Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 23 January 2024, Tuesday (01-23-24). 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.
A red and white target, for Target : LOGO
The answer to "A red and white target, for Target" is "LOGO" because the Target corporation is known for its distinctive red and white bullseye logo.
A wing for a prayer : APSE
The answer "APSE" fits the clue "A wing for a prayer" because an apse is a semicircular or polygonal projection at the end of a building, often found in churches, resembling a wing.
Actor Malcolm-___ Warner : JAMAL
The answer to "Actor Malcolm-___ Warner" is "JAMAL" because Malcolm-Jamal Warner is an American actor known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the television show "The Cosby Show."
Actress Mirren : HELEN
The answer to "Actress Mirren" is "HELEN" because Helen Mirren is a well-known actress in the entertainment industry.
Bad match on tinder? : ARSON
The answer "ARSON" is the right solution because a "bad match on tinder" refers to a disastrous or incompatible pairing. In this context, "ARSON" represents a destructive or disastrous match, as it refers to the criminal act of intentionally setting fire to property.
Base for tofu and tempeh : SOY
The answer to "Base for tofu and tempeh" is "SOY" because soybeans are the main ingredient used to make both tofu and tempeh.
Breathing aid demonstrated by a flight attendant : OXYGEN MASK
The answer "OXYGEN MASK" is the right solution because it is a breathing aid that is often demonstrated by flight attendants during safety presentations on airplanes.
Camelid sometimes used to guard sheep : LLAMA
The answer is "LLAMA" because llamas are a type of camelid that are commonly used to guard sheep. They have a natural instinct to protect and are often employed as guardians in livestock farming.
Camouflage : CLOAK
The answer to "Camouflage" is "HIDE" because hiding helps to blend in with the surroundings and makes it difficult to be seen.
Chowder morsel : CLAM
The answer to "Chowder morsel" is "CLAM" because clams are commonly used in chowder recipes as a tasty and popular ingredient.
Club gig with prerecorded tracks, informally : DJ SET
The answer "DJ SET" is the right solution because it refers to a club performance where a disc jockey plays prerecorded tracks for the audience.
Cluck of disapproval : TSK
The answer "TSK" is the right solution because it represents the sound people make to express disapproval or annoyance. It is a short and simple onomatopoeic representation of the clucking sound.
Coiffures, informally : DOS
The answer "DOS" is the right solution because "coiffures" is another word for hairstyles, and "DOS" is a common informal term used to refer to different hairstyles.
Colossal : GIANT
The word "colossal" means extremely large or enormous. "Giant" is a word that describes something of immense size or stature, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Congratulatory-sounding letter in the NATO alphabet : BRAVO
The letter "BRAVO" is the right answer because it is a common way to express congratulations or praise, which matches the clue "Congratulatory-sounding letter." In the NATO alphabet, each letter represents a word, and "BRAVO" is the word used to represent the letter "B."
Country across a strait from Djibouti : YEMEN
The country across a strait from Djibouti is Yemen because it is the only country that shares a land border with Djibouti and is located across the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.
Culottes or corduroys : PANTS
The answer to "Culottes or corduroys" is "PANTS" because both culottes and corduroys are types of pants.
Cut from the same cloth : ALIKE
The phrase "cut from the same cloth" means that two or more things or people are very similar or have similar qualities. The word "alike" is a fitting answer because it means having similarities or being similar in nature.
Decorative woodwork technique : INLAY
The answer "INLAY" is the right solution because it refers to a decorative woodwork technique where pieces of contrasting materials are set into the surface of a larger piece of wood to create a pattern or design.
Delivery person, for short : OB/GYN
Dit’s counterpart in Morse code : DAH
The Morse code symbol for a short signal is "Dit," while the symbol for a longer signal is "Dah." Therefore, "Dah" is the counterpart to "Dit" in Morse code.
Ease, as worries : ALLAY
The word "allay" means to ease or alleviate worries, making it the perfect solution for the clue "Ease, as worries."
Eject with force : SPEW Down 1 ___, amas, amat …
The answer to "Eject with force" is "SPEW" because "SPEW" means to forcefully expel or discharge something, which fits the clue.
First, second, third or reverse : GEAR
The answer is "GEAR" because "first, second, third, or reverse" are all different gears in a car's transmission.
Flying saucer crew, for short : ETS
The answer to "Flying saucer crew, for short" is "ETS" because "ETS" is an abbreviation for "extraterrestrial" which refers to beings or creatures from outer space. In this context, it is used to describe the crew of a flying saucer, which is often associated with extraterrestrial activity.
Fraternal order : ELKS
The answer "ELKS" is the right solution because the Elks is a well-known fraternal order in the United States.
French setting for many van Goghs : ARLES
The answer is "ARLES" because it is a city in France where Vincent van Gogh lived and created many of his famous paintings.
Game show co-host who could be called a “woman of letters,” familiarly : VANNA
The answer to the clue "Game show co-host who could be called a 'woman of letters,' familiarly" is "VANNA" because Vanna White is a co-host on the popular game show "Wheel of Fortune." The phrase "woman of letters" is a play on words, as Vanna is known for turning letters on the show.
Give a hoot : CARE
The phrase "give a hoot" is an informal way of saying "care" or "be concerned." So, the answer "CARE" is the right solution because it matches the meaning of the clue.
Going out, as embers : DYING
The word "dying" is the right solution because when embers are "going out," they are losing their heat and brightness, which is similar to the process of dying.
Greek letter shaped like a pitchfork : PSI
The Greek letter "PSI" is shaped like a pitchfork, with three downward-pointing prongs.
Haul : TOW
The answer to "Haul" is "TOW" because when you tow something, you are pulling or hauling it behind another vehicle.
Hay-collecting machine : BALER
The answer "BALER" is the right solution because a baler is a machine used to collect and compress hay into compact bales.
Headgear designed to block psychic intrusions : TIN-FOIL HAT
The answer "TIN-FOIL HAT" is the right solution because tin-foil hats are often humorously associated with protecting oneself from psychic intrusions or mind control.
Hip-hop dance move of the 2010s : NAE NAE
The answer "NAE NAE" is the right solution because it is a popular hip-hop dance move that gained significant popularity in the 2010s. It involves a swaying motion of the arms and body, and was often performed alongside the song "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" by Silento.
How a ballerina pirouettes : ON TOE
The answer "ON TOE" is the right solution because when a ballerina pirouettes, she spins while balancing on the tips of her toes, also known as being "on toe."
Irritate : PEEVE
The word "vex" means to irritate or annoy someone. Therefore, "vex" is the right answer to the clue "irritate."
Isao of golf : AOKI
The answer "AOKI" is the right solution because Isao Aoki is a well-known Japanese professional golfer.
Jazz singer Fitzgerald : ELLA
The answer to "Jazz singer Fitzgerald" is "ELLA" because Ella Fitzgerald was a famous jazz singer known for her incredible vocal range and scat singing style.
Knight’s mount : STEED
The answer "STEED" is the right solution because it is a term commonly used to refer to a horse, which is the traditional mount for a knight.
Like most holidays and physicals : ANNUAL
The word "annual" means occurring once a year, which is characteristic of both holidays and physicals. Therefore, "annual" is the right answer to the clue.
Major-league award for fielding prowess : GOLD GLOVE
The answer "GOLD GLOVE" is the right solution because it is a major-league award specifically given for outstanding fielding skills.
Mother ___ : TERESA
In the phrase "Mother Hen", "Hen" refers to a female chicken who takes care of and protects her chicks. This phrase is commonly used to describe someone, usually a woman, who is overly protective of others.
Overwhelm with noise : DEAFEN
The word "deafen" means to overwhelm with noise, making it the right solution for the clue.
Pestilence : POX
The answer "POX" is the right solution because it is a term often used to describe a contagious and widespread disease, which aligns with the clue "Pestilence."
Pioneering synthesizer brand : MOOG
The answer is "MOOG" because Moog is a well-known and influential brand in the history of synthesizers. They were pioneers in the development of electronic musical instruments, particularly synthesizers, which revolutionized the music industry.
Playfully bites : NIPS AT
The answer "NIPS AT" fits the clue "Playfully bites" because "nips" means to bite gently or playfully.
Plumber’s drain-clearing device : SNAKE
The answer "SNAKE" is the right solution because it is a common tool used by plumbers to clear drains. It is a long, flexible metal rod that is inserted into the drain to remove clogs or blockages.
Poe poem with the line “How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle” : THE BELLS
"The Bells" is the right solution because it is a famous poem written by Edgar Allan Poe that includes the line "How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle."
Polish city by the sea : GDANSK
The answer "GDANSK" is the right solution because Gdansk is a Polish city located by the sea, specifically the Baltic Sea.
Polynesian Disney heroine : MOANA
The answer "MOANA" is the right solution because Moana is a Polynesian Disney heroine.
Principles for good prose in a classic writing guide by Strunk & White … or a hint to the wardrobe assembled at 17-, 25-, 47- and 57- : ELEMENTS OF STYLE
The answer to the clue "Principles for good prose in a classic writing guide by Strunk & White … or a hint to the wardrobe assembled at 17-, 25-, 47-, and 57-" is "ELEMENTS OF STYLE." This is the right solution because "Elements of Style" is a well-known writing guide by Strunk & White that provides principles for good prose. Additionally, the word "wardrobe" in the clue suggests that the answer is a collection or combination of elements, which aligns with the title of the writing guide.
Protective drape for an X-ray : LEAD APRON
The answer "LEAD APRON" is the right solution because lead is a dense material that can effectively block X-ray radiation, and an apron made of lead is commonly used to protect the body from exposure during X-ray procedures.
Ripen nicely, as wine : AGE
The term "age" is commonly used in the context of wine to describe the process of allowing it to mature and develop in flavor over time. Therefore, "ripen nicely, as wine" is a clue that suggests the answer "AGE."
Small and pixieish : ELFIN
The word "elfin" is the right solution because it means small and pixieish. It is often used to describe someone or something that has a delicate and magical appearance, just like an elf.
Soda fountain treat that contains neither of the ingredients in its name : EGG CREAM
The answer is "EGG CREAM" because it is a soda fountain treat that does not actually contain eggs or cream. It is made with chocolate syrup, milk, and seltzer.
Specialist in P.C. problem-solving : IT PRO
The answer "IT PRO" is short for "IT professional." IT professionals specialize in solving problems related to personal computers (P.C.). Therefore, "Specialist in P.C. problem-solving" is a fitting description for an IT PRO.
Speck : IOTA
The word "speck" is a synonym for a small particle or piece. "Mote" is a word that means a tiny particle or speck, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Swindler at the pool table : SHARK
The term "shark" is often used to describe a skilled and deceptive pool player who pretends to be an amateur or inexperienced. This person tricks and swindles others by intentionally losing games or making it seem like they are not skilled, only to later take advantage of their opponents and win large bets.
Take responsibility for something : OWN IT
"Own it" is the right solution because it is a common phrase that means to take responsibility for something. It implies accepting and acknowledging one's actions or decisions.
Tasty treats, in memespeak : NOMS
The answer to "Tasty treats, in memespeak" is "NOMS" because "NOMS" is a playful and informal term commonly used in internet memes to refer to delicious or enjoyable food.
Tenant’s payment : RENT
The answer to "Tenant's payment" is "RENT" because rent is the regular payment made by a tenant to a landlord in exchange for the use of a property.
Tirades : RANTS
The word "tirades" is a clue that indicates a passionate and angry speech. The answer "RANTS" perfectly fits this description as it means to speak or write in a loud, angry, and uncontrolled way.
Title Bond villain : DR NO
The answer to "Title Bond villain" is "DR NO" because Dr. No is the name of a Bond villain in the James Bond series.
Tolerate : ACCEPT
The word "abide" means to tolerate or endure something.
Tumbling spot for Jack and Jill : HILL
The answer "HILL" is the right solution because Jack and Jill famously went up a hill to fetch a pail of water in the nursery rhyme.
Use a pogo stick : HOP
The answer to "Use a pogo stick" is "HOP" because when you use a pogo stick, you bounce or hop up and down.
Verse of mourning : ELEGY
The answer "ELEGY" is the right solution because an elegy is a type of poem or verse that expresses sorrow or mourning, often written in memory of someone who has passed away.
Wambach with a 2016 ESPY Icon Award : ABBY
The answer "ABBY" is the right solution because Abby Wambach, a former professional soccer player, was awarded the 2016 ESPY Icon Award.
Weather-resistant wood : TEAK
TEAK is the right solution because it is a type of wood that is known for its natural weather-resistant properties.
When repeated, a kind of drum : TOM
The answer to "When repeated, a kind of drum" is "TOM" because "tom-tom" is a type of drum that is often played in pairs.
Wolflike : LUPINE
The word "lupine" means resembling or characteristic of a wolf. Therefore, "lupine" is the right solution for the clue "wolflike."
___ all-time high : AT AN
The phrase "at an all-time high" is a common expression used to describe something reaching its highest point ever. In this crossword clue, "___ all-time high," the answer "AT AN" fits perfectly as it completes the phrase and makes grammatical sense.
___ Jima : IWO
The answer to "___ Jima" is "IWO" because Iwo Jima is a small volcanic island in Japan that was the site of a major battle during World War II.
“Greetings!” : HELLO!
The answer to "Greetings!" is "HELLO!" because "HELLO!" is a common and widely recognized greeting used to say hello or welcome someone.