Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 30 January 2025, Thursday (01-30-25). 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.
1040, e.g. : FORM
The answer "FORM" fits because a "1040" is a type of tax form used in the United States, specifically for individual income tax returns.
Airport transports : VANS
"VANS" is the right solution because vans are commonly used as airport transports to shuttle passengers between terminals, parking lots, and other areas within the airport.
Append : TACK ON
The word "append" means to add something to the end of a document or text. In this context, "ADD" is the right answer as it means to include something to a preexisting item or list.
Base for a proposal? : KNEE
The answer "KNEE" works for the clue "Base for a proposal?" because when someone proposes marriage, they often get down on one knee to ask the question.
Bemoan : LAMENT
The word "bemoan" means to express sorrow or regret. The answer "RUE" fits because it is a synonym for expressing regret or feeling sorry about something.
Big fuss : ADO
"Big fuss" is a colloquial expression that means a commotion or uproar. "Stink" is a synonym for commotion or uproar, making it the right solution for the clue.
Canyonlands National Park feature : MESA
"MESA" is the right solution because a mesa is a flat-topped hill or small plateau with steep sides, which is a common geological feature found in Canyonlands National Park.
Caresses : PATS
The answer to "Caresses" is "PETS" because pets are often lovingly touched and shown affection, which can be considered as caresses.
Catch : ENTRAP
The word "ESPY" means to catch sight of or to see, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Catch."
Challenge for an interpreter, perhaps : IDIOM
The answer "IDIOM" fits because an idiom can be a challenge for an interpreter as it may not have a direct translation and requires understanding of the language and culture.
Children’s author who wrote “And the only reason for being a bee that I know of is making honey” : MILNE
The answer is "MILNE" because the clue is referencing A.A. Milne, the author of the beloved children's book series featuring Winnie-the-Pooh. The quote mentioned in the clue is from one of the stories in the Winnie-the-Pooh series.
Chillax : REST
The word "rest" can be a synonym for "chillax," as both suggest taking it easy or relaxing.
Clamps in a shop : VISES
"VISES" are tools commonly found in a shop used to hold objects firmly in place while work is being done on them. They are often used for tasks like woodworking or metalworking.
Cleverness : WIT
The word "wit" is often used to describe someone who is quick and clever with their words or ideas, making it an appropriate answer for the clue "cleverness."
Connects with an ex, e.g. : REUNITES
The answer "REUNITES" fits because it means to connect again with someone, like an ex-partner, which matches the clue "Connects with an ex, e.g."
Cousin of a haddock : COD
The answer "COD" is the right solution because both haddock and cod are types of fish commonly used in cooking and are related species in the same family.
Cover some ground? : SOD
"SOD" is the right solution because "sod" can refer to both a patch of grass and a verb meaning to cover an area with sod or turf. So, "Cover some ground?" is a play on words that hints at the act of laying sod to cover the ground.
Cry in a horror film : RUN!
"RUN!" is the right solution because it is a common reaction in horror films when a character is in danger and needs to escape quickly.
Deep-pocketed types : FAT CATS
"FAT CATS" is a term commonly used to describe wealthy and influential individuals who have a lot of money or resources at their disposal. In the context of the clue "Deep-pocketed types," "FAT CATS" fits perfectly as it directly refers to people with significant financial means.
DEF, on a phone : THREE
The letters D, E, and F are on the number 3 button on a phone keypad. So, "DEF, on a phone" is "THREE."
Delicate fabric : LACE
"LACE" is the right solution because it is a delicate fabric often used in clothing and decorations, known for its intricate patterns and airy quality.
Division of the Dept. of Labor : OSHA
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is a division of the Department of Labor responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.
El ___ : PASO
The answer to "El ___" is "PASO" because "El" is the Spanish word for "the" and "PASO" means "step" in Spanish. So, "El PASO" translates to "The Step" in English.
Emerged : AROSE
The word "arose" is a synonym for "emerged," meaning to come into existence or appear. It fits the clue perfectly.
Fictional prison guarded by Dementors : AZKABAN
The fictional prison guarded by Dementors is from the Harry Potter series. The correct answer is "AZKABAN" because it is the name of the prison in the Harry Potter books and movies.
First U.S. prez to be born outside the original 13 Colonies : ABE
unknown
Focus of a product development test : USER RESEARCH
"USER RESEARCH" is the right answer because in product development, understanding the needs and preferences of the end users is crucial for creating a successful product. Conducting user research helps gather insights that can guide the development process.
Govt. agency for retirees : SSA
The answer "SSA" stands for Social Security Administration, which is the government agency responsible for managing retirement benefits in the United States.
Grandson of Eve : ENOS
Enos is the grandson of Eve according to the Bible. He is mentioned in the Book of Genesis as the son of Seth, who was the son of Adam and Eve.
Groundbreaking medical procedure first accomplished in 1967 : HEART TRANSPLANT
A heart transplant is a groundbreaking medical procedure first accomplished in 1967 when Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first successful human-to-human heart transplant. This procedure revolutionized the field of medicine and has since saved countless lives by replacing a failing heart with a healthy donor heart.
Hagen in the American Theater Hall of Fame : UTA
The answer "UTA" is the right solution because Uta Hagen, a renowned actress, is inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Has a clouded mind : CAN’T SEE STRAIGHT
The phrase "can't see straight" is often used informally to describe someone who is confused or unable to think clearly, which fits the clue "Has a clouded mind."
Holds within : CONTAINS
The word "contains" means to hold within or to include. In this context, "Holds within" is a clue that suggests the answer "CONTAINS" as it directly relates to the definition of the word.
In-the-works software versions : BETAS
"BETAS" are in-the-works software versions because they are pre-release versions of software that are still undergoing testing and development before the final version is released.
Level : RAZE
"Level" can refer to a floor or a story in a building, making "STORY" the right answer.
Mercenary : SOLDIER OF FORTUNE
The term "Soldier of Fortune" is often used as a synonym for a mercenary, someone who fights for money rather than loyalty to a country or cause.
Nestlé Purina PetCare brand : ALPO
ALPO is a brand of pet food owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare. The clue is asking for a brand under the Nestlé Purina PetCare umbrella, making ALPO the correct answer.
Newspapers, collectively : PRESS
The term "press" is commonly used to refer to newspapers collectively, as it represents the industry of printing and publishing news in newspapers.
One can be fixed or liquid : ASSET
The answer "ASSET" fits the clue because assets can be fixed (like property or equipment) or liquid (like cash or stocks), making them a versatile type of possession.
Only about 10% of Americans have one : OUTIE
Pays for a hand : ANTES UP
In poker, to "ante up" means to pay a required bet before receiving cards. This action is commonly known as "antes up" in poker games, making it the correct answer for the clue "Pays for a hand."
Personal style : TASTE
"TASTE" is the right answer because personal style often refers to an individual's preference or inclination towards certain things, which is closely related to their taste in fashion, decor, or other aspects of life.
Pidgeon, Hawke or Crowe : ACTOR
The clue refers to actors by giving examples of surnames (Pidgeon, Hawke, Crowe) that are also common last names of actors. Therefore, the answer "ACTOR" fits the clue.
Play a bogey-free round, maybe : SHOOT PAR
The phrase "shoot par" in golf means to play a round without any bogeys, which is a score of par for each hole. So, the answer "SHOOT PAR" fits the clue "Play a bogey-free round, maybe" as it directly relates to achieving a score of par without any bogeys.
Plunks (down) : PUTS
The word "plunks" is a clue that suggests a sudden or heavy movement, which aligns with the action of "PUTS" something down abruptly or heavily.
Possible answer to “Whose?” : THEIRS
The word "theirs" is a possessive pronoun that can be used to indicate possession or ownership. In the context of the clue "Possible answer to 'Whose?'" the word "theirs" can be used to refer to something that belongs to a group of people.
Quantity on a farm : BUSHEL
The answer "BUSHEL" is a unit of measurement used on a farm to quantify grains or produce. It is commonly used to measure crops like wheat, corn, or apples.
Rash reaction? : ITCH
This is a play on words where "rash" can refer to a skin irritation and "reaction" can refer to the response to the irritation, which is often itching.
Region bordering India and China in Risk : SIAM
"Region bordering India and China" refers to the country of Nepal, which is a neighboring country of both India and China. In the game Risk, the country of Siam borders Nepal, making "SIAM" the correct answer.
Result of a leadoff walk : ONE ON
The answer "ONE ON" indicates that there is one runner on base as a result of a leadoff walk in baseball.
Rock layers : STRATA
The answer "STRATA" fits because it refers to layers of rock that form the Earth's crust. Each layer represents a different time period in geological history.
Score endings : CODAS
The term "coda" refers to a concluding section of a musical piece. In the context of the clue "Score endings," "codas" are the endings or concluding sections of musical scores, making it the correct solution.
Separation in some relationships? : AGE GAP
The answer "AGE GAP" fits the clue "Separation in some relationships?" because an age gap refers to the difference in age between two people in a relationship, highlighting a form of separation based on age difference.
Shakers in the woods : ASPENS
The answer "ASPENS" fits the clue "Shakers in the woods" because aspen trees are known for their leaves that tremble and shake in the wind due to their flattened stems.
Stick at a roast : SPIT
The answer "SPIT" is the right solution because a spit is a stick used for roasting meat over a fire.
Suffix with methyl : -ENE
The suffix "-ENE" is commonly used in organic chemistry to indicate a double bond in a compound. In this case, when added to "methyl," it forms the word "ethylene," which is a common chemical compound.
Suffix with social : -IST
The clue "Suffix with social" is asking for a word that can be added to "social" to form a new word. Adding "-ist" to "social" creates the word "socialist," which is a person who advocates or practices socialism.
Supermodel Carangi : GIA
Gia Carangi was a famous supermodel in the 1970s and 1980s. "GIA" is a common abbreviation of her name, making it the right answer for this clue.
Switch positions : ONS
The word "switch" is a clue to look for a word that means to change positions. "ONS" is a short form of "onside", which means in a position that is not offside in sports like football. Therefore, "switch positions" can be interpreted as "go onside", which is abbreviated as "ONS".
The film “Airplane!,” e.g. : FARCE
The film "Airplane!" is a comedy known for its exaggerated and absurd humor, making it a classic example of a farce, which is a comedic genre characterized by exaggerated and improbable situations. This is why "FARCE" is the right solution for this clue.
They might sound the alarm : THEFTS
The answer "THEFTS" fits the clue because thieves might sound the alarm when committing a theft to alert others or to distract attention.
This is “plagiarism or revolution,” per Gauguin : ART
The answer "ART" fits the clue because Gauguin, as an artist, would consider "ART" to encompass both plagiarism (copying others' work) and revolution (creating new and innovative work).
Throat lozenge additive : ANISE
ANISE is a common flavoring added to throat lozenges for its soothing and aromatic properties. It is known for its licorice-like taste and is often used in cough drops to help relieve sore throats.
Tiny bit : SPECK
"Tiny bit" is a colloquial expression meaning a small amount. "Skosh" is a slang term that means exactly that, making it a suitable answer for the given clue.
Turn left or right, say : STEER
"Turn left or right, say" is a clue that suggests the action of steering a vehicle in a particular direction. Therefore, the answer "STEER" fits perfectly as it means to guide a vehicle in a specific direction by turning the steering wheel.
TV character who said “Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing” : TED LASSO
Ted Lasso is a TV character known for his positive and uplifting attitude, often giving out words of wisdom like "Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing." This quote is a classic example of his optimistic and moral outlook on life, making him the perfect fit for this clue.
U.S. org. that operates a cryptology museum in Maryland : NSA
The answer is "NSA" because the National Security Agency (NSA) is a U.S. organization that operates a cryptology museum in Maryland.
Uncertainties of life … or a feature of four answers in this puzzle? : UPS AND DOWNS
The phrase "UPS AND DOWNS" refers to the uncertainties or fluctuations in life, symbolized by the ups and downs of a roller coaster ride. In this puzzle, four answers contain words related to ups and downs, making it a feature of those answers.
Walks, for one : STAT
"Walks" can refer to the baseball term "base on balls," which is often abbreviated as "BB." In medical shorthand, "STAT" is used to indicate that something needs to be done immediately. So, in this context, "Walks, for one" is a play on words where "STAT" is the right answer.
Work on a sub? : EAT
The clue "Work on a sub?" is a play on words. In this case, "sub" can refer to a submarine sandwich, so "work on a sub" means to eat or consume the sandwich.
Zip : NIL
The word "zip" can mean "nothing" or "zero," which is synonymous with "none."
Zoo Atlanta’s Lun Lun or Yang Yang : PANDA
Pandas Lun Lun and Yang Yang are famous pandas at Zoo Atlanta, so the answer "PANDA" fits the clue.
“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” police captain : HOLT
Captain Holt is a main character on the TV show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and serves as the police captain of the precinct. "HOLT" fits the clue because it is the last name of the police captain character.
“Sic vita ___” (“Such is life”) : EST
The Latin phrase "Sic vita est" means "Such is life." In Latin, "est" is the third person singular form of the verb "to be," which is used to mean "is." So, "est" is the correct answer to complete the phrase.