
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLOTCHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Tupac's "___ Gospel""

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 formerly the restricted quarter of many european cities in which jews were required to live
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GHETTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Unit at a bar"

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 charge of ammunition for a single shot
• Words that mean the same thing: round of golf, circular, polish up
• The opposite would be: square
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROUND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Brief pause"

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 regular route for a sentry or policeman
• Words that mean the same thing: round, cadence, shell
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Kind of rocket"

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 fashion reminiscent of the past
• Words that mean the same thing: ex post facto, retroactive
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RETRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Ambitious goal or innovation"

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: MOONSHOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Suffuse"

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

  The answer is: BATHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Parent's command when something almost gets broken by roughhousing siblings"

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: GOOUTSIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. 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: suffer, languish, yearn
• The 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 18 Across: "33. Some jams"

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 succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
• Words that mean the same thing: line, tune up, tune
• The opposite would be: untune
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUNES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Vous ___ (part of a French 101 conjugation)"

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: ETES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "35. Summer novel, typically"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: BEACHREAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "37. Inebriate"

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 make dull or stupid or muddle with drunkenness or infatuation
• Words that mean the same thing: stupefy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BESOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "38. Fine film forum"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: ARTHOUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "39. ___ Wojcicki, C.E.O. of YouTube since 2014"

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: SUSAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "40. Floors"

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 overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
• Words that mean the same thing: veneration, reverence, awe
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "41. Scout's task"

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: RECON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "42. Title Mrs. played by Rachel Brosnahan"

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: MAISEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "45. Mood booster"

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: PICKMEUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "48. Given to giving"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that intending or showing kindness
• Words that mean the same thing: large-hearted, freehearted, beneficent
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BENEVOLENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. Language in which "Dia dhuit!" is "Hello!""

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

  The answer is: ERSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "51. Sanctuary for many couples"

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 (judaism) sacred chest where the ancient hebrews kept the two tablets containing the ten commandments
• Words that mean the same thing: Ark of the Covenant
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "52. "Be that as it may …""

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: EVENSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "53. Pavlov with a Nobel Prize"

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: IVAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "54. ___ sauce"

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 source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
• Words that mean the same thing: soybean plant, soya, soja
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "55. Execute"

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 substance similar to stucco but exclusively applied to masonry walls
• Words that mean the same thing: supply, furnish, give
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RENDER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "56. Displaying remarkable skill"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
• Words that mean the same thing: dexterous, dextrous
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEFT

  Great job if you got it right!

February 04, 2023 Saturday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. "You cannot teach a ___ to walk straight": Aristophanes	4
2D	2. Booty	4
3D	3. "Actually, never mind"	10
4D	4. Make a long story short	13
5D	5. "I would never!"	6
6D	6. Fed the kitty	5
7D	7. One of a set in an accordion	4
8D	8. Didn't go fast?	3
9D	9. Dazzling	8
10D	10. Dazzle	7
11D	11. Give a bad hand?	4
12D	12. Booty	4
13D	13. Villain's foil	4
14D	19. Line at the door of a bar	13
15D	21. Salt or smoke	4
16D	24. Like umpires, sometimes	5
17D	25. Mario Kart contestant	5
18D	26. "Make Me Feel" singer Janelle	5
19D	27. Gets too personal with zingers, say	10
20D	28. Greek theater	5
21D	29. Screen, in a way	4
22D	30. ___ ghanouj	4
23D	31. Reckoning	5
24D	33. Unconditional condition?	8
25D	36. "Be that as it may …"	7
26D	37. Resist	4
27D	39. Private or public division	6
28D	41. Flush	5
29D	42. Many Chicago Booth grads	4
30D	43. Chocolate brand with the slogan "Irresistibubble"	4
31D	44. Black as night	4
32D	45. Hang in the balance	4
33D	46. Org. featured in "Dr. Strangelove"	4
34D	47. Bottled (up)	4
35D	49. ___ Goodman, longtime judge on "Dancing With the Stars"	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. "You cannot teach a ___ to walk straight": Aristophanes"

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 decapod having eyes on short stalks and a broad flattened carapace with a small abdomen folded under the thorax and pincers
• Words that mean the same thing: gripe, bellyache, Cancer
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Booty"

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 act of drawing or hauling something
• Words that mean the same thing: drag, hale, haulage
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "Actually, never mind""

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: IGNORETHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Make a long story short"

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: CUTTOTHECHASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. "I would never!""

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: GOSHNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Fed the kitty"

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 7 Down: "7. One of a set in an accordion"

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

  The answer is: REED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Didn't go fast?"

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 goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
• Words that mean the same thing: run through, use up, deplete
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Dazzling"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that dazzlingly beautiful
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GORGEOUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Dazzle"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that hold spellbound
• Words that mean the same thing: trance, glamour, bewitch
• The opposite would be: disenchant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENCHANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Give a bad hand?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ABET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Booty"

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 space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
• Words that mean the same thing: ass, fundament, keister
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Villain's foil"

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 man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
• Words that mean the same thing: zep, sub, champion
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Line at the door of a bar"

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: LETSSEESOMEID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Salt or smoke"

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 medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain
• Words that mean the same thing: curative, remedy, bring around
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Like umpires, sometimes"

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 show displeasure, as after a performance or speech
• Words that mean the same thing: hiss, boo
• The opposite would be: applaud
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Mario Kart contestant"

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 someone who drives racing cars at high speeds
• Words that mean the same thing: racing car, race driver, race car
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RACER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. "Make Me Feel" singer Janelle"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: MONAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Gets too personal with zingers, say"

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: HITSANERVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Greek theater"

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: ODEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Screen, 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 trying something to find out about it
• Words that mean the same thing: examination, mental testing, examine
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. ___ ghanouj"

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

  The answer is: BABA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Reckoning"

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 message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
• Words that mean the same thing: guesswork, suppose, surmise
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GUESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Unconditional condition?"

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 a person loved by another person
• Words that mean the same thing: sweetie, steady, sweetheart
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRUELOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. "Be that as it may …""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)
• Words that mean the same thing: nevertheless, even so, notwithstanding
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOWEVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Resist"

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 gymnastic horse without pommels and with one end elongated; used lengthwise for vaulting
• Words that mean the same thing: one dollar bill, sawbuck, horse
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUCK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Private or public division"

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 plane figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle
• Words that mean the same thing: sphere
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SECTOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Flush"

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 liquid preparation used on wet hair to give it a tint
• Words that mean the same thing: gargle, rinse off, wash
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RINSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Many Chicago Booth grads"

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 master's degree in business
• Words that mean the same thing: MBA, Master in Business Administration, Master in Business
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MBAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Chocolate brand with the slogan "Irresistibubble""

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: AERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "44. Black as night"

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 of the color of black ink
• Words that mean the same thing: ink-black, inky-black
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INKY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "45. Hang in the balance"

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: PEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "46. Org. featured in "Dr. Strangelove""

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 airforce of the united states of america; the agency that defends the united states through control and exploitation of air and space
• Words that mean the same thing: U. S. Air Force, United States Air Force, Air Force
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "47. Bottled (up)"

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

  The answer is: PENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "49. ___ Goodman, longtime judge on "Dancing With the Stars""

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: LEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	60	85.7%
Short Answer	5	7.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.9%
Music	1	1.4%
Literature	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	5.5 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	13 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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 04, 2025 at 12:40 PM

December 27, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (39 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

December 27, 2023 Wednesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Travel requirement, at times	4
2A	5. Where the 10 countries with the lowest median age are all located	6
3A	11. Sounds of surprise	3
4A	14. Book before Romans	4
5A	15. "King James"	6
6A	16. Word before nail or after steel	3
7A	17. Cluster, as of grass	4
8A	18. Product of volcanic activity	6
9A	19. Certain grueling race, informally	3
10A	20. Factory ___	5
11A	22. Moccasins, but not oxfords	7
12A	24. Voice of doom	8
13A	27. It's a me problem	6
14A	28. End up OK	6
15A	29. Boring bit	5
16A	31. Not forbidden	5
17A	32. "A Doll's House" playwright	5
18A	33. Quattro preceder	3
19A	36. "Joking!"	4
20A	37. Secret traders	5
21A	38. Father on "Modern Family"	4
22A	39. Prof's helpers	3
23A	40. Mary, Queen of ___	5
24A	41. Roman fountain name	5
25A	42. Digital money	5
26A	43. Van Gogh masterpiece	6
27A	44. One dying for a cause	6
28A	47. Leave a mark on?	8
29A	49. Put up	7
30A	51. Japanese exporter of diesel engines	5
31A	52. Coastal inlet	3
32A	53. "___ Fideles"	6
33A	55. Letters that go in both blanks of ___ ___tofferson	4
34A	58. Jug unit: Abbr.	3
35A	59. Comfy shoe	6
36A	60. Bank note made of pure cotton fiber	4
37A	61. Bow-making timber	3
38A	62. "Enthusiasm is the mother of ___": Ralph Waldo Emerson	6
39A	63. One may ask for a dinner preference	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. Travel requirement, at times"

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 endorsement made in a passport that allows the bearer to enter the country issuing 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: VISA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Where the 10 countries with the lowest median age are all located"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the second largest continent; located to the south of europe and bordered to the west by the south atlantic and to the east by the indian ocean
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFRICA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Sounds of surprise"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Book before Romans"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
• Words that mean the same thing: deed, roleplay, number
• The opposite would be: refrain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "King James""

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: LEBRON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Word before nail or after steel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Cluster, as of grass"

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 bunch of hair or feathers or growing grass
• Words that mean the same thing: tussock
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Product of volcanic activity"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the commonest type of solidified lava; a dense dark grey fine-grained igneous rock that is composed chiefly of plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Certain grueling race, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Factory ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that device for resetting instruments or controls
• Words that mean the same thing: readjust
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Moccasins, but not oxfords"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SLIPONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Voice of doom"

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

  The answer is: ALARMIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. It's a me problem"

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 (ethics) the theory that the pursuit of your own welfare in the basis of morality
• Words that mean the same thing: self-centeredness, egocentrism, self-concern
• The opposite would be: altruism
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGOISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. End up OK"

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: PANOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Boring bit"

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 flexible steel coil for dislodging stoppages in curved pipes
• Words that mean the same thing: gimlet, wimble, plumber's snake
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Not forbidden"

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 sanctioned by custom or morality especially sexual morality
• Words that mean the same thing: lawful, legitimate
• The opposite would be: illicit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LICIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. "A Doll's House" playwright"

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 realistic norwegian author who wrote plays on social and political themes (1828-1906)
• Words that mean the same thing: Henrik Johan Ibsen, Henrik Ibsen
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IBSEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. Quattro preceder"

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: TRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. "Joking!""

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: IKID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. Secret traders"

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 (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
• Words that mean the same thing: undercover agent, snoop, sleuth
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Father on "Modern Family""

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: PHIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "39. Prof's helpers"

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 hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 73, tantalum, Ta
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "40. Mary, Queen of ___"

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 dialect of english used in scotland
• Words that mean the same thing: Scot, Scottish, Scots English
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "41. Roman fountain name"

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: TREVI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "42. Digital money"

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: ECASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "43. Van Gogh masterpiece"

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 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, iris diaphragm, fleur-de-lis
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRISES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "44. One dying for a cause"

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 one who suffers for the sake of principle
• Words that mean the same thing: martyrise, martyrize, sufferer
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARTYR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "47. Leave a mark on?"

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 add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments
• Words that mean the same thing: comment, gloss, footnote
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANNOTATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "49. Put up"

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 construct, build, or erect
• Words that mean the same thing: rear, set up, erect
• The opposite would be: level
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERECTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "51. Japanese exporter of diesel engines"

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: ISUZU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "52. Coastal inlet"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "53. "___ Fideles""

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: ADESTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "55. Letters that go in both blanks of ___ ___tofferson"

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 malayan dagger with a wavy blade
• Words that mean the same thing: creese, crease
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KRIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "58. Jug unit: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters
• Words that mean the same thing: gallon
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "59. Comfy shoe"

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 person who does no work
• Words that mean the same thing: layabout, bum, idler
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOAFER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "60. Bank note made of pure cotton fiber"

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 basic monetary unit of most members of the european union (introduced in 1999); in 2002 twelve european nations (germany, france, belgium, luxembourg, the netherlands, italy, spain, portugal, ireland, greece, austria, finland) adopted the euro as their basic unit of money and abandoned their traditional currencies
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EURO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "61. Bow-making timber"

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 any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
• Words that mean the same thing: elmwood, elm tree
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "62. "Enthusiasm is the mother of ___": Ralph Waldo Emerson"

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 earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
• Words that mean the same thing: attempt, sweat, drive
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EFFORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "63. One may ask for a dinner preference"

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: RSVP

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword December 27, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Acid container, maybe	3
2D	2. Hosp. area	3
3D	3. Friar known for his patronage of animals	9
4D	4. What had a major impact on this puzzle's theme?	8
5D	5. Notwithstanding	6
6D	6. Guinness records, typically	5
7D	7. Some handoff recipients in football, for short	3
8D	8. Some investments, in brief	4
9D	9. Boston, Amherst and others	8
10D	10. Immune response trigger	7
11D	11. "Great" 10th-century emperor	5
12D	12. Features of many ceratopsians	5
13D	13. Something possibly triggered during a mass extinction event	5
14D	21. Blue material	4
15D	23. "___ favor"	3
16D	24. Accelerated H.S. English course	5
17D	25. First dog on an orbital spaceflight	5
18D	26. Novelist King who wrote "Caretakers" and "One on One"	7
19D	30. Applications	4
20D	32. Some W.S.J. topics	4
21D	33. Writer's reference … or what each row of shaded letters is missing?	9
22D	34. It helps keep a tight ship tight	5
23D	35. Beethoven's "Für ___"	5
24D	37. Spooked by	8
25D	38. Annual architecture award	8
26D	40. Ancient method of encipherment with a message wrapped around a cylinder	7
27D	41. Pants, but half off?	4
28D	42. List follower	3
29D	43. Newspaper supplement	6
30D	44. Come together	5
31D	45. Common typeface	5
32D	46. Ruler's dimensions?	5
33D	48. Crystalline mineral deposits in some caves	5
34D	50. Like Beethoven, by his mid-40s	4
35D	54. West Coast airport code	3
36D	56. Music producer Gotti who worked with Ja Rule and J.Lo	3
37D	57. Soak (up)	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. Acid container, maybe"

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 tax levied on the difference between a commodity's price before taxes and its cost of production
• Words that mean the same thing: value-added tax, ad valorem tax, tub
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Hosp. area"

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 hospital unit staffed and equipped to provide intensive care
• Words that mean the same thing: intensive care unit
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Friar known for his patronage of animals"

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: STFRANCIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. What had a major impact on this puzzle's theme?"

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 any of numerous small celestial bodies composed of rock and metal that move around the sun (mainly between the orbits of mars and jupiter)
• Words that mean the same thing: star-shaped
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASTEROID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Notwithstanding"

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: ALBEIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Guinness records, typically"

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 notable achievement
• Words that mean the same thing: effort, exploit, feat
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FEATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Some handoff recipients in football, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali metal group; burns in air and reacts violently in water; occurs in carnallite and lepidolite and pollucite
• Words that mean the same thing: Rb, rubidium, atomic number 37
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Some investments, in brief"

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 militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
• Words that mean the same thing: Provisional Irish Republican Army, wrath, IRA
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Boston, Amherst and others"

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 body of faculty and students of a college
• Words that mean the same thing: college
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COLLEGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Immune response trigger"

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 any substance (as a toxin or enzyme) that stimulates an immune response in the body (especially the production of antibodies)
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTIGEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Great" 10th-century emperor"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: OTTOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Features of many ceratopsians"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
• Words that mean the same thing: trump, hooter, saddle horn
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HORNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Something possibly triggered during a mass extinction event"

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 shaking and vibration at the surface of the earth resulting from underground movement along a fault plane of from volcanic activity
• Words that mean the same thing: temblor, earthquake, quake
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. Blue material"

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 black colloidal substance consisting wholly or principally of amorphous carbon and used to make pigments and ink
• Words that mean the same thing: lampblack, crock, smut fungus
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. "___ favor""

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: POR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Accelerated H.S. English course"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: APLIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. First dog on an orbital spaceflight"

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: LAIKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Novelist King who wrote "Caretakers" and "One on One""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TABITHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Applications"

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 act of using
• Words that mean the same thing: practice, utilize, economic consumption
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Some W.S.J. topics"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IPOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Writer's reference … or what each row of shaded letters is missing?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a book containing a classified list of synonyms
• Words that mean the same thing: synonym finder
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THESAURUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. It helps keep a tight ship tight"

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 ornament consisting of a circular rounded protuberance (as on a vault or shield or belt)
• Words that mean the same thing: concentrate, centre, stud
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIVET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Beethoven's "Für ___""

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: ELISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Spooked by"

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: SCAREDOF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Annual architecture award"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: PRITZKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Ancient method of encipherment with a message wrapped around a cylinder"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: SCYTALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Pants, but half off?"

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: TROU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. List follower"

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: ETC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Newspaper supplement"

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 folded section placed between the leaves of another publication
• Words that mean the same thing: cut-in, enclose, inclose
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INSERT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. Come together"

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 mix together different elements
• Words that mean the same thing: unite, combine, mix
• The opposite would be: disunify
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MERGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Common typeface"

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: ARIAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. Ruler's dimensions?"

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 domain in which something is dominant
• Words that mean the same thing: land, region, kingdom
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REALM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. Crystalline mineral deposits in some caves"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (kno3) used especially as a fertilizer and explosive
• Words that mean the same thing: saltpeter, potassium nitrate, saltpetre
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NITER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Like Beethoven, by his mid-40s"

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 people who have severe hearing impairments
• Words that mean the same thing: deafen, indifferent
• The opposite would be: hearing
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. West Coast airport code"

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: SFO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Music producer Gotti who worked with Ja Rule and J.Lo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IRV

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "57. Soak (up)"

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 piece of solid food for dipping in a liquid
• Words that mean the same thing: souse, drench, soak through
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	50	65.8%
Short Answer	13	17.1%
History	6	7.9%
Literature	3	3.9%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	9 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually 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 28, 2025 at 04:47 PM