Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 16 January 2024, Tuesday (01-16-24). 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.
A “golden” one is an especially good thing to follow : RULE
The answer "RULE" fits because a "golden rule" is a well-known saying that serves as a moral guideline to follow.
About 5,280 ft., for Denver : ELEV
The answer "ELEV" is short for elevation, which refers to the height or altitude of a location. Denver is known as the "Mile-High City" because it is approximately 5,280 feet above sea level. Therefore, "ELEV" is the right solution for the clue "About 5,280 ft., for Denver."
Accelerated H.S. class with a long reading list : AP LIT
The answer "AP LIT" is short for Advanced Placement Literature, which is an accelerated high school class that typically has a long reading list.
Actress Lena or actor Ken : OLIN
The answer is "OLIN" because both Lena Olin and Ken Olin are actors.
All ___ Day (November 2) : SOULS
The answer "SOULS" is the right solution because November 2 is commonly known as "All Souls' Day," a day dedicated to praying for the souls of the departed.
Alpine call : YODEL
The answer to "Alpine call" is "YODEL" because yodeling is a traditional form of singing or calling that originated in the Alpine regions of Europe.
Athlete who boasted “I’m young; I’m handsome; I’m fast; I’m pretty and can’t possibly be beat” : ALI
The answer is "ALI" because Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer, famously said the quoted boastful statement.
Birds that sound like they’d taste bad? : FOWL
The word "fowl" refers to birds in general, and some birds are known to have a taste that is not appealing to everyone. Therefore, birds that sound like they'd taste bad can be described as "fowl".
Bit of equipment for a skier or trekker : POLE
The answer is "POLE" because skiers and trekkers commonly use poles as equipment to help with balance and stability while navigating slopes or rough terrains.
Blacksmiths’ blocks : ANVILS
The answer "ANVILS" is the right solution because blacksmiths use anvils as blocks to shape and form metal.
Classic photo magazine : LIFE
The answer to "Classic photo magazine" is "LIFE" because LIFE magazine is a well-known publication that has a long history of featuring iconic photographs.
Cowboy’s rope : LASSO
The answer to "Cowboy's rope" is "LASSO" because a lasso is a type of rope commonly used by cowboys to catch and control livestock.
Criminal records? : BOOTLEGS
The answer "BOOTLEGS" is the right solution because "Criminal records" is a clever play on words. In this context, "records" refers to illegal or unauthorized copies of music or movies, which are commonly known as "bootlegs."
Daredevil Knievel : EVEL
The answer "EVEL" is the right solution because it refers to the famous daredevil Evel Knievel.
Depart : LEAVE
The word "leave" is a synonym for "depart." It means to go away or to exit from a place. Therefore, "leave" is the correct answer for the clue "depart."
Device on a duct : VALVE
The answer "VALVE" is the right solution for the clue "Device on a duct" because a valve is a mechanical device that controls the flow of fluid or gas through a duct or pipe. It can be used to regulate the amount or direction of the flow, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Disorderly expansion : SPRAWL
The word "sprawl" accurately describes a disorderly expansion because it refers to the act of spreading out in a disorganized or uncontrolled manner.
Don’t pass : FAIL
The answer to "Don’t pass" is "FAIL" because when someone fails, they do not pass a test or an exam.
First pope in a line of 13 : LEO I
The clue is referring to a line of 13 popes named Leo. "LEOI" is the Roman numeral representation of the ordinal number for the first pope in this line, which is Pope Leo I.
For fear that : LEST
The word "lest" means "for fear that" or "in order to prevent any possibility that something will happen." It is often used to express a negative purpose.
Fuse, as metal : WELD
The answer "WELD" is the right solution because it means to fuse or join metal together by heating and melting it.
Game with nine rooms : CLUE
The game "CLUE" is a classic murder mystery board game that takes place in a mansion with nine different rooms. Players must solve the mystery by deducing the murderer, weapon, and location of the crime. Therefore, "CLUE" is the correct answer to the clue "Game with nine rooms."
German chancellor Scholz : OLAF
The answer to "German chancellor Scholz" is "OLAF" because Olaf Scholz is the current German chancellor as of October 2021.
Gesture involving hitting one’s own hand in celebration : SELF-FIVE
The answer "SELF-FIVE" is the right solution because it accurately describes the gesture of hitting one's own hand in celebration. It combines the idea of celebrating oneself with the action of giving a high-five, resulting in the term "SELF-FIVE."
Green vehicle? : GOLF CART
The answer "GOLF CART" is the right solution because it is a vehicle that is often associated with the color green, as it is commonly used on golf courses.
Higher-priced seating section : LOGE
The answer "LOGE" is the right solution because a loge is a higher-priced seating section in a theater or stadium.
If this is exhausted, all is lost : LAST HOPE
The phrase "all is lost" implies a sense of desperation or hopelessness. When something is exhausted, it means it has been used up or depleted. "Last hope" refers to the final chance or remaining possibility, making it the appropriate answer for the clue.
Is a sore loser : SULKS
The answer "SULKS" is the right solution because someone who is a sore loser tends to sulk or be in a bad mood when they lose.
June birthstone : PEARL
The answer to "June birthstone" is "PEARL" because pearls are traditionally associated with the month of June in many cultures.
Latvian or Lithuanian : BALT
The answer "BALT" is the right solution because it is a short form of "Baltic," which refers to the Baltic region that includes both Latvia and Lithuania.
Like cards at a card table : DEALT
The answer "DEALT" fits the clue "Like cards at a card table" because it describes the action of distributing or giving out cards to the players.
Locale for a wedding : ALTAR
The answer "ALTAR" is the right solution for the clue "Locale for a wedding" because the altar is the specific area or platform in a church or ceremony where the wedding takes place.
Logical, as a syllogism : VALID
The word "valid" describes a syllogism that is logically sound and follows proper reasoning. It is the correct answer because it directly fits the clue, indicating that the syllogism is logical.
Low-priced lodging : HOSTEL
The answer to "Low-priced lodging" is "HOSTEL" because a hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation option commonly chosen by travelers looking for affordable lodging.
Luge, e.g. : SLED
The answer to "Luge, e.g." is "SLED" because a luge is a type of sled used in the sport of luge racing.
Make less sharp : BLUR
The answer to "Make less sharp" is "BLUR" because when something is blurred, it loses its sharpness or clarity. The word "blur" accurately describes the action of making something less sharp visually.
Many a C-Span interviewee, informally : POL
The answer "POL" is short for "politician," which refers to many individuals who are often interviewed on C-Span.
Material for some jewelry at a surf shop : SEA GLASS
The answer "SEA GLASS" is the right solution because sea glass is a type of glass that is weathered and polished by the ocean waves and sand. It is often found on beaches and can be used to make jewelry, making it a suitable material for jewelry at a surf shop.
Movie theater eponym : LOEW
The answer to "Movie theater eponym" is "LOEW" because Marcus Loew was an American businessman who founded the Loew's Theatres chain, which eventually became one of the largest movie theater chains in the world.
Nonstick cookware brand : T-FAL
The answer to "Nonstick cookware brand" is "T-FAL" because T-FAL is a well-known brand that specializes in nonstick cookware.
Not fast : SLOW
"EAT" is the opposite of "fast" as it means to consume food slowly or at a leisurely pace. Therefore, it fits the clue "Not fast."
October birthstone : OPAL
Opal is the birthstone for the month of October, according to the National Association of Jewelers.
Ohm’s law unit : VOLT
The answer to "Ohm's law unit" is "VOLT" because voltage is the unit used to measure electrical potential difference, which is a key component of Ohm's law.
One of 24 in a Chaucer book : TALE
The answer is "TALE" because in a Chaucer book, such as "The Canterbury Tales," there are 24 individual stories or narratives, each known as a "tale."
One-named “King of Football” : PELE
The answer "PELE" is the right solution because Pele is a famous Brazilian soccer player who is often referred to as the "King of Football."
Ordinary person, informally : PLEB
The term "PLEB" is a shortened form of "plebeian," which is a word used informally to refer to an ordinary person. It is commonly used to describe someone who is not part of the elite or upper class. Therefore, "PLEB" is the right answer to the clue "Ordinary person, informally."
Person held on a pedestal by a small group : CULT HERO
The answer "CULT HERO" fits the clue because a cult hero is a person who is admired and idolized by a small group of dedicated followers, often held in high regard and placed on a pedestal.
Physique : BUILD
The answer to "Physique" is "BUILD" because it refers to the overall physical structure or appearance of a person's body.
Protrusion : BULGE
The word "bulge" fits the clue "protrusion" because it refers to something that swells or sticks out, which is a common characteristic of a protrusion.
Publication that usually has only one contributor : BLOG
The answer "BLOG" is the right solution because a blog is typically a publication that is created and written by a single individual, making it a publication with only one contributor.
Puts the kibosh on : HALTS
The word "halts" means to put an end to or to stop something. In this context, "puts the kibosh on" means to bring something to a halt or to stop it. Therefore, "halts" is the right answer.
Records and documents : FILES
The answer to "Records and documents" is "FILES" because files are commonly used to store and organize records and documents.
Rival magazine of 2-Down : LOOK
The answer is "LOOK" because it is a rival magazine of 2-Down, which means it competes with or is in competition with the magazine referred to in the clue.
Set (down) : LAID
"Set (down)" is a phrasal verb meaning to place something in a particular position, and "put" is a synonym for this phrasal verb. Therefore, "put" is the correct solution for the crossword clue.
Ship’s wastewater : BILGE
The answer "BILGE" is the right solution because it refers to the wastewater that accumulates in the lowest part of a ship's hull. It is commonly used in maritime terminology.
Singer Green : CEELO
The answer to "Singer Green" is "CEELO" because CeeLo Green is a well-known singer and songwriter.
Singer Nat King ___ : COLE
The answer is "COLE" because Nat King Cole is a well-known singer and "COLE" is his last name.
Slimming surgery, for short : LIPO
The answer to "Slimming surgery, for short" is "LIPO" because "LIPO" is a common abbreviation for liposuction, which is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat from the body.
Small digging tool : TROWEL
The answer to "Small digging tool" is "TROWEL" because a trowel is a handheld tool with a flat, pointed blade that is used for digging small holes or spreading and smoothing materials like soil or cement.
Sports-filled school event : FIELD DAY
"FIELD DAY" is the right solution because it is a school event that is typically filled with various sports and outdoor activities.
Still in the running, so to speak : ALIVE
The answer "ALIVE" fits the clue "Still in the running, so to speak" because it means to be living and not dead, which implies that someone or something is still actively participating or competing.
Stir up : ROIL
The answer "STOKE" is the right solution for the clue "Stir up" because "stoke" means to add fuel or provoke a reaction, which aligns with the idea of stirring something up.
Swindles : BILKS
The answer to "Swindles" is "CONS" because "cons" is a commonly used term for fraudulent schemes or scams.
Tennis great Monica : SELES
The answer to "Tennis great Monica" is "SELES" because Monica Seles is a well-known and successful tennis player.
Things that scratch a scratching post : CLAWS
The answer "CLAWS" is the right solution because cats use their claws to scratch on a scratching post.
Things to keep an eye out for on a first date : RED FLAGS
The answer "RED FLAGS" is the right solution because on a first date, it is important to be aware of any warning signs or indications that something may be wrong. These warning signs, or "RED FLAGS," can help you identify potential issues or concerns in the early stages of a relationship.
Tick off : RILE
The term "tick off" means to make someone angry or annoyed. "Rile" is a synonym of "anger" or "annoy," making it the correct answer.
Trains that run to O’Hare airport : ELS
The answer "ELS" is the right solution because it stands for "elevated trains," which are the trains that run to O'Hare airport in Chicago.
Was a no-show, say : FLAKED
The answer "FLAKED" is the right solution because when someone is a "no-show," it means they fail to appear or attend as expected. In this context, "FLAKED" means to cancel or fail to show up for a planned event or commitment.
Whole bunch : SLEW
"Slew" is a synonym for "a large amount" or "a whole bunch", making it the right solution for the clue.
Word often said before “Cómo estás?” : HOLA
The word "HOLA" is often said before "Cómo estás?" because "HOLA" means "hello" in Spanish. It is a common greeting used to initiate a conversation.
Writer Wiesel : ELIE
The answer "ELIE" is the right solution because Elie Wiesel was a well-known writer, particularly known for his book "Night" which detailed his experiences during the Holocaust.
Writer Zora ___ Hurston : NEALE
The answer to "Writer Zora ___ Hurston" is "NEALE" because Zora Neale Hurston is the full name of the writer being referred to.
___ vera : ALOE
The answer to "___ vera" is "ALOE" because aloe vera is a type of plant known for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in skincare and healing treatments.
“Heavens!” : OH LORD!
Ether is a term used in science to describe the upper regions of space beyond the Earth's atmosphere. This is often referred to as the "heavens", making it a suitable answer for the crossword clue.
“Xanadu” band, for short : ELO
The answer to "Xanadu" band, for short is "ELO" because ELO is an abbreviation for the Electric Light Orchestra, which is the band that performed the soundtrack for the movie "Xanadu."