Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 26 January 2024, Friday (01-26-24). 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 popular nightclub might have one : LINE
The answer to "A popular nightclub might have one" is "LINE" because it refers to the queue or waiting line outside the club where people wait to enter.
Account recovery need : USER ID
The answer "USER ID" is the right solution because when someone needs to recover their account, they typically need to provide their unique user identification (USER ID) to verify their identity and regain access to their account.
Amended, as a map : REDREW
The word "redrew" means to make changes or corrections to a map. In this crossword clue, "amended" is a synonym for making changes, and "as a map" indicates that the answer should be a verb related to maps. Therefore, "redrew" fits perfectly as the correct solution.
Andre Young a.k.a. Dr. ___ : DRE
The answer is "DRE" because "Andre Young" is the real name of the rapper and producer Dr. Dre.
Architectural finish : STUCCO
The answer to "Architectural finish" is "STUCCO" because stucco is a type of plaster used as a decorative coating for walls and ceilings in architecture.
Attach : TAG ON
The answer "TAG ON" is the right solution for the clue "Attach" because "tagging on" means adding something extra or attaching something to an existing item. It fits the clue perfectly.
Attacked in a snowball fight : PELTED
The word "pelted" is the right answer because it means to be attacked with a barrage of objects, such as snowballs in a snowball fight.
Bilingual girl of TV and film : DORA
The answer is "DORA" because Dora is a well-known bilingual girl character from TV and film, specifically from the animated series "Dora the Explorer."
Bugles alternative : FRITOS
The answer "FRITOS" is the right solution because Bugles and Fritos are both popular brands of corn chips. They are similar snacks, making "FRITOS" a suitable alternative to Bugles in this crossword clue.
Canine protector : ENAMEL
Couches : SETTEES
The answer to "Couches" is "SETTEES" because "settees" is another word for couches. They both refer to a type of long upholstered seating typically designed for two or more people.
Cut down to size, maybe : CROP
The answer "CROP" is the right solution because when you cut down a plant or harvest it, you are reducing its size. "CROP" refers to a group of plants that are grown and harvested, so cutting it down to size fits the clue.
Everybody’s opposite : NO ONE
The answer "NO ONE" is the right solution because it refers to the opposite of "everybody," indicating that there is nobody in particular.
Exonerating words : NOT GUILTY
The answer "NOT GUILTY" is the right solution because it directly matches the clue "Exonerating words." When someone is found "NOT GUILTY," it means they are cleared of any wrongdoing or guilt.
Foe-run land? : ENEMY TURF
The clue "Foe-run land?" is a play on words. "Foe-run" sounds like "foreign," and "land" refers to turf. Therefore, "ENEMY TURF" is the right answer because it means a territory controlled by an adversary.
Gave a hoot : YELLED
The answer "YELLED" is the right solution because when someone gives a hoot, they are expressing their opinion or making their voice heard, which can be done by yelling.
Havens : OASES
The answer "OASES" is the right solution because havens are defined as places of safety, refuge, or peace. Oases, which are lush and fertile areas in deserts, can be seen as havens in an otherwise harsh and barren environment.
High-value ones are called “unicorns” : START-UPS
The term "unicorns" is commonly used in the business world to refer to start-up companies that have a valuation of over $1 billion. Therefore, "start-ups" are the high-value ones referred to in the clue.
Hound : NAG
Like holographic Pokémon cards : RARE
The answer "RARE" is the right solution because holographic Pokémon cards are known for being uncommon and hard to find, making them rare.
Lock horns : ARGUE
The phrase "lock horns" is a figurative expression that means to engage in a heated argument or disagreement. The word "argue" perfectly fits this definition, making it the right solution for the crossword clue.
Many a Comic-Con attendee : NERD
The answer "NERD" is the right solution because Comic-Con is a popular event for fans of comics, movies, and other geek culture. "NERD" is a term often associated with people who have a strong interest in these topics, making it a fitting answer for "Many a Comic-Con attendee."
Many a humanitarian effort, in brief : NGO
The answer "NGO" stands for "non-governmental organization." Many humanitarian efforts are carried out by NGOs, making it the correct solution to the clue.
Not natural, in a way : POSED
The word "posed" can mean not natural because it refers to something that is deliberately arranged or staged, rather than occurring naturally.
Offshore : ASEA
The answer "ASEA" is the right solution for the clue "Offshore" because it means "on the sea" or "out at sea." It is a concise and fitting word that describes something happening or located away from the shore.
Ones whose careers have turning points? : BALLERINAS
The answer "BALLERINAS" is the right solution because ballerinas are performers whose careers often have turning points, such as when they are promoted to principal roles or join prestigious ballet companies.
Org. that advises on ransomware risk mitigation : NSA
The answer "NSA" is the right solution because the National Security Agency (NSA) is an organization that provides advice and guidance on cybersecurity, including the mitigation of ransomware risks. They are known for their expertise in this area, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
Pandemic health worker, say : UNSUNG HERO
The answer "UNSUNG HERO" fits the clue because during a pandemic, there are many healthcare workers who work tirelessly and selflessly to save lives, yet their efforts often go unnoticed or unacknowledged. They are the unsung heroes of the crisis.
Passage that might be a mess after a rainstorm : DIRT ROAD
The answer "DIRT ROAD" is the right solution because after a rainstorm, a dirt road can become muddy and messy due to the wet soil.
Princess in “A Bug’s Life” : ATTA
The answer is "ATTA" because "Princess" refers to the character Atta in the movie "A Bug's Life".
Put off : DEFER
Record label for Pink, SZA and H.E.R. : RCA
The answer is "RCA" because it is a well-known record label that has signed artists like Pink, SZA, and H.E.R.
Release of a new product to a limited audience : SOFT LAUNCH
The term "soft launch" refers to the release of a new product to a limited audience or market. It allows companies to test the product's performance, gather feedback, and make any necessary improvements before a full-scale launch. This answer fits the clue perfectly.
Ride : TEASE
The answer "TEASE" is the right solution because "ride" can also mean to playfully taunt or provoke someone, which is exactly what "tease" means.
Rutabaga, for one : TUBER
The answer "TUBER" is the right solution because a rutabaga is a type of root vegetable, and tuber is a term used to describe root vegetables.
Show of Force? : STAR WARS
The answer "STAR WARS" is the right solution for the clue "Show of Force?" because "STAR WARS" refers to the popular science fiction franchise known for its epic battles and displays of power.
Simple skating jump : TOE LOOP
The answer to "Simple skating jump" is "TOE LOOP" because the toe loop is a basic figure skating jump where the skater takes off from the back inside edge of one foot and lands on the same foot after completing one rotation in the air.
Skara ___, Scottish site of Europe’s most complete Neolithic village : BRAE
The word "brae" is a Scottish term that means a steep bank or hillside. Skara Brae is a famous archaeological site in Scotland where the most complete Neolithic village in Europe was discovered. Therefore, "brae" is the right answer because it fits the clue and corresponds to the location mentioned.
Some Best Buy offerings : LED TVS
The answer "LED TVs" is the right solution because Best Buy is known for selling a variety of electronic products, including LED TVs.
Some Minecraft blocks : ORES
The answer "ORES" is the right solution because in the game Minecraft, players can mine different types of blocks to collect valuable resources called ores. These ores are used for crafting and other purposes in the game.
Song words preceding “his kiss” : IT’S IN …
The answer "IT'S IN ..." is the right solution because it completes the phrase "IT'S IN HIS KISS," which is the title and opening lyrics of a popular song by Betty Everett.
Stage of metamorphosis : PUPA
The stage of metamorphosis refers to the transformation of an insect from a larva to an adult. The answer "PUPA" fits this clue because it represents the stage in which an insect is enclosed in a protective case, undergoing significant changes before emerging as an adult.
Stand and deliver? : ORATE
The clue "Stand and deliver?" is a play on words. In this context, "stand" refers to giving a speech or presentation, while "deliver" means to speak. The word "ORATE" means to give a formal speech or address, making it the perfect fit for the clue.
Starts off-key? : HOT-WIRES
The answer "HOT-WIRES" is the right solution because it plays on the double meaning of "starts off-key." In music, starting off-key means singing or playing a note that is not in tune. However, in this crossword clue, "starts off-key" refers to the act of starting a car engine using unauthorized or illegal means, commonly known as hot-wiring. Therefore, "HOT-WIRES" is the correct answer.
Syst. in which “Deaf Power” can be indicated by an open palm over one ear and the other hand forming a closed fist in the air : ASL
The answer "ASL" stands for American Sign Language, which is a system of communication primarily used by the Deaf community in the United States. In ASL, the gesture described in the clue - an open palm over one ear and the other hand forming a closed fist in the air - is a common way to indicate "Deaf Power."
Take risks : BE BOLD
The word "DARE" means to take risks or to have the courage to do something. It fits perfectly with the clue "Take risks" as it directly implies the act of being bold and adventurous.
Takes it easy : CHILLS
The answer "CHILLS" is the right solution because when someone "takes it easy," they are relaxing and enjoying a calm and leisurely time. "Chills" refers to a state of relaxation or a feeling of being at ease, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Taking too much credit, say : IN DEBT
The answer "IN DEBT" fits the clue "Taking too much credit, say" because when someone takes too much credit, they are essentially claiming ownership or responsibility for something they don't deserve. This can lead to a situation where they owe more than they actually have, which is commonly referred to as being "IN DEBT."
Terse : CURT
The answer to "Terse" is "CURT" because "CURT" means to be brief or concise in speech or behavior. It perfectly matches the clue, which is asking for a word that describes being short or concise.
The “handsaw” in Hamlet’s “I know a hawk from a handsaw” : HERON
They’re often caving, but not spelunking : PUSHOVERS
The term "caving" in the clue suggests a situation where someone is easily giving in or surrendering. This aligns with the definition of "PUSHOVERS" which means someone who is easily influenced or manipulated. Therefore, "PUSHOVERS" is the right answer.
Toni Morrison title : SULA
The answer is "SULA" because it is the title of a novel written by Toni Morrison.
Unnaturally white : ASHEN
The word "ashen" means pale or unnaturally white. It is the right solution because it accurately describes the color or appearance being referred to in the crossword clue.
Vexes : PEEVES
The answer to "Vexes" is "PEEVES" because "peevish" is a word that means easily irritated or annoyed, which is synonymous with vexing or causing frustration.
Work through seven stages, say : GRIEVE
The answer to "Work through seven stages, say" is "GRIEVE" because grief is commonly described as having seven stages: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance.
___ Renaissance : HARLEM
The term "Harlem Renaissance" refers to a cultural and artistic movement that took place in the 1920s in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. It was a significant period of African American intellectual, literary, and artistic achievements. Therefore, "Harlem" is the correct answer.
___ system : NAV
The answer to "___ system" is "NAV" because "NAV" is a common abbreviation for navigation.
___-les-Bains, spa town on Lake Geneva : EVIAN
The answer "EVIAN" is the right solution because Évian-les-Bains is a well-known spa town located on the southern shore of Lake Geneva in France.
“Fair point” : TRUE
The answer "TRUE" is the right solution because when someone says "fair point," they are acknowledging that what was said is correct or valid. "True" is a common response to indicate agreement or acknowledgement.
“Frozen” figure : OLAF
The answer "OLAF" is the right solution because Olaf is a popular character from the movie "Frozen".
“Has the meeting already begun?” : AM I LATE?
The answer "AM I LATE?" is the right solution because it is a question that someone might ask if they are unsure whether the meeting has already started. It expresses the concern of possibly being behind schedule.
“It’s all over for us!” : WE’RE TOAST
The phrase "It's all over for us!" is an expression used to convey a sense of impending doom or defeat. The answer "WE'RE TOAST" is a colloquial phrase that means the same thing, indicating that the situation is dire and there is no hope for success.
“That’s genius!” : GREAT IDEA!
The phrase "That's genius!" is often used to express admiration or approval for a clever or innovative idea. The answer "GREAT IDEA!" fits perfectly as it captures the same sentiment and conveys the same meaning.
“The Bachelor” outing : GROUP DATE
The answer "GROUP DATE" is the right solution because "The Bachelor" is a reality TV show where multiple contestants go on dates together as a group.
“The door’s open!” : ENTER!
The answer "ENTER!" fits the clue "The door's open!" because it is a common phrase used to invite someone inside when the door is open.
“This relationship has been a bit overwhelming” : I NEED SPACE
The answer "I NEED SPACE" is the right solution because the phrase "This relationship has been a bit overwhelming" suggests that the person speaking feels suffocated or overwhelmed by the relationship and is expressing a need for personal space.