Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 12 January 2024, Friday (01-12-24). 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.
2, for He : Abbr.
The answer to "2, for He" is "Abbr." because "He" is a pronoun referring to the word "him" which is commonly abbreviated as "Him" to "H." Therefore, the abbreviation for "He" would be "H" as well, but in the crossword format, it is further abbreviated as "Abbr." to indicate that it is an abbreviation.
A-list guest, to a host : GET
The word "get" can be used as a slang term to mean "to understand" or "to comprehend." In the context of the clue, an A-list guest would be someone who is highly esteemed or important. Therefore, when this guest arrives, the host "gets" the significance or importance of their presence.
Arson-investigating org. : ATF
The answer to "Arson-investigating org." is "ATF" because ATF stands for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, which is responsible for investigating arson cases.
Assailed : RAN AT
The answer "RAN AT" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Assailed." When someone is assailed, it means they are being attacked or approached aggressively. The phrase "RAN AT" perfectly captures the idea of someone quickly moving towards another person with hostile intent.
Below C level, say : POOR
The answer "POOR" fits the clue "Below C level, say" because it suggests a lower level or quality, which is indicated by the word "below."
British sausages : BANGERS
The term "BANGERS" is a colloquial term used to refer to British sausages. It is a popular term in the UK and is commonly used to describe sausages that make a popping sound when cooked.
Butt-dials? : BOOTY CALLS
The answer "BOOTY CALLS" fits the clue "Butt-dials?" because it humorously suggests that someone accidentally calls someone with their rear end, but it actually refers to a casual sexual encounter.
Cause of some buyer’s remorse : HIDDEN FEES
The answer "HIDDEN FEES" is the right solution because it accurately describes a common cause of buyer's remorse. Hidden fees are extra charges that are not openly disclosed upfront, often leading to feelings of regret or dissatisfaction after a purchase.
Chicago’s ___ Planetarium : ADLER
The Adler Planetarium is a famous planetarium located in Chicago. Therefore, the answer to the clue "Chicago's ___ Planetarium" is "ADLER", which is the name of the planetarium.
Clouseau, e.g. : Abbr.
The answer to "Clouseau, e.g." is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for "abbreviation." Clouseau is a fictional character from the Pink Panther series, and in this context, "Abbr." is indicating that the answer is an abbreviation.
Columnist Maureen : DOWD
The answer to "Columnist Maureen" is "DOWD" because Maureen Dowd is a well-known columnist for The New York Times.
Covered expenses : BORE THE COST
The phrase "bore the cost" means to bear or assume the financial burden of something. In the context of the clue "covered expenses," it perfectly fits the meaning as it implies taking responsibility for paying the costs.
Dry and crack : CHAP
The word "CHAP" is the right solution because it means to dry and crack, especially referring to the skin becoming dry and cracked.
Early American fur tycoon : ASTOR
The answer "ASTOR" is the right solution because John Jacob Astor was a prominent early American fur tycoon who made a fortune in the fur trade industry during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Easily shareable download : PDF
The answer to "Easily shareable download" is "PDF" because PDF (Portable Document Format) files are widely used for sharing documents that can be easily viewed and printed across different devices and operating systems. They are designed to preserve the formatting and layout of a document, making it convenient for sharing and distributing information.
Eclipse : BLOT OUT
The answer "BLOT OUT" is the right solution because an eclipse refers to the obscuring or covering of one celestial body by another. "BLOT OUT" means to completely cover or obscure something, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Enliven, with “up” : PEP …
The word "pep" means to add energy or enthusiasm to something, which aligns with the clue "enliven." When you add "up" to "pep," it emphasizes the idea of increasing or boosting energy, making it the correct solution.
Essential framework : BONES
The answer "BONES" is the right solution because bones are an essential framework that provides support and structure to the human body.
Figures : AMOUNTS
The word "figures" is often used to refer to numerical values or quantities. "Amounts" is a synonym for quantities, making it the right solution for the clue.
Figures that are best kept low, in brief : ERAS
The clue "Figures that are best kept low, in brief" is a wordplay clue. "Figures" refers to numerical values, and "best kept low" indicates that we need to find a word that represents numbers that are typically small. In this case, the answer is "ERAS" because it is a short form of "erasures," which implies removing or reducing numbers. Hence, "ERAS" fits the clue and is the correct solution.
Film industry nickname : TINSELTOWN
The film industry is often referred to as "TINSELTOWN" because it represents the glamour and glitz associated with Hollywood.
First American woman in space : RIDE
The answer to "First American woman in space" is "RIDE" because Sally Ride was the first American woman to travel to space.
Futura, for one : FONT
The clue "Futura, for one" is referring to a typeface or a specific style of lettering. "Font" is the correct answer because it is a term commonly used to describe different styles of typefaces, including Futura.
Governance : RULE
The answer "RULE" is the right solution for the clue "Governance" because a rule is a principle or regulation that guides and controls the actions of individuals or groups within a system of governance.
Grammy-winning Erykah : BADU
The answer to "Grammy-winning Erykah" is "BADU" because Erykah Badu is a Grammy-winning artist known for her soulful music.
High ways? : ELS
The answer "ELS" is the right solution because "high ways" is a clever wordplay clue. In this context, "high" refers to the elevation of letters, and "ways" indicates multiple paths or routes. The letters E, L, and S are all elevated or raised in the alphabet, making them the perfect fit for the clue.
Ice cream shop purchase : FLOAT
The answer to "Ice cream shop purchase" is "FLOAT" because a float is a popular ice cream treat where a scoop of ice cream is placed in a glass and then topped with soda or carbonated beverage.
Ingredient in some soaps : ALOE
The answer "ALOE" is the right solution because aloe is a common ingredient in many soaps. It is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, making it a popular choice in skincare products.
It doesn’t run below the bridge : STUFFY NOSE
Johnson who directed “Glass Onion” : RIAN
The answer to "Johnson who directed “Glass Onion”" is "RIAN" because Rian Johnson is the director of the film "Glass Onion".
Killing it : ON A ROLL
The phrase "on a roll" is commonly used to describe someone who is performing exceptionally well or having a string of success. In the context of "killing it," it implies that the person is doing extremely well, often exceeding expectations. Therefore, "on a roll" is the right answer as it captures the meaning of "killing it" in a figurative sense.
Like mischief-makers : UP TO NO GOOD
The phrase "up to no good" is commonly used to describe mischief-makers or individuals who are engaging in mischievous or questionable activities. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "Like mischief-makers."
Like some speculation : IDLE
The word "idle" means without purpose or activity, which matches the clue "like some speculation" as idle speculation refers to thinking or guessing without any specific goal or basis.
Long-nosed swimmer : PIKE
The answer to "Long-nosed swimmer" is "PIKE" because the pike is a type of fish known for its long snout or nose.
Made big changes : SHOOK THINGS UP
The phrase "shook things up" is a common idiom that means to make significant changes or create a disruption. In the context of the crossword clue "made big changes," "shook things up" fits perfectly as it conveys the idea of causing a major shift or transformation.
Marching band? : ANTS
The answer "ANTS" is the right solution to the clue "Marching band?" because ants are known for moving in an organized manner, resembling a marching band.
Masterstroke : COUP
The word "coup" is a fitting answer to the clue "masterstroke" because a coup refers to a brilliantly executed and successful action or plan, often in a political or military context. It implies a strategic move that achieves a desired outcome, making it an appropriate choice for the clue.
Mazda model : MIATA
The Mazda model commonly referred to as "MIATA" is a two-seater convertible sports car.
Merriam-Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary and “Where’s Waldo?,” once, surprisingly : BANNED BOOKS
The answer "BANNED BOOKS" is the right solution because both Merriam-Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary and "Where's Waldo?" have been banned at some point in certain places.
Mole-training grp. : FBI
The answer to "Mole-training grp." is "FBI" because the FBI, or Federal Bureau of Investigation, is an organization that is responsible for training agents to detect and counteract moles, who are individuals that secretly work for an opposing group or organization.
Of a feather : AKIN
The answer "AKIN" fits the clue "Of a feather" because it means similar or related, just like birds of the same feather are similar in appearance.
One welcoming with open arms : HUGGER
The answer "HUGGER" is the right solution because someone who welcomes others with open arms is likely to give them a warm and affectionate hug.
One who puts one past you : ACER
The answer "ACER" is the right solution because it is a slang term for someone who is skilled or adept at something, such as tricking or deceiving others. In this context, "one who puts one past you" refers to someone who successfully deceives or outsmarts you, making "ACER" the appropriate answer.
Overly coddled : SPOILED ROTTEN
The phrase "spoiled rotten" is commonly used to describe someone who has been excessively pampered or coddled. It fits the clue "overly coddled" perfectly.
Pair of percussion pieces : HI-HAT
The answer "HI-HAT" is the right solution because a hi-hat is a pair of cymbals that are played together using a foot pedal, making it a pair of percussion pieces.
Powerful Pontiac of old : GTO
The answer is "GTO" because it was a powerful model produced by Pontiac in the past.
Preps for surgery : SEDATES
The answer "SEDATES" is the right solution because when someone is being prepped for surgery, they are often given medication to calm them down or make them sleepy, which is known as sedation.
Pressure source : PEERS
Response to an approaching embarrassment : CRINGE
The word "cringe" refers to the act of reacting with embarrassment or discomfort. It is a common response when faced with an approaching embarrassing situation. Therefore, "cringe" is the right solution for the clue "Response to an approaching embarrassment."
Rough patch? : ACNE
The answer to "Rough patch?" is "ACNE" because acne is a common skin condition that often causes rough, bumpy patches on the skin.
See 36-Down : PIC
The answer to "See 36-Down" is "PIC" because it refers to a picture or photograph.
Serenade : SING TO
The answer "SING TO" fits the clue "Serenade" because when you serenade someone, you typically sing to them.
Sexy growl : RAWR
The answer "RAWR" is the right solution because it represents the sound that is often associated with a sexy growl. It is a playful and suggestive term commonly used to express attraction or seduction.
Sleep on it : COT
The answer "COT" is the right solution because a cot is a narrow, portable bed that is often used for sleeping on, especially in temporary or outdoor settings. So, when the clue says "Sleep on it," it is referring to the act of sleeping on a cot.
Some 53-Down files : JPGS
The answer "JPGS" is the right solution because "JPGS" refers to image files that use the .jpg file extension, which is commonly used for storing digital images. The clue "Some 53-Down files" suggests that the answer should be a type of file, and "JPGS" fits that description.
Sweetie : BAE
"HON" is a term of endearment that is short for "honey", which is often used to refer to a loved one or a sweetheart. In crossword clues, "Sweetie" is a common indicator that the answer is a term of endearment, and "HON" is a popular crossword answer for this type of clue.
Temper, quaintly : DANDER
The answer "DANDER" is the right solution because "temper" can be a synonym for "anger" or "ire," and "quaintly" suggests that we are looking for an old-fashioned or unusual word. "Dander" fits both of these criteria as it means "anger" or "irritation" and is a slightly outdated term.
The Big Apple’s “bravest,” in brief : FDNY
The "Big Apple" is a nickname for New York City. The "bravest" refers to the firefighters, and in New York City, the firefighters are known as the FDNY (Fire Department of New York). Therefore, "FDNY" is the right answer to the clue.
The seasons, e.g. : CYCLE
The answer "CYCLE" is the right solution because the word "seasons" in the clue implies a recurring pattern or sequence. A cycle refers to a repetitive series of events, making it a suitable answer.
Think pieces : OP-EDS
The answer "OP-EDS" is the right solution because "Think pieces" refers to opinion articles or essays that express the writer's thoughts or analysis on a particular topic. OP-EDS, short for "opposite the editorial page," are specifically designated sections in newspapers or magazines where these opinion pieces are published.
Tribe related to the Missouri : OTOE
The OTOE tribe is related to the Missouri tribe as they are both Native American tribes that historically inhabited the Great Plains region of North America.
Unmasks : BARES
The word "unmasks" suggests revealing or exposing something. The word "bares" also means revealing or exposing, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
What might make the news, for short? : TV CAM
The answer "TV CAM" is the right solution because "TV" stands for television, which is a common source of news. "CAM" is short for camera, which is used to capture and broadcast news events. Therefore, "TV CAM" refers to a television camera, which is commonly used in news reporting and would make the news.
Woman “in my dreams,” in song : IRENE
The answer "IRENE" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Woman 'in my dreams,' in song." The name "Irene" is often used in songs to represent a woman who is idealized or dreamed about.
Zip : TANG
The word "zip" can mean "nothing" or "zero," which is synonymous with "none."
“Bridgerton” actor Regé-___ Page : JEAN
“I don’t kiss and tell. I ___ and brag, baby!” : Austin Powers
“Mercy me!” : LORDY! Down 1 Kitchen qty.
The answer "LORDY!" fits the clue "Mercy me!" because "LORDY!" is an exclamation that expresses surprise or shock, similar to the phrase "Mercy me!" It is a short and simple way to convey the same sentiment.
“Sorry, I messed up” : MY FAULT
The answer "MY FAULT" fits the clue "Sorry, I messed up" because it is a common phrase used to take responsibility for making a mistake.
“Survivor” climax : VOTE
The answer to "Survivor" climax being "VOTE" is because in the reality TV show "Survivor," the climax of each episode typically revolves around the contestants voting to eliminate a fellow player from the game.
“They’ve really thrown down the gauntlet!” : OH, IT’S ON NOW!
The phrase "OH, IT'S ON NOW!" is a common expression used to convey that a challenge has been accepted and that a competition or confrontation is about to begin. It fits perfectly with the clue "They've really thrown down the gauntlet!" because it captures the sense of excitement and readiness for a showdown.