Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 24 January 2024, Wednesday (01-24-24). 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.
. : DOT
In crossword puzzles, "/" is often used to indicate division or separation. The word "per" is commonly used to signify "for each" or "by the means of," which fits the context of the clue. Therefore, "PER" is the right solution for the clue represented by "/".
2019 Brad Pitt sci-fi movie whose title means “to the stars” : AD ASTRA
The answer is "AD ASTRA" because it is a 2019 Brad Pitt sci-fi movie and the Latin phrase "ad astra" translates to "to the stars."
Bears witness : ATTESTS
The answer "ATTESTS" is the right solution because it means to provide evidence or bear witness to something. It fits perfectly with the clue "Bears witness."
Bootleg, e.g. : ILLEGAL
The answer "ILLEGAL" fits the clue "Bootleg, e.g." because bootleg refers to something that is done or sold in violation of the law. Therefore, "ILLEGAL" is the appropriate word to describe a bootleg activity.
Born : NEE
The answer "NEE" is the right solution for the clue "Born" because it is a common term used to indicate a woman's maiden name before marriage.
Bridle strap : REIN
The answer to "Bridle strap" is "REIN" because a rein is a strap that is used to control a horse by attaching it to the bridle.
Broncos QB who won back-to-back Super Bowls : ELWAY
The answer "ELWAY" is the right solution because John Elway, the former quarterback of the Denver Broncos, won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1998 and 1999.
Busy places at Christmas : MALLS
The answer "MALLS" is the right solution because malls are typically crowded and busy during the Christmas season, as people often go shopping for gifts and take part in holiday festivities.
CD players? : DJS
The answer "DJS" is a play on words. "CD players" refers to people who play music at parties or events using CDs. However, in this case, it is hinting at DJs, who are known for playing music using various mediums, including CDs. Therefore, "DJS" is the right solution.
Contribute : CHIP IN
The answer "CHIP IN" is the right solution for the clue "Contribute" because it means to contribute or donate something, usually money or effort, towards a common cause or goal.
Court failure : AIR BALL
The term "air ball" is commonly used in basketball when a player takes a shot and completely misses the basket, hitting nothing but air. In the context of the crossword clue "Court failure," "air ball" fits perfectly as it describes a failed attempt to score in a court, which is a basketball court.
Damage, so to speak : COST
The word "cost" can be used to refer to the damage or financial loss incurred.
Dawg : BRO
The answer "BRO" is slang for "brother," which is often used as a term of address for a close friend or companion. "Dawg" is another slang term for "friend" or "buddy," so "BRO" fits the clue and is the right solution.
Decorates : ADORNS
The answer to "Decorates" is "ADORNS" because adorning means to decorate or embellish something, making it the perfect fit for the clue.
Dressed : CLAD
The word "clad" means to be dressed or clothed. So, "clad" is the right answer for the clue "Dressed."
Dry run : TEST
The answer to "Dry run" is "TEST" because a dry run refers to a practice or rehearsal of a procedure without any actual consequences or risk. Similarly, a "test" is a way to assess or evaluate something, often done as a trial or practice to check its functionality or effectiveness.
Event with a royal court : PROM
The answer "PROM" fits the clue "Event with a royal court" because a prom is a formal dance typically held for high school students, where attendees dress up in formal attire and often have a king and queen of the prom, resembling a royal court.
Fancy “so” : ERGO
The word "ergo" is a fancy way of saying "so" or "therefore" in Latin. In crossword clues, "fancy" often indicates that a more formal or sophisticated word is needed, making "ergo" a suitable answer.
First American to orbit the earth : GLENN
The answer to "First American to orbit the earth" is "GLENN" because John Glenn was the first American astronaut to successfully orbit the Earth.
Fish with “snowflake” and “sawtooth” varieties : EEL
The answer to the clue "Fish with 'snowflake' and 'sawtooth' varieties" is "EEL" because the EEL is a type of fish that can be found in different varieties, including the snowflake eel and the sawtooth eel.
Fist bump : DAP
The term "DAP" is often used to describe a fist bump, especially in certain cultural contexts. It is a slang term that refers to a friendly and informal greeting or gesture.
Flinch, say : REACT
The answer "REACT" fits the clue "Flinch, say" because reacting is a common response to flinching.
Food fight sound effect : SPLAT!
The answer "SPLAT!" is the right solution because it accurately represents the sound effect of something hitting or splattering against a surface, which is commonly associated with a food fight.
Football penalty markers : FLAGS
The answer to "Football penalty markers" is "FLAGS" because in football, referees use flags to indicate penalties on the field.
Goose egg : NIL
The term "goose egg" is a common slang term for a score of zero. "NIL" is a synonym for zero, making it the perfect answer to the clue.
Have title to : OWN
The answer "OWN" fits the clue "Have title to" because when you own something, you have legal possession and control over it.
How rude! : SLAP!
The answer "SLAP!" is the right solution because it is a common exclamation used to express disapproval or offense at someone's rude behavior.
In the past : AGO
The word "ago" refers to a time in the past, making it a suitable answer for the clue "In the past."
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.
iOS alternative : ANDROID
The answer to "iOS alternative" is "ANDROID" because Android is a popular mobile operating system that is an alternative to iOS, which is the operating system used by Apple devices.
Italian poet who wrote “Nature is the art of God” : DANTE
The answer "DANTE" is the right solution because Dante Alighieri was an Italian poet known for his famous work "The Divine Comedy." In this work, he explores the themes of nature and spirituality, including the concept that nature is the art of God.
Its HQ is sometimes called “Crypto City” : NSA
The answer is "NSA" because the National Security Agency (NSA) is often referred to as "Crypto City" due to its focus on cryptography and intelligence gathering.
Its shores have the lowest land-based elevation on Earth : DEAD SEA
The Dead Sea is the correct answer because it is located at the lowest land-based elevation on Earth, making its shores the lowest in terms of height above sea level.
Jousting weapon : LANCE
The answer to "Jousting weapon" is "LANCE" because a lance is a long spear-like weapon traditionally used by knights during jousting competitions. It is commonly associated with medieval tournaments and is specifically designed for mounted combat.
Kerfuffle : ADO
"Kerfuffle" means a commotion or fuss. "Flap" can mean the same thing, as in "caused a flap." Therefore, "Flap" is an appropriate answer to the clue "Kerfuffle."
Largest country in Africa : ALGERIA
The largest country in Africa is Algeria because it has the largest land area on the continent.
Like many bathroom floors : TILED Down 1 Refrigerator decorations
The answer to "Like many bathroom floors" is "TILED" because bathroom floors are often covered in tiles.
Like some Hmong : LAOTIAN
The answer "LAOTIAN" is the right solution because the Hmong people are an ethnic group primarily from the mountainous regions of Laos. Therefore, "Like some Hmong" refers to the nationality or origin of the Hmong people, which is Laotian.
Littlest speck : IOTA
The answer "IOTA" is the right solution because an "iota" is the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet, and it is often used to refer to a very tiny or insignificant amount or speck.
Logical operators that output “true” only if both inputs are true : ANDS
The logical operator "AND" outputs "true" only if both inputs are true. In crossword puzzles, "ANDS" is a common abbreviation used to represent this operator.
Made a choice : OPTED
The word "OPTED" fits the clue "Made a choice" because it means to choose or select among different options.
Make a fast stop? : EAT
The answer to "Make a fast stop?" is "EAT" because when we "eat," we stop momentarily to consume food quickly.
Nincompoop : TWIT
"Ass" is a slang term that can be used to describe a foolish or stupid person, which is synonymous with "nincompoop."
Norse god portrayed in film by Chris Hemsworth : THOR
The Norse god portrayed in film by Chris Hemsworth is "THOR" because Thor is a well-known character from Norse mythology and Chris Hemsworth played the role of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.
Not learned : INNATE
The word "innate" means existing from birth or inborn, which is the opposite of being learned or acquired through education or experience. Therefore, "innate" is the right solution for the clue "Not learned."
Old saying : SAW
The word "saw" can refer to an old saying or proverb, as in the phrase "old saw."
One might be made on a birthday : WISH
The answer "WISH" is the right solution because it is common to make a wish when blowing out birthday candles.
Only U.S. president elected under the Federalist Party : ADAMS
The answer is "ADAMS" because John Adams was the only U.S. president who was elected under the Federalist Party.
Oracle : SEER
The answer "SEER" is the right solution for the clue "Oracle" because a seer is someone who is believed to have the ability to see or predict the future.
Pagan : HEATHEN
The word "HEATHEN" is a synonym for "Pagan." It refers to someone who does not follow a mainstream or organized religion.
Pageant prize : TIARA
The answer to "Pageant prize" is "TIARA" because a tiara is a common prize awarded to winners of beauty pageants.
See 50- : … ALI
The answer "… ALI" is the right solution for "See 50-" because it is a hint to look at another clue, specifically clue number 50, which will provide the full answer.
Selma march leader who served 17 terms in Congress : LEWIS
The answer "LEWIS" is the right solution because John Lewis was a prominent civil rights leader who played a key role in the Selma march. He also served 17 terms in Congress, making him the correct answer to the clue.
Siberian sled dog : SAMOYED
The answer "SAMOYED" is the right solution because the Samoyed breed of dog is known for its strength and endurance in pulling sleds. They have been historically used as sled dogs in Siberia.
Some water bearers : MAINS
The answer "MAINS" is the right solution because "water bearers" refers to pipes or conduits that carry water, and "MAINS" are the main pipes that distribute water to different locations.
Sports org. in which five members have bird names : NFL
The answer is "NFL" because the National Football League (NFL) has five teams with bird names: the Philadelphia Eagles, the Atlanta Falcons, the Baltimore Ravens, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Seattle Seahawks.
Sports org. with more than a thousand members : NCAA
The answer to "Sports org. with more than a thousand members" is "NCAA" because the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) is a well-known organization that governs college sports in the United States and has more than a thousand member institutions.
Talk to shrilly : YAP AT
The answer "YAP AT" is the right solution because "yap" means to talk or speak in a high-pitched or shrill manner, and "at" indicates the target or recipient of the action. So, "talk to shrilly" can be interpreted as "yap at."
Tandoori chicken accompaniment : NAAN
The answer "NAAN" is the right solution because it is a type of bread that is commonly served with Tandoori chicken in Indian cuisine.
Unwritten : ORAL
The answer "ORAL" is the right solution because "unwritten" is a clue that suggests something spoken or communicated verbally, rather than written down. "ORAL" fits this description as it relates to spoken language or communication.
Winter underwear … or what appear four times in this puzzle : LONG JOHNS
The answer "LONG JOHNS" fits the clue "Winter underwear" because long johns are a type of warm, full-length underwear typically worn during colder months. Additionally, the clue mentions that this answer appears four times in the puzzle, indicating that the letters L-O-N-G J-O-H-N-S appear in four different answers or across four different words within the crossword.
With 63-Down, boxer who retired undefeated in 2007 : LAILA …
The answer is "LAILA ALI" because she is the boxer who retired undefeated in 2007.
Yearly record : ANNAL
The word "annal" refers to a yearly record or historical account. It is derived from the Latin word "annalis," meaning "pertaining to a year." Therefore, "annal" is the correct answer for the clue "Yearly record."
___ Taylor : ANN
The answer to "___ Taylor" is "ANN" because "Ann Taylor" is a well-known brand of women's clothing.
“Baloney!” : MY EYE!
"Malarkey" is a slang term that means "nonsense" or "foolish talk", which is synonymous with "baloney". Therefore, "Malarkey" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Baloney".
“Eureka!” : AHA!
The answer to ""Eureka!"" is "AHA" because "AHA" is an expression used to express sudden realization or understanding, similar to the exclamation "Eureka!" which is attributed to the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes.
“Gracias!” response : DE NADA!
The answer "DE NADA!" is the right solution because it is a common Spanish phrase that translates to "you're welcome" in English. It is a polite response to someone saying "gracias," which means "thank you."
“Hallelujah!” : GLORY BE!
The phrase "Glory be" is a common exclamation of praise or joy, often used in religious contexts. It is synonymous with "Hallelujah," making "GLORY BE!" the right solution for the clue.
“How about that!” : I’LL BE!
The answer "GEE!" is a common expression used to show surprise or excitement. It is often used in response to something impressive or unexpected, making it a suitable match for the clue "How about that!"
“In time we ___ that which we often fear” : Shak.
“Kate & ___” (1980s sitcom) : ALLIE
The answer is "ALLIE" because the sitcom "Kate & ___" refers to the show "Kate & Allie" which aired in the 1980s.
“MASH” co-star Alan : ALDA
The answer to "MASH" co-star Alan is "ALDA" because Alan Alda is a well-known actor who starred in the TV show "MASH" as the character Hawkeye Pierce.
“The Clan of the Cave Bear” heroine : AYLA
The answer is "AYLA" because Ayla is the name of the heroine in the book "The Clan of the Cave Bear."