Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 17 January 2025, Friday (01-17-25). 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.
2011 hit by Jay-Z and Kanye West that samples a 1966 soul performance : OTIS
The answer "OTIS" fits because the song "Otis" by Jay-Z and Kanye West, released in 2011, samples a 1966 soul performance by Otis Redding.
Actress Melissa Joan ___ : HART
Known for her role in the TV show "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," the actress Melissa Joan Hart's last name is "Hart."
Adverb much used by Goldilocks : TOO
"TOO" is the right answer because Goldilocks famously found things to be either too hot, too cold, or too just right in the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Affixes, in a way : PINS
The word "PINS" can be a play on words for "affixes" as it can mean to attach or fasten something to another object, similar to how affixes are added to words.
Alarm sound option on a smartphone : BEEPING
The answer "BEEPING" fits the clue because it describes the sound made by an alarm on a smartphone, which is often a series of beeps.
Bead : DROPLET
Big name in paint : BEHR
BEHR is a well-known brand that produces paint, making it a big name in the paint industry.
Big whoop : YELL
"Big whoop?" is a sarcastic expression meaning "Oh, great!" or "Not very impressive." "Ole!" is an interjection used to express approval or excitement, making it a fitting response to the sarcastic tone of the clue.
Bit of a subway station wall : TILE
The answer "TILE" fits the clue because subway station walls are often covered in tiles for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Blooms for van Gogh : IRISES
The answer "IRISES" fits the clue "Blooms for van Gogh" because Vincent van Gogh famously painted a series of still-life paintings featuring irises.
Blubber : SOB
"Blubber" is a slang term for crying, and "SOB" is an abbreviation for "son of a bitch," which can be used to describe someone who is crying uncontrollably or to express frustration with someone who is crying. Therefore, "SOB" is a fitting answer for "Blubber" in a crossword puzzle.
Borg who co-founded the Institute for Women in Technology : ANITA
ANITA is the right answer because Anita Borg was a computer scientist who co-founded the Institute for Women in Technology, making her the most likely answer for this clue.
Budget alternative : ALAMO
The answer "ALAMO" is the right solution because Alamo is a car rental company that offers budget-friendly alternatives for renting vehicles.
Buff marsh resident : EGRET
The answer "EGRET" fits the clue "Buff marsh resident" because an egret is a type of bird commonly found in marshes, and "buff" can refer to a yellowish-brown color, which matches the color of some egret species.
Company behind Sonic the Hedgehog : SEGA
SEGA is the company that developed and published the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Cubby hole? : DEN
The term "cubby hole" is often used to refer to a small, cozy space like a den where one can retreat or relax. Therefore, "DEN" is the right answer as it fits the definition of a small, comfortable space.
Exchange letters : IPO
The answer "IPO" stands for Initial Public Offering, which involves exchanging letters in the word "public" for the letters "IPO."
Fantasy creature : OGRE
"OGRE" is a fantasy creature commonly depicted as a large, ugly, and cruel humanoid monster in folklore and fairy tales. It fits the clue "Fantasy creature" perfectly.
Father of Phobos and Deimos : ARES
"ARES" is the right answer because in Greek mythology, Ares is the god of war and the father of Phobos (meaning fear) and Deimos (meaning terror), who are also personifications of fear and terror.
Features of some monks and punks : SHAVED HEADS
The answer "SHAVED HEADS" fits the clue because both monks and punks are known for sporting this distinctive feature where they have no hair on their heads.
First capital of Alaska : SITKA
Sitka was the first capital of Alaska from 1867 to 1906 before it was moved to Juneau.
First Pixar film with a female protagonist : BRAVE
The answer is "BRAVE" because it is the first Pixar film to feature a female protagonist, Princess Merida.
Floor : STUN
"Floor" is a verb that means to surprise or amaze someone. "AMAZE" is a synonym of "surprise" or "astound," making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Fulminate : RAIL
"Rail" can mean to criticize or protest strongly, which is similar in meaning to "fulminate."
Hint : NOTE
The answer to "Hint" is "CLUE" because a clue is a piece of information that helps solve a puzzle or mystery, and in the context of a crossword, it serves as a hint to find the correct word.
Hoot : RIOT
The word "hoot" can be a synonym for "uproar" or "commotion," which can also be described as a "riot."
Horizontal line, in Chinese writing : ONE
The answer "ONE" is the right solution because in Chinese writing, a horizontal line represents the number one.
Industrial Revolution and others : ERAS
The answer "ERAS" fits because the Industrial Revolution is a specific time period or era in history, and the clue is asking for similar time periods or eras.
Introductory course : SALAD
The answer "SALAD" is the right solution for the clue "Introductory course?" because in a meal, a salad is often served as the first course or as an introductory dish.
It shows the lay of the land : ATLAS
The answer "ATLAS" is the right solution because an atlas is a collection of maps that show the lay of the land.
It’s a must : NEED
The answer to "Channel for vintage film buffs" is TCM. TCM stands for Turner Classic Movies, which is a television channel that airs classic and vintage films.
Jörmungandr, in Norse mythology : SEA MONSTER
"Jörmungandr" is a sea serpent or sea monster in Norse mythology, also known as the Midgard Serpent. Therefore, the answer "SEA MONSTER" accurately describes this mythical creature.
Kenneth who wrote “The Wind in the Willows” : GRAHAME
Kenneth Grahame is the author of the classic children's book "The Wind in the Willows," making "GRAHAME" the correct answer to the clue.
Louver : SLAT
The answer "SLAT" fits because louvers are made up of horizontal or vertical slats that can be adjusted to control airflow and light.
Midrange performer : ALTO
"ALTO" is the right solution because in music, an "alto" is a midrange vocal or instrumental performer, typically referring to a voice or instrument with a range lower than a soprano but higher than a tenor.
Milling byproduct : BRAN
BRAN is a byproduct of milling wheat or other grains. It is the outer layer of the grain that is removed during the milling process.
Narrow passage : Abbr.
unknown
One method of payment : DIRECT DEPOSIT
"DIRECT DEPOSIT" is a method of payment where money is electronically transferred directly into a recipient's bank account. It is a common and convenient way for employers to pay their employees or for individuals to receive payments without the need for physical checks or cash.
Pickle : SCRAPE
Ping maker : SONAR Down 1 Work (out)
The answer "SONAR" is the right solution because SONAR is a device used to detect objects underwater by sending out sound waves and listening for the echoes. This is similar to how a ping is used to detect the location of an object.
Playwright/screenwriter Douglas Carter ___ : BEANE
The answer is "BEANE" because Douglas Carter Beane is a well-known playwright and screenwriter in the entertainment industry.
Point on a bus route : STOP
The answer "STOP" fits the clue "Point on a bus route" because buses make stops at designated locations along their route to pick up and drop off passengers.
Positions of governance : BOARD SEATS
"BOARD SEATS" refers to the positions on a board of directors, which is a group of individuals chosen to oversee the activities of a company or organization. These positions hold decision-making power and are responsible for governance.
Provide crooked support for : ABET
The word "abet" means to assist or support, often in a dishonest or illegal way. In this case, "crooked support" implies support that is not straightforward or honest, which fits the definition of "abet."
Quarter back? : EAGLE
The answer "EAGLE" is the right solution because a "quarter back" can refer to a coin, specifically a quarter, and an "eagle" is a type of bird that appears on the back of a US quarter coin.
Ready to fight : ARM
The word "arm" can mean to equip or prepare oneself for battle, hence being "ready to fight."
Relative minor? : GRANDCHILD
The answer "GRANDCHILD" fits the clue "Relative minor?" because a grandchild is a relative who is younger or minor in age compared to their grandparent.
Sauce made of seeds : TAHINI
"Tahini" is a sauce made of ground sesame seeds, making it a fitting answer for the clue "sauce made of seeds."
Saucer contents, in brief : ETS
The answer "ETS" stands for "Extra-Terrestrial" which are often associated with flying saucers, making it a fitting abbreviation for "Saucer contents" in a playful way.
Schlep : TOTE
The word "LUG" is a suitable answer to the clue "Schlep" because it means to carry or haul something with effort, which is exactly what "schlep" implies.
Shakespearean counterpart to Logan on “Succession” : LEAR
The answer "LEAR" is correct because King Lear is a Shakespearean character who is the counterpart to Logan Roy on the TV show "Succession." Both characters are powerful and complex patriarchs dealing with family drama and power struggles.
Shattering results : SHARDS
The word "shattering" suggests something breaking into pieces, which are commonly referred to as "shards."
Smooth kind of finish : SATIN
"Satin" is a type of finish that is smooth and has a soft sheen, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Smooth kind of finish."
So-so at best : NO GREAT SHAKES
The phrase "no great shakes" is an informal expression meaning nothing special or not particularly impressive, which fits the clue "So-so at best."
Some printer purchases, for short : HPS
The answer "HPS" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for Hewlett-Packard printers, often referred to as HP printers.
Speedy shark : MAKO
The answer "MAKO" fits the clue "Speedy shark" because the Mako shark is known for its exceptional speed, being one of the fastest species of shark in the ocean.
Split things, sometimes : ENDS
The answer "ENDS" fits because when things are split, they are divided into two separate parts, each of which can be considered an "end."
Unfortunate twists : SPRAINS
"Unfortunate twists" is a clue that hints at an injury that occurs when a joint is suddenly bent or twisted out of its normal range of motion, which is commonly known as a "sprain."
Unprincipled : AMORAL
"AMORAL" means lacking moral principles, which is synonymous with unprincipled.
Venue for the sale of the town of Buford, Wyo., in 2012 (price : $900,000)
The answer is "$900,000" because that was the price at which the town of Buford, Wyo., was sold in 2012.
Very : NOT A LITTLE
The answer "Fr." is an abbreviation for the French word "très," which means "very" in English.
Way of looking at things : SLANT
"SLANT" is the right solution because it refers to a particular perspective or bias when looking at things. It can suggest a particular point of view or angle in interpreting information.
What you might get after being taken for a ride : UBER RATING
The answer "UBER RATING" fits the clue because when you take an Uber ride, you are often asked to rate the driver afterward based on your experience.
Worst possible circumstances, with “the” : … PITS
The phrase "the pits" is an informal expression meaning the worst possible circumstances or situation.
___ bar : TIKI
The clue "___ bar" is hinting at a type of themed bar often decorated with Polynesian elements, which is commonly known as a TIKI bar.
___ option : CALL
The term "call option" is a type of financial contract that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy an asset at a specified price within a specific time period. So, the answer to "___ option" is "CALL" because it fits the clue and is a commonly used term in finance.
___ Tokarczuk, winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature : OLGA
Olga Tokarczuk is the correct answer because she is the Polish author who won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature.
“How gorgeous!” : OOH!
The answer "OOH!" is commonly used to express admiration or excitement, making it a fitting response to the exclamation "How gorgeous!"
“More!” : ENCORE!
The word "ENCORE" is commonly used to request for more of a performance, like an additional song at a concert.
“Take your time!” : IT’S NOT A RACE!
The answer "NO RUSH!" is the right solution because it is a phrase commonly used to tell someone to take their time and not hurry.
“That’ll do” : GOOD ENOUGH
The phrase "That'll do" is often used to indicate something is satisfactory or good enough, which is synonymous with the answer "GOOD ENOUGH."