Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 15 January 2025, Wednesday (01-15-25). 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.
Allow : ADMIT
The answer "LET" is the right solution for the clue "Allow" because it means to give permission or to enable someone to do something.
Alternative to Rep. or Ind. : DEM
The answer "DEM" is short for Democrat, which is an alternative to Republican (Rep.) or Independent (Ind.) in politics.
Antacid brand : TUMS
The answer "TUMS" is the right solution because it is a well-known brand of antacid medication commonly used to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
Appear : SEEM
The word "seem" means to give the impression of being something or to appear to be true. Therefore, it is the appropriate answer for the clue "Appear".
Beam from a sci-fi shooter : RAY
In sci-fi shooters, characters often use futuristic weapons that emit beams of energy, commonly referred to as "rays." Therefore, the answer "RAY" fits the clue "Beam from a sci-fi shooter."
Boat bottom : KEEL
The keel is the backbone of a boat that runs along the bottom, providing stability and preventing sideways drift.
Brand of cooler : YETI
YETI is a well-known brand that specializes in high-quality coolers, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Brand of cooler."
Checks the age of : IDS
The answer "IDS" stands for "IDs," which are documents used to check a person's age, such as a driver's license or passport.
Church recess : APSE
The term "APSE" is commonly used to describe the semicircular or polygonal recess in a church, typically at the eastern end, where the altar is usually placed.
Digs out of a hole, maybe : BREAKS EVEN
The answer "BREAKS EVEN" fits the clue "Digs out of a hole, maybe" because breaking even means to recover from a loss or difficult situation, similar to digging oneself out of a hole.
Does some baling : HAYS
The answer "HAYS" is the right solution because "hays" is the plural form of "hay," and baling is the process of compressing hay into bales for storage or transportation.
Energy, of a sort : AURA
The word "aura" can refer to a distinctive atmosphere or quality that surrounds a person or thing, often associated with energy or a particular feeling. Therefore, "aura" fits the clue "Energy, of a sort."
Espy : SEE
"Spot" is a synonym for "espy," meaning to catch sight of or notice something. In this case, "spot" fits the definition of "espy" and is the correct answer for the crossword clue.
Expressed some abject admiration : OOHED
"Expressed some abject admiration" indicates a word for showing admiration. "OOHED" is a verb meaning to express admiration or excitement, making it the right solution.
Fashion photographer Richard : AVEDON
Richard Avedon was a famous fashion photographer known for his work in the fashion industry. Therefore, the answer to the clue "Fashion photographer Richard" is "AVEDON" as it refers to Richard Avedon.
Fit for a king : REGALIA
"Fit for a king" is a phrase that suggests something is royal or majestic, which is synonymous with the word "REGAL."
Flue symptom? : SOOT
The word "soot" is a symptom of a flue, which is a passage for smoke and gases in a chimney. Soot is the black residue left behind by smoke, indicating that the flue is in use.
Gig makeup? : MEGS
"MEGS" is the right solution because it is a play on words. In this case, "Gig makeup" refers to the word "makeup" being made up of the letters in "MEGS."
Good for nothing : FREEBIE
The answer "FREEBIE" fits the clue "Good for nothing" because a freebie is something given without charge, making it good for nothing in terms of cost.
Got on first? : PREBOARDED
Hyenas and raccoons, for two : SCAVENGERS
The answer "SCAVENGERS" fits the clue "Hyenas and raccoons, for two" because both hyenas and raccoons are animals known for scavenging for food, making them scavengers.
Illinois city whose name serves as shorthand for mainstream taste : PEORIA
The city of Peoria in Illinois is often used as a representation of typical, mainstream American tastes and preferences. This is why its name is used as shorthand for mainstream taste.
Instrument depicted in Caravaggio’s “The Musicians” : LUTE
The answer is "LUTE" because a lute is a stringed musical instrument that is commonly depicted in paintings from the Renaissance period, including Caravaggio's "The Musicians."
Kellogg’s cereal with a “Frosted” variety : MINI-WHEATS
The answer "MINI-WHEATS" fits because it is a Kellogg's cereal that includes a "Frosted" variety.
Leave behind : LOSE
The word "DITCH" can mean to leave behind or abandon something, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Leave behind."
Look for trouble : STINK EYE
"Stink eye" is a slang term for giving someone a dirty or hostile look, which can be seen as looking for trouble or provoking a confrontation.
Many SAT takers : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for "abbreviation," indicating that the clue "Many SAT takers" is looking for a shortened or abbreviated term. SAT takers are typically high school students, so the abbreviation "Abbr." is a clever way of hinting at this.
Mass transit vehicle : BUS
The answer "BUS" fits the clue "Mass transit vehicle" because buses are commonly used for public transportation, carrying multiple passengers along set routes.
Media clutter : ADS
The answer "ADS" fits the clue "Media clutter" because advertisements often clutter and fill up various forms of media like TV, websites, and magazines.
Mess kitchen implement : LADLE
The answer "LADLE" fits the clue "Mess kitchen implement" because a ladle is commonly used in a mess kitchen to serve soup or stew.
Mine find : ORE
"ORE" is the right solution because mines typically produce ore, which is a natural material containing valuable minerals that can be extracted and processed for various uses.
Move gently : EASE
"EASE" is the right solution because the word "ease" can mean to move gently or carefully. In this context, the clue is asking for a word that describes a gentle movement, making "EASE" the correct answer.
Not densely packed : SPARSE
The word "SPARSE" means thinly scattered or distributed, which is the opposite of densely packed.
Offers, as a resignation : TENDERS
"TENDERS" is the right answer because in the context of resigning from a job, "tender" means to formally offer or present one's resignation.
One who parties hearty : RAVER
The answer "RAVER" fits the clue "One who parties hearty" because a raver is someone who attends lively and energetic parties, often associated with electronic dance music scenes. They are known for their enthusiasm and love for dancing and partying.
Overly abundant : FULSOME
"Fulsome" means excessive or abundant, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Overly abundant."
Parker House products : ROLLS
The Parker House Hotel in Boston is famous for creating Parker House Rolls, a type of dinner roll. So, "ROLLS" is the right answer because it fits the clue "Parker House products."
Parthenon’s place : ATHENS
The Parthenon is an ancient temple located in Athens, Greece. Therefore, the correct answer to "Parthenon’s place" is "ATHENS."
Performer who thinks inside the box? : MIME
The answer "MIME" is correct because a mime is a performer who typically uses gestures and facial expressions to convey emotions or actions without speaking, and they are known for performing inside invisible boxes as part of their act.
Plead : BEG
"BEG" is the right answer because "plead" is a synonym for "beg," meaning to earnestly ask for something.
Popular wine from Bordeaux : MERLOT
"MERLOT" is a popular type of wine grape grown in the Bordeaux region of France, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Popular wine from Bordeaux."
Possessed : HAD
The word "possessed" suggests ownership or control. "Had" is the past tense of the verb "to have," which implies ownership or control over something. Therefore, "had" is the right answer to the clue "possessed."
Put a name to : LABELED
The word "LABELED" means to attach a name to something, making it the right solution for the clue "Put a name to."
Question from someone who’s lost : WHERE AM I?
The answer "WHERE AM I?" fits the clue "Question from someone who’s lost" because when someone is lost, they typically ask themselves or others where they are to figure out their location.
Run for the hills : SKI SLOPE
"Run for the hills" is a phrase meaning to escape quickly. A ski slope is a place where you can run down a hill quickly while skiing, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
San Diego pro : PADRE
The answer "PADRE" is the right solution because the San Diego pro refers to a professional baseball player from the San Diego Padres team, making "PADRE" the correct answer.
Scholar : STUDENT
"Scholar" is a term often used to describe someone who is studying or has expertise in a particular field. A student is someone who is actively engaged in learning and studying, making "STUDENT" the right answer for this clue.
Scrape (by) : EKE
"EKE" is the right solution because it means to scrape by or manage to live with difficulty, which fits the clue "Scrape (by)" in the crossword puzzle.
See 38- : … OR MADAM
The answer "… OR MADAM" fits because it is a continuation from the clue "See 38-", which means to refer back to another clue in the crossword where the first part of the answer is located.
See 63-Down : HER
Shelley’s “___ to the West Wind” : ODE
The answer is "ODE" because "Ode" is a type of poem, and the clue mentions "Shelley's", indicating that we are looking for a poem written by Shelley. Therefore, "ODE" is the correct answer.
Show where the term “Debbie Downer” originated, in brief : SNL
"SNL" stands for "Saturday Night Live," a popular sketch comedy show where the term "Debbie Downer" originated. The character Debbie Downer, played by Rachel Dratch, was known for her negative and pessimistic attitude, hence the term becoming synonymous with someone who brings down the mood.
Source of Roquefort cheese : EWE
The answer "EWE" is the right solution because Roquefort cheese is made from sheep's milk, and a female sheep is called an "ewe."
Spoils : TAINTS
The word "spoils" is a clue that suggests something being taken or acquired. "Haul" fits this clue because it means to transport or carry a large quantity of goods or items, which can be seen as spoils.
Sportscaster Andrews : ERIN
The answer is "ERIN" because Erin Andrews is a well-known sportscaster, making her the correct answer to the clue.
Spots for Hawaii and Alaska, often : INSETS
The answer "INSETS" fits because insets are often used in maps to show smaller areas within a larger map, such as Hawaii and Alaska in a map of the United States.
Stanch : STEM Down 1 Partner of loose
Stock market index, in brief : DOW
The answer "DOW" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a widely followed stock market index.
Suit in a tarot deck : WANDS
The suit of Wands in a tarot deck represents creativity, inspiration, and energy. Wands are associated with the element of fire and often symbolize action and passion.
Triangular pastries : SAMOSAS
"Samosas" are triangular pastries commonly found in South Asian cuisine. They are typically filled with savory ingredients such as spiced potatoes, peas, and meat, then deep-fried or baked. The shape and description of the clue match the answer "SAMOSAS."
Twist, as data : SKEW
The word "skew" means to twist or distort data, making it the right solution for the clue "Twist, as data."
Vertex of an infamous triangle : BERMUDA
The Bermuda Triangle is an infamous area in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean known for numerous mysterious disappearances of ships and aircraft. The term "vertex" refers to a point where two lines intersect, and in this context, it is a play on words suggesting that Bermuda is the vertex or focal point of this infamous triangle.
Went by quickly : FLEW
"FLEW" is the right solution because it means to move through the air quickly, which can also be used figuratively to describe time passing swiftly.
Went wrong : ERRED
"ERRED" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "went wrong," indicating making a mistake or committing an error.
What to do “if you’ve heard this before” : STOP ME
The answer "STOP ME" fits the clue because if you've heard something before, you might want the speaker to stop before they repeat themselves, hence "STOP ME."
Where you might dress up for a court appearance, informally? : REN FAIRE
"REN FAIRE" is short for Renaissance Faire, where people often dress up in period costumes. In this context, dressing up for a court appearance informally refers to dressing up in a costume, which fits the theme of a Renaissance Faire.
Winter coat : FUR
With 40-, open for business : DEAR SIR …
The answer "DEAR SIR ..." fits the clue "With 40-, open for business" because it is a common opening for a formal business letter, indicating that the business is open for communication.
With 65-, common pronoun pair : SHE
The common pronoun pair is "he" and "she." In this case, the clue specifies that the answer is with 65-, meaning the answer is the second part of a two-word phrase. Therefore, the answer is "SHE."
___-à-___ : TETE
The phrase "___-à-___" is French for "head-to-head." In French, "head" is "tête," so the answer is "TETE."
“Mr. Robot” actor Malek : RAMI
Rami Malek is the actor who played the lead role in the TV show "Mr. Robot," so the answer "RAMI" fits the clue "“Mr. Robot” actor Malek."
“Nova” airer : PBS
PBS is the network that airs the science documentary series "Nova."
“Oh, I see it now!” : AHA!
The answer "AHA!" is commonly used to express sudden realization or understanding, making it a fitting response to the exclamation "Oh, I see it now!"
“Spring forward” result : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for abbreviation, which is often used in time changes like "Spring forward" to indicate Daylight Saving Time.
“___ knew?” : WHO
The phrase "Who knew?" is a common expression used to express surprise or disbelief. In this context, "who" is asking about the person who had knowledge or information about something unexpected.