Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 20 January 2025, Monday (01-20-25). 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.
Abbr. before a year on a cornerstone : ESTD
The abbreviation "ESTD" stands for "established," which is often found on cornerstones to indicate the year the building or institution was established.
Antidrug cop, informally : NARC
"NARC" is the right solution because it is a common informal term for an antidrug cop, derived from the word "narcotics."
Assigned a job : TASKED
TASKED is the right answer because it means to assign a job or duty to someone. It fits the clue "Assigned a job" perfectly.
Athletic gear that comes in pairs : SKIS
The answer "SKIS" fits the clue because skis are athletic gear that are used in pairs, one for each foot.
Blog addition : POST
The term "blog addition" refers to a new entry or update on a blog, which is commonly referred to as a "post."
Chinese general who wrote “The Art of War” : SUN TZU
"SUN TZU" is the right solution because Sun Tzu was a Chinese general who is traditionally credited as the author of the ancient Chinese military treatise "The Art of War."
Clever humor : WIT
"WIT" is the right answer because it is a synonym for clever humor or quick intelligence. In crossword puzzles, answers are often concise and to the point, making "WIT" a fitting choice for this clue.
Composer ___-Manuel Miranda : LIN
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a well-known composer, lyricist, and actor. His first name is Lin, making "LIN" the correct answer to the clue.
Do one’s job to the point of exhaustion … or a hint to the ends of 20-, 27-, 36- and 49- : WORK LIKE A DOG
The phrase "work like a dog" means to work very hard or diligently, often to the point of exhaustion. In this crossword clue, the ends of the specified word lengths (20-, 27-, 36-, and 49-) hint at working hard, which leads to the answer "WORK LIKE A DOG."
Drain the energy from : SAP
"SAP" can mean to drain the energy or vitality from something, making it the right answer for the clue "Drain the energy from".
Eccentric expert : GEEK
The answer "GEEK" fits because a geek is someone who is an expert or enthusiast in a particular field, often with eccentric or unconventional interests.
Expresses silent agreement : NODS
"NODS" is the right solution because when someone nods, they are typically expressing silent agreement by moving their head up and down.
Festival at the end of Ramadan : EID
The festival that marks the end of Ramadan is called Eid al-Fitr. "EID" is a common abbreviation for Eid, making it the right answer for this clue.
Frozen treats : ICES
The answer "ICES" is the plural form of "ICE," which refers to frozen treats like popsicles or ice cream.
Geometric figures whose subparts mimic the full shape : FRACTALS
Fractals are geometric figures that have self-repeating patterns at different scales, meaning that smaller parts of the figure resemble the whole shape. This property of self-similarity makes fractals a perfect fit for the clue "Geometric figures whose subparts mimic the full shape."
Gives a thumbs up : OKS
The answer "AGREES" is the right solution because when someone gives a thumbs up, it usually indicates agreement or approval.
Go along with prevailing wisdom : FOLLOW THE HERD
This answer fits the clue because "follow the herd" means to go along with prevailing wisdom or conform to popular opinion. It implies following what everyone else is doing or thinking.
Had a meal : ATE
The word "ate" is the past tense of the verb "eat." It means to consume food, which is what "had a meal" implies. Therefore, "ate" is the correct answer for this crossword clue.
Hair knots with a French name : CHIGNONS
The answer "CHIGNONS" fits the clue because "chignons" is a French term for a hairstyle where the hair is twisted or pinned into a knot at the back of the head.
Helpful : OF USE
The answer "OF USE" fits the clue "Helpful" because it means something that is beneficial or advantageous in a situation.
High-pitched bark : ARF!
"ARF!" is commonly used to represent a high-pitched bark in onomatopoeia, making it the right solution for the clue "High-pitched bark."
Hip-hop’s Dr. ___ : DRE
The answer "DRE" fits the clue "Hip-hop's Dr. ___" because Dr. Dre is a well-known hip-hop artist and producer in the music industry.
Hop : LEAP
"LEAP" is the right answer because it is a synonym for "hop," both referring to a quick jump or movement from one point to another.
Hoppin’, in slang : LIT
The slang term "lit" is used to describe something as exciting, fun, or lively. It is often used to convey a sense of enthusiasm or energy, which fits the clue "Hoppin', in slang" well.
Host’s place, usually, on a late-night talk show : DESK
The host of a late-night talk show typically sits behind a desk while conducting interviews and delivering monologues, making "DESK" the correct answer to the clue.
Impatient : ANTSY
"Antsy" is a synonym for impatient, meaning feeling restless or anxious. It fits the clue well and is a common crossword answer for this type of clue.
Itsy-bitsy : WEE
The answer "WEE" fits the clue "Itsy-bitsy" because it is a short and simple word that conveys a small or tiny size.
Kevin of “Shark Tank,” also known as “Mr. Wonderful” : O’LEARY
Kevin O'Leary is a businessman and television personality who appears on the show "Shark Tank" and is known by the nickname "Mr. Wonderful." Therefore, the answer to the clue is "O'LEARY."
Large bird that lays green eggs, which are incubated by the male : EMU
The EMU is a large bird known for laying green eggs, which are incubated by the male. This unique behavior makes it the correct answer to the clue.
Like Easter eggs or purple hair : DYED
The answer "DYED" fits the clue "Like Easter eggs or purple hair" because both Easter eggs and purple hair are artificially colored or tinted, which is done through the process of dyeing.
Likely winner of a construction contract : LOW BID
The answer "LOW BID" is the right solution because in construction contracts, the bid with the lowest cost is often chosen as the winner. This is because it represents the most cost-effective option for the project.
Made contented sounds like a cat : PURRED
The clue "Made contented sounds like a cat" is a wordplay clue. "Made contented" suggests a contented sound, which is "purred." The word "purred" also sounds like the sound a cat makes, making it a clever and fitting answer.
Manual for consistency in writing : STYLE GUIDE
The answer "STYLE GUIDE" fits because a style guide provides rules and guidelines for consistent writing, helping writers maintain a uniform style throughout their work.
Not discard : KEEP Down 1 Roasting event, for short
The answer to "Not discard" is "KEEP" because to keep something is the opposite of discarding it. The answer to "Roasting event, for short" is "BBQ" because BBQ is a shortened form of "barbecue," which is a type of roasting event where food is cooked over an open flame or hot coals.
Novices, informally : NEWBS
"Novices, informally" is a clue looking for a slang term for beginners. "Newbs" is a common slang term used in online gaming and internet culture to refer to newcomers or beginners, making it the right solution for this clue.
Only U.N. member whose name starts with Q : QATAR
Qatar is the only country that is a member of the United Nations whose name starts with the letter Q.
Pack animals that can spit up to 10 feet when irritated : LLAMAS
LLAMAS are pack animals known for spitting when irritated, and they can spit up to 10 feet away. This behavior is a well-known characteristic of llamas, making them the correct answer to the clue.
Path of advancement for a lawyer : PARTNER TRACK
"Partner track" refers to the process by which a lawyer can advance in a law firm to become a partner. This progression typically involves meeting certain criteria and demonstrating leadership and legal skills to eventually be promoted to a partnership position within the firm.
Places that are off-limits : NO-GO AREAS
The term "NO-GO AREAS" refers to places that are restricted or prohibited for entry, making them off-limits to the public.
Position for Steph Curry or Caitlin Clark : POINT GUARD
POINT GUARD is the right answer because both Steph Curry and Caitlin Clark are known for playing as point guards in basketball.
Pride parade inits. : LGBT
The answer "LGBT" stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender, which are all groups represented in pride parades.
Red carpet hairstyle, often : UPDO
An "UPDO" is a common hairstyle often seen on the red carpet, where the hair is styled upwards and secured at the back of the head. It is a formal and elegant hairstyle choice for special events, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Reflective Glass on the radio : IRA
The answer "IRA" is the right solution because reflective glass is also known as "IRA" in some crossword puzzle lingo.
Represses, as a bad memory : BURIES
The word "buries" can mean to repress or conceal a bad memory, making it the right solution for the clue.
Retired QB Manning : ELI
The clue is referring to a retired quarterback with the last name Manning. The only Manning who fits this description is Eli Manning, who played for the New York Giants and retired in 2020. Therefore, the answer is "ELI".
Rim : EDGE
The word "rim" is often used to refer to the outer edge of something, like a wheel or a glass. "Edge" is a synonym for "rim," making it the correct answer.
Roblox or TikTok : APP
The answer "APP" fits the clue because Roblox and TikTok are both mobile applications, commonly referred to as apps.
Sending a chill up one’s spine : EERIE
"EERIE" is the right solution because it is a common adjective used to describe something spooky or unsettling, which can send a chill up one's spine.
Sensation of acceleration : G-FORCE
"G-FORCE" is the right solution because it refers to the measure of acceleration due to gravity, commonly experienced in amusement park rides or during rapid changes in speed.
Sephora rival : ULTA
The answer to "Sephora rival" is "ULTA" because ULTA is a well-known beauty retailer that competes with Sephora.
Since, informally : CUZ
"CUZ" is a slang term for "because," often used informally in casual conversation. In this context, "Since, informally" is asking for a shortened or informal version of "since," making "CUZ" the correct answer.
Speaking platforms : PODIA
"Podia" is the plural form of the word "podium," which refers to a raised platform where a speaker stands while addressing an audience. So, "Speaking platforms" is a clue that leads to the answer "PODIA."
Stereotypical canine name : FIDO
"FIDO" is a stereotypical canine name that has been commonly used in popular culture and media to refer to dogs. It is a classic and recognizable name that fits the clue well.
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.
T-top, for one : ROOF
The answer "ROOF" fits the clue "T-top, for one" because a T-top is a type of car roof that has a T-shaped bar in the center, making it a type of roof.
Took to court : SUED
The verb "to sue" means to bring a civil legal action against someone in order to obtain compensation or to enforce a right. Therefore, "took to court" is a clue for the answer "SUED".
Toupee, in slang : RUG
The slang term "rug" is often used to refer to a toupee because both are items placed on the head to cover baldness.
Tween sister of Barbie : STACIE
"Stacie" is the correct answer because Stacie is a well-known character who is the tween sister of Barbie in the Barbie doll line.
Unit of smuggled drugs : KILO
The answer "KILO" is the right solution because it is a common unit of measurement for drugs, specifically referring to a kilogram.
Unwanted piece of mail : BILL
"Unwanted piece of mail" typically refers to bills, which are often seen as unwelcome due to the need to pay for services or products. Therefore, "BILL" is the right solution to this clue.
Utah winter resort : ALTA
ALTA is a well-known winter resort located in Utah, known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. It is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Utah winter resort."
Volunteer’s words : I CAN
"I CAN" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used by volunteers to express their willingness and ability to help.
Was first to play a card : LED
The term "LED" in card games refers to being the first player to play a card in a round or trick, making it the correct answer to the clue "Was first to play a card."
When doubled, gung-ho : RAH
The term "gung-ho" is often used to show enthusiasm or eagerness. When doubled, "gung-ho" becomes "RAH," which is a common expression of enthusiasm or encouragement.
Written legal argument : BRIEF
"BRIEF" is the right answer because a written legal argument is often referred to as a legal brief, which is a concise written statement presenting a party's legal argument in a case.
Zero : NIL
The answer to "Zero" is "NONE" because "none" means "not any" or "zero" in numerical terms.
___ Talks : TED
The answer is "TED" because TED Talks are a popular series of influential and informative speeches given by experts in various fields.
“Bad you!” : TSK! TSK!
The phrase "Bad you!" is a scolding or reprimand, and the expression "TSK! TSK!" is often used to convey disapproval or disappointment. It is a common response to someone's misbehavior or mistake, making it the appropriate answer to the clue.
“Biscuit” for cookie or “chips” for fries : BRITICISM
The answer "BRITICISM" fits because it refers to the British terms for "cookie" and "fries," which are "biscuit" and "chips" respectively. It combines "Britain" and "Americanism" to represent the difference in language usage between the two countries.
“Bruh” : DUDE
The answer "DUDE" fits the clue "Bruh" because both words are informal terms used to address a male friend or acquaintance.
“Laters!” : SEE YA!
The answer "SEE YA!" fits the clue "Laters!" because "SEE YA!" is a casual way to say goodbye, similar to "Laters!" in an informal setting.
“Let’s Make a Deal” option : DOOR
The answer "DOOR" is correct because on the game show "Let's Make a Deal," contestants choose between different doors to reveal a prize behind one of them.
“Once ___ a time …” : UPON
The phrase "Once ___ a time" is a common way to start a fairy tale or story. The word "UPON" fits perfectly in this phrase and is often used to indicate a specific point in time.
“Ta-ta” : BYE
The term "Ta-ta!" is a casual way of saying goodbye in British English. "Cheerio!" is another informal British expression for goodbye, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
“Too rich for my blood” : I’M OUT
The phrase "Too rich for my blood" is an idiom that means something is too expensive or costly for someone. The answer "I'M OUT" reflects the idea of declining or opting out due to the high cost. It is commonly used in situations where one cannot afford or is unwilling to pay for something.