Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 20 January 2024, Saturday (01-20-24). 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.
Actress Blanchett : CATE
The answer to "Actress Blanchett" is "CATE" because Cate Blanchett is an Australian actress known for her roles in films such as "Blue Jasmine" and "Elizabeth".
Any member of the order Chiroptera : BAT
The answer to "Any member of the order Chiroptera" is "BAT" because bats are the only mammals that belong to the order Chiroptera. They are known for their ability to fly and are characterized by their leathery wings.
Bad drawing? : SHORT STRAW
The phrase "drawing the short straw" is a common idiom that means being chosen or assigned an undesirable outcome or task. In this case, the clue "Bad drawing?" is a play on words, suggesting that the answer is related to a drawing but also has a negative connotation. "Short straw" fits perfectly as it combines both meanings, indicating an unfortunate or unfavorable drawing.
Be steamed : SEETHE
The answer "SEETHE" is the right solution because when you are steamed, you are angry or very upset, which can be described as "seething" with anger.
Beverage with an oxymoronic name : FIREWATER
The term "firewater" is an oxymoron because "fire" represents something hot or burning, while "water" is typically associated with something cool or refreshing. Therefore, "firewater" is the perfect answer for a beverage with an oxymoronic name.
Bowed : BENT
The word "bowed" is a synonym for "curved" or "arched." The word "bent" also means curved or not straight, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Brewery stock : ALES
The answer to "Brewery stock" being "ALES" is because ales are a type of beer that is commonly brewed in breweries.
Buckwheat noodle : SOBA
Soba is a type of thin Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. Therefore, "Buckwheat noodle" is a fitting clue for the answer "SOBA".
Colors outside the lines? : SMEARS
The clue "Colors outside the lines?" is a play on words. "Colors" refers to the act of coloring, while "outside the lines" suggests going beyond the boundaries or rules. The word that fits this description is "SMEARS," as smearing ink or paint often results in coloring outside the intended lines.
Cousins of sirens : NEWTS
The answer "NEWTS" is the right solution because newts are amphibians that are closely related to sirens, which are also amphibians. They are both part of the same family, making them cousins in the animal kingdom.
Dead-tree edition : PRINT ISSUE
The answer "PRINT ISSUE" is the right solution because it refers to a physical version of a publication, typically made of paper, which is commonly known as the "dead-tree edition."
Exams for some science majors : MCATS
The answer to "Exams for some science majors" is "MCATS" because MCATs (Medical College Admission Tests) are specifically taken by students pursuing majors in science, particularly those interested in medical school.
Gardener’s item that breaks down a lot : COMPOST BIN
The answer "COMPOST BIN" is the right solution because a compost bin is a gardener's item that is used to break down organic materials into compost.
Got ready : RIPENED
The answer "RIPENED" is the right solution for "Got ready" because when something ripens, it becomes ready for use or consumption.
Greek who originated the expression “Leave no stone unturned” : EURIPIDES
EURIPIDES is the right solution because he was a famous Greek playwright who first used the expression "Leave no stone unturned" in one of his plays.
Initialism for a pleasant tingling on the scalp or back of the neck : ASMR
The answer is "ASMR" because it stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which refers to a pleasant tingling sensation that some people experience on their scalp or back of the neck in response to certain stimuli.
Is made up : CONSISTS
The word "consists" means "is made up" or "composed of". It is the right solution because it fits the clue and accurately describes something being made up of different elements.
It’s not often seen on a diamond : NO-HITTER
The answer "NO-HITTER" is the right solution because a "no-hitter" is a term used in baseball when a pitcher prevents the opposing team from getting any hits during the entire game. This is not a common occurrence in baseball, making it something that is not often seen on a diamond.
It’s on the house : EAVE
The answer to "It's on the house" is "EAVE" because an eave is the part of a roof that overhangs the walls of a building, providing shelter and protection. In this context, "on the house" means something that is provided for free or without charge, just like the eave provides shelter without cost.
Jazz trumpeter Woody : SHAW
The answer to "Jazz trumpeter Woody" is "SHAW" because Woody Shaw was a renowned jazz trumpeter known for his innovative and influential style.
Lacking bells and whistles : BARE-BONES
The term "bare-bones" is commonly used to describe something that is basic and stripped down, without any additional features or embellishments. In this context, "lacking bells and whistles" is a clue that suggests the answer should be something simple and minimalistic, making "BARE-BONES" the correct solution.
Legendary creature : YETI
The answer "YETI" is the right solution because it refers to a legendary creature often described as an ape-like being inhabiting the Himalayan region.
Like some hair : FINE
The answer "FINE" is the right solution because it describes hair that is smooth, silky, and in good condition. It is a common term used to describe hair quality.
Like the hair of 1-2% of the world’s population : RED
The answer is "RED" because only about 1-2% of the world's population has naturally red hair.
Like the smell of burned rubber : ACRID
The word "acrid" is the right solution because it means having an unpleasantly strong and bitter smell, which accurately describes the smell of burned rubber.
Line along the Embarcadero, in brief : BART
The answer to the clue "Line along the Embarcadero, in brief" is "BART" because BART stands for Bay Area Rapid Transit, which is a public transportation system that operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, including a line that runs along the Embarcadero.
Mélange : HASH
The answer to "Mélange" is "STEW" because a stew is a dish that typically contains a variety of ingredients mixed together, just like a mélange.
Montana neighbor : Abbr.
The answer to "Montana neighbor" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for abbreviation. In this case, it is referring to the abbreviation for the state that neighbors Montana, which is "Idaho."
More golden, say : PURER
The answer "PURER" is the right solution because it means more pure, which can be interpreted as being more golden.
Nautical direction : AVAST
The answer "AVAST" is the right solution because it is a nautical command that means "stop" or "hold fast." It is often used to bring a ship to a halt or to get someone's attention on a boat.
Nonkosher Wendy’s offering : BACONATOR
The answer "BACONATOR" is the right solution because it is a non-kosher offering from Wendy's. The clue specifically mentions "nonkosher," and the Baconator is a popular burger from Wendy's that prominently features bacon.
Not now! : THEN!
The answer to "Not now!" is "THEN!" because it implies that the action or request should be done or considered at a later time. It is a common phrase used to express a delay or postponement.
Number of Reyes Magos, in Spanish tradition : TRES
The answer "TRES" is the right solution because in Spanish tradition, there are traditionally three Reyes Magos, also known as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings.
One might be cleansed with a strip : PORE
The answer to "One might be cleansed with a strip" is "PORE" because a pore is a small opening in the skin that can be cleansed with a strip, such as a pore strip.
Onetime source of toothbrush bristles : BOAR
The answer "BOAR" is the right solution because boar bristles were once commonly used as a material for toothbrushes.
Paul who was People’s 2021 Sexiest Man Alive : RUDD
The answer is "RUDD" because Paul Rudd was named People's 2021 Sexiest Man Alive.
Photo finish? : -OPS
The answer "-OPS" is the right solution to the clue "Photo finish?" because it is a play on words. "-OPS" sounds like "photos," referring to photographs, and "finish" suggests the end of something, which is represented by the suffix "-OPS" in words like "endops" or "stopops."
Plans a getaway for, perhaps : ABETS
The word "abets" means to assist or support someone in doing something, often something wrong or illegal. In the context of the clue, "Plans a getaway for, perhaps," it suggests that someone is helping or assisting in organizing a getaway, which aligns with the meaning of "abets."
Plant-based protein brand : INCOGMEATO
The answer "INCOGMEATO" is the right solution because it is a plant-based protein brand that offers meat alternatives.
Points the finger at : IDS
The answer "IDS" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "identifies" or "identification." It indicates pointing the finger at someone or something.
Put your hands together, perhaps : PRAY
The answer "PRAY" is the right solution because when people pray, they often put their hands together in a gesture of reverence or supplication.
Rap pioneers, slangily : OGS
The term "OGs" is slang for "original gangsters," which is used to refer to individuals who are considered pioneers or founding members of a certain group or movement. In the context of rap music, "OGs" refers to the early influential artists who established the genre.
Readily available : ON TAP
The answer "ON TAP" is the right solution because it means something that is readily available or easily accessible, just like how a drink is available on tap in a bar or pub.
Saturate : SOP
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.
See what’s in store? : SHOP
The answer "SHOP" is the right solution because when we say "see what's in store," it is a play on words. In this context, "store" refers to a retail establishment or a shop. So, the clue is hinting at the word "shop" itself.
Served as a wingman : AIDED
The word "wingman" refers to someone who supports or assists another person, typically in a social or dating context. The word "aided" means to provide help or support. Therefore, "aided" is the right answer as it means serving as a wingman by offering assistance or support.
Signature items : PENS
The answer to "Signature items" is "PENS" because a signature is often written using a pen.
Something that may be hard to drink? : CIDER
The answer "CIDER" is the right solution because cider can sometimes be hard to drink due to its acidity or strong flavor.
Stentorian : LOUD
The word "stentorian" is often used to describe a loud and powerful voice. Therefore, the answer "LOUD" is the right solution as it directly relates to the meaning of "stentorian."
Subject for a museum curator : ART HISTORY
The answer "ART HISTORY" is the right solution because museum curators are responsible for managing and displaying artworks from different periods and artists. Therefore, their subject of expertise would likely be "ART HISTORY."
Sweet ___ : PEA
The answer to "Sweet ___" is "PEA" because "pea" is a sweet vegetable that can be enjoyed as a snack or used in various dishes.
Things that were once commonly stored in towers : CDS
The answer "CDS" is the right solution because in the past, CDs were commonly stored in towers called CD racks or CD storage towers.
Top : ACME
The word "top" is often used to refer to the best or highest quality. Therefore, "BEST" is the right answer as it means the highest or most excellent.
Tried to take a seat? : RAN
The answer "RAN" works because it suggests that the person attempted to take a seat quickly or hastily, as they ran towards it.
View with disdain : HATE-WATCH
The answer "HATE-WATCH" is the right solution because it refers to the act of watching a television show or movie that one dislikes or finds distasteful, purely for the purpose of criticizing or mocking it. It captures the idea of viewing something with disdain.
Visibly emotional : TEARY
The word "teary" is the right solution because it means being visibly emotional or having tears in one's eyes.
Yearning : ITCH
The word "yearning" means a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. "Desire" is a synonym of yearning and means a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. Therefore, "desire" is the right solution for the clue "yearning".
___ bag : TOTE
The answer "TOTE" is the right solution because a "tote bag" is a type of bag that is usually made of cloth and has two handles.
___ Marathon (annual mountain bike race that’s said to be “a volcanic challenge”) : ETNA
The answer is "ETNA" because Mount Etna is a famous volcano in Italy, and the clue mentions a mountain bike race that is described as a "volcanic challenge."
“America’s Got Talent” precursor : STAR SEARCH
"STAR SEARCH" is the right solution because it was a popular talent show that aired before "America's Got Talent" and served as a precursor to the show.
“Frankly …” : TO BE HONEST …
The phrase "Frankly ..." is often used to introduce an honest or candid statement. Similarly, the phrase "To be honest ..." is a common way to preface an honest response. Therefore, "To be honest ..." is an appropriate and fitting answer to the crossword clue.
“Good goin’!” : ATTA WAY!
The phrase "ATTA WAY!" is a casual and colloquial way of saying "Good going!" or expressing approval. It is often used to cheer someone on or congratulate them for a job well done. Therefore, "ATTA WAY!" is the right solution for the clue "Good goin'!"
“Goooooooooool!,” e.g. : CRY
“I ___!” (shout of exultation) : RULE
The answer "RULE" fits the clue "I ___!" (shout of exultation) because when someone shouts "I rule!", they are expressing their dominance or superiority, indicating that they are in control or have achieved success.
“It’s a secret” : SHH
The answer "SHH" is the right solution because "SHH" is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound we make when we want someone to be quiet or keep a secret.
“That’s it!” : AHA!
The answer "AHA!" fits the clue "That's it!" because it is a common expression used to indicate sudden realization or understanding.
“Well, maybe …” : IT DEPENDS …
The phrase "Well, maybe ..." indicates uncertainty or hesitation. The answer "IT DEPENDS ..." reflects this by suggesting that the outcome or decision is contingent upon certain factors. It implies that there is no definitive answer and the situation could go either way.
“___ say …” : THEY
The answer "THEY" fits the clue "___ say ..." because it is a pronoun that refers to a group of people or things.