Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 6 January 2025, Monday (01-06-25). 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.
>7 on the pH scale : BASIC
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values above 7 considered basic. So, ">7 on the pH scale" corresponds to a basic solution, making "BASIC" the correct answer.
Actor Esparza : RAUL
Raul Esparza is a well-known actor, so "Actor Esparza" is a clear reference to him. "RAUL" is a common abbreviation for the name Raul, making it the right solution for this clue.
Ambulance personnel, in brief : EMTS
The answer "EMTS" stands for Emergency Medical Technicians, which are personnel who work in ambulances. The clue is asking for a brief term for ambulance personnel, making "EMTS" the correct answer.
Amy who voiced Joy in “Inside Out” : POEHLER
Amy Poehler is the actress who voiced the character Joy in the animated movie "Inside Out." The answer "POEHLER" fits the clue because it correctly identifies the actress by her last name.
Annual festival in Austin, Tex. : SXSW
The answer "SXSW" stands for South by Southwest, which is an annual festival held in Austin, Texas.
Applications : USES
The answer "USES" is the right solution because applications refer to the various ways in which something can be utilized or put to use.
Arrogant sort : SNOT
The answer "SNOT" fits the clue "Arrogant sort" because "snot" is a slang term used to describe a person who is conceited or snobbish.
Available if needed : ON CALL
"ON CALL" means being available to work or help when needed, often in a professional setting such as a doctor being on call for emergencies.
Ball club V.I.P.s : GMS
The abbreviation "GMS" stands for "Games," and in the context of a ball club, it refers to the number of games played by the team. Ball club V.I.P.s are typically the General Managers (GMs), who are in charge of overseeing the team's operations, including the number of games played.
Brewery offering : ALE
The answer "ALE" fits the clue "Brewery offering" because ale is a type of alcoholic beverage that is commonly brewed and served in breweries.
Bring on, as workers : HIRE
The word "hire" means to bring on or employ workers, making it the correct answer for the clue "Bring on, as workers."
Calf’s meat : VEAL
The term "calf" refers to a young cow or bull, and "veal" specifically refers to the meat of a young calf. Therefore, "Calf’s meat" is a clue for the answer "VEAL."
CBS procedural that ran for 15 seasons : CSI
The answer is "CSI" because it is a CBS procedural that ran for 15 seasons. "CSI" stands for Crime Scene Investigation, which was a popular TV show known for its forensic science investigations.
Chats with on Insta : DMS
The answer "DMS" stands for direct messages, which are private conversations on Instagram. So, "Chats with on Insta" is referring to communicating with someone through direct messages on Instagram, making "DMS" the correct answer.
Colorful summer drinks : ICEES
Come up with a new schedule : REPLAN
The answer "REPLAN" fits the clue "Come up with a new schedule" because "REPLAN" means to create a new plan or schedule. It involves revising or adjusting an existing schedule to make changes or improvements.
Cookies that are sometimes dunked in milk : OREOS
The answer "OREOS" fits because Oreos are a popular type of cookie that is often dunked in milk for a tasty treat.
Corn waste : COBS
The word "COBS" refers to the waste left after corn has been eaten or processed. It is a common term for this type of corn residue, making it the correct answer to the clue "Corn waste."
Cousin of a clarinet : OBOE
The oboe is a woodwind instrument, like the clarinet, and both are played using a reed. They are similar in appearance and sound, making the oboe a fitting answer for "Cousin of a clarinet."
Crimson Tide univ. : BAMA
"BAMA" is the right solution because "Crimson Tide" is a nickname for the University of Alabama, whose sports teams are known for wearing crimson and white colors. "BAMA" is a common shorthand for the University of Alabama.
Custom gift site : ETSY Down 1 Chocolaty coffee drink
The answer is "ETSY" because Etsy is a popular website known for selling unique and custom gifts. It fits the clue "Custom gift site" perfectly.
Despise : ABHOR
"HATE" is the right answer because despise means to feel a strong dislike or hatred towards something or someone.
Dog crossbreed known for its teddy bear appearance : GOLDENDOODLE
The Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, known for its fluffy and teddy bear-like appearance, hence fitting the clue "Dog crossbreed known for its teddy bear appearance."
Flat-screen, say : HDTV
The answer "HDTV" fits the clue "Flat-screen, say" because HDTV refers to high-definition television, which often comes in the form of a flat-screen TV.
Follower of double-you, ex, wye : ZEE
The clue is asking for a letter that follows "double-you" (W), "ex" (X), and "wye" (Y) in the alphabet. The letter that comes after Y is Z, which is represented as "ZEE" in the NATO phonetic alphabet.
Gardener’s tool : TROWEL
A trowel is a handheld tool commonly used by gardeners for digging, planting, and smoothing soil. It is a key tool in gardening, making it the correct answer for the clue "Gardener's tool."
His and ___ : HERS
The phrase "His and Hers" is a common expression used to refer to items that belong to a man and a woman, typically in a couple. The answer "HERS" completes the pair, as it represents the possessions or belongings of the woman in the relationship.
Hosp. V.I.P.s : DRS
The answer "DRS" is short for "doctors," which are important people in a hospital setting.
Iditarod entries : SLEDS
The Iditarod is a famous sled dog race in Alaska, so "SLEDS" refers to the mode of transportation used in the race.
Instrument that may be included in a birthday goodie bag : KAZOO
The kazoo is a small musical instrument that is often included in birthday goodie bags as a fun and inexpensive party favor. It fits the clue because it is commonly associated with celebrations and parties.
Kids might be given these with crayons : MENUS
"Menus" are items that kids are often given at restaurants to choose their meals from, along with crayons to color on them.
Large cove : INLET
"INLET" is the right solution because an inlet is a small body of water leading into a larger body of water, such as a large cove.
Lo-cal : LITE
The answer to "Lo-cal" is "LITE" because "LITE" is a commonly used term to describe low-calorie versions of food or beverages.
Modern anxiety source, in brief : FOMO
The answer "FOMO" stands for "fear of missing out," which is a common source of modern anxiety when people feel they are missing out on experiences or opportunities others are having.
Nail polish layers : COATS
The term "coats" is commonly used in the beauty industry to refer to the layers of nail polish applied to nails. Each layer is often referred to as a coat, so the answer "COATS" fits the clue "Nail polish layers" well.
Norway’s capital : OSLO
Oslo is the capital of Norway, making it the correct answer to the clue "Norway's capital."
Note on a failed test, maybe : SEE ME
The answer "SEE ME" is commonly written by a teacher on a failed test to indicate that the student should come and see them for further discussion or help.
One layer in a seven-layer dip, informally : GUAC
The answer "GUAC" is short for guacamole, which is a common ingredient in a seven-layer dip. It fits the clue "One layer in a seven-layer dip, informally" as guacamole is often informally referred to as "guac" in cooking and casual settings.
Overnight ___ (breakfast option) : OATS
"OATS" is the right solution because it is a common breakfast option that can be prepared overnight to make overnight oats, a popular and convenient dish.
Paris’s Notre-Dame, for one : CATHEDRAL
The clue "Paris's Notre-Dame, for one" hints at a large church in Paris, and the most famous one fitting this description is Notre-Dame Cathedral. Therefore, the answer "CATHEDRAL" is the correct solution.
Pecan or pistachio : NUT
The clue "Pecan or pistachio" is asking for a word that can describe both pecan and pistachio. The word that fits this description is "NUT," as both pecan and pistachio are types of nuts.
Position of greatest stress : HOT SEAT
unknown
Proctor’s cry at the end of a test : TIME
The proctor's cry "TIME" indicates that the allotted time for the test has ended.
Quantity : AMOUNT
"Amount" is the right solution because it is a synonym for quantity, both referring to a measurement or total of something.
Recovered from a fall : GOT UP
"GOT UP" is the right solution because it means to physically rise after a fall, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Recovered from a fall."
Roald who wrote “Matilda” and “The BFG” : DAHL
Roald Dahl is the author who wrote the books "Matilda" and "The BFG," making "DAHL" the correct answer.
Rower’s blade : OAR
The answer to the crossword clue "Rower's blade" is "OAR" because an oar is a long pole with a flat blade at one end, used as a lever for rowing a boat.
Saison of the 2024 Paris Olympics : ETE
The answer "ETE" is the French word for "summer," and the 2024 Paris Olympics will take place in the summer season, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Sandwiches that often contain tuna : MELTS
The answer "MELTS" is correct because tuna melts are a popular type of sandwich that typically contains tuna salad and melted cheese.
Scary-sounding Great Lake : ERIE
Lake Erie is often associated with eerie or scary stories, making it a "Scary-sounding Great Lake." The wordplay here is based on the similarity in pronunciation between "Erie" and "eerie," making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Show bad sportsmanship, in a way : GLOAT
The answer "GLOAT" fits the clue because gloating is a behavior that shows bad sportsmanship, often done by someone who is overly proud or boastful after winning.
Small cove : RIA
"RIA" is the right answer because a "ria" is a coastal inlet formed by the partial submergence of a river valley. It fits the clue "small cove" as it refers to a small, narrow inlet of the sea.
Sound system : STEREO
The answer "STEREO" fits the clue "Sound system" because a stereo system is a common setup for playing music or sound with two separate speakers to create a sense of space and directionality in the audio.
South Korea’s second-largest city : BUSAN
Busan is South Korea's second-largest city after Seoul. It is a major port city known for its beautiful beaches, cultural landmarks, and bustling seafood markets.
Start of a count : ONE …
The answer "ONE" is the start of a count because it is the first number in a sequence.
Stretch of work : STINT
The term "stint" is often used to refer to a specific period of time spent on a particular task or job, making it synonymous with "stretch of work."
Supersonic speed number : MACH
The unit of measurement for supersonic speed is Mach, named after Austrian physicist Ernst Mach.
Take down, as a bouncy house : DEFLATE
DEFLATE is the right solution because when you take down a bouncy house, you typically deflate it by releasing the air inside to collapse it.
Theatrical description : CHARACTER SKETCH
The answer "CHARACTER SKETCH" fits the clue "Theatrical description" because a character sketch is a brief description or outline of a character's personality and traits, often used in theater scripts to give actors a clear idea of how to portray a character.
Toward the sunrise : EAST
The direction of the sunrise is east, making "EAST" the correct answer.
Track exposures to a disease, as an epidemiologist might : CONTACT TRACE
The answer "CONTACT TRACE" fits the clue because it refers to the process of identifying and monitoring individuals who may have come into contact with an infectious disease. Epidemiologists use contact tracing to track the spread of a disease and prevent further transmission.
Use deductive reasoning … or a hint to what 17-, 27- and 43- all have : DRAW CONCLUSIONS
The phrase "Use deductive reasoning" is a hint to the solver to look for a common theme among the answers to clues 17-, 27-, and 43-. All three answers in those clues involve drawing or sketching: DRAWBRIDGE, DRAWSTRING, and DRAWING ROOM. Therefore, the appropriate action to take after identifying this commonality is to "DRAW CONCLUSIONS."
Valiant : HEROIC
The word "valiant" means showing courage or determination in the face of danger. A synonym for valiant is "heroic," which means having the characteristics of a hero, such as bravery and nobility.
Went bad : ROTTED
"SOUR" is a term often used to describe food or drinks that have gone bad or spoiled. Therefore, "Went bad" can be represented by the word "SOURED," which means to become spoiled or bad.
West Coast gas brand : ARCO
The answer to "West Coast gas brand" is "ARCO" because ARCO, which stands for Atlantic Richfield Company, is a well-known gas brand primarily found on the West Coast of the United States.
Westover with the best-selling memoir “Educated” : TARA
TARA is the correct answer because the author of the best-selling memoir "Educated" is Tara Westover.
What “duty-free” means : NO TAX
The term "duty-free" means that there are no taxes or duties applied to the goods being sold. Therefore, "NO TAX" is the right solution for this clue.
Whole lot : SCAD
"Whole lot" is a phrase that means a large quantity or number. "Ton" is a unit of weight that is equivalent to 2,000 pounds, which is a large quantity. Therefore, "TON" fits the clue "Whole lot."
___ and cheese : MAC
The answer "MAC" is short for macaroni in the phrase "___ and cheese," commonly referring to macaroni and cheese.
“Campbell’s Soup Cans” painter : WARHOL
Andy Warhol is the artist known for creating the artwork series "Campbell's Soup Cans". Therefore, the answer "WARHOL" is the right solution to the clue.
“Gloomy” fellow : GUS
“r u kidding?!” : SRSLY?!
The answer "SRSLY?!" is a common text abbreviation for "seriously?!" which is a phrase often used to express disbelief or incredulity. It fits the clue "r u kidding?!" as both phrases convey a sense of surprise or skepticism.
“Riverdale” or “XO, Kitty” : TEEN DRAMA
The answer "TEEN DRAMA" fits because "Riverdale" and "XO, Kitty" are both examples of TV shows that fall under the genre of teen drama, focusing on the lives and experiences of teenagers.
“The Tortoise and the Hare” author : AESOP
The answer is "AESOP" because Aesop is a famous ancient Greek storyteller who is credited with writing "The Tortoise and the Hare," a well-known fable.
“___ longa, vita brevis” : ARS
"ARS" is the right solution because in Latin, the phrase "ARS longa, vita brevis" translates to "art is long, life is short." In this context, "ARS" means "art."