NYT Crossword
The New York Times crossword puzzle is a popular game in the newspaper. It’s like a big crossword in a grid. The goal is to fill in the empty squares with words, using clues to help you figure out what goes where. Some clues are easy, some are hard. People enjoy doing the puzzle because it’s challenging and fun. It can make you think and learn new words.
Followers of the star of Bethlehem, in the Bible
Answer: MAGI
The “Magi” were wise men or astrologers who, according to the Bible, followed a star to Bethlehem to visit the newborn Jesus and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They are commonly known as the “Three Wise Men” or “Three Kings.”
No longer working
Answer: KAPUT
“Kaput” is an informal term used to describe something that is broken, malfunctioning, or no longer in working order. It implies that the item or system has ceased to function properly and may require repair or replacement.
Family nickname
Answer: SIS
“Sis” is a colloquial nickname for a sister. It is a casual or affectionate term used within families to refer to a female sibling.
Tech giant headquartered in New Taipei City
Answer: ACER
“Acer” is a multinational technology company known for manufacturing computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Its headquarters are located in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Standing at 6-5, say?
Answer: UPONE
“Up one” is a phrase indicating movement or adjustment by one unit, typically upward. In the context of the clue, “6-5” suggests that the answer involves adding one to the number “6,” resulting in “7,” which is one unit higher or “up one.”
$5 bill, slangily
Answer: ABE
“Abe” is a colloquial term used as slang for a $5 bill in reference to the portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, featured on the bill.
*”Yuck! I’ve dated him before. Swipe left!”
Answer: OHNOEWHEISMYEX
The clue represents a statement expressing disgust or disapproval about someone who is recognized as an ex-partner. It humorously incorporates the phrase “Swipe left,” which is commonly used in dating apps to reject or dismiss potential matches.
Cry out
Answer: EXCLAIM
Exclaim” means to cry out or speak loudly and vehemently, often expressing surprise, excitement, or strong emotion. It implies making a sudden or emphatic vocalization to convey one’s feelings or reactions.
Mmm, that’s good!
Answer: TASTY
“Tasty” is an adjective used to describe something that has a pleasant and appetizing flavor. It suggests that the food or beverage being referred to is enjoyable and delicious to the taste.
TikTok posting, for short
Answer: VID
“Vid” is a shortened form of “video” and is used as an informal or abbreviated term to refer to a video post or clip, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok.
Leak slowly
Answer: SEEP
Seep” is a verb that means to flow or pass slowly through small openings or pores. It describes the gradual leakage or infiltration of liquid, such as water or oil, through a porous material or surface
*With 42-Across, “Well, do I decide or not?”
Answer: SOISIT
The clue “With 42-Across” suggests that the answer is related to another clue in the crossword puzzle. When combined with the clue “Well, do I decide or not?” the phrase “So is it” is formed, which is a question indicating uncertainty or indecision about making a decision.
Kind of training required for most city P.D.s
Answer: CPR
“CPR” stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is a life-saving emergency procedure performed to revive a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. CPR training is often required for police officers (P.D.s) in most cities as part of their emergency response training.
Dangerous kind of current
Answer: RIP
“Rip” refers to a strong and potentially hazardous current in water, typically found in oceans, seas, or large bodies of water. Rip currents can pull swimmers away from shore and pose a significant danger to those caught in them
Machu Picchu builders
Answer: INCAS
The Incas were an ancient civilization that inhabited the Andean region of South America, including present-day Peru, where Machu Picchu is located. They are known for their impressive architectural achievements, including the construction of Machu Picchu, a renowned archaeological site.
*”Follow our lead!”
Answer: DOASWEDO
The phrase “Do as we do” is a directive instructing others to imitate or follow the actions or behavior of a particular group. It implies that the actions being taken by the speaker and their group should be replicated by others.
Certain Scotsman
Answer: GAEL
A “Gael” refers to a person of Scottish or Irish Gaelic heritage. It specifically denotes someone who speaks Gaelic, a Celtic language spoken in parts of Scotland and Ireland
Salvation ___
Answer: ARMY
The “Salvation Army” is a Christian charitable organization known for its humanitarian work and social services. It provides assistance to those in need, including food distribution, homeless shelters, addiction rehabilitation, and disaster relief efforts.
Egyptian goddess often depicted with a throne on her head
Answer: ISIS
ISIS is a goddess from ancient Egyptian mythology, often depicted wearing a throne-shaped headdress. She is associated with motherhood, fertility, and magic.
*”Morning, mother!”
Answer: HIMAIMUP
The phrase “Him, aim up!” is a playful greeting, possibly from a child to their mother, expressing a desire for attention or affection.
Voices below sopranos
Answer: ALTOS
Altos are vocalists with a vocal range lower than sopranos but higher than tenors or basses. They typically sing in the alto range, providing harmonies and depth to choral music.
___-la-la
Answer: TRA
The expression “tra-la-la” is an onomatopoeic phrase often used to represent cheerful or carefree humming or singing. It’s commonly found in songs and poetry
Purchase for a college party
Answer: KEG
A “keg” is a large container typically used to store and dispense beer at parties or gatherings, including college parties. It is a popular choice for serving drinks to a large number of people.
See 23-Across
Answer: UPTOME
The clue “See 23-Across” indicates that the answer is related to another clue in the crossword puzzle. Without the context of the associated clue, “UPTOME” suggests a decision or responsibility being left to someone’s discretion or choice.
Fleeces
Answer: CONS
“Cons” can refer to fleecing someone, which means to deceive or cheat them out of money or possessions through fraudulent schemes or manipulation. In this context, “fleeces” could be interpreted as actions taken by con artists to exploit others.
Employer of manicurists and massage therapists
Answer: SPA
A “spa” is a facility or establishment that offers various beauty and wellness treatments, including manicures, massages, facials, and other services aimed at relaxation and rejuvenation. Manicurists and massage therapists are often employed by spas to provide these services to clients.
Lake northeast of Sacramento
Answer: TAHOE
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, northeast of Sacramento, California. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, clear blue waters, and recreational opportunities such as boating, skiing, and hiking.
$5 bill, slangily
Answer: ABE
“Abe” is a colloquial term used as slang for a $5 bill, referring to the portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, featured on the bill.
Cake frosters
Answer: ICERS
“Icers” are individuals or tools used to apply frosting or icing onto cakes, cupcakes, or other baked goods. They are responsible for spreading the frosting evenly and creating decorative designs or patterns on the surface of the dessert.
Plethora
Answer: SLEW
Slew” is a noun that means a large quantity or number of something. It is often used informally to describe an abundance or excess of items or options.
French “a”
Answer: UNE
“Une” is the French indefinite article equivalent to the English “a” or “an.” It is used before feminine nouns to indicate that the noun is singular and indefinite.
Multilayered cake
Answer: TORTE
A torte is a type of multilayered cake that is typically made with ground nuts or breadcrumbs in addition to flour. It is often filled with jam, cream, or icing between the layers and may be covered with frosting or ganache.
Neophyte
Answer: TYRO
A tyro is a person who is new to a particular activity or field, often implying inexperience or a lack of skill. It can also refer to a beginner or novice who is learning the ropes of a new endeavor.
His portrait adorns Tiananmen Gate
Answer: MAO
Mao Zedong, also known as Chairman Mao, was a Chinese communist revolutionary and the founding father of the People’s Republic of China. His portrait adorns Tiananmen Gate, a landmark structure located at the entrance to the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Dull pain
Answer: ACHE
An ache is a continuous, dull pain that is typically mild to moderate in intensity. It may be felt in various parts of the body and can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, illness, or tension.
Heirs to the boomer era
Answer: GENX
Generation X, often abbreviated as Gen X, refers to the demographic cohort born between the early-to-mid 1960s and the early 1980s, following the baby boomer generation. They are considered the heirs to the boomer era, bridging the gap between baby boomers and millennials.
Classic Camaro
Answer: IROC
The Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z is a classic model of the Camaro, produced in the 1980s. “IROC” stands for International Race of Champions, a series of auto racing competitions, and the “Z” denotes the high-performance variant of the Camaro.
Small coastal nation bordering Iraq
Answer: KUWAIT
Kuwait is a small coastal nation located in the Middle East, bordered by Iraq to the north and west. It is known for its oil reserves and has a significant petroleum-based economy.
Rosebush pest
Answer: APHID
Aphids are small insects that commonly infest rosebushes and other plants, feeding on their sap and causing damage to the foliage. They are often considered pests by gardeners and can negatively impact the health and growth of the plants.
One might begin “Roses are red …”
Answer: POEM
A poem is a literary composition typically characterized by rhythmic and expressive language, often used to convey emotions, thoughts, or ideas. The phrase “Roses are red, violets are blue” is a classic example of the beginning of a poem, often used in romantic poetry and Valentine’s Day cards.
Beginning to form?
Answer: UNI
“Uni” is a prefix meaning “one” or “single.” In the clue, “Beginning to form” suggests the start of something, and “uni” can be interpreted as the beginning of the word “uniform,” “universe,” or “unicycle,” all of which start with “uni.”
Hot, hot, hot
Answer: TORRID
“Torrid” is an adjective used to describe something that is extremely hot, especially in terms of weather or climate. It can also refer to passionate or intense emotions, suggesting a fervent or heated atmosphere.
Sense that many cave-dwelling animals lack
Answer: SIGHT
Many cave-dwelling animals, such as certain species of fish, insects, and amphibians, lack sight or have reduced vision due to the absence of light in their habitat. Sight refers to the ability to perceive visual stimuli through the eyes.
Sign at a radio station
Answer: ONAIR
The sign “ON AIR” is typically displayed at a radio station to indicate when a broadcast is live and being transmitted over the airwaves. It signals to staff and visitors that the station is currently broadcasting its programming.
Hotel hallway convenience
Answer: ICEMACHINE
An ice machine is a convenience often found in hotel hallways or common areas. It provides guests with access to ice for their drinks or to chill perishable items during their stay.
Spanish for “room”
Answer: SALA
“Sala” is the Spanish word for “room.” It can refer to various types of rooms, such as a living room (sala de estar), a waiting room (sala de espera), or a dining room (sala de comedor).
Provide free of charge
Answer: COMP
“Comp” is a shortened form of “complimentary,” meaning to provide something for free, often as a courtesy or gesture of goodwill. In various contexts such as hospitality or entertainment, guests may receive complimentary items or services without charge.
Have a cow or “hold your horses”
Answer: IDIOM
“Have a cow” and “hold your horses” are both examples of idiomatic expressions, which are phrases or sayings that have a meaning different from the literal interpretation of the individual words. “Have a cow” means to become extremely upset or agitated, while “hold your horses” means to be patient or wait.
Entourage
Answer: POSSE
A “posse” refers to a group of people who are assembled together, often accompanying or supporting someone in a particular endeavor. It can imply a sense of camaraderie or companionship among the members of the group.
The “D” of F.D.A.
Answer: DRUG
The “D” in “F.D.A.” stands for “Drug” in the acronym for the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is responsible for regulating and overseeing the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical drugs, among other products.
Crumble under pressure
Answer: WILT
“Wilt” means to become weak, feeble, or ineffective, especially under pressure or stress. It can refer to physical or emotional exhaustion, as well as a loss of confidence or resolve in challenging situations
Home to Iowa State University
Answer: AMES
Ames is a city in the state of Iowa, USA, and it is home to Iowa State University, a public research university known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and science.
Ha! No surprise there!
Answer: IKNEWIT
“I knew it” is an expression used to indicate that one was not surprised by something that happened or was revealed. The exclamation “Ha!” adds emphasis to the speaker’s confidence or lack of surprise.
Be ___ in the neck
Answer: APAIN
The phrase “a pain in the neck” is an idiom used to describe someone or something that is irritating, bothersome, or causing difficulty or annoyance.
Rebel
Answer: UPRISE
To “uprise” is to rebel or revolt against authority or established norms. It can also refer to a sudden or spontaneous uprising or revolt by a group of people.
Reaction to a gut punch
Answer: OOF
“Oof” is an onomatopoeic expression used to convey a reaction to physical pain or discomfort, often associated with being hit or struck unexpectedly, such as from a gut punch.
Word with bad or blood
Answer: SPORT
The word “sport” can be combined with “bad” or “blood” to form compound words such as “bloodsport” or “bloodbath.” These compound words often refer to violent or aggressive activities or events.
Protein categorized on a scale from “silken” to “super-firm”
Answer: TOFU
Tofu is a protein-rich food made from soybeans and is commonly used in vegetarian and vegan diets as a meat substitute. It comes in various textures, ranging from “silken” to “super-firm,” depending on the amount of water pressed out during processing
About the same
Answer: AKIN
Akin” is an adjective that means similar or related in character, nature, or quality. When something is described as “akin,” it implies that it is comparable to or resembles something else in some way.
Ending with screen in a modern portmanteau
Answer: AGER
In modern slang, a “screenager” is a portmanteau of “screen” and “teenager,” referring to a teenager who spends a significant amount of time using electronic screens, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers
Expense to be paid
Answer: COST
“Cost” refers to the amount of money or resources required to obtain or achieve something. It represents the expenditure or expense associated with purchasing goods, services, or undertaking activities.
If ___ (rueful words)
Answer: ONLY
“If only” is an expression used to express regret or longing for a different outcome, typically in hindsight. It suggests a wish for things to have turned out differently or for missed opportunities.
Cake layer
Answer: TIER
A “tier” refers to a level or layer of a multi-layered cake, typically separated by frosting or filling. Cakes can have multiple tiers stacked on top of each other, often for special occasions such as weddings or birthdays.
Prefix suggesting conservation
Answer: ECO
Prefix suggesting conservation” hints at a prefix commonly associated with environmentalism and conservation efforts. The answer is “ECO,” which is often used in words like “ecofriendly,” “ecosystem,” or “ecological” to denote practices or concepts related to preserving the environment.
Number of letters in every word of the answers to the starred clues
Answer: TWO
Number of letters in every word of the answers to the starred clues,” suggests that we should count the letters in each word of the answers to the starred clues. In this case, the answer is “TWO,” indicating that each word in the answers to the starred clues contains two letters.
