May 05, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (38 clues)
• Down Clues (38 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

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• December 30 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 18 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers April 27

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, May 05, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (38 Across, 38 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

May 05, 2020 Tuesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Strip bordering Israel and Egypt	4
2A	5. Antidote	4
3A	9. Up to now	5
4A	14. Boatloads	4
5A	15. "Now!," in an order	4
6A	16. Exuberant cry	5
7A	17. Riddle-de-dee: What is it that the more you take, the more you leave behind?	9
8A	19. Soup eater's sound	5
9A	20. ___ position	5
10A	21. Laughfest	4
11A	23. Galena and sphalerite	4
12A	24. Wheel tooth	3
13A	26. Place to conduct a paternity test	6
14A	28. Activity on a school playground	8
15A	32. Things tinier than minis	6
16A	35. What's flicked from a cigarette	3
17A	36. Prime minister between Cameron and Johnson	3
18A	37. Czar called "the Great"	6
19A	38. Severely cut, as prices	7
20A	41. American Impressionist Mary	7
21A	42. Greetings	6
22A	43. Classroom temp	3
23A	44. Thanksgiving day: Abbr.	3
24A	45. Invite on a date	6
25A	46. Purveyor of drug paraphernalia	8
26A	49. Dresser	6
27A	51. Assenting vote	3
28A	52. Swabbie's liquor allotment, once	4
29A	54. ___ of passage	4
30A	56. Writing in a blue book	5
31A	60. ___ ark	5
32A	62. Riddle-de-dee: What asks no questions but must be answered?	9
33A	64. Worker for a TV station or a mag	5
34A	65. Ink cartridge color	4
35A	66. "You said it!"	4
36A	67. One of the Kennedy brothers, familiarly	5
37A	68. Detained	4
38A	69. Trees used for archery bows	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. Strip bordering Israel and Egypt"

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 coastal region at the southeastern corner of the mediterranean bordering israel and egypt
• Words that mean the same thing: Gaza Strip
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAZA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Antidote"

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 medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain
• Words that mean the same thing: bring around, heal, therapeutic
• The 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 3 Across: "9. Up to now"

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: ASYET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Boatloads"

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: ALOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "Now!," in an order"

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

  The answer is: ASAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Exuberant cry"

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: BOOYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Riddle-de-dee: What is it that the more you take, the more you leave behind?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sound of a step of someone walking
• Words that mean the same thing: step, pace, stride
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOOTSTEPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Soup eater's sound"

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

  The answer is: SLURP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. ___ position"

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

  The answer is: FETAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Laughfest"

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 public act of violence by an unruly mob
• Words that mean the same thing: saturnalia, wow, belly laugh
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Galena and sphalerite"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ORES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Wheel tooth"

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 subordinate who performs an important but routine function
• Words that mean the same thing: sprocket
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Place to conduct a paternity test"

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: DNALAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Activity on a school playground"

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: KICKBALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Things tinier than minis"

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: MICROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. What's flicked from a cigarette"

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 17 Across: "36. Prime minister between Cameron and Johnson"

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 month following april and preceding june
• Words that mean the same thing: English hawthorn, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxycantha
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Czar called "the Great""

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: PETERI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Severely cut, as prices"

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 cut with sweeping strokes; as with an ax or machete
• Words that mean the same thing: flog, convulse, thrash
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLASHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. American Impressionist Mary"

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: CASSATT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Greetings"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an expression of greeting
• Words that mean the same thing: hello, howdy, hullo
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HELLOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Classroom temp"

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 large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: bomber, stand in, hero
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Thanksgiving day: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Invite on a date"

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: ASKOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Purveyor of drug paraphernalia"

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: HEADSHOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Dresser"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an administrative unit of government
• Words that mean the same thing: office, federal agency, chest of drawers
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUREAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. Assenting vote"

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 affirmative
• Words that mean the same thing: yeah
• The opposite would be: nay
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Swabbie's liquor allotment, once"

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

  The answer is: GROG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. ___ of passage"

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 established ceremony prescribed by a religion
• Words that mean the same thing: ritual, religious rite
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Writing in a blue book"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an analytic or interpretive literary composition
• Words that mean the same thing: seek, try, test
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESSAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. ___ ark"

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 hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain; the story of noah and the flood is told in the book of genesis
• Words that mean the same thing: Noah
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOAHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. Riddle-de-dee: What asks no questions but must be answered?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
• Words that mean the same thing: phone, ring, call
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TELEPHONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "64. Worker for a TV station or a mag"

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: ADREP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. Ink cartridge color"

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 primary subtractive color for light; has a blue-green color
• Words that mean the same thing: teal, bluish green, blue-green
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CYAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. "You said it!""

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 primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
• Words that mean the same thing: Amun, Amon
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "67. One of the Kennedy brothers, familiarly"

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 plaything consisting of a child's toy bear (usually plush and stuffed with soft materials)
• Words that mean the same thing: chemise, shimmy, teddy bear
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEDDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "68. Detained"

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 keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
• Words that mean the same thing: deem, entertain, check
• The opposite would be: let go of, disagree
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HELD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "69. Trees used for archery bows"

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 wood of a yew; especially the durable fine-grained light brown or red wood of the english yew valued for cabinetwork and archery bows
• Words that mean the same thing: yew
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Tuesday Puzzle May 05, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Fishing hook	4
2D	2. Soothing ointment	4
3D	3. ___ suit	4
4D	4. Go on the offensive	6
5D	5. Siamese or Persian	3
6D	6. ___-friendly	4
7D	7. Double-quick	7
8D	8. Printer brand	5
9D	9. "Six-pack" muscles	3
10D	10. Ones performing alone	8
11D	11. Riddle-de-dee: What's light as a feather but can't be held for long?	10
12D	12. Brontë heroine	4
13D	13. Nightly bugle call	4
14D	18. Neatnik's opposite	4
15D	22. Where the Rays play	8
16D	25. Professional poker player, e.g.	8
17D	27. Don't believe them!	4
18D	28. Buckwheat porridge	5
19D	29. St. Kitts and St. Vincent	5
20D	30. Riddle-de-dee: What's clean when black and dirty when white?	10
21D	31. Little chap	3
22D	33. Maker of Weed B Gon	5
23D	34. Exercise that targets the 9-Down	5
24D	39. Cast (off)	8
25D	40. Word after half or happy	4
26D	41. Maestro's wave of a baton, say	3
27D	43. Sleep, informally	7
28D	47. Low-pitched	4
29D	48. Walk with a swing of the hips and shoulders	6
30D	50. Letter after gee	5
31D	52. Flier in a black cloud	4
32D	53. Got transported	4
33D	55. Airline to Ben Gurion	4
34D	57. "That's ___ nerve!"	4
35D	58. With a clean slate	4
36D	59. Yearnings	4
37D	61. One lurking in the shadows	3
38D	63. Bring to a close	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. Fishing hook"

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 sharp metal spike or spur that is fastened to the leg of a gamecock
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Soothing ointment"

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 succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. ___ suit"

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: ZOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Go on the offensive"

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 (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
• Words that mean the same thing: tone-beginning, lash out, aggress
• The opposite would be: defend
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATTACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Siamese or Persian"

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 feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
• Words that mean the same thing: computerized axial tomography, spue, African tea
• The opposite would be: keep down
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. ___-friendly"

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 person who makes use of a thing; someone who uses or employs something
• Words that mean the same thing: exploiter, substance abuser, drug user
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Double-quick"

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 with rapid movements
• Words that mean the same thing: quickly, apace, chop-chop
• The opposite would be: slowly
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAPIDLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Printer brand"

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: EPSON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "Six-pack" muscles"

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 a class of composite plastics used to make car bodies and cases for computers and other appliances
• Words that mean the same thing: Bachelor of Arts, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, AB
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Ones performing alone"

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: SOLOACTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Riddle-de-dee: What's light as a feather but can't be held for long?"

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: YOURBREATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Brontë heroine"

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 shallow salt lake in south central australia about 35 feet below sea level; the largest lake in the country and the lowest point on the continent
• Words that mean the same thing: Lake Eyre
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Nightly bugle call"

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 (military) signal to turn the lights out
• Words that mean the same thing: wiretap, intercept, hydrant
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Neatnik's opposite"

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 coarse obnoxious person
• Words that mean the same thing: sloven, pig, slovenly person
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Where the Rays play"

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: TAMPABAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Professional poker player, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard 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: GAMESTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Don't believe them!"

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 statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
• Words that mean the same thing: Trygve Halvden Lie, rest, lie
• The opposite would be: arise, stand
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Buckwheat porridge"

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

  The answer is: KASHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. St. Kitts and St. Vincent"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ISLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Riddle-de-dee: What's clean when black and dirty when white?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that sheet of slate; for writing with chalk
• Words that mean the same thing: blackboard
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHALKBOARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Little chap"

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 boy or man
• Words that mean the same thing: laddie, fella, chap
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Maker of Weed B Gon"

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: ORTHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Exercise that targets the 9-Down"

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: SITUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "39. Cast (off)"

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 cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers
• Words that mean the same thing: moult, slough, shed
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLOUGHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Word after half or happy"

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 period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
• Words that mean the same thing: minute, time of day, hr
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Maestro's wave of a baton, say"

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 actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
• Words that mean the same thing: clew, remind, prompt
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Sleep, informally"

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

  The answer is: SHUTEYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "47. Low-pitched"

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 central and most intense or profound part
• Words that mean the same thing: deeply, bass, cryptical
• The opposite would be: shallow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Walk with a swing of the hips and shoulders"

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 square dance figure; partners circle each other taking sideways steps
• Words that mean the same thing: junket, strut, jaunt
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SASHAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Letter after gee"

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: AITCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "52. Flier in a black cloud"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GNAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Got transported"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
• Words that mean the same thing: twit, hinge on, taunt
• The opposite would be: walk
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "55. Airline to Ben Gurion"

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: ELAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "57. "That's ___ nerve!""

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 quantifier; used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
• Words that mean the same thing: around, about, more or less
• The opposite would be: no
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "58. With a clean slate"

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 again but in a new or different way
• Words that mean the same thing: afresh
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "59. Yearnings"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: YENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "61. One lurking in the shadows"

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

  The answer is: SPY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "63. Bring to a close"

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 either extremity of something that has length
• Words that mean the same thing: cease, destruction, conclusion
• The opposite would be: begin, beginning
• 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!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	60	78.9%
Short Answer	11	14.5%
Sports	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	38
Down Clues	38
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

More Crossword Resources

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

• February 09 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 30 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 27 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 12 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 18 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 19 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 08 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 20 2025
• October 11 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 17 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

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 25, 2025 at 10:22 AM

December 20, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, December 20, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

Across Clues Explained - Monday NYT Crossword December 20, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Actress Raquel	5
2A	6. Slightly wet	4
3A	10. ___-retentive	4
4A	14. Nebraska city nicknamed the "Gateway to the West"	5
5A	15. Female French friend	4
6A	16. It's good for what ails you	4
7A	17. Prince or princess	5
8A	18. Held in high esteem	9
9A	20. Prompt action when things are unraveling	12
10A	22. Number of provinces in Canada	3
11A	23. Nay's opposite	3
12A	24. Rear end, in slang	6
13A	28. Ground-breaking tool	3
14A	29. Watery expanse	3
15A	31. In the mail	4
16A	32. Beat around the bush	9
17A	36. "Well, ___-di-dah!"	3
18A	37. Cry of pity	4
19A	38. Shoe bottoms	5
20A	40. "The ___ Duckling" (fairy tale)	4
21A	41. Relieved (of)	3
22A	42. "Oh, blast!"	9
23A	44. One of three in Orion's belt	4
24A	46. Bundle of money	3
25A	47. Poetic praise	3
26A	48. Prefix meaning "different"	6
27A	50. "A work of ___ that did not begin in emotion is not ___": Cézanne	3
28A	51. Letter before chi	3
29A	54. What ties everything together, including 20-, 32- and 42-Across?	12
30A	58. Pulsating	9
31A	61. Like coincidences that make you go "hmm"	5
32A	62. The "h" in m.p.h.	4
33A	63. Brewed beverages in bottles	4
34A	64. Fauna's partner	5
35A	65. Piece with a view	4
36A	66. Exam	4
37A	67. Annual theater awards	5

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. Actress Raquel"

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 cheat by avoiding payment of a gambling debt
• Words that mean the same thing: welsh
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WELCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Slightly wet"

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 slight wetness
• Words that mean the same thing: dampen, dull, tone down
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. ___-retentive"

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 of or related to the anus
• Words that mean the same thing: anal retentive
• The opposite would be: oral
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Nebraska city nicknamed the "Gateway to the West""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in the missouri river valley in northeastern nebraska
• Words that mean the same thing: Maha
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMAHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Female French friend"

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: AMIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. It's good for what ails you"

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 medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain
• Words that mean the same thing: curative, therapeutic, heal
• The 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 7 Across: "17. Prince or princess"

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 sail set next above the topgallant on a royal mast
• Words that mean the same thing: imperial, royal stag, purple
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROYAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Held in high esteem"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that regard highly; think much of
• Words that mean the same thing: well-thought-of, prize, esteem
• The opposite would be: disrespect, disesteem
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESPECTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Prompt action when things are unraveling"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STITCHINTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Number of provinces in Canada"

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 cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Words that mean the same thing: tenner, X, x
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Nay's opposite"

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 affirmative
• Words that mean the same thing: yeah
• The opposite would be: nay
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Rear end, in slang"

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: TUSHIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Ground-breaking tool"

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 tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Watery expanse"

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 division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
• Words that mean the same thing: 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: SEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. In the mail"

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 100 senti equal 1 kroon in estonia
• Words that mean the same thing: mail, transport, send off
• The opposite would be: unsent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Beat around the bush"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HEMANDHAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. "Well, ___-di-dah!""

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 syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization
• Words that mean the same thing: la
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Cry of pity"

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 flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
• Words that mean the same thing: unfortunately, ala, unluckily
• The opposite would be: luckily, fortunately
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Shoe bottoms"

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 colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
• Words that mean the same thing: colloidal suspension, sol, Sol
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. "The ___ Duckling" (fairy tale)"

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 displeasing to the senses
• Words that mean the same thing: despicable, unworthy, worthless
• The opposite would be: beautiful
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UGLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Relieved (of)"

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 relieve from
• Words that mean the same thing: disembarrass, free
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. "Oh, blast!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DARNITALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. One of three in Orion's belt"

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 (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
• Words that mean the same thing: prima, sensation, leading
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Bundle of money"

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 small mass of soft material
• Words that mean the same thing: tidy sum, chaw, spate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Poetic praise"

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

  The answer is: ODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Prefix meaning "different""

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: HETERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. "A work of ___ that did not begin in emotion is not ___": Cézanne"

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: artistry, artistic creation, prowess
• The 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 28 Across: "51. Letter before chi"

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 21st letter of the greek alphabet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. What ties everything together, including 20-, 32- and 42-Across?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COMMONTHREAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "58. Pulsating"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an instance of rapid strong pulsation (of the heart)
• Words that mean the same thing: pulsate, shudder, throb
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THROBBING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Like coincidences that make you go "hmm""

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 suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
• Words that mean the same thing: eery
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. The "h" in m.p.h."

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 period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
• Words that mean the same thing: hr, 60 minutes, time of day
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. Brewed beverages in bottles"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "64. Fauna's partner"

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 all the plant life in a particular region or period
• Words that mean the same thing: botany, plant life, plant
• The opposite would be: fauna
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "65. Piece with a view"

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: OPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "66. Exam"

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 trying something to find out about it
• Words that mean the same thing: run, screen, prove
• The 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 37 Across: "67. Annual theater awards"

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: TONYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Monday NYT Crossword December 20, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Lowest of the low	5
2D	2. Act poorly?	5
3D	3. Stockpile	5
4D	4. Chew the fat	4
5D	5. Like the good old days	7
6D	6. Title girl in a bygone MTV cartoon	5
7D	7. "You said it!"	4
8D	8. Fine spray	4
9D	9. Pumpkin seed	6
10D	10. Means of entry	6
11D	11. Hexagonal bit of hardware	3
12D	12. "___ we cool?"	3
13D	13. Was in first place	3
14D	19. Outback bird	3
15D	21. Obeys	5
16D	25. Andrew Wyeth portrait subject	5
17D	26. Counting everything together	5
18D	27. Antiknock fluid	5
19D	28. Contains	3
20D	29. One getting dressed for lunch?	5
21D	30. Wide-mouthed jug	4
22D	32. Caustic	5
23D	33. Of the highest standard	5
24D	34. Angry with	5
25D	35. Host Kotb of morning TV	4
26D	39. Sound from a pug	5
27D	40. Salt Lake City athlete	3
28D	43. Goal of phishing schemes, informally	7
29D	45. "Let the ___ show ..."	6
30D	46. Outback animal	6
31D	49. Burgle	3
32D	50. Frequent teenage sensation	5
33D	51. The Evita of "Evita"	5
34D	52. Opposite of clean-shaven	5
35D	53. They're symbolized by light bulbs in cartoons	5
36D	55. One of about 93 million between Earth and the sun	4
37D	56. Change for a five	4
38D	57. Move, in real estate lingo	4
39D	58. Howe'er	3
40D	59. You might do it after stubbing a toe	3
41D	60. Feel sorry about	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. Lowest of the low"

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 least favorable outcome
• Words that mean the same thing: speculative, tough, spoiled
• The opposite would be: best, good
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WORST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Act poorly?"

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 give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Stockpile"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LAYIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Chew the fat"

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 informal conversation
• Words that mean the same thing: chew the fat, confabulation, Old World chat
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Like the good old days"

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 (greek mythology) a woman who was turned into a kingfisher
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Halcyon, prosperous, golden
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HALCYON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Title girl in a bygone MTV cartoon"

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: DARIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "You said it!""

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 primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
• Words that mean the same thing: Amon, Amun
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Fine spray"

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 thin fog with condensation near the ground
• Words that mean the same thing: cloud, fog, obscure
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Pumpkin seed"

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: PEPITA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Means of entry"

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 the right to enter
• Words that mean the same thing: admittance, get at, admission
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACCESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Hexagonal bit of hardware"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that usually large hard-shelled seed
• Words that mean the same thing: screwball, testis, en
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "___ we cool?""

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 unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Words that mean the same thing: represent, equal, be
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Was in first place"

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 diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
• Words that mean the same thing: conduct, take, leave
• The opposite would be: follow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Outback bird"

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 systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
• Words that mean the same thing: electromagnetic unit, Emu novaehollandiae, Dromaius novaehollandiae
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Obeys"

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 paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)
• Words that mean the same thing: mind, heed, attentiveness
• The opposite would be: inattentiveness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEEDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Andrew Wyeth portrait subject"

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: HELGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Counting everything together"

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: INALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Antiknock fluid"

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 univalent hydrocarbon radical c2h5 derived from ethane by the removal of one hydrogen atom
• Words that mean the same thing: ethyl radical, ethyl group
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETHYL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Contains"

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 (astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day
• Words that mean the same thing: feature, get, throw
• The opposite would be: abstain, refuse
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. One getting dressed for lunch?"

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 food mixtures either arranged on a plate or tossed and served with a moist dressing; usually consisting of or including greens
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Wide-mouthed jug"

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 open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
• Words that mean the same thing: pitcher
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Caustic"

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 unpleasantly stern
• Words that mean the same thing: rough, abrasive, coarse
• The opposite would be: fine
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Of the highest standard"

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

  The answer is: ELITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Angry with"

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: MADAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Host Kotb of morning TV"

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: HODA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Sound from a pug"

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

  The answer is: SNORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Salt Lake City athlete"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the shoshonean people of utah and colorado and new mexico
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Goal of phishing schemes, informally"

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: IDTHEFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. "Let the ___ show ...""

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 anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events
• Words that mean the same thing: platter, put down, phonograph recording
• The opposite would be: erase
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RECORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Outback animal"

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 burrowing herbivorous australian marsupials about the size of a badger
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOMBAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Burgle"

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 take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
• Words that mean the same thing: gazump, soak, surcharge
• The opposite would be: undercharge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Frequent teenage sensation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety; usually reserved for philosophical anxiety about the world or about personal 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: ANGST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. The Evita of "Evita""

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 argentine soldier who became president of argentina (1895-1974)
• Words that mean the same thing: Juan Domingo Peron
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PERON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Opposite of clean-shaven"

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 having or covered with hair
• Words that mean the same thing: hirsute, haired
• The opposite would be: hairless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAIRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. They're symbolized by light bulbs in cartoons"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
• Words that mean the same thing: mind, estimate, idea
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. One of about 93 million between Earth and the sun"

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 unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
• Words that mean the same thing: nautical mile, air mile, statute mile
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Change for a five"

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: I, single, ace
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. Move, in real estate lingo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RELO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Howe'er"

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

  The answer is: THO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "59. You might do it after stubbing a toe"

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 act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
• Words that mean the same thing: hops, hop-skip, skip
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "60. Feel sorry about"

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 european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
• Words that mean the same thing: sorrow, repent, herb of grace
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	67.9%
Short Answer	18	23.1%
Geography	3	3.8%
History	3	3.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.7 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 02:34 AM