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Sunday, September 21, 2025

November 30, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, November 30, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (35 Across, 43 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.6 letters

November 30, 2020 Across Hints: NYT Monday Crossword Answers

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. "Hell ___ no fury ..." 4
2A 5. Shout from Scrooge 3
3A 8. Capital of 71-Across 6
4A 14. Suffix with switch 4
5A 15. Life is short and this is long, per Hippocrates 3
6A 16. Places to sweat it out? 6
7A 17. Painter Chagall 4
8A 18. *Restaurant chain known for its coffee and doughnuts 10
9A 20. Classic fund-raising event 8
10A 22. 1950s presidential inits. 3
11A 23. Writer/illustrator Silverstein 4
12A 24. Premium theater spot 7
13A 28. Nobelist William Butler ___ 5
14A 32. Spy grp. 3
15A 33. Word often following "best-case" or "worst-case" 8
16A 36. Nobody special 6
17A 40. Arizona tribe 4
18A 41. Pepsi and Coke 5
19A 43. ___ the Terrible 4
20A 44. Conundrum 6
21A 46. Estrange 8
22A 48. Chick's mother 3
23A 49. Corporate shuffle, for short 5
24A 50. Early challenge overcome by Joe Biden 7
25A 54. Actress Rae of "Insecure" 4
26A 57. Container for a caterer 3
27A 58. Some brandy fruits 8
28A 62. *Pancake topping 10
29A 66. Seized property, for short 4
30A 68. Makes flush (with) 6
31A 69. Greek "H" 3
32A 70. Weather often associated with Vancouver 4
33A 71. Place associated with the answers to the starred clues 6
34A 72. Professor's deg. 3
35A 73. Village People hit with a spelled-out title 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. "Hell ___ no fury ...""

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: HATH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Shout from Scrooge"

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: BAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Capital of 71-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a member of the algonquian people of southern ontario
  • Words that mean the same thing: capital of Canada, Outaouais, Canadian capital
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OTTAWA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Suffix with switch"

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: EROO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Life is short and this is long, per Hippocrates"

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 products of human creativity; works of art collectively
  • Words that mean the same thing: artistic production, artistry, artwork
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ART

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Places to sweat it out?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a finnish steam bath; steam is produced by pouring water over heated rocks
  • Words that mean the same thing: sauna, sweat room
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAUNAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Painter Chagall"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: MARC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. *Restaurant chain known for its coffee and doughnuts"

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: TIMHORTONS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Classic fund-raising event"

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: BAKESALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. 1950s presidential inits."

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: DDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Writer/illustrator Silverstein"

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: SHEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Premium theater spot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: BOXSEAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Nobelist William Butler ___"

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 irish poet and dramatist (1865-1939)
  • Words that mean the same thing: W. B. Yeats, William Butler Yeats
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YEATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Spy grp."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an independent agency of the united states government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the director of central intelligence under the supervision of the president and national security council
  • Words that mean the same thing: Central Intelligence Agency
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Word often following "best-case" or "worst-case""

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 an outline or synopsis of a play (or, by extension, of a literary work)
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCENARIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "36. Nobody special"

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: ANYONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "40. Arizona tribe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a member of the shoshonean people of northeastern arizona
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOPI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "41. Pepsi and Coke"

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 large genus of african trees bearing kola nuts
  • Words that mean the same thing: Cola, dope, genus Cola
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COLAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "43. ___ the Terrible"

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 20 Across: "44. Conundrum"

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 something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
  • Words that mean the same thing: riddle, secret, brain-teaser
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENIGMA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "46. Estrange"

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 arouse hostility or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection, or friendliness
  • Words that mean the same thing: estrange, alien, disaffect
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALIENATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. Chick's mother"

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 adult female chicken
  • Words that mean the same thing: biddy
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "49. Corporate shuffle, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: REORG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Early challenge overcome by Joe Biden"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a speech disorder involving hesitations and involuntary repetitions of certain sounds
  • Words that mean the same thing: stammer, bumble, falter
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STUTTER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "54. Actress Rae of "Insecure""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ISSA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "57. Container for a caterer"

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 27 Across: "58. Some brandy fruits"

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 asian tree having clusters of usually white blossoms and edible fruit resembling the peach
  • Words that mean the same thing: yellowish pink, peach, apricot 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: APRICOTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "62. *Pancake topping"

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: MAPLESYRUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "66. Seized property, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: REPO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "68. Makes flush (with)"

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 place in a line or arrange so as to be parallel or straight
  • Words that mean the same thing: coordinate, ordinate, align
  • The opposite would be: skew
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALIGNS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "69. Greek "H""

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 terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Words that mean the same thing: Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ETA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "70. Weather often associated with Vancouver"

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 water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
  • Words that mean the same thing: pelting, rainwater, rainfall
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "71. Place associated with the answers to the starred clues"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a nation in northern north america; the french were the first europeans to settle in mainland canada
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CANADA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "72. Professor's deg."

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 doctorate usually based on at least 3 years graduate study and a dissertation; the highest degree awarded graduate study
  • Words that mean the same thing: Ph.D.
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PHD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "73. Village People hit with a spelled-out title"

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: YMCA

    Great job if you got it right!

November 30, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Monday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ and haw 3
2D 2. Saudis, e.g. 5
3D 3. Bar mitzvah text 5
4D 4. *Leafs-watching time, maybe 11
5D 5. Cave dwellers 4
6D 6. "Salome" solo 4
7D 7. Web designer's code 4
8D 8. Bear, in un zoológico 3
9D 9. Road goo 3
10D 10. Pharaoh known as a "boy king," informally 3
11D 11. Battery terminal 5
12D 12. "A Fish Called ___" 5
13D 13. Plus on the balance sheet 5
14D 19. Lang. in which "peace" is "shalom" 3
15D 21. Home of the ancient philosopher Zeno 4
16D 25. Representative Alexandria ___-Cortez 6
17D 26. Mark, as a ballot 3
18D 27. *Important step after erring 11
19D 29. Esoteric 6
20D 30. Spanish uncle 3
21D 31. Word before system or power 5
22D 33. ___-crab soup 3
23D 34. Opposite of pro 3
24D 35. Commercial prefix with Pen 3
25D 37. Eggs in a lab 3
26D 38. D.C. player, formerly a Montreal Expo 3
27D 39. Toronto-to-Montreal dir. 3
28D 42. Pint at a pub 3
29D 45. ___ Gala (big event in fashion) 3
30D 47. Guitarist Clapton 4
31D 50. Poison ___ 5
32D 51. Gaily sung syllables 5
33D 52. Remove, as a brooch 5
34D 53. Unit of sunshine 3
35D 55. Cook, as mussels 5
36D 56. Savory jelly 5
37D 59. Elite sort of school, for short 4
38D 60. The "R" of R.B.G. 4
39D 61. Apple tablet 4
40D 63. N.Y. airport with many flights to Toronto Pearson 3
41D 64. Cease 3
42D 65. Govt. agency for retirees 3
43D 67. "Cat ___ Hot Tin Roof" 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. ___ and haw"

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 edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down
  • Words that mean the same thing: ahem
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Saudis, e.g."

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 member of a semitic people originally from the arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks arabic and who inhabits much of the middle east and northern africa
  • Words that mean the same thing: Arab, Arabian
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARABS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Bar mitzvah text"

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 whole body of the jewish sacred writings and tradition including the oral tradition
  • Words that mean the same thing: Laws, Pentateuch
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TORAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. *Leafs-watching time, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: HOCKEYNIGHT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Cave dwellers"

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 nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate
  • Words that mean the same thing: crackers, wacky, drub
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "Salome" solo"

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 7 Down: "7. Web designer's code"

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 set of tags and rules (conforming to sgml) for using them in developing hypertext documents
  • Words that mean the same thing: hypertext mark-up language, hypertext markup language
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HTML

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Bear, in un zoológico"

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: OSO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Road goo"

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 dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
  • Words that mean the same thing: old salt, gob, seaman
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Pharaoh known as a "boy king," informally"

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 utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
  • Words that mean the same thing: tut-tut, tsk
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Battery terminal"

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 positively charged electrode by which electrons leave an electrical device
  • The opposite would be: cathode
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANODE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "A Fish Called ___""

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: WANDA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Plus on the balance sheet"

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

    The answer is: ASSET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Lang. in which "peace" is "shalom""

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: HEB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Home of the ancient philosopher Zeno"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ELEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Representative Alexandria ___-Cortez"

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: OCASIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Mark, as a ballot"

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: XIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. *Important step after erring"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SAYINGSORRY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Esoteric"

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 requiring secret or mysterious 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: ARCANE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Spanish uncle"

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: TIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Word before system or power"

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 relating to or derived from the sun or utilizing the energies of the sun
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SOLAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. ___-crab soup"

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: SHE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Opposite of pro"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an argument opposed to a proposal
  • Words that mean the same thing: gip, goldbrick, yard bird
  • The opposite would be: pro
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Commercial prefix with Pen"

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 self-report personality inventory based on hans eysenck's factor analysis of personality which assumes three basic factors (the two most important being extraversion to introversion and neuroticism)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Eysenck Personality Inventory
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EPI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Eggs in a lab"

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 female reproductive cell; the female gamete
  • Words that mean the same thing: egg cell, ovum
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OVA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. D.C. player, formerly a Montreal Expo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Toronto-to-Montreal dir."

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 compass point midway between northeast and east
  • Words that mean the same thing: east northeast
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Pint at a pub"

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 general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. ___ Gala (big event in fashion)"

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

    The answer is: MET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Guitarist Clapton"

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: ERIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Poison ___"

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 wood of a sumac
  • Words that mean the same thing: shumac, sumach
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SUMAC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Gaily sung syllables"

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: TRALA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Remove, as a brooch"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that remove the pins from; unfasten the pins of
  • The opposite would be: pin
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UNPIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. Unit of sunshine"

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 column of light (as from a beacon)
  • Words that mean the same thing: irradiate, re, shaft of light
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. Cook, as mussels"

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 water at boiling temperature diffused in the atmosphere
  • Words that mean the same thing: steamer, steam clean
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STEAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Savory jelly"

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 savory jelly based on fish or meat stock used as a mold for meats or vegetables
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASPIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "59. Elite sort of school, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)
  • Words that mean the same thing: preparation, homework
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PREP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "60. The "R" of R.B.G."

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 united states professional baseball player famous for hitting home runs (1895-1948)
  • Words that mean the same thing: George Herman Ruth, pathos, Sultan of Swat
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RUTH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "61. Apple tablet"

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: IPAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "63. N.Y. airport with many flights to Toronto Pearson"

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: LGA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "64. Cease"

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 either extremity of something that has length
  • Words that mean the same thing: remainder, death, last
  • The opposite would be: beginning, begin
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: END

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "65. Govt. agency for retirees"

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 independent government agency responsible for the social security system
  • Words that mean the same thing: Social Security Administration
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SSA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "67. "Cat ___ Hot Tin Roof""

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: ONA

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 42 53.8%
Short Answer 27 34.6%
Abbreviation 3 3.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.6%
Geography 1 1.3%
Literature 1 1.3%
History 1 1.3%
Sports 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 43
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.6 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 11 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 Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 4 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

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 11:38 PM

Friday, January 30, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 30, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Puppetry and animation 4
2A 5. Piedmont province with a namesake wine 4
3A 9. Stopped lying 5
4A 14. Title for Jane Goodall 4
5A 15. "Those guys?" 4
6A 16. ___ Summer (program for Annapolis freshmen) 5
7A 17. Switch to a shorter line, say 4
8A 18. Product that might feature a dandelion on the label 10
9A 20. Spare part? 3
10A 21. Melts down 11
11A 22. Mention in passing 7
12A 24. It's -90° at the South Pole: Abbr. 3
13A 25. Like racehorses' hooves 4
14A 26. Ship-stabilizing materials 8
15A 31. Some repurposed cornfields 5
16A 33. Small branch of Marvel Comics? 9
17A 34. Pick 5
18A 35. Common adult ed. class 3
19A 36. Brand whose logo has an A-shaped caliper 5
20A 37. Doesn't take the regular train home, maybe 9
21A 39. Mylar alternative 5
22A 40. Capture a moment, in fiction 8
23A 41. Even outcome 4
24A 42. Chaney of classic horror 3
25A 43. Enter here! 7
26A 46. "Don't kid yourself" 11
27A 51. Elicit the facepalm emoji, say 3
28A 52. "Don't panic!" 10
29A 53. "Later, luv" 4
30A 54. Materialized 5
31A 55. Leader of China? 4
32A 56. Feeling the flu, say 4
33A 57. Steps on a scale 5
34A 58. "Whoa ... that's too much for my brain to handle!" 4
35A 59. Characters from Crete and Sparta? 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Puppetry and animation"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
  • Similar words include: graphics, nontextual matter, artistic production
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Piedmont province with a namesake wine"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Stopped lying"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Title for Jane Goodall"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a (young) woman
  • Similar words include: bird, lady, chick
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Those guys?""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. ___ Summer (program for Annapolis freshmen)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a military trainee (as at a military academy)
  • Similar words include: cadet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLEBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Switch to a shorter line, say"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: edit out, cut, redact
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Product that might feature a dandelion on the label"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chemical agent that destroys plants or inhibits their growth
  • Similar words include: weed killer, herbicide
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEEDKILLER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Spare part?"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
  • Similar words include: personal identification number, pivot, flag
  • Opposite of: unpin
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Melts down"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOESBERSERK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Mention in passing"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOUCHON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. It's -90° at the South Pole: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a broad flat muscle on either side of the back
  • Similar words include: latissimus dorsi
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Like racehorses' hooves"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that furnish with shoes
  • Similar words include: shodden, shoed, calced
  • Opposite of: unshod, discalced
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Ship-stabilizing materials"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship
  • Similar words include: ballast, light ballast, ballast resistor
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALLASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Some repurposed cornfields"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that complex system of paths or tunnels in which it is easy to get lost
  • Similar words include: tangle, labyrinth, maze
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAZES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Small branch of Marvel Comics?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABYGROOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Pick"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exclusive group of people
  • Similar words include: elite, chosen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Common adult ed. class"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Brand whose logo has an A-shaped caliper"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACURA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Doesn't take the regular train home, maybe"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WORKSLATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Mylar alternative"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a milky exudate from certain plants that coagulates on exposure to air
  • Similar words include: latex paint, rubber-base paint
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Capture a moment, in fiction"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOPTIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Even outcome"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin coat of water-base paint
  • Similar words include: laundry, wash drawing, rinse
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Chaney of classic horror"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. Enter here!"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEXTBOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. "Don't kid yourself""

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FACEREALITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Elicit the facepalm emoji, say"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Similar words include: drift, stray, mistake
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. "Don't panic!""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REMAINCALM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. "Later, luv""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Materialized"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into existence; take on form or shape
  • Similar words include: develop, bob up, go up
  • Opposite of: go to bed, sit down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AROSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "55. Leader of China?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "56. Feeling the flu, say"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that causing a dull and steady pain
  • Similar words include: aching
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "57. Steps on a scale"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quality of a person's voice
  • Similar words include: tonus, musical note, tonicity
  • Opposite of: atonicity
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "58. "Whoa ... that's too much for my brain to handle!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the central and most intense or profound part
  • Similar words include: oceanic abyss, rich, thick
  • Opposite of: shallow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "59. Characters from Crete and Sparta?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 17th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Similar words include: rho
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Skilled 5
2D 2. Call ahead, in a way 5
3D 3. End of a NASA countdown 10
4D 4. Completist's goal 3
5D 5. "The Handmaid's Tale" author 6
6D 6. Eggshell, for one 5
7D 7. Much merch 4
8D 8. Cinephile's online resource 4
9D 9. Milky Way, e.g. 12
10D 10. Feature of a big-budget feature, perhaps 11
11D 11. HDTV component? 4
12D 12. Transportation company in more than 60 countries 4
13D 13. Bonus 4
14D 19. ___ green 5
15D 21. Tales told by flashlight 12
16D 23. Request from someone who has completed all the courses? 11
17D 26. Turkey Day instruction 5
18D 27. Fit 4
19D 28. Florida setting for "The Birdcage" 10
20D 29. Whizzed 4
21D 30. "Elvis at ___" (classic album of Memphis recordings) 4
22D 31. British rowhouses 4
23D 32. Every day, say 4
24D 33. More than just smile 4
25D 38. Fabric made from flax 5
26D 41. It might get put through the wringer 6
27D 43. Jalapeño topper 5
28D 44. Popular brand of 18-Across 5
29D 45. Looks below the surface? 5
30D 46. Group of Alpha males? 4
31D 47. Nestlé's bubbly chocolate brand 4
32D 48. "This way, guys!" 4
33D 49. Certain psychedelic 4
34D 50. Pool assignment 4
35D 53. Bitumen lookalike 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Skilled"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • Similar words include: maven, champion, genius
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Call ahead, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that medium for communication
  • Similar words include: radio receiver, receiving set, radio set
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. End of a NASA countdown"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TMINUSZERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Completist's goal"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: put, exercise set, placed
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "The Handmaid's Tale" author"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATWOOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Eggshell, for one"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the visual property of something that shines with reflected light
  • Similar words include: shininess, lustre, luster
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHEEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Much merch"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: football tee, tee up, teeing ground
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Cinephile's online resource"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMDB

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9D: "9. Milky Way, e.g."

12 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIRALGALAXY

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10D: "10. Feature of a big-budget feature, perhaps"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLSTARCAST

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11D: "11. HDTV component?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELE

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12D: "12. Transportation company in more than 60 countries"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UBER

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13D: "13. Bonus"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an incidental benefit awarded for certain types of employment (especially if it is regarded as a right)
  • Similar words include: gain vigor, percolate, pick up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERK

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14D: "19. ___ green"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states circus clown (1898-1979)
  • Similar words include: Grace Patricia Kelly, Grace Kelly, Eugene Curran Kelly
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KELLY

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15D: "21. Tales told by flashlight"

12 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GHOSTSTORIES

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16D: "23. Request from someone who has completed all the courses?"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHECKPLEASE

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17D: "26. Turkey Day instruction"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loose temporary sewing stitch to hold layers of fabric together
  • Similar words include: batter, clobber, tack
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASTE

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18D: "27. Fit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
  • Similar words include: capable, able-bodied
  • Opposite of: unable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABLE

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19D: "28. Florida setting for "The Birdcage""

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOUTHBEACH

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20D: "29. Whizzed"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
  • Similar words include: charge, deplumate, pull
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORE

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21D: "30. "Elvis at ___" (classic album of Memphis recordings)"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAX

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22D: "31. British rowhouses"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that street lined with buildings that were originally private stables but have been remodeled as dwellings
  • Similar words include: miaow, sea mew, meow
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEWS

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23D: "32. Every day, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOT

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24D: "33. More than just smile"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather
  • Similar words include: glow, shaft of light, beam of light
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAM

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25D: "38. Fabric made from flax"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
  • Similar words include: linen paper
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINEN

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26D: "41. It might get put through the wringer"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WETMOP

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27D: "43. Jalapeño topper"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a diacritical mark (~) placed over the letter n in spanish to indicate a palatal nasal sound or over a vowel in portuguese to indicate nasalization
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILDE

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28D: "44. Popular brand of 18-Across"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORTHO

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29D: "45. Looks below the surface?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: XRAYS

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30D: "46. Group of Alpha males?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a social club for male undergraduates
  • Similar words include: fraternity
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAT

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31D: "47. Nestlé's bubbly chocolate brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AERO

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32D: "48. "This way, guys!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CMON

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33D: "49. Certain psychedelic"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various water-soluble compounds having a sour taste and capable of turning litmus red and reacting with a base to form a salt
  • Similar words include: window pane, sulfurous, loony toons
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACID

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34D: "50. Pool assignment"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow way or road
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANE

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35D: "53. Bitumen lookalike"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
  • Similar words include: seaman, Jack-tar, Jack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAR

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

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Last updated: January 30, 2026 at 04:54 AM