Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 10 January 2025, Friday (01-10-25). 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.
2024 NATO inductee : SWEDEN
Sweden is the correct answer because it is set to become a NATO member in 2024, making it a future NATO inductee.
Approved : OK’D
The answer "OK'ED" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "approved".
Basic cable channel : USA
The basic cable channel "USA" is a popular network known for its original programming and syndicated shows, making it a common answer in crossword puzzles.
Bear necessity? : FUR
The clue "Bear necessity?" is a play on words, referencing the famous song "The Bare Necessities" from the movie "The Jungle Book." In this context, "FUR" is the right answer because bears have fur as a necessity for survival.
Brainstorm out loud : SPITBALL
The answer "SPITBALL" fits the clue "Brainstorm out loud" because "spitballing" is a term often used to describe the act of suggesting ideas or solutions in a casual or spontaneous manner, similar to how one might brainstorm out loud.
Capital where the won is spent : SEOUL
The won is the currency of South Korea, and Seoul is the capital city of South Korea. Therefore, "Capital where the won is spent" refers to Seoul.
Ceases nursing : WEANS
The word "weans" means to gradually stop feeding a baby with breast milk. In the context of the clue "Ceases nursing," "weans" is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the act of stopping nursing.
Component of many a trial : PLACEBO
"PLACEBO" is the right answer because a placebo is a substance or treatment that has no therapeutic effect, often used in medical trials as a control. It is a common component in many scientific trials to compare the effectiveness of a new treatment against no treatment or against the placebo.
Counterpart to Britain’s MI6 : CIA
The answer is "CIA" because MI6 is the British intelligence agency, and the CIA is its American counterpart. Both are intelligence agencies responsible for gathering and analyzing foreign intelligence.
Court seat : BANC
"Seat" can refer to a place where a group of people, such as judges, sit together to hear cases. In this context, "BANC" is a term used to describe a full panel of judges hearing a case together.
Didn’t soft-pedal something, say : KEPT IT REAL
The phrase "kept it real" means being honest and genuine without holding back, which fits the clue "Didn’t soft-pedal something, say" as it implies being straightforward and not sugarcoating the truth.
Do some light work? : LASE
The answer "LASE" is derived from the word "laser," which is used to do light work, such as cutting or engraving.
Ducked (out) : SNUCK
The word "snuck" is the past tense of "sneak" and means to move quietly or secretly. It fits the clue "Ducked (out)" as it implies leaving or avoiding something quietly or stealthily.
For fun : ON A LARK
"ON A LARK" is the right solution because it means doing something just for fun or on a whim, without any serious purpose.
GarageBand and iMovie, e.g. : IOS APPS
The answer "iOS APPS" fits the clue because GarageBand and iMovie are both applications that are available on Apple's iOS operating system, making them iOS apps.
Grand Marnier ingredient avec un cognac : L’ORANGE
The clue mentions "avec un cognac," which is French for "with a cognac." Grand Marnier is a liqueur made from cognac and orange essence, so the answer "L’ORANGE" (French for "the orange") fits the clue as it highlights the orange ingredient in Grand Marnier.
Group : GANG
"GANG" is a synonym for "group," often referring to a group of people who work together or share a common interest or purpose. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "GANG" fits the clue "Group" because it is a common term used to describe a collective of individuals.
Growing pain? : ANGST Down 1 Salacious
The answer "ANGST" fits the clue "Growing pain?" because angst is a feeling of anxiety or dread, often associated with the challenges and uncertainties of growing up.
High chairs? : STOOLS
The answer "BAR SEATS" is the right solution because "high chairs" can refer to chairs found in a bar or pub, which are typically elevated to be at a higher level than regular chairs.
Hypothetical starting point? : LET’S SAY …
The answer "LET’S SAY …" fits the clue "Hypothetical starting point?" because the phrase "Let's say" is commonly used to introduce a hypothetical situation or scenario in conversations. It sets the stage for discussing a possible scenario or assumption.
Insert in a tall glass, perhaps : BENDY STRAW
The answer "BENDY STRAW" fits the clue because a bendy straw is typically inserted into a tall glass to make it easier to drink from. The flexibility of the straw allows it to bend and reach the bottom of the glass.
It might change your perspective : LSD
unknown
It stands out in a print : WHORL
The word "WHORL" refers to a pattern that stands out in a print, such as a fingerprint or a spiral pattern. It fits the clue perfectly.
M.L.B. team that was the first to trade a player for himself (Harry Chiti in 1962) : METS
The New York Mets were the M.L.B. team that traded Harry Chiti to the Cleveland Indians in 1962, only to trade him back to the Mets later that season. This unique trade makes the answer "METS" the correct solution to the clue.
Makes fit : TAILORS
"Tailors" are individuals who make clothes fit perfectly by altering them to suit a person's measurements. Therefore, "Makes fit" is a clue that hints at the action of tailoring, making "TAILORS" the correct answer.
Making weaker, in gamer jargon : NERFING
The term "nerfing" in gamer jargon refers to the act of weakening a character, weapon, or ability in a game to balance gameplay. This fits the clue "Making weaker, in gamer jargon" perfectly.
Natural rug fibers : SISALS
Sisal is a type of natural fiber commonly used to make rugs. It is derived from the agave plant and known for its durability and strength, making it a popular choice for rugs.
Nile superlative : LONGEST
The Nile is the longest river in the world, making "LONGEST" the correct answer for the clue "Nile superlative."
Not quite, informally : KINDA SORTA
"Kinda sorta" is a casual way of saying "not quite" or expressing uncertainty, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Opens, as a onesie : UNSNAPS
"UNSNAPS" is the right solution because when you open a onesie, you typically unsnap the buttons or fasteners to remove it.
Org. for seniors : AARP
AARP stands for the American Association of Retired Persons, which is an organization that provides advocacy, benefits, and services for seniors.
Polo participants : PONIES
The answer "PONIES" is correct because ponies are commonly used by participants in the sport of polo. They are the animals ridden by players during a polo match.
Prefix with athlete : TRI-
The prefix "TRI-" means three, and is commonly used before words related to sports or competitions that involve three parts or events, like triathlon. So, "TRI-athlete" refers to someone who competes in a triathlon.
Private watering hole? : CANTEEN
The term "canteen" can refer to a private place where individuals can get refreshments, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Private watering hole."
Prompts : CAUSES
The word "prompts" is a synonym for "causes," as both refer to something that triggers an action or response.
Pull with force : WREST
The word "wrest" means to pull with force or twist forcefully. It fits the clue "Pull with force" perfectly.
Quiet : LULL
The answer "SHH" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Quiet!" because "SHH" is an onomatopoeic word that represents the sound made to hush or silence someone or something.
Rathskeller supply : STEINS
The word "steins" refers to the large beer mugs typically used in a rathskeller, which is a beer hall or tavern. So, "Rathskeller supply" is a clue hinting at the answer "STEINS."
Rivet : ENGROSS
"ENGROSS" is the right solution because one of the meanings of the word "rivet" is to hold the attention of someone completely or to absorb them. "ENGROSS" means to completely engage or absorb someone's attention, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Rolling source of entertainment : PARTY BUS
The answer "PARTY BUS" fits the clue because a party bus is a vehicle that provides entertainment while rolling or moving from place to place, typically used for celebrations and social gatherings.
Sarcastic response to an obvious statement : WHO KNEW?
The phrase "WHO KNEW?" is a sarcastic response to an obvious statement because it implies that the information was so obvious that it's surprising anyone would even mention it.
Serf : PEON
"PEON" is a synonym for "serf," which refers to a laborer or worker in a low social class. Both terms are used to describe someone who is bound to work for a landlord or master.
Some court statements : PLEAS
The answer "PLEAS" fits the clue "Some court statements" because in a court, defendants typically make pleas in response to the charges against them.
Sources of many unwelcome messages online : SPAMBOTS
"SPAMBOTS" are automated programs designed to send out unsolicited and often malicious messages online, hence they are the sources of many unwelcome messages online.
Speculate : SURMISE
The word "speculate" means to form an opinion or guess about something without having complete information. "Guess" is the right answer because it fits the definition and is a common synonym for speculate.
Squirts : TOTS
"Tots" is a slang term for young children, often used affectionately. "Squirts" is another informal term for young children, making "Tots" a fitting answer.
Sriracha and sambal : SAUCES
The answer "SAUCES" fits the clue "Sriracha and sambal" because both Sriracha and sambal are types of sauces commonly used in cooking.
Start to work? : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, which is the start or the beginning of the word "abbreviation." So, "Start to work?" is a play on words hinting at the abbreviation for the word "abbreviation."
Surf site : SHORE
The answer "SHORE" fits the clue "Surf site" because surfers typically ride waves near the shore of an ocean or sea.
Text with 114 suwar, in a classic spelling : KORAN
The text with 114 suwar refers to the Quran, also spelled as Koran in a classic way. The Quran is the holy book of Islam and is divided into 114 chapters, known as suwar.
They’ll show you the way : GUIDES
The answer "GUIDES" fits because guides are people who lead or show the way to others.
They’re set in rings : STONES
The answer "STONES" fits the clue "They’re set in rings" because stones are often set in rings as gemstones.
Unclaimed : NO ONE’S
The word "Unclaimed" can be interpreted as "belonging to no one," which can be expressed as "NO ONE'S."
Walk in the park, maybe : STROLL
The word "stroll" is often used to describe a leisurely walk in the park, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Weight : BURDEN
The word "heft" means weight or heaviness, making it an appropriate answer for the clue "Weight."
___ poet (description of Robert Burns) : PEASANT
"Peasant" is the right answer because Robert Burns, a Scottish poet, was known for writing poetry that celebrated the lives and struggles of common, working-class people, often focusing on rural life and the experiences of ordinary individuals. This aligns with the term "peasant," which refers to a member of the lower social class, typically a farmer or laborer.
___ swear : PINKY
“Be right there!” : WAIT A SEC
"Wait a sec" is a common informal way of saying "Be right there!" in casual conversation, making it the right solution for the clue.
“Don’t wait up” occasion, perhaps : HOT DATE
The phrase "Don't wait up" suggests that the person will be out late, possibly on a romantic outing or a "hot date." This makes "HOT DATE" a fitting answer to the clue.
“Feel free to reach out” : HIT ME UP
The phrase "Hit me up" is a casual way of saying "feel free to reach out" or "contact me."
“God ___” : BLESS
The phrase "God bless" is a common expression used to convey good wishes or prayers for someone's well-being. In this context, "BLESS" is the right answer to the clue "God ___".
“No doubt in my mind” : YEAH, I’M SURE
The answer "YEAH, I’M SURE" fits the clue "No doubt in my mind" because it conveys a strong sense of certainty and confidence, indicating that the speaker is completely convinced of something.