Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 31 January 2025, Friday (01-31-25). 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.
1940s Chinese revolutionaries : MAOISTS
The term "Maoists" refers to followers of Mao Zedong, who led the Chinese Communist Party during the 1940s revolution in China. They were supporters of Mao's revolutionary ideology and played a significant role in the political and social changes of that time.
A buck or two : DEER
unknown
Actor DeVine of “Pitch Perfect” : ADAM
Adam DeVine is an actor known for his role in the movie "Pitch Perfect." The clue is asking for the actor's first name, which is "Adam."
Air play? : RADIO DRAMA
The clue "Air play?" suggests something that is broadcasted over the airwaves. "Radio drama" fits this description as it is a type of performance specifically produced for radio broadcast.
Alpine crooner : YODELER
The answer "YODELER" fits the clue "Alpine crooner" because yodeling is a style of singing traditionally associated with the Alps region, making a yodeler someone who performs this type of singing.
Animal resting place : BARNYARD
The answer "BARNYARD" fits the clue "Animal resting place" because a barnyard is a place where many farm animals, such as cows, pigs, and chickens, rest and live.
Big acronym in purifying filters : HEPA
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, and it is a common acronym used in purifying filters known for its ability to trap small particles and pollutants.
Bougainvillea, for one : VINE
The answer "VINE" is correct because bougainvillea is a type of plant that typically grows as a climbing or trailing vine.
Capsules that can track health info : SMART PILLS
The answer "SMART PILLS" fits because these capsules are designed to track health information, such as vital signs or medication adherence, using technology embedded in the pill.
Cat’s scan? : MICE
The answer "MICE" for the clue "Cat's scan?" is a play on words. Cats are known to hunt mice, so a cat's "scan" would be looking for mice.
Cruz known as the “Queen of Salsa” : CELIA
Celia Cruz was a famous Cuban singer known as the "Queen of Salsa," making "CELIA" the correct answer.
Deep red : GARNET
The answer "GARNET" is the right solution because garnet is a deep red gemstone often used in jewelry.
Draws from : TAPS
The word "draws" can mean to extract or obtain, which is synonymous with "taps," as in tapping into a resource.
Easy win : ROMP
"Easy win" is a phrase that means a victory obtained without difficulty. "Romp" means to win easily and convincingly, making it a suitable answer for the given clue.
Emmy-winning actress Edebiri of “The Bear” : AYO
Feature of many hospital roofs : HELIPAD
The answer "HELIPAD" fits the clue because many hospitals have helipads on their roofs for medical helicopters to land and transport patients quickly.
Focus group? : CAMERA CREW
The answer "CAMERA CREW" fits the clue "Focus group?" because a camera crew is a group of people who focus on filming or recording events.
God for whom Wednesday is named : ODIN
ODIN is the Norse god associated with Wednesday, which is named after him in English as "Woden's day."
Hairstyle for Violet in “Peanuts” : BANGS
"BANGS" is the right solution because Violet, a character in the comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles Schulz, is often depicted with a hairstyle featuring short hair in the front that is cut straight across the forehead, known as bangs.
Hermann ___, champion skier known as “The Herminator” : MAIER
Hermann Maier is a champion skier known as "The Herminator," making "MAIER" the correct answer for this clue.
He’s taken! : MARRIED MAN
The answer "MARRIED MAN" fits the clue "He's taken!" because a married man is already in a committed relationship and therefore not available for romantic pursuits.
Hinduism’s “king of fruits” : MANGO
The mango is often referred to as the "king of fruits" in Hinduism due to its popularity and significance in Indian culture and cuisine. It is a common fruit in India and holds a special place in religious and cultural practices.
It goes bald over time : TIRE
The answer "TIRE" fits the clue because tires lose their tread over time, making them bald.
It’s followed by an extra point : ALSO
The phrase "It's followed by an extra point" suggests that "it" is followed by something additional, which is what "also" means - something additional or in addition.
Like a basketball court’s three-point line : ARCED
The three-point line on a basketball court is arced in shape, hence the answer "ARCED".
Listless look : EMPTY STARE
The answer "EMPTY STARE" fits because it describes a look that lacks energy or interest, often associated with feeling listless or disengaged.
Many job fair attendees : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for "abbreviation," indicating that the answer to the clue "Many job fair attendees" is a shortened or abbreviated term. In this case, the answer is likely "Reps" for representatives.
Not much hair cream : A DAB
"A DAB" is the right solution because a dab is a small amount of a substance, such as hair cream. In this context, "Not much" indicates a small quantity, making "A DAB" a fitting answer.
Number of countries whose names both start and end with “A” : NINE
The answer is "NINE" because there are nine countries whose names both start and end with the letter "A" - Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, and Azerbaijan.
One might be full of tears : DUCT
The word "duct" can refer to a tube or channel that carries tears from the eyes to the nose, so it fits the clue "One might be full of tears."
One with sound judgment? : AUDIOPHILE
The answer "AUDIOPHILE" fits the clue "One with sound judgment?" because an audiophile is a person who is enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction, showing good judgment in appreciating and valuing high-quality audio.
Palestinian, e.g. : ARAB
"ARAB" is the right solution because Palestinians are predominantly of Arab descent, making them Arab.
Passionate, domineering sort, it’s said : LEO
The answer "LEO" fits the clue because Leos are often associated with being passionate and domineering based on their zodiac sign traits.
Permit to pass : LET BY
The phrase "let by" means to permit someone or something to pass, making it the right solution for the clue "Permit to pass."
Persistent interrupter, say : PEST
The answer "PEST" fits because a persistent interrupter can be described as a pest, someone who annoys or bothers others by constantly interrupting.
Pool and darts, often : BAR GAMES
"Pool and darts" are commonly played in bars, making them known as "bar games." This answer fits the clue perfectly.
Princess twin of He-Man : SHE-RA
She-Ra is the princess twin of He-Man in the Masters of the Universe franchise. She is a powerful warrior and a prominent character in the series.
Public relations pro, informally : SPIN DOCTOR
"Spin doctor" is a term often used to describe a public relations professional who is skilled at shaping or manipulating information to create a favorable image for a person or organization. The term "spin" refers to presenting information in a way that may not be entirely truthful or unbiased.
Qualified : ABLE
The word "able" means having the necessary skills or qualities to do something, which is a synonym for being qualified.
Rankle, with “up” : RILE …
"Rankle" is a synonym for "rile," which means to make someone annoyed or irritated. In this context, "up" is used as a phrasal verb particle to intensify the meaning, so "RILE" is the correct answer.
Request following some failed attempts : MAY I TRY?
The answer "MAY I TRY?" fits the clue because it is a polite request that one might make after having some failed attempts at something.
Scolding word : BAD
The answer "BAD" fits the clue "Scolding word" because it is a common word used to scold or reprimand someone for their actions or behavior. It is a simple and direct response that conveys disapproval.
Select : APPOINT
The word "appoint" means to select or designate someone for a particular position or duty, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Select."
Short-distance driver : VALET
The answer "VALET" is the right solution because a valet is a person who drives cars short distances, typically for parking or retrieving vehicles at hotels or restaurants.
Some causes for blessings : SNEEZES
"SNEEZES" is the right solution because sneezing is a common cause for blessings in many cultures and superstitions. When someone sneezes, it is often followed by a blessing or well-wishes in many societies.
Stable call : WHINNY
"WHINNY" is the right solution because it is a sound made by a horse, which is a common call heard in a stable.
Tell-___ (exposing accounts) : ALLS
The term "Tell-Alls" refers to accounts that expose secrets or information. In this case, the answer "ALLS" fits the clue as it is a shortened version of "Tell-Alls".
Tells on, with “out” : RATS …
The answer "RATS" fits the clue because "rats out" is a common phrase meaning to tell on someone or reveal their secrets.
Time for action : D-DAY
"D-DAY" is the right solution because D-Day is a military term used to indicate the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. It signifies a specific time for action.
Tiny shape-shifters : AMOEBAS
AMOEBAS are tiny shape-shifters because they are single-celled organisms that can change their shape by extending and retracting their pseudopods.
Tried a bit of : TASTED
The answer "TASTED" fits the clue "Tried a bit of" because tasting involves trying a small amount of something to see how it tastes.
Useful acquaintances : INS
unknown
Wanders around a terminal, for short? : TSA Down 1 Insensitive to human feeling
The answer "TSA" fits the clue because it stands for Transportation Security Administration, which is commonly found in airport terminals and is responsible for security checks.
Wars of words? : RAP BATTLES
The clue "Wars of words?" is a play on words that hints at a verbal competition or conflict. "Rap battles" are competitions where participants engage in a war of words through rap lyrics, making it the fitting answer to the clue.
Was second to none : LED
The answer "LED" fits because in the phrase "was second to none," the letters "LED" come after "none" alphabetically, making it second.
Way : PATH
"Way" is a synonym for "process."
Went out for a bit : DOZED
The answer "DOZED" fits the clue "Went out for a bit" because when you doze off, you briefly go into a light sleep or nap, which can be considered as going out for a bit.
Woman’s name that becomes another woman’s name if you interchange its second and fourth letters : MYRA
The answer "MYRA" becomes "MARY" if you interchange its second and fourth letters. "MYRA" with the second and fourth letters swapped spells out "MARY," which is another woman's name.
“Deal with it!” : SO THERE!
The phrase "Deal with it!" is often used to suggest that someone should handle or accept a situation. A deck of cards is commonly used for various card games, and dealing with a deck of cards involves shuffling and distributing the cards. Therefore, "DECKOFCARDS" is a fitting answer as it represents the act of dealing with something.
“Ich bin ___ Berliner” : EIN
In German, "Ich bin ein Berliner" means "I am a Berliner". The word "ein" means "a" in English.
“Seems fishy to me” : I DON’T BUY IT
"I DON’T BUY IT" is the right solution because it is a common phrase meaning to not believe or trust something, which fits the clue "Seems fishy to me."
“The most engaging cowardice,” per Robert Frost : HUMOR
The answer "HUMOR" fits the clue because humor can be a way for someone to engage with difficult or fearful situations in a lighthearted or amusing way, which can be seen as a form of cowardice.
“Truth is …” : TO BE HONEST …
The answer "TO BE HONEST ..." fits the clue "“Truth is …” because the phrase "to be honest" is commonly used when someone is about to speak the truth or be sincere about something.
“We’re done, folks!” : THAT’S A WRAP!
The phrase "That's a wrap!" is commonly used in the film industry to indicate that filming is finished. It fits the clue "We're done, folks!" perfectly.
“What’s stopping us?” : CAN’T WE?
“Yo te ___” : AMO
The clue "Yo te ___" is in Spanish and translates to "I love you." The correct answer to fill in the blank is "AMO," which means "I love" in Spanish.
“You lost! Pay up!” : A BET IS A BET!
The answer "A BET IS A BET!" fits the clue "You lost! Pay up!" because it conveys the idea that a wager or bet was made and now it's time for the loser to fulfill their end of the bargain by paying up. It captures the essence of accepting the outcome of a bet.