Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 19 January 2024, Friday (01-19-24). 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.
Anti’s antithesis : PRO
The answer to "Anti's antithesis" is "PRO" because "anti" and "pro" are opposites. "Anti" represents being against something, while "pro" represents being in favor of something.
Antlered animals : ELKS
The answer to "Antlered animals" is "ELKS" because ELKS are known for having prominent antlers.
Bed material : MULCH
The answer "MULCH" is the right solution because it refers to a material that is commonly used to cover the soil in garden beds. Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.
Bladderball players, historically : ELIS
The answer "ELIS" is the right solution because "Bladderball" is a fictional sport created by the famous crossword constructor, Brendan Emmett Quigley. In his puzzles, "ELIS" is often used to refer to players from Yale University, whose sports teams are known as the Elis.
Break in? : STAYCATION
The answer "STAYCATION" is the right solution because it refers to taking a break or vacation while staying at home instead of traveling elsewhere. It is a play on words, suggesting a "break in" the sense of taking time off, but without physically leaving one's home.
Breakout group? : SECT Down 1 Words after a tirade
The answer to "Breakout group?" is "SECT" because a "breakout" can refer to a group that separates or breaks away from a larger organization or religious body, which is the definition of a "sect."
Brews : STEEPS
The word "brews" is a clue that suggests the process of making a hot beverage, typically by infusing ingredients in hot water. The answer "STEEPS" fits perfectly because it means to soak or immerse something in a liquid to extract flavor or create an infusion, which aligns with the brewing process.
Cat or cow, in yoga : POSE
The answer is "POSE" because in yoga, different body positions are called poses. Both the cat pose and the cow pose are common yoga positions.
Certain city guide : BUS MAP
The answer "BUS MAP" fits the clue "Certain city guide" because a bus map is a specific type of city guide that provides information on bus routes and stops within a city.
Certain credibility assessment : SMELL TEST
The term "smell test" is commonly used to describe a quick evaluation or assessment of something's credibility or authenticity. It refers to relying on one's intuition or common sense to determine if something seems believable or trustworthy. In the context of the crossword clue, "smell test" fits perfectly as the answer because it accurately captures the concept of assessing credibility.
Cheery greetings : HI-HOS
The answer "HI-HOS" is the right solution because it represents cheery greetings. "HI" is a common greeting, and "HOS" is a playful variation of "HO" which can also be used as an exclamation or greeting.
Christmas wreath material : BALSAM
The answer to "Christmas wreath material" is "BALSAM" because balsam is a type of evergreen tree that is commonly used to make wreaths during the Christmas season.
Cry that might accompany a forehead slap : DUH!
The answer "DUH!" is a common exclamation used to express obviousness or frustration. It is often uttered when someone realizes something that should have been obvious. In the context of the clue, a forehead slap is a physical gesture of frustration or disbelief, and the cry "DUH!" is a fitting response.
Displays of villainous delight : EVIL LAUGHS
The answer "EVIL LAUGHS" fits the clue "Displays of villainous delight" because evil laughs are often associated with villains in movies, books, and other forms of media. They are a common way for villains to express their wickedness and enjoyment of their nefarious actions.
Domain of the god Triton : SEA
The god Triton is associated with the sea in Greek mythology, making "SEA" the appropriate answer for the domain of Triton.
Fixed a short in, perhaps : REWIRED
The clue "Fixed a short in, perhaps" suggests that we are looking for a word that means repairing an electrical issue, specifically a short circuit. The word "REWIRED" fits this description perfectly, as it means to fix or replace the wiring in an electrical system. Therefore, "REWIRED" is the right solution.
Flash of inspiration : AHA MOMENT
The answer "AHA MOMENT" is the right solution because it perfectly captures the idea of a sudden realization or breakthrough, often accompanied by a feeling of excitement or understanding. The phrase "Aha!" is commonly used to express this moment of insight, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Fried side dish : TATER TOTS
The answer "TATER TOTS" is the right solution because they are a popular fried side dish made from grated or finely chopped potatoes.
Galactic scale? : LIBRA
The answer to "Galactic scale?" being "LIBRA" is a play on words. "Galactic" refers to the vastness of the galaxy, while "scale" can also mean a measuring device or the zodiac sign representing balance, which is Libra. Therefore, "LIBRA" fits the clue as a clever and appropriate answer.
God in the Marvel Universe : ARES
Good speller? : MAGE
Got hitched? : HIT A SNAG
The phrase "TIED THE KNOT" is a common idiom that means to get married. In this context, "Got hitched" is a colloquial way of saying the same thing. Therefore, "TIEDTHEKNOT" is the right answer.
Grand ___, town in Nova Scotia that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site : PRE
The answer "PRE" is the right solution because "Grand Pre" is a town in Nova Scotia that is indeed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hagen in the American Theater Hall of Fame : UTA
The answer "UTA" is the right solution because Uta Hagen, a renowned actress, is inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Hog calls : OINKS
The answer "OINKS" is the right solution because "oinks" are the sounds that hogs or pigs make.
Honda model : FIT
The answer to "Honda model" is "FIT" because the Honda Fit is a popular model of car produced by Honda.
Judgmental sounds : TSKS
The answer "TSKS" is the right solution for the clue "Judgmental sounds" because "TSKS" is an onomatopoeic representation of the disapproving or disapproving sound one might make when judging or expressing disapproval.
Kind of diet that might include an egg fast : KETO
The answer is "KETO" because the clue mentions a "kind of diet" and "KETO" refers to the ketogenic diet, which is a low-carb, high-fat diet that includes an egg fast as one of its variations.
Launchpad for many comics, in brief : SNL
The answer "SNL" stands for "Saturday Night Live," which is a long-running sketch comedy show on television. Many famous comedians and comic actors got their start on SNL, making it a launchpad for their careers.
Leaving a participle dangling in English class, say : NO-NO
The answer "NO-NO" is the right solution because in English class, leaving a participle dangling is considered a grammatical mistake known as a "no-no." It is a commonly known term used to describe something that is prohibited or frowned upon.
Like cheddar, but not brie : FIRM
The answer "FIRM" is the right solution because cheddar cheese is known for its firm texture, while brie cheese has a soft and creamy texture.
Limit : CAP
The word "limit" refers to a boundary or restriction. "Cap" is a concise and appropriate answer as it means to place a limit or cap on something.
Liniment, e.g. : BALM
The answer "BALM" is the right solution because liniment is a type of soothing ointment or lotion, and "BALM" is a common term used to describe such products.
Mom-and-pop shop : David
Mr. ___ : HYDE
The answer to "Mr. ___" is "HYDE" because it is a reference to the character Mr. Hyde from the famous novel "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Needing P.R. help, say : IN HOT WATER
The phrase "in hot water" is commonly used to describe someone who is in trouble or facing a difficult situation. In the context of needing P.R. help, it suggests that the person or organization is facing negative publicity or a public relations crisis. Therefore, "in hot water" is the right answer to the clue.
New York stadium eponym : ASHE
The answer "ASHE" is the right solution because Arthur Ashe was a professional tennis player and the main stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York is named after him.
Not be bothered by something : LET IT RIDE
The phrase "let it ride" means to not be bothered or concerned about something. It implies allowing a situation or issue to continue without interference or worry. Therefore, "let it ride" is the right solution for the clue "Not be bothered by something."
On the job : AT IT
The answer "AT IT" is the right solution for the clue "On the job" because it means actively engaged in doing something, which aligns with the idea of being at work or performing a task.
Prop for Willy Wonka : CANE
The answer to "Prop for Willy Wonka" is "CANE" because Willy Wonka is often depicted carrying a cane in the movie and book adaptations.
Psychotherapist’s concern, in brief : PTSD
The answer "PTSD" is the right solution because it stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is a common concern for psychotherapists.
Rev counter : TACH
The answer "TACH" is short for tachometer, which is a device used to measure the revolutions per minute (RPM) of an engine. Therefore, "Rev counter" is a common term for a tachometer, making "TACH" the correct answer.
Saturate : SOAK
The word "saturate" means to completely soak or drench something. The answer "SOAK" fits perfectly because it means to immerse or saturate something with liquid.
Some Deco pieces : ERTES
The answer "ERTES" is the right solution because Erté was a prominent Art Deco artist known for his elegant and stylized designs. Therefore, "Some Deco pieces" refers to the works of Erté.
Sorry : SAD
The answer "SAD" is the right solution because "Sorry" can be synonymous with feeling sad or expressing regret.
Subjects of the 2019 Pulitzer-winning novel “The Overstory” : TREES
The answer is "TREES" because "The Overstory" is a novel that focuses on the lives and stories of different trees, making them the subjects of the book.
Symbol on a score : SLUR
The answer "SLUR" is the right solution because a slur is a musical symbol used in sheet music to indicate that a group of notes should be played smoothly and connected without any gaps or breaks between them.
Takes home : NETS
The answer "NETS" is a play on words. "Takes home" can mean bringing something home, like a catch, which is often done with a net. Therefore, "NETS" is the right solution.
They’re equipped for treatments : SPAS
The answer "SPAS" fits the clue because spas are places where treatments, such as massages or facials, are typically offered.
They’re proven to be true : THEOREMS
The answer "THEOREMS" fits the clue because theorems are statements or principles that have been proven to be true in mathematics.
Time to drop the ball, in brief : NYE
The answer to "Time to drop the ball, in brief" is "NYE" because it is a commonly used abbreviation for New Year's Eve, which is the time when the ball drops in Times Square to mark the start of the new year.
Top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz : S-CLASS
The answer "S-CLASS" is the right solution because it refers to the top-of-the-line model range of Mercedes-Benz cars. It is known for its luxury, performance, and advanced features.
Umami enhancer : MSG
The answer to "Umami enhancer" is "MSG" because MSG, which stands for monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer commonly used in cooking to enhance the savory taste known as umami.
Vibrating part of some instruments : REED
The answer "REED" is the right solution because it is a thin strip of material that vibrates to produce sound in certain musical instruments like clarinets and saxophones.
What a star signs : MOVIE DEAL
The answer "MOVIE DEAL" is the right solution because star signs are often associated with the zodiac signs, which can be represented by famous celebrities or stars. A "MOVIE DEAL" refers to an agreement made between a star or celebrity and a film production company to make a movie, connecting the concept of stars with the entertainment industry.
What makes a drink alcoholic : ETHANOL
The answer to "What makes a drink alcoholic" is "ETHANOL" because ethanol is the main type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.
What U.P.S. routes tend to avoid : LEFTS
The answer "LEFTS" is the right solution because U.P.S. routes tend to avoid making left turns to save time and fuel. This is a common strategy used by delivery drivers to increase efficiency.
Word with heat or devil : … RAY
The word "RAY" can be associated with both "heat" and "devil." "Heat" can refer to a ray of sunlight or a heat ray, while "devil" can be linked to the concept of a devil ray, a type of fish. Therefore, the answer "RAY" fits the clue.
Words after a long day : HOME AT LAST!
The phrase "HOME AT LAST!" is the right solution because it accurately describes the feeling of relief and comfort after a long day. It implies that the person has finally reached their destination and can relax.
World capital since 1971 : DOHA
The answer to "World capital since 1971" is "DOHA" because Doha became the capital city of Qatar in 1971 when it gained independence from the United Kingdom.
“Follow ___ Fair Sun” (Thomas Campion poem) : THY
The answer is "THY" because it is a possessive pronoun that means "your" in archaic English. In the context of the Thomas Campion poem, "Follow ___ Fair Sun," the word "thy" is used to address someone and means "your."
“Ish” : KINDA SORTA
"ORSO" is the Italian word for "bear," and "ish" is a suffix that means "having the quality of." Therefore, "ORSO-ish" means "having the quality of a bear."
“Let’s do this!” : I’M IN!
"Let's do this!" is an expression of readiness or enthusiasm to begin something. "IMREADY" is a contraction of "I am ready," which directly corresponds to the clue.
“Not ready!” : HOLD ON A SEC!
The answer "HOLD ON A SEC!" fits the clue "Not ready!" because it conveys the idea of asking someone to wait for a moment before proceeding.
“OMG, stop!” : TMI!
The answer "TMI!" is the right solution because it stands for "Too Much Information," which is a common phrase used to ask someone to stop sharing excessive or inappropriate details.
“Open wide” : SAY “AH”
The clue "Open wide" is a hint to look for a word that means to open your mouth wide. "Gape" means to stare with an open mouth, which fits the clue.
“Pronto!” : STAT!
"Pronto" is an Italian word that means "quickly" or "at once." "ASAP" is an acronym that stands for "as soon as possible," which is a common English equivalent to "pronto." Therefore, "ASAP" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Pronto."
“Ready!” : I’M SET!
The phrase "I'm all set!" is a common expression used to indicate that someone is ready or prepared for something. It fits perfectly with the clue "Ready!" as it conveys the sense of being fully prepared.
“Well, well, well!” : LOOKIE HERE!
"Oho" is an exclamation used to express surprise or realization. The phrase "Well, well, well!" is often used in the same way, making "OHO" a fitting answer.
“Yeah, yeah, I get it” : OK, OK
The answer "OK, OK" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to indicate understanding or agreement.
“Yipes!” : ACK!
The answer "ACK!" is a common exclamation used to express surprise or alarm, which matches the clue "Yipes!" perfectly.