Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 11 January 2024, Thursday (01-11-24). 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.
Alleviated : EASED
The word "alleviated" means to make something less severe or intense. The word "eased" has a similar meaning, as it means to make something less difficult or to provide relief. Therefore, "eased" is the right answer to the clue "Alleviated."
Alternative genre : EMO
The answer to "Alternative genre" is "EMO" because EMO is a genre of music that emerged in the 1980s and is characterized by its emotional and introspective lyrics.
Basic linear expression with a hint to answering the five starred clues in this puzzle : Y=X Down 1 Quick blow
The answer "Y=X" is a basic linear expression in mathematics, where Y is equal to X. This expression is a hint to answering the five starred clues in the puzzle, indicating that the answers to those clues will also follow a similar pattern. The clue "Quick blow" is unrelated to the answer "Y=X" and might be a separate clue in the crossword.
Battery part : ANODE
The answer "ANODE" is the right solution because it refers to a part of a battery that carries a positive charge.
Book of Mary : DAS KAPITAL (Book of Marx)
Boost : AMP UP
The answer "AMP UP" is the right solution to the clue "Boost" because "amp up" means to increase or enhance something, which aligns with the idea of boosting or raising the level of something.
Card game similar to Crazy Eights : UNO
The card game UNO is similar to Crazy Eights because both games involve playing cards of the same number or suit to get rid of your hand.
Catch dead to rights : NAIL
The phrase "catch dead to rights" means to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong or illegal. "NAIL" is the right solution because it can mean to catch or apprehend someone, especially when they are guilty.
Cause of irritated eyes : BAD BREAKUP (Cause of irritated exes)
City sometimes called “The Buckle of the Bible Belt” : WACO
The answer is "WACO" because Waco, Texas is often referred to as "The Buckle of the Bible Belt" due to its strong religious influence and conservative values.
Common name starter in 31- : LIL’
The answer "LIL’" is the right solution because it is a common name starter often used in informal or abbreviated forms of names.
Company where workers may sleep on the job : SERTA
The answer "SERTA" is the right solution because Serta is a well-known company that specializes in manufacturing mattresses and sleep-related products. The clue suggests that workers may sleep on the job, which aligns with the concept of mattresses and the association with Serta.
Crumpled mass : WAD
The answer "WAD" fits the clue "Crumpled mass" because a wad is a compacted or crumpled mass of material, often used to refer to a ball or bundle.
D-backs, on scoreboards : ARI
The answer "ARI" is the abbreviation for Arizona, which is the state where the D-backs (Arizona Diamondbacks) baseball team is located.
Desk jarful : PENS
The answer to "Desk jarful" is "PENS" because a common item found in a jar on a desk is pens.
Drew forcibly (from) : EXACTED
The answer "EXACTED" is the right solution because it means to draw forcibly or demand something from someone.
Eagerly takes advantage of : SEIZES ON
The answer "SEIZES ON" fits the clue "Eagerly takes advantage of" because it suggests the action of grabbing or taking advantage of something quickly and eagerly.
Editor’s concern : STYLE
The answer "STYLE" is the right solution because editors are often concerned with the writing style of a piece. They focus on ensuring the text is clear, coherent, and follows the appropriate guidelines.
Engine sound : VROOM!
The answer "VROOM!" is the right solution because it is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound an engine makes. It mimics the revving sound of a car or motorcycle engine, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Engine sound."
Feeling the effects of a tough workout, say : ACHY
The word "achy" is the right solution because it means experiencing mild pain or discomfort, which is a common feeling after a tough workout.
Finnish tech giant : NOKIA
The answer to "Finnish tech giant" is "NOKIA" because Nokia is a well-known Finnish company that has been a major player in the technology industry, particularly in the field of telecommunications.
Flower girl? : ROSE
The answer "ROSE" is the right solution because a rose is a type of flower, and a "flower girl" is typically associated with someone who carries or presents flowers, often at a wedding.
Former “S.N.L.” comic Chris : REDD
The answer is "REDD" because Chris Redd is a former cast member of "Saturday Night Live" (S.N.L.).
From memory only : ROTE
The answer "ROTE" is the right solution because it means doing something from memory without thinking or understanding. It perfectly matches the clue "From memory only."
Full of cargo : LADEN
The word "laden" means filled or loaded with cargo. It is the appropriate answer to the clue "Full of cargo."
Ginormous : MEGA
The word "ginormous" is a playful combination of "gigantic" and "enormous," meaning extremely large. The answer "MEGA" is a fitting choice because it also means very large or huge in a more informal way.
Good thing to map out before a risky endeavor : ESCAPE ROUTE
The answer "ESCAPE ROUTE" is the right solution because before undertaking a risky endeavor, it is important to plan a way to safely exit or retreat if things go wrong. This is commonly referred to as an "escape route."
Groups of hands : CREWS
The answer "CREWS" fits the clue "Groups of hands" because a crew is a group of people working together, and hands refer to the members or individuals within a group.
Guiding principles : ETHIC
The word "ethic" refers to a set of guiding principles or moral values that govern one's behavior. It is the right solution because it directly matches the clue "guiding principles."
Hopping mad : IRATE
The term "hopping mad" is an idiom that means extremely angry or furious. The word "irate" is a synonym for angry, making it the correct answer for this clue.
Hoppy medium? : ALE
The clue "Hoppy medium?" is a play on words. "Hoppy" refers to the characteristic flavor of hops in beer, and "medium" suggests a type of beverage. The answer "ALE" fits perfectly as it is a type of beer that often has a hoppy taste.
How peers should be treated : AS = (as equals)
The answer "AS" is used to indicate that something should be treated or regarded in a certain way. In this case, it suggests that peers should be treated "as equals."
How something can be torn : ASUNDER
The word "asunder" means to be torn or separated into pieces. It is a suitable answer to the clue because it directly relates to the act of tearing something apart.
Inits. of two schools in the Missouri Valley Conference : ISU
The initials "ISU" stand for "Iowa State University," which is one of the schools in the Missouri Valley Conference. Therefore, "ISU" is the correct answer to the clue.
Instrument notably featured in George Michael’s 1984 hit “Careless Whisper” : SAX
The answer is "SAX" because the saxophone is a musical instrument that was prominently featured in George Michael's 1984 hit song "Careless Whisper."
Italian time unit : ORA
The answer to "Italian time unit" is "ORA" because "ora" is the Italian word for "hour".
Japanese beer : ASAHI
The answer to "Japanese beer" is "ASAHI" because Asahi is a well-known and popular brand of beer from Japan.
Kind of palm : ACAI
The answer "ACAI" is the right solution because Acai is a type of palm tree that is native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil.
Lead-in to port or pad : HELI-
The answer "HELI-" is the right solution because it is a common prefix that can be added to the words "port" or "pad" to form new words - "helipad" and "helicopter".
Like 48-Down members, often : ROBED
The answer "ROBED" is the right solution because members of a 48-Down, which we don't know the specific name of, are often seen wearing robes.
Like an accomplishment worthy of Guinness : SUPERLATIVE
The word "superlative" means the highest or greatest in quality or degree. An accomplishment worthy of Guinness is exceptional and surpasses all others, making it "superlative".
Many lovers, e.g. : CAT PEOPLE (Manx lovers)
The term "cat people" refers to individuals who are passionate about or have a strong affinity for cats. "Many lovers" is a clue that suggests people who love something, and in this case, it specifically refers to cat lovers. The additional information "(Manx lovers)" indicates that the answer is related to a specific breed of cat called the Manx. Therefore, "CAT PEOPLE (Manx lovers)" is the right solution.
Mayim of entertainment : THE SHOW MUST GO ON (Maxim of entertainment)
Medieval competition : JOUST
The answer to "Medieval competition" is "JOUST" because jousting was a popular competitive sport during the medieval times. Knights would engage in combat on horseback, trying to knock each other off with a long lance.
Mess (with) : TOY
The answer to "Mess (with)" is "TOY" because when you "toy" with something, you play around with it or mess with it.
Mohammed’s third and youngest wife : AISHA
The answer is "AISHA" because Aisha was indeed Mohammed's third and youngest wife according to Islamic tradition.
Non-___ (label on some organic foods) : GMO
The answer is "GMO" because "Non-GMO" is a label commonly found on organic foods that indicates they do not contain genetically modified organisms.
Nothing : Lat.
The answer "Lat." is short for "latitude," which refers to the measurement of distance north or south of the equator. In the context of the clue "Nothing," "Lat." can be interpreted as a play on words, suggesting that latitude represents a position of nothingness or neutrality on the globe.
Office newbie : HIREE
The answer to "Office newbie" is "HIREE" because it is a term used to describe someone who has recently been hired or is new to a job or workplace.
On : ATOP
"On" can mean "aboard" as in being on a ship or train. Therefore, "aboard" is a fitting answer.
One joining a union? : BRIDE
The answer "BRIDE" is the right solution to the clue "One joining a union?" because a bride is someone who joins in marriage, which is often referred to as a union between two people.
One of three for a grand : PIANO LEG
The answer "PIANO LEG" fits the clue "One of three for a grand" because a grand piano typically has three legs, and one of those legs can be referred to as a "PIANO LEG."
One out of 100 : Abbr.
The answer to "One out of 100" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for "abbreviation" and it indicates that the answer is an abbreviation of a word or phrase.
Part of a Florida flock : IBIS
The answer "IBIS" is the right solution because ibises are a type of bird commonly found in Florida. They are often seen in flocks, making them a fitting answer for the clue.
Pop : SODA
The term "pop" is often used as a colloquial term for soda, making "SODA" the correct answer.
Reindeer in “Frozen” : SVEN
The answer to "Reindeer in 'Frozen'" is "SVEN" because Sven is the name of the reindeer character in the Disney movie "Frozen."
Skin-care product : TONER
The answer "TONER" is the right solution because it is a common skin-care product used to remove impurities and balance the skin's pH levels. It is often used after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Steinbeck title ender : … EDEN
The answer to "Steinbeck title ender" is "… EDEN" because John Steinbeck wrote a novel titled "East of Eden," and the clue is asking for the last word of that title.
Steinbeck title starter : EAST …
The answer is "EAST" because John Steinbeck's novel "East of Eden" starts with that word.
Subject of a landmark 2012 Supreme Court decision, for short : ACA
The answer "ACA" stands for the Affordable Care Act, which was the subject of a landmark 2012 Supreme Court decision.
Supervillain Luthor : LEX
The answer is "LEX" because Supervillain Luthor refers to Lex Luthor, a well-known antagonist in the Superman comics and movies.
Talk, talk, talk : JAW
The word "YAP" is a suitable answer because it is a colloquial term that refers to continuous, often annoying, chatter or talking.
Third in a group of eight : EARTH
Tool set : KIT
The answer to "Tool set" is "KIT" because a kit typically refers to a collection of tools that are packaged and sold together.
Top 40 genre : RAP
The answer to "Top 40 genre" is "RAP" because rap music is a popular genre that frequently appears on the Top 40 music charts.
Try to see? : WOO
"Ask out" is the right solution because when you "try to see" someone, you typically ask them out on a date or to spend time together.
Way down in the nether regions : BRAZILIAN (Wax down in the nether regions)
The answer "BRAZILIAN" is the right solution because it refers to a type of waxing treatment that removes hair from the pubic area, which is considered the "nether regions."
Word said while pointing : THERE
The word "THERE" is often said while pointing to indicate a specific location or object.
___ Henie, 10-time world champion skater : SONJA
The answer is "SONJA" because Sonja Henie was a famous figure skater who won the world championship ten times.
“A Doll’s House” playwright : IBSEN
The answer is "IBSEN" because Henrik Ibsen is the renowned playwright who wrote the play "A Doll's House".
“Hallelujah!” singers : CHOIR
The answer is "CHOIR" because a choir is a group of singers who often sing religious songs, including "Hallelujah!"
“September 1, 1939” poet : AUDEN
The answer to "September 1, 1939" poet is "AUDEN" because W.H. Auden is the poet who wrote the famous poem titled "September 1, 1939."
“Swell!” : NEATO!
"Neato" is a slang term that means "great" or "excellent." "Swell" is a similar slang term that means "excellent" or "wonderful." Therefore, "Neato" is a fitting answer to the clue ""Swell!""
“Whip It” band : DEVO
The answer is "DEVO" because they are the band behind the popular song "Whip It".
“You sure about that?” : IS IT?
The answer "IS IT?" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to question or express doubt about something someone has said.