Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 31 January 2024, Wednesday (01-31-24). 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.
Actress Reese of “Touched by an Angel” : DELLA
The answer is "DELLA" because Reese is the last name of the actress, and "Touched by an Angel" is the TV show she is known for.
Ad section in a newspaper, maybe : INSERT
The answer "INSERT" is the right solution because an "ad section" in a newspaper is often referred to as an "insert." It is a separate section that contains advertisements and is usually inserted into the main body of the newspaper.
Alternative to “swipe” for a credit card : TAP
The answer "TAP" is the right solution because it refers to the method of making a payment by simply tapping the credit card against a card reader, instead of swiping it.
Arm bones : RADII
The answer to "Arm bones" is "ULNAE" because the ulna is one of the two bones in the forearm that extends from the elbow to the smallest finger.
Article in Le Monde : UNE
The answer to "Article in Le Monde" is "UNE" because "UNE" is the French word for "a" or "an" in English. In Le Monde, a French newspaper, articles are written in French, so the appropriate article to use would be "UNE".
Audience for which a G-rated film is appropriate : ALL AGES
The answer "ALL AGES" is the right solution because a G-rated film is suitable and appropriate for people of all ages, including both children and adults.
Betrayed Paddington? … or what 20-, 34- and 41- did in this puzzle : CROSSED A BEAR (sounds like “cross to bear”)
The answer "CROSSED A BEAR" is a play on words. It sounds like "cross to bear," which means to have a burdensome or difficult problem. In this puzzle, the answers to clues 20, 34, and 41 all involve crossing out or "crossing" the word "BEAR" in different ways. So, the solvers "CROSSED A BEAR" by removing or crossing out the word "BEAR" in those answers.
Borrower’s concern, for short : APR
The answer to "Borrower's concern, for short" is "APR" because APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate, which is a measure of the cost of borrowing money. It includes the interest rate and any additional fees or charges associated with the loan.
Bridge : SPAN
The answer "SPAN" is the right solution because it refers to the distance between two supports of a bridge, which is commonly used to measure the length of a bridge.
Chris formerly of 50- : REDD
The answer "REDD" is the right solution because Chris Redd is a comedian and actor who was formerly a cast member on the comedy show "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). The clue "Chris formerly of 50-" refers to his first name and his previous affiliation with SNL, making "REDD" the correct answer.
City in which to see “Il Cenacolo” (“The Last Supper”) : MILANO
The answer is "MILANO" because "Il Cenacolo" or "The Last Supper" is a famous mural painted by Leonardo da Vinci, which can be seen in the city of Milan, Italy.
Common wine barrel material : OAK
The answer is "OAK" because oak is a common material used to make wine barrels. It is known for its strength, durability, and ability to enhance the flavor of wine.
Dined at a restaurant : ATE OUT
The answer "ATE OUT" is the right solution because it means having a meal at a restaurant, which perfectly matches the clue "Dined at a restaurant."
Dutch beer named for a river : AMSTEL
The Dutch beer named "AMSTEL" is the right solution because it is a famous Dutch beer brand that is named after the Amstel River in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Earmarks : ALLOTS
The word "earmarks" suggests setting aside or designating something for a specific purpose. The word "allots" means to distribute or allocate something, which aligns with the idea of earmarking. Therefore, "allots" is the right answer to the clue "earmarks."
Extra-loud, as a loudspeaker : BLARING
The word "blaring" is a suitable answer because it means "extra-loud" and accurately describes the sound produced by a loudspeaker.
Fine partner? : DANDY
The word "fine" can mean excellent or good, while "partner" can refer to someone who is paired or matched with someone else. In this case, "Fine partner?" is a playful clue indicating that we are looking for a word that means excellent or good and can be paired with the word "fine." The word that fits this description is "DANDY," which is a synonym for excellent or good.
First murder victim : ABEL
The answer to "First murder victim" is "ABEL" because in the Bible, Abel was the first person to be murdered by his brother Cain.
Fly the coop : SKEDADDLE
The phrase "fly the coop" is an idiomatic expression meaning to escape or leave a place quickly. "Skedaddle" is a word that perfectly captures this sense of hurried departure, making it the right solution for the crossword clue.
Gave positive reinforcement : PRAISED
The word "praised" means to give positive reinforcement or express approval. It fits perfectly with the clue "Gave positive reinforcement."
Hiker’s aid : MAP
The answer "MAP" is the right solution to the clue "Hiker's aid" because a map is a helpful tool for hikers to navigate and find their way on trails or in unfamiliar terrain.
Honeybees’ genus : APIS
The answer "APIS" is the right solution because it is the genus name for honeybees.
In which the pinky and thumb pointing out represents Y, in brief : ASL
The answer is "ASL" because in American Sign Language (ASL), the pinky and thumb pointing out in a specific handshape represents the letter "Y".
Invested on Broadway, say? : BACKED A WORK (sounds like “back to work”)
The clue "Invested on Broadway, say?" is a wordplay clue that requires thinking outside the box. The answer "BACKED A WORK" sounds like "back to work," which is a phrase that fits the clue. The word "invested" suggests supporting or backing something financially, and "Broadway" refers to the world of theater. So, "BACKED A WORK" is the right solution because it cleverly combines these elements.
Japanese rice wine : SAKE
The answer "SAKE" is the right solution because it is a Japanese rice wine commonly consumed in Japan and around the world.
Keeping in the loop, in a way : CC’ING
The answer "CC'ING" is the right solution because it refers to the act of including someone on an email by using the "CC" (carbon copy) function. This keeps them in the loop and ensures they receive a copy of the email.
La ___ Tar Pits : BREA
The answer to "La ___ Tar Pits" is "BREA" because the La Brea Tar Pits are a famous natural asphalt deposit located in Los Angeles, California.
Large flightless bird : RHEA
The answer "RHEA" is the right solution because a Rhea is a large flightless bird native to South America.
Leader who was the author of “On Protracted War” : MAO
The answer is "MAO" because Mao Zedong was a leader who wrote a book called "On Protracted War".
Leatherworker’s tool : AWL
The answer "AWL" is the right solution because an awl is a sharp-pointed tool used by leatherworkers to make holes in leather or to mark it for stitching.
Like a cemetery at night, maybe : EERIE
The word "eerie" is the right solution because it describes a feeling of unease or creepiness, which is often associated with cemeteries at night. It fits the clue by suggesting a spooky atmosphere.
Like the numerals 1, 2 and 3 : ARABIC
The numerals 1, 2, and 3 are commonly referred to as "Arabic numerals" because they originated in ancient Arabia. Therefore, the answer "ARABIC" is the correct solution for the clue.
Matchbox, e.g. : TOY CAR
The answer "TOY CAR" is the right solution because a matchbox is commonly associated with small toy cars that are often collected or played with.
Measurement on an electric meter : USAGE
The answer "USAGE" is the right solution because it refers to the measurement of how much electricity is being consumed. Electric meters track the usage or consumption of electricity, making "USAGE" the appropriate answer to the clue.
Motown legend Robinson : SMOKEY (giving “Smokey Bear”)
The answer to "Motown legend Robinson" is "SMOKEY" because Smokey Robinson is a well-known Motown singer and songwriter.
NBC staple since 1975, in brief : SNL
The answer "SNL" stands for "Saturday Night Live," which has been a staple show on NBC since 1975.
One of the Manning brothers : ELI
The answer "ELI" is the right solution because Eli Manning is one of the Manning brothers, along with his older brother Peyton Manning.
Owie : BOO-BOO (giving “Boo-Boo Bear”)
The answer "BOO-BOO" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe a minor injury or "owie." It is also associated with the character "Boo-Boo Bear" from the animated series "The Yogi Bear Show."
Penne ___ vodka : ALLA
The phrase "Penne ___ vodka" is an indication that we need to fill in a word that comes after "Penne" and before "vodka." In Italian cuisine, "alla" is a common term used to describe a dish made with a specific sauce or style. Therefore, "ALLA" is the right answer as it completes the phrase "Penne ___ vodka" and suggests that the dish is made in a vodka sauce.
Perfect score, often : TEN
The answer "TEN" is the right solution because a perfect score is commonly represented by the number 10.
Philly school : UPENN
The answer is "UPENN" because it is a common abbreviation for the University of Pennsylvania, which is located in Philadelphia.
Pizazz : OOMPH
The word "elan" means enthusiasm or style, which is synonymous with "pizazz". Therefore, "elan" is the right solution for the crossword clue "pizazz".
Plains tribe : OTOE
The Otoe (also spelled Oto) tribe is a Native American Plains tribe that historically lived along the Missouri River in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa.
Practiced changing one’s costume by the clock? : TIMED A GETUP (sounds like “time to get up”)
The answer "TIMED A GETUP" is a play on words. It sounds like "time to get up," which relates to the clue "Practiced changing one's costume by the clock." The wordplay involves using the phrase "timed a getup" to create a pun that fits the clue.
Prefix with nautical : AERO-
The prefix "aero-" is the right solution because it means "related to air or aviation." In the context of the clue "Prefix with nautical," "nautical" refers to anything related to the sea or sailing. Therefore, the answer "aero-" provides a contrast by suggesting something related to air rather than the sea.
Prepared to fight Goliath? : READIED A ROCK (sounds like “ready to rock”)
The answer "READIED A ROCK" is the right solution because it sounds like "ready to rock," which is a phrase commonly used to indicate being prepared for action or a fight.
Presidential nickname of the early 20th century : TEDDY (giving “teddy bear”)
The answer "TEDDY" is the right solution because it refers to the nickname of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was commonly known as Teddy. This nickname eventually led to the creation of the teddy bear.
Private university of North Carolina : ELON
The answer "ELON" is the right solution because Elon University is a private university located in North Carolina.
Prominent parts of toucans : BEAKS
The beaks of toucans are their most prominent feature, known for their vibrant colors and large size. Therefore, "BEAKS" is the correct answer to the clue.
Protruding feature on a cliff : OUTCROP
The answer "OUTCROP" fits the clue "Protruding feature on a cliff" because an outcrop refers to a visible portion of a rock formation that juts out from the surrounding surface, such as a cliff. It is a concise and fitting term for a protruding feature on a cliff.
Pupil’s place : UVEA
The pupil is the part of the eye that controls the amount of light entering it. The iris, which is a colored ring around the pupil, helps regulate the size of the pupil. Therefore, "IRIS" is the correct answer for "Pupil's place."
Rank associated with tea and sandwiches? : EARL
The answer "EARL" is the right solution because it is a rank associated with British nobility, and tea and sandwiches are often associated with British culture and tradition.
Scheming : SLY
The word "scheming" implies cunning or deceitful behavior, and the word "sly" perfectly captures that meaning. It is a concise and fitting answer for the clue.
Seals, in a way : CAULKS
The answer "CAULKS" is a play on words. Seals, in a way, refers to the action of sealing or closing gaps or joints. Caulks are materials used to seal gaps or cracks in various surfaces, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
Seize : USURP
The word "usurp" means to take over or seize power or authority without the right to do so. Therefore, it is an appropriate answer for the clue "seize."
Something you shouldn’t take lying down? : POLYGRAPH
The answer "POLYGRAPH" is a play on words. When someone takes a polygraph test, they are typically asked a series of questions while lying down. So, the clue "Something you shouldn't take lying down?" is a clever way of hinting at the answer "POLYGRAPH."
Sonoma and Yukon : GMCS
The answer "GMCS" is the right solution because Sonoma and Yukon are both models of trucks manufactured by the automobile company GMC. The clue is hinting at the plural form of these truck models, which is "GMCS".
Spanish restaurant fare : TAPAS
The answer to "Spanish restaurant fare" is "TAPAS" because tapas are a popular type of appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine, typically served in bars and restaurants. They are small dishes that can include a variety of ingredients and are often shared among diners.
Sports org. with an annual championship on the weekend before Memorial Day : PGA
The answer is "PGA" because the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) holds its annual championship, known as the PGA Championship, on the weekend before Memorial Day.
Spot from which to say “bon voyage” : PIER
The answer to the clue "Spot from which to say 'bon voyage'" is "PIER" because a pier is a structure that extends over water and is often used as a departure point for boats or ships. It's a common place to bid farewell and wish someone a good journey.
Taking off : LESS
The answer "LESS" is the right solution for the clue "Taking off" because "taking off" can mean subtracting or removing something, which is exactly what we do when we subtract or take away something from a number. So, "LESS" fits perfectly.
Tennis star Naomi : OSAKA
The answer to "Tennis star Naomi" is "OSAKA" because Naomi Osaka is a professional tennis player who has achieved great success in the sport.
The Cowboys and Cowgirls of the N.C.A.A. : OSU
The answer "OSU" stands for Oklahoma State University, which is commonly known as the Cowboys and Cowgirls in the N.C.A.A.
Toupee, slangily : RUG
The slang term "rug" is commonly used to refer to a toupee. It is a short and simple answer that fits the clue perfectly.
Turndowns : NOS
The word "turndowns" is a clue that indicates we are looking for words that mean "rejections" or "refusals." The word "NOES" is a plural form of "NO," which is a common way to express refusal. Therefore, "NOES" is the right solution for the clue "Turndowns."
Unloads, so to speak : SELLS
The word "unloads" can be used figuratively to mean getting rid of something, and "sells" is a common term used to describe the act of getting rid of goods or property in exchange for money.
Waikiki locale : OAHU
The answer to "Waikiki locale" is "OAHU" because Waikiki is a neighborhood located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.
Word with life or screen : -SAVER
The answer is "-SAVER" because it can be combined with the words "life" or "screen" to create the common phrases "lifesaver" and "screensaver."
___ Popovich, longtime coach for the Spurs : GREGG
The answer is "GREGG" because Gregg Popovich is the longtime coach for the Spurs.
___-chic : BOHO
The term "boho" is short for "bohemian," which refers to a style that combines a relaxed and unconventional fashion sense. "___-chic" is a common crossword clue format that suggests a trendy or fashionable style, and "boho" fits perfectly as it represents a popular fashion trend.
“I’m ___ Boat” (Lonely Island song) : ON A
The answer "ON A" is the right solution because the phrase "I'm on a boat" is a popular line from the song by The Lonely Island.
“___ So Shy” (1980 Pointer Sisters hit) : HE’S
The answer to "“___ So Shy” (1980 Pointer Sisters hit)" is "HE’S" because the clue is indicating that the missing word is a pronoun referring to a male person. "HE’S" is a contraction of "he is" and fits the clue perfectly.