Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 17 January 2024, Wednesday (01-17-24). 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.
1 : 30 or 2
The answer to "#1" is "SLOW" because it means the opposite of fast or quick. It fits the clue and is a common word often used in crossword puzzles.
Accelerated path of advancement : FAST …
The answer to "Accelerated path of advancement" is "FAST TRACK" because it refers to a way of progressing quickly or efficiently in a particular field or endeavor. The term "fast track" implies a speedy and streamlined route to success or promotion.
Adolescence, for one : PHASE
The word "phase" is the right answer because adolescence is a specific stage or phase in a person's life.
Ballot with votes for multiple parties : SPLIT …
The answer "SPLIT" fits the clue because it suggests that the ballot contains votes for multiple parties, indicating a division or splitting of votes among different political options.
Bellybutton type, informally : INNIE
The term "INNIE" is a colloquial and informal way to refer to a bellybutton that is concave or indented. It is the opposite of an "OUTIE" which is a bellybutton that protrudes outward.
Bend the truth, say : TELL A FIB
The phrase "bend the truth" is a common expression meaning to not tell the whole truth. "Tell a fib" is a colloquial phrase that means to tell a small lie. Both phrases convey the same idea of not being entirely truthful, making "TELL A FIB" the right answer.
Biblical twin : ESAU
The answer to "Biblical twin" is "ESAU" because Esau was the twin brother of Jacob in the Bible.
Big bundle : BALE
The answer to "Big bundle" is "BALE" because a bale is a large package or bundle of goods, typically made of compressed material such as hay, cotton, or paper.
Big slice : SLAB
The answer "SLAB" is the right solution because it refers to a big slice or portion of something, such as a slab of meat or a slab of concrete.
Bit of cowhand’s gear : LARIAT
The answer "LARIAT" fits the clue "Bit of cowhand's gear" because a lariat is a type of rope commonly used by cowhands for roping and capturing cattle.
Bit of traditional Polynesian attire : GRASS …
The answer to "Bit of traditional Polynesian attire" is "GRASS SKIRT". In Polynesian culture, grass skirts are commonly worn as traditional attire. They are made from long blades of grass or leaves, and are often associated with hula dancing.
Cherish : HOLD …
The word "adore" means to love and respect someone or something deeply. This fits the definition of "cherish," which means to hold something dear or to feel affection for something.
Crash, with “out” : CONK …
The answer "CONK" fits the clue because "crash" can mean to fall asleep suddenly and "out" indicates being unconscious. When someone "conks out," it means they suddenly fall asleep or become unconscious.
Downward dog in yoga, e.g. : ASANA
The answer "ASANA" is the right solution because it is a Sanskrit term commonly used in yoga to refer to different poses or postures. "Downward dog" is a specific yoga pose, and "ASANA" is a general term that encompasses various yoga poses.
Drop : OMIT
The word "omit" means to leave out or exclude something, which can be seen as dropping it from a list or a sentence. Therefore, "omit" is the correct answer for the clue "drop".
Eroded, with “away” : ATE …
The word "ate" is the past tense of the verb "eat." When something is eroded, it means it has been gradually worn away or consumed, which aligns with the clue "eroded, with 'away'." Therefore, the answer "ate" fits the clue.
Expensive bar : INGOT
The answer "INGOT" fits the clue "Expensive bar" because an ingot is a solid block of precious metal, such as gold or silver, which can be quite valuable.
Female friend, in French : AMIE
The answer "AMIE" is the right solution because it is the French word for "female friend".
Game that everyone but one person barely loses? : STRIP …
The answer is "STRIP POKER." In this game, players gradually remove their clothing as they lose, with only one person ultimately remaining fully dressed.
Hatchback alternative : SEDAN
The answer "SEDAN" is the right solution because a sedan is a type of car that is an alternative to a hatchback. Both hatchbacks and sedans are common types of passenger cars, but they have different body styles. A hatchback has a rear door that opens upward and includes the rear window, while a sedan has a separate trunk compartment and a traditional rear door.
Inquire about the health of : ASK AFTER
The answer "ASK AFTER" is the right solution because it means to inquire or check on someone's health or well-being.
Kick back : LOAF
The answer to "Kick back" is "RELAX" because when we kick back, we often relax and take it easy.
Kilmer of Batman fame : VAL
The answer to "Kilmer of Batman fame" is "VAL" because Val Kilmer is an actor who played the role of Batman in the film "Batman Forever."
Kind of bean in succotash : LIMA
The answer "LIMA" is the right solution because Lima beans are commonly used in succotash, a dish made with corn and other vegetables.
Kind of terrier : IRISH
The answer to "Kind of terrier" is "SKYE" because Skye Terrier is a specific breed of terrier that originated from the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
Last Julio-Claudian emperor : NERO
The last Julio-Claudian emperor refers to the final ruler from the dynasty that included Julius Caesar and his successors. Nero was the last emperor from this lineage, making him the correct answer.
Many North Africans : SAHARANS
The answer "SAHARANS" is the right solution because the Sahara Desert is located in North Africa. Therefore, the term "SAHARANS" refers to the people who live in or are native to the Sahara region.
Mixed drink mixer : SODA
The answer "SODA" is the right solution because it is a common mixer used in mixed drinks. It adds fizz and can be combined with various alcoholic beverages to create refreshing cocktails.
Mother in the Hundred Acre Wood : KANGA
The answer to "Mother in the Hundred Acre Wood" is "KANGA" because Kanga is a character in the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, who is a mother to Roo.
Musical passages with smooth, connected notes : LEGATOS
The answer "LEGATOS" is the right solution because legatos are musical passages where the notes are played smoothly and connected to each other.
Nothin’ : NADA
The answer "NADA" is the right solution because it is a slang term for "nothing" in Spanish.
Novelist Wharton : EDITH
The novelist referred to in the clue is Edith Wharton. Therefore, the answer to the clue is "EDITH".
One with an eye on the future? : SEER Down 1 Low states
The answer "SEER" fits the clue "One with an eye on the future?" because a seer is someone who is believed to have the ability to see into the future or predict future events.
Orcinus ___ (marine species) : ORCA
The answer to "Orcinus ___ (marine species)" is "ORCA" because Orcinus is the genus name for the species commonly known as the killer whale, which is also referred to as the orca.
Org. that may be involved in field trip planning : PTA
The answer "PTA" is the right solution because the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is an organization commonly involved in planning field trips for schools.
Potter’s area of expertise : MAGIC
The answer "MAGIC" is the right solution because a Potter's area of expertise is often associated with the use of magic, as depicted in the famous Harry Potter series.
Pre-nursing homes? : UTERI
The answer to "Pre-nursing homes?" is "UTERI" because it is a play on words. "Pre-" suggests something that comes before, and "nursing homes" refers to places where elderly people live. In this case, "UTERI" refers to the plural form of "uterus," which is a reproductive organ found in females. So, "pre-nursing homes" is a clever way of hinting at the organs that come before the birth of humans.
Prefix with thesis : ANTI-
The answer to "Prefix with thesis" is "ANTI-" because the prefix "anti-" means against or opposing. In this context, it suggests something that is against or opposing a thesis.
Product once advertised with the slogan “Everything you love about coffee without everything you don’t” : SANKA
The answer is "SANKA" because Sanka was a brand of coffee that was advertised with the slogan "Everything you love about coffee without everything you don't."
Promotion for a new credit account, maybe : TEASER …
The answer "TEASER" fits the clue because a promotion for a new credit account is often referred to as a teaser. It is a short-term offer designed to entice potential customers to open a new credit account.
Question often preceded by “But …” : … IS IT ART?
The answer "... IS IT ART?" is the right solution because the clue is asking for a question that is often preceded by "But." This answer fits perfectly as it is a common question people ask when questioning the artistic value or merit of something.
Really ticked off : IRATE
The word "IRATE" means extremely angry or really ticked off. It is a suitable answer because it directly relates to the clue and matches the given number of letters.
Section of Chipotle’s menu : TACOS
The answer to "Section of Chipotle's menu" is "TACOS" because tacos are a popular and distinct section of Chipotle's menu, offering a variety of fillings and toppings.
Shade of green : LIME
The answer to "Shade of green" is "LIME" because lime is a vibrant, light green color commonly associated with the fruit of the same name.
Sierra Nevada, e.g. : ALE
The answer to "Sierra Nevada, e.g." is "ALE" because Sierra Nevada is a popular brand of craft beer, and ALE is a type of beer.
Silently acknowledge : NOD AT
"NOD AT" is the right solution because when we silently acknowledge something, we often nod our head slightly as a sign of agreement or understanding.
Smirnoff competitor, familiarly : STOLI
The answer "STOLI" is short for Stolichnaya, which is a brand of vodka that competes with Smirnoff.
Special talents : KNACKS
The answer "KNACKS" is the right solution because "knacks" refers to specific skills or abilities that someone possesses. It fits the clue "Special talents" as it implies a unique set of abilities or expertise.
Stayed in shape : KEPT FIT
The answer "KEPT FIT" is the right solution because it means to maintain physical fitness or stay in good shape. It fits the clue "Stayed in shape" perfectly.
Stimulating drug, informally : PEP …
The answer to "Stimulating drug, informally" is "PEP". This is because "PEP" is a common informal term used to refer to a stimulating drug called "pep pill" or "pepper-upper". It is a short and simple term that fits the clue perfectly.
Subject of a hairy hoax : YETI
The answer "YETI" is the right solution because the Yeti is a mythical creature often associated with a hoax involving sightings of a hairy, ape-like creature in the Himalayas.
Toolbar heading : EDIT
The answer to "Toolbar heading" is "EDIT" because "EDIT" is a common heading found on toolbars in various software applications. It typically represents the functionality to edit or modify the content.
Toon with yellow fur : ODIE
The answer "ODIE" is the right solution because Odie is a cartoon character known for having yellow fur.
Top-notch : A-ONE
The term "aces" is often used to describe something as excellent or outstanding, making it a fitting synonym for "top-notch."
Totals : SUMS
The word "totals" in the clue suggests that we are looking for a word related to adding up numbers. "SUMS" is the right answer because it is a noun that means the result of adding two or more numbers together.
Two-seater, perhaps : SOFA
The answer "SOFA" is the right solution because a two-seater is a type of furniture that can comfortably seat two people, and a sofa is a common example of a two-seater.
U.K. network moniker, with “the” : … BEEB
The answer to "U.K. network moniker, with 'the'" is "BEEB" because it is a commonly used nickname for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in the United Kingdom.
Ultra-rapid transit options : BULLET …
The answer to "Ultra-rapid transit options" is "BULLET TRAINS". Bullet trains are known for their high speed and efficiency, making them a suitable choice for ultra-rapid transit.
What an office computer whiz might provide, for short : IT HELP
The answer "IT HELP" is the right solution because it refers to the support or assistance that an office computer whiz, also known as an IT (Information Technology) expert, would provide. They are skilled in troubleshooting and resolving computer-related issues, making "IT HELP" an appropriate answer for the given clue.
What you might do on the side of caution : ERR
The answer "ERR" fits the clue "What you might do on the side of caution" because when you err, you make a mistake or deviate from the correct path. It implies being cautious by taking a careful approach to avoid errors.
When doubled, “You get the idea” : ETC
The answer to "When doubled, 'You get the idea'" is "ETC" because "etc" is commonly used to indicate that there are more examples or possibilities that could be mentioned, implying that the reader or listener should understand the general concept without needing to provide all the details.
You might play something by this : EAR
The answer "EAR" fits the clue "You might play something by this" because when you say or play music, you often use your ears to hear the sounds.
___ Island : RHODE
The answer to "___ Island" is "RHODE" because it refers to the state of Rhode Island, which is the smallest state in the United States.
___ manual : USER
The answer to "___ manual" is "USER" because a user manual is a document or guide that provides instructions or information on how to use a particular product or system. The word "USER" accurately represents the person who would be referring to the manual for guidance.
___ Xtra (soft drink) : PIBB
The answer to "___ Xtra (soft drink)" is "PIBB" because PIBB is a soft drink brand that offers a variety called "Xtra."
– : … TRACK
In crossword puzzles, "/" is often used to indicate division or separation. The word "per" is commonly used to signify "for each" or "by the means of," which fits the context of the clue. Therefore, "PER" is the right solution for the clue represented by "/".
“Copy me” : DO AS I DO
The answer "DO AS I DO" is the right solution because it directly translates the clue "Copy me" into a phrase that means exactly the same thing. It conveys the idea of imitating someone's actions or behavior.
“I am free of all prejudices. I ___ everyone equally” : W. C. Fields
“Interesting idea, but … huh-uh” : YEAH … NO
The answer "YEAH ... NO" is the right solution because it is a colloquial expression that means expressing agreement and disagreement at the same time. It conveys the idea of finding an idea interesting, but ultimately rejecting it.
“OK, that’s it for me!” : I GIVE!
The phrase "I GIVE!" is commonly used to indicate surrender or quitting. In the context of the clue "OK, that's it for me!", it implies that the person is finished or done with whatever they were doing. Therefore, "I GIVE!" is the right answer.