Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 5 January 2025, Sunday (01-05-25). Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
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Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
/ : SLASH
In crossword puzzles, "/" is often used to indicate division or separation. The word "per" is commonly used to signify "for each" or "by the means of," which fits the context of the clue. Therefore, "PER" is the right solution for the clue represented by "/".
1980s Chrysler debut : K-CAR
The answer "K-CAR" is correct because the Chrysler K-Car was first introduced in the 1980s, making it a fitting response to the clue.
2024 Shakira single “(___ Paréntesis)” : ENTRE
The answer "ENTRE" fits the clue because it is a Spanish word that means "between," and the song title "Entre Paréntesis" translates to "In Parentheses" in English.
Agonizing occurrences in online games : LAGS
"Lags" is the right answer because in online games, "lags" refer to delays or slowdowns in the game due to poor internet connection, which can be frustrating and agonizing for players.
Antlered animal : ELK
"ELK" is the right answer because an elk is a type of antlered animal, known for its large and distinctive set of antlers.
Away from work, for short : OOO
The answer "OOO" stands for "Out of Office," which is a common abbreviation used to indicate that someone is away from work or not available. It is often used in email auto-replies or on voicemail messages.
Baby in a cave : BAT PUP
The answer "BAT PUP" fits the clue "Baby in a cave" because a baby bat is called a "bat pup" and bats are known to live in caves.
Band with the 2001 #1 hit “How You Remind Me” … or a hint to entering 54- : NICKELBACK
The 2001 #1 hit "How You Remind Me" is a popular song by the band Nickelback. Entering "54-" in a crossword grid typically means you are entering a word or phrase that is hinted at by the clue. So, "NICKELBACK" fits both the band and the hint to entering 54-.
Biblical inspiration for Caleb, in Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” : CAIN
In "East of Eden" by Steinbeck, Caleb is inspired by the character of Cain from the Bible. Cain is known for being the brother of Abel and committing the first murder in the Bible by killing his brother out of jealousy. Caleb's character in the novel is often compared to Cain due to his struggles with morality and guilt.
Bickering : AT IT
"AT IT" is a common phrase that means engaging in an argument or dispute, which is another way to describe bickering.
Bit of plankton : ALGA
"ALGA" is the right solution because it is a type of seaweed or plant-like organism that is considered a bit of plankton. Plankton refers to small organisms that float in bodies of water and serve as a crucial food source for many marine animals.
Bit of text pontification : IMO
The answer "IMO" stands for "In My Opinion," which is a common phrase used when expressing one's viewpoint or perspective. In the context of the clue "Bit of text pontification," "IMO" fits as it indicates a personal opinion being shared in writing.
Brain piece : LOBE
The answer "LOBE" is the right solution because the brain is divided into different sections called lobes, such as the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe. Each lobe is responsible for different functions like motor skills, sensory information, language, and vision.
Chaney of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” : LON
Lon Chaney was an actor known for his role in the silent film "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." The clue is referring to him, and "LON" is the shortened form of his first name, Lon.
Characters from Homer and Herodotus? : ETAS
"ETAS" are characters from both Homer's epic poems and Herodotus' historical writings. The answer fits the clue as it refers to characters that appear in the works of both authors.
Classic Chevys : IMPALAS
"IMPALAS" are classic Chevys because Chevrolet has a popular line of cars called Impala, which has been in production for many years and is considered a classic model.
Coffee named for the district it’s grown in : KONA
KONA is a type of coffee named after the Kona district in Hawaii, where it is grown. The clue is hinting at this specific type of coffee.
Common sales promotion : BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE
The answer "BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE" is a common sales promotion where customers can purchase one item and receive a second item of the same kind for free. This is a well-known strategy used by businesses to attract customers and increase sales.
Compartmentalize : SORT
The word "SORT" means to arrange or organize things into categories or groups, which is similar to the idea of compartmentalizing. Both involve separating things into distinct sections or groups.
Cultural meeting place : ART SALON
The answer "ART SALON" fits because a salon is a gathering of people for conversation or discussion, often about cultural topics. In this case, an art salon would specifically be a meeting place focused on discussing and appreciating art.
Current measure : AMPERE
The unit of electric current is measured in amperes, often abbreviated as "ampere." So, "Current measure" is referring to the unit of electric current, which is "AMPERE."
Donkey Kong, e.g. : APE
Donkey Kong is a video game character who is an ape. Therefore, "APE" is the right answer to the clue "Donkey Kong, e.g."
Effect : IMPACT
The answer to "Effect" is "IMPACT" because impact refers to the influence or consequence of an action or event, which aligns with the meaning of effect.
Elemental : PRIMAL
"Elemental" can be synonymous with "primary" or "fundamental," which are qualities that can also be described as "primal."
Emotional strains : TENSIONS
The word "TENSIONS" can be a synonym for emotional strains as it refers to feelings of stress, anxiety, or conflict between individuals or groups.
End of fall? : SAFETY NET
The phrase "End of fall" can refer to the end of autumn or the end of falling. A safety net is something that catches you at the end of a fall, making it the right solution for this clue.
European capital said to be the site of the first decorated Christmas tree : RIGA
Riga is the capital of Latvia, and it is said to be the site of the first decorated Christmas tree in the early 16th century. This historical fact makes "Riga" the correct answer to the clue.
Fruit pastries : TARTS
"TARTS" are fruit pastries because they are small pastries filled with fruit, often with a sweet pastry crust.
Gin or djinn, e.g. : SPIRIT
The word "spirit" can refer to both gin, which is a type of alcoholic beverage, and djinn, which are supernatural beings in Arabian and Islamic mythology.
Goes higher, at an auction : REBIDS
The clue "Goes higher, at an auction" is a hint for the word "REBIDS" because in an auction, when someone bids again after being outbid, they are making a "REBID" to go higher.
Gordimer who wrote “The Conservationist” : NADINE
Nadine Gordimer is a South African author known for writing the novel "The Conservationist." Therefore, the answer to the clue is "NADINE."
Harsh “reading” : RIOT ACT
The phrase "read the riot act" means to issue a stern warning or reprimand. Therefore, "Harsh 'reading'" is a clue hinting at this expression, making "RIOT ACT" the correct answer.
Head shop purchase : BONG
The answer "BONG" is a common item sold at head shops, which are known for selling smoking accessories. It is a type of water pipe used for smoking tobacco or cannabis.
Increases : UPS
"Ups" is a common abbreviation for "increases" in various contexts, such as business or finance. In crossword puzzles, abbreviations like "ups" are often used to indicate an increase or upward movement.
Insta alternative : SNAP
The answer "SNAP" is the right solution because it is a popular social media platform similar to Instagram, making it an alternative to it.
Italian motorcycle brand : DUCATI
"DUCATI" is the right solution because it is a well-known Italian motorcycle brand that has been producing high-performance motorcycles since 1926.
Jason of “Aquaman” : MOMOA
The answer "MOMOA" is correct because Jason Momoa is the actor who plays Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe films.
Landmark featured in “Roman Holiday” : TREVI FOUNTAIN
The Trevi Fountain is a famous landmark in Rome that was featured in the movie "Roman Holiday." It is a popular tourist attraction known for its stunning Baroque architecture and grandeur.
Landscaper’s roll-out : SOD
"SOD" is the right solution because a landscaper often uses rolls of sod to create or repair lawns.
Last word of the New Testament : AMEN
In the New Testament, the word "Amen" is commonly used at the end of prayers or statements to express agreement or affirmation. As it is the last word in the New Testament, it signifies a conclusion or finality to the text.
Late actress Garr : TERI
Teri Garr is a late actress known for her roles in various films and TV shows. She is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, making "TERI" the correct answer for the clue "Late actress Garr."
Leave rolling in the aisles : SLAY
The answer "SLAY" means to impress or amuse greatly, leaving people laughing uncontrollably, which is what "leave rolling in the aisles" implies.
Like Sherlock Holmes’s “game” : AFOOT
The term "AFOOT" is often associated with Sherlock Holmes as he would refer to a mystery or investigation as being "afoot," meaning that something is happening or in progress.
Like some picture frames : OVAL
The answer "OVAL" fits the clue "Like some picture frames" because oval frames are a common shape for framing pictures, along with square and rectangular frames.
Little suck-up? : VAC
"Little suck-up" is a playful way to refer to a small vacuum cleaner, which is often shortened to "vac."
Littl’un : TOT
The word "TOT" is a casual term for a small child, which fits the clue "Littl’un" that refers to a young child or toddler.
Live interview shout-out : HI, MOM!
The answer "HI, MOM!" is a common shout-out during live interviews as a way for the person being interviewed to acknowledge and greet their mother who might be watching.
Long-running tour title for Taylor Swift : ERAS
Love all, essentially : TIE
The phrase "Love all" indicates that we should love everyone equally. The word "essentially" suggests that we should focus on the core or central idea. In tennis, "love all" means that the score is tied at the beginning of a game, hence the answer "TIE".
Made less effective, in gamer slang : NERFED
In gamer slang, "nerfed" means to weaken or make less effective, often referring to a character, weapon, or ability in a game being adjusted to be less powerful.
Major K-pop septet : BTS
BTS is a major K-pop group consisting of seven members, making them a septet. They are one of the most popular and successful K-pop groups worldwide, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
Many a Quentin Tarantino film role : CAMEO
In Quentin Tarantino films, he often makes brief appearances in small roles, which are known as cameos.
Many moons : AGES
The answer "AGES" is the right solution because the phrase "many moons" is a common expression used to refer to a long period of time. "Ages" is a word that means a long time, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Many, many moons : EONS
The word "eons" refers to a very long period of time, which can be equivalent to many, many moons, making it the right solution for the clue.
Memory unit : BYTE
The answer "BYTE" is a memory unit used in computing to measure storage capacity. It is a common term in computer science and fits the clue well.
Mena of the “American Pie” films : SUVARI
Known for her role as Mena in the "American Pie" films, the actress's last name is Suvari. Therefore, "SUVARI" is the correct answer to the clue.
Mentee : PROTEGE
"Protege" is the right solution because a mentee is a person who is guided, advised, and supported by a more experienced or knowledgeable individual, known as a mentor. "Protege" specifically refers to a person who is guided and supported by someone more experienced.
Mercilessly harsh treatment, in an expression … or a hint to entering 117- : NO QUARTER
The phrase "no quarter" means to show no mercy or give no leniency. In the context of the clue, it hints at entering "117-" without any breaks or pauses, which is why "NO QUARTER" is the right solution.
Mess (around) : HORSE
Musician once nicknamed “The Beale Street Blues Boy” : BB KING
BB King is the musician who was once nicknamed "The Beale Street Blues Boy" because he was a prominent blues musician closely associated with Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.
Mustangs sometimes race with them : CAMAROS
"Mustangs sometimes race with them" is a clue hinting at a type of car that races against Mustangs. Camaros are a popular type of car known for racing, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
No longer in service? : EX-ARMY
The answer "EX-ARMY" fits because when someone is no longer in the army, they are considered ex-army.
Non ___ (unwelcome) : GRATA
The phrase "Non ___" means "not welcome" in Latin. The word "grata" in Latin means "welcome," so "Non grata" translates to "not welcome."
Nonverbal OK : NOD
"NOD" is the right solution because a nod is a nonverbal way of indicating agreement or approval.
North Carolina campus town : ELON
ELON is the right solution because Elon is a town in North Carolina that is home to Elon University, a well-known campus in the state.
Not straight, in a way : CURLY
The word "curly" can be used to describe hair that is not straight, but instead has a spiral or wavy shape.
One of 10 on each end of a beer pong table : CUP
The answer "CUP" is correct because in beer pong, there are typically 10 cups arranged in a triangle on each end of the table for players to aim at and try to land a ping pong ball in.
One of the Wilsons of Heart : ANN
Ann Wilson is one of the Wilsons of the rock band Heart. "Ann" fits the clue because it is the first name of one of the Wilsons in the band.
One working the knight shift? : SQUIRE
The term "squire" refers to a young nobleman who serves a knight. In this clue, "working the knight shift" is a playful way of hinting at the role of a squire, who assists and serves a knight.
Onion or garlic : BULB
"BULB" is the right answer because both onion and garlic grow underground as bulbs.
Oxygen atoms have eight of them : PROTONS
Pacify : CALM
The word "calm" is a synonym for "pacify," as both mean to make someone or something peaceful or relaxed.
Pack (down) : TAMP
"TAMP" means to pack down tightly. In this case, "Pack (down)" is a clue hinting at the action of pressing down or packing tightly, making "TAMP" the correct answer.
Parisian eatery : BISTRO
"BISTRO" is the right solution because a bistro is a small, casual restaurant commonly found in Paris, known for serving simple and hearty meals in a cozy atmosphere.
Part of a bridal gown : TRAIN
The answer "TRAIN" is the right solution because the train is the long back portion of a bridal gown that trails behind the bride as she walks.
Part of a fishing line to which a hook is attached : SNELL
"Snell" is the right solution because a snell is a type of knot used to attach a fishing hook to a line, making it an essential part of a fishing setup.
Part of a modern assembly line : ROBOT ARM
"ROBOT ARM" is the right answer because a robot arm is a common component of modern assembly lines used to automate the manufacturing process by performing tasks such as picking up and moving items along the production line.
Part of overalls : BIB
The answer "BIB" is correct because a bib is a part of overalls that covers the chest and upper body to protect clothing from spills and stains.
Passed with flying colors : ACED
The phrase "passed with flying colors" means to have successfully completed something with great success or excellence. The word "ACED" is a common slang term that means to perform exceptionally well, making it a perfect fit for the clue.
Perfect for a salad, say : RIPE
RIPE is the right answer because fruits and vegetables that are ripe are perfect for a salad as they are flavorful and at their peak freshness.
Pilot : AVIATE
"Aviate" is the right solution because it is a verb that means to fly an aircraft, which is what a pilot does.
Pivot without warning … or a hint to entering 19- : TURN ON A DIME
The phrase "Turn on a dime" means to pivot quickly and without warning, which fits the clue. Additionally, the phrase can also be interpreted as a hint to entering the word "DIME" within the answer to the clue at 19-Down.
Place for some light rest? : TANNING BED
The answer "TANNING BED" fits the clue "Place for some light rest?" because people typically lie down in a tanning bed to relax and get a tan, which is a form of light rest.
Plains tribe : OTOE
The Otoe (also spelled Oto) tribe is a Native American Plains tribe that historically lived along the Missouri River in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa.
Pointy part on a husky : EAR
The pointy part on a husky refers to its ear, as huskies are known for their distinctive triangular-shaped ears.
Potentially lethal snake : ASP
The answer "ASP" fits the clue because an asp is a type of venomous snake, known for its potentially lethal bite.
Prefix with -centric : HELIO-
The prefix "HELIO-" means relating to the sun, so when combined with "-centric," it forms the word "heliocentric," which means having the sun at the center.
Pretty soon : IN A BIT
The phrase "in a bit" is a common informal way to say "pretty soon," making it the right answer for the clue.
Privy to : IN ON
"Privy to" is a phrase that means having knowledge of something confidential or secret. "INON" is a phrase that means being aware of or having information about something. Therefore, "INON" is the right solution for the clue "Privy to".
Prominent instrument in Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose” and Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe” : OBOE
The oboe is a prominent instrument in both songs mentioned, "Kiss From a Rose" by Seal and "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Protagonist of Arabian folk tales : ALI BABA
The protagonist of Arabian folk tales who discovers the treasure-filled cave is named Ali Baba, making "ALI BABA" the correct answer.
Put off : DETER
Queen’s realm : ROCK
Questionable gift, for short? : ESP
The answer "ESP" is the right solution because ESP stands for extrasensory perception, which is often considered a questionable gift as it involves the ability to perceive things beyond the five traditional senses.
Quintet of experts on “Queer Eye,” familiarly : FAB FIVE
"FAB FIVE" is the right solution because it refers to the group of experts on the TV show "Queer Eye" who are known as the Fab Five.
Registers : ENROLLS
The word "enrolls" means to officially sign up or enter one's name on a list or register, which aligns with the clue "Registers."
Rejections : NOES
The answer "NOS" is the right solution because "NOS" is a common abbreviation for the word "no" in plural form. It represents multiple rejections.
Revealing word : TA-DA!
"Voila!" is a French word often used to indicate that something is being revealed or presented. It fits the clue "Revealing word" because it is a common expression used in this context.
Reveals everything : BARES IT ALL
The phrase "BARES IT ALL" means to reveal everything, making it the right answer to the clue.
Sch. with the Daily Bruin newspaper : UCLA
UCLA is the University of California, Los Angeles, which is commonly referred to as UCLA and is known for publishing the Daily Bruin newspaper.
Second strings : B-TEAMS
The term "B-teams" is commonly used to refer to secondary or backup groups of players, especially in sports. In this context, "second strings" is a clue hinting at the idea of secondary or backup groups, making "B-teams" the correct answer.
Sign on a tray at a cash register … or a hint to entering 32- : TAKE A PENNY, LEAVE A PENNY
The answer "TAKE A PENNY, LEAVE A PENNY" fits the clue because it is a common sign found at cash registers where customers can either take a penny or leave a penny for others. In this case, the hint "entering 32-" suggests that the answer is related to a phrase or saying that involves giving or taking something, making "TAKE A PENNY, LEAVE A PENNY" the correct solution.
Skewer : IMPALE
The answer "IMPALE" fits the clue "Skewer" because to impale means to pierce or stab with a sharp object, which is what you do when you skewer something with a skewer.
Smartphone precursors, for short : PDAS
The answer "PDAS" fits the clue "Smartphone precursors, for short" because PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) were handheld devices that were used before smartphones became popular, making them precursors to smartphones.
Some bank deposits : SILTS
Some chords : TRIADS
"Triads" are a type of chord consisting of three notes played simultaneously, typically the root, third, and fifth notes of a scale. This makes "Triads" the correct answer to the clue "Some chords."
Some multi-masted ships : SCHOONERS
"SCHOONERS" are multi-masted ships with at least two masts, typically fore-and-aft rigged on both. They are commonly used for both cargo and passenger transportation.
Some works of Pablo Neruda : ODES
"ODES" is the right answer because Pablo Neruda, a famous poet, is known for his collection of odes, which are lyrical poems that express admiration or praise for a person or object.
Something often rolled over, for short : IRA
The answer "IRA" stands for Individual Retirement Account, which is a type of savings account that is often rolled over from one retirement plan to another.
Sound of spring? : BOING!
"BOING!" is the right solution because it represents the sound of something bouncing or springing back, like a coil or a spring. It is an onomatopoeic word that captures the spring-like sound effectively.
Spreads : ARRAYS
The word "spreads" can mean "arranges in a systematic way." In this context, "arrays" is a synonym for "spreads" as it means to set out in an orderly manner.
Start to boil : GET MAD Down 1 Like most Iraqis
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Storing, as some ashes : URNING
The word "URNING" is a play on words, where "storing" can be interpreted as "URN-ING", referring to the act of placing ashes in an urn for safekeeping.
Structure for a shark dive : CAGE
The answer "CAGE" fits the clue "Structure for a shark dive" because divers use a cage to protect themselves from sharks while diving.
Super-excited : HYPER
The word "hyper" means extremely excited or energetic, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Super-excited."
Swear : AVER
The answer "CUSS" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "swear" in the sense of using profane or offensive language.
The Flash’s civilian identity ___ Allen : BARRY
Barry Allen is the civilian identity of the superhero The Flash in the DC Comics universe.
They might be sewn in at a beauty parlor : HAIR EXTENSIONS
The answer "HAIR EXTENSIONS" fits the clue because hair extensions are commonly sewn into a person's natural hair at a beauty parlor to add length or volume.
Thruway advisory : SLO
The answer "SLO" stands for "Slow," which is a common advisory on a thruway sign to indicate that drivers should reduce their speed.
TikTok, for one : APP
The answer "APP" fits the clue "TikTok, for one" because TikTok is a popular mobile application, commonly referred to as an app.
Tough-guy title role : RAMBO
The answer "RAMBO" fits the clue "Tough-guy title role" because Rambo is a fictional character known for his tough and heroic actions in a series of action films.
Trash : PAN
The answer "TOSS" is the right solution for the clue "Trash" because "TOSS" means to throw away or discard something, which is what we do with trash.
Turmoil : STRIFE
"Strife" is a fitting answer for "turmoil" as it refers to conflict, discord, or struggle. Turmoil often involves a state of unrest or disagreement, making "strife" an appropriate synonym in this context.
Typical features of locker rooms : ODORS
"ODORS" is the right answer because locker rooms are often associated with strong and unpleasant smells due to the accumulation of sweat and other bodily odors from multiple people using the space.
Unhappy spectators : BOOERS
The answer "BOOERS" fits the clue "Unhappy spectators" because booing is a common way for unhappy spectators to express their disapproval at an event or performance.
Vanity fare? : EGO TRIP
The clue "Vanity fare?" is a play on words, suggesting that the answer is related to vanity or self-importance. "Ego trip" is a common phrase that means an indulgence in one's own self-importance or self-esteem, making it the right solution for this clue.
Vet’s concern : PTSD
The answer "PTSD" is the right solution because it stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is a mental health condition that can affect individuals, including veterans who have experienced traumatic events during their service.
Vice president with a Nobel Peace Prize : AL GORE
Al Gore was the Vice President of the United States from 1993 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his efforts to raise awareness about climate change.
Was deeply affected by something : FELT IT
"FELT IT" is the right solution because it means to have a strong emotional response or reaction to something, indicating being deeply affected by it.
Washington airport, informally : SEA-TAC
The answer "SEA-TAC" is the right solution because SEA-TAC is a common nickname for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington.
Way off : AFAR
"Way off" is a phrase that means far away or distant. "Afar" is a synonym for far away or distant, making it the correct answer.
Weird Al Yankovic’s parody of the song “Lola” : YODA
The answer "YODA" is the correct solution because "Yoda" is a character from the Star Wars franchise, and Weird Al Yankovic is known for his parody songs, including one based on the Star Wars character Yoda and the song "Lola" by The Kinks.
___ Modern (London attraction) : TATE
The answer is "TATE" because Tate Modern is a famous art gallery located in London, making it a well-known London attraction.
¼ : PERCENT
The answer to "¼" is "PERCENT" because ¼ is equal to 25%, and "PERCENT" is another way to say percentage.
“Busy” one : BEE
The answer "BEE" fits the clue "Busy one" because bees are known for being constantly active and hardworking, making them a fitting match for the term "busy."
“Hot ___!” : DAMN
Hot pastrami is a popular deli meat often found in sandwiches. The clue "Hot ___" suggests that the answer is a type of hot food, and pastrami fits this description.
“Nice going!” : ATTA BOY!
The phrase "ATTA BOY!" is a common expression used to praise someone for doing something well, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Nice going!" in a crossword puzzle.
“Quit hounding me!” : LAY OFF!
"Lay off" is a common phrase used to tell someone to stop bothering or pressuring you, which fits the clue "Quit hounding me!" in the crossword puzzle.