Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 2 February 2024, Friday (02-02-24). 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.
2019 World Series champs, familiarly : NATS
The answer "NATS" is the right solution because it is a familiar nickname for the Washington Nationals, who won the 2019 World Series.
Actor Bill of “Barry” : HADER
The answer "HADER" is the right solution because Bill Hader is an actor who starred in the TV show "Barry."
Bad blood : ENMITY
The word "ENMITY" is the right solution because it means a state of deep-seated hostility or animosity, which perfectly fits the clue "Bad blood." It implies a strong negative feeling between individuals or groups.
Beats in a photo finish, say : EDGES
The answer "EDGES" is the right solution because when there is a photo finish, the winning participant or object is determined by the smallest of margins. In this case, "EDGES" refers to beating someone or something by a very small margin, just like in a photo finish.
Bit of energy, for short : CAL
The answer "CAL" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "calorie," which is a unit of energy.
Charity : ALMS
The word "ALMS" is the right answer because it refers to money or goods given to those in need as an act of charity.
Dangerous thing to be inside : BELLY OF THE BEAST
The phrase "belly of the beast" is a metaphorical expression meaning to be in a very dangerous or threatening situation. It implies being trapped or surrounded by something powerful and potentially harmful. So, it fits the clue "dangerous thing to be inside" perfectly.
Excites : KEYS UP
"KEYS UP" is the right solution for the clue "Excites" because it is a phrasal verb that means to make someone or something more excited or enthusiastic.
Flop : LAY AN EGG
The phrase "lay an egg" is a colloquial expression that means to fail or to have a performance that is unsuccessful. In the context of the clue "Flop," "lay an egg" fits perfectly as it describes a failure or a disappointing outcome.
Footwear with distinctive yellow stitching : DR MARTENS
The answer "DR MARTENS" is the right solution because Dr. Martens is a famous footwear brand known for its distinctive yellow stitching.
Garden-variety : NORMAL
The answer "NORMAL" is the right solution to the clue "Garden-variety" because it refers to something that is typical, common, or ordinary. In a garden, you would expect to find a variety of plants, and "NORMAL" fits the description of being the standard or usual type.
Gave 9-Down : OK’ED
The answer "OK'ED" is the right solution because it means to give approval or permission, which aligns with the clue "Gave 9-Down."
Gore Vidal’s “___ Breckinridge” : MYRA
The answer is "MYRA" because "Myra Breckinridge" is a novel written by Gore Vidal.
Grave words : HERE LIES
The answer "HERE LIES" is the right solution for the clue "Grave words" because it is a common phrase found on tombstones, indicating the final resting place of a deceased person.
Hews : FELLS
The word "hews" is a clue indicating the action of cutting or chopping. The answer "FELLS" fits perfectly as it means to cut down or chop down, making it the correct solution.
Higher up : ELEVATED
The answer "ELEVATED" is the right solution because it means "higher up" in a literal sense. It refers to something that is raised or positioned at a higher level.
Holiday celebrated by reading the Megillah : PURIM
The holiday celebrated by reading the Megillah is Purim because Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the events described in the Book of Esther, which is read aloud during the festivities.
Isle of ___ (historic region of England) : ELY
The answer is "ELY" because the Isle of Ely is a historic region in England, located in the eastern part of the country.
Its famous chime consists of the three notes G-E-C : NBC
The answer to "Its famous chime consists of the three notes G-E-C" is "NBC" because those three notes correspond to the iconic three-note musical mnemonic used by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) for their television network.
Japanese honorific : SAN
In Japanese culture, "san" is a commonly used honorific title used to show respect when addressing someone. It is used after a person's name, similar to how "Mr." or "Ms." is used in English. Therefore, "Japanese honorific" refers to "SAN".
John or Paul : BUNYAN
Jumps over, say : OMITS
The word "OMITS" fits the clue "Jumps over, say" because when you omit something, you skip over or jump over it.
Lead role of a 1979 Broadway hit : EVA
The answer is "EVA" because it was the lead role in a 1979 Broadway hit.
Lomé locale : TOGO
The answer to "Lomé locale" is "TOGO" because Lomé is the capital city of Togo, a country in West Africa.
Lose eligibility for, as Little League : AGE OUT OF
The phrase "age out of" means to reach the maximum age limit and no longer be eligible for a particular activity or organization. In the context of Little League, players can "age out of" the league when they exceed the age limit, making "AGE OUT OF" the correct answer.
Magazine, e.g., for short : PUB
The answer "PUB" is short for "publications," which is a term commonly used to refer to magazines.
Medieval Latin for “great” : MAGNA
The answer to "Medieval Latin for 'great'" is "MAGNA" because it is a Latin word that means "great" and was commonly used during the medieval period.
Monk’s title : DOM
The answer "DOM" is the right solution because it is a common title for a monk in various religious orders.
Mononymous singer with numerically titled albums : ADELE
The answer is "ADELE" because she is a mononymous singer, meaning she is known by her first name only. Additionally, she has released albums with numerically titled names, such as "19," "21," and "25."
N-___ (mathematical sets) : TUPLES
The answer to "N-___ (mathematical sets)" is "TUPLES" because in mathematics, a tuple refers to an ordered sequence or list of elements. When we add the prefix "N-" to it, it indicates that we are referring to a specific number or quantity of elements in the tuple. Therefore, "N-TUPLES" accurately represents mathematical sets with a specified number of elements.
Nation whose currency is the dirham : Abbr.
The answer to the clue "Nation whose currency is the dirham" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, indicating that the answer should be a shortened form of the nation's name. In this case, the nation is the United Arab Emirates, which uses the dirham as its currency.
New Delhi’s ___ Temple : LOTUS
The answer "LOTUS" is the right solution because the Lotus Temple is a famous landmark in New Delhi, India. The temple is known for its distinctive lotus flower-shaped architecture, hence the name "Lotus Temple."
Nods : YESES
The answer to "Nods" is "YESES" because "YESES" is a plural form of "YES" and nodding is a way of expressing agreement or affirmation.
Noted cairn terrier of film : TOTO
The answer is "TOTO" because Toto is a well-known cairn terrier from the film "The Wizard of Oz".
Odysseus’ faithful dog in the “Odyssey” : ARGOS
The answer "ARGOS" is the right solution because in the "Odyssey," Odysseus' faithful dog is named Argos.
One in a highchair : TOT
The answer "TOT" is the right solution because a "tot" is a common term for a small child or toddler. Since a highchair is typically used for young children, "one in a highchair" refers to a tot.
One way to make cookie dough? : BAKE SALE
The answer "BAKE SALE" is the right solution because a bake sale is an event where people sell baked goods, including cookie dough. It is a common way to make cookie dough available to others.
Papal issue : BULL
The answer is "BULL" because in the context of the clue, "Papal issue" refers to a document or proclamation issued by the Pope, which is commonly known as a papal bull.
Party add-ons : PLUS-ONES
The answer "PLUS-ONES" is the right solution because at parties, hosts often allow guests to bring additional people, known as "plus-ones," as their guests.
Places to see lots of lutzes : ICE ARENAS
The answer "ICE ARENAS" is the right solution because "lutzes" refers to a figure skating jump, and "ICE ARENAS" are the places where figure skaters perform their jumps and routines.
Plunder : HAUL
The answer to "Plunder" is "HAUL" because "haul" means to seize or steal something by force, which is synonymous with plundering.
Puppet show locale, for short : SESAME ST
The answer "SESAME ST" is the right solution because it is a popular children's television show that features puppets, such as Elmo and Big Bird. The clue "Puppet show locale, for short" is a hint that refers to the abbreviation of "SESAME ST" for Sesame Street, where the puppet show takes place.
Rationale for “throwing good money after bad” : SUNK COST FALLACY
The term "SUNK COST FALLACY" refers to the tendency to continue investing time, money, or effort into something despite it being unproductive or unlikely to succeed. It is the rationale behind "throwing good money after bad" because people often feel compelled to justify their initial investment, even if it no longer makes logical sense.
Relished : ATE UP
The answer "ATE UP" is the right solution because it means to consume and enjoy something with great pleasure, which is synonymous with relishing something.
Seattle slew? : RAINY DAYS
The clue "Seattle slew?" is a play on words. "Slew" can mean a large number or a lot of something. Seattle is known for its rainy weather, so "Rainy Days" is the right answer as it represents the abundance of rain in Seattle.
Shade providers at the National Mall : ELMS
The answer is "ELMS" because elm trees are known for providing shade, and the National Mall is home to many elm trees.
Sky-high : IN ECSTASY
Solo act? : MONOLOGUE
The clue "Solo act?" is a play on words. In this case, "solo" refers to a performance done by one person, and "act" can refer to a portion of a play or performance. A monologue is a speech or performance done by a single person, making it the perfect answer to the clue.
Some Instagram statistics, fittingly? : METADATA
The answer to "Some Instagram statistics, fittingly?" is "METADATA" because metadata refers to the information about the data on Instagram, such as the date, time, location, and other details associated with a post. It fits the clue because it specifically mentions "Instagram statistics."
Some Olympus offerings, in brief : SLRS
The answer "SLRS" stands for Single Lens Reflex cameras, which are a type of camera offered by Olympus.
Southwest city that gets about 350 days of sunshine a year : TUCSON
The answer is "TUCSON" because it is a city located in the southwest region of the United States and is known for its abundant sunshine, receiving approximately 350 days of sunshine per year.
Specks : MOTES
The answer to "Specks" is "MOTES" because "motes" refers to small particles or specks of dust or debris.
Texting counterpart of “ty” : PLS
The answer is "PLS" because it is the abbreviated form of "please," which is the texting counterpart of "ty" (thank you).
The Black Knights of the N.C.A.A. : ARMY
The Black Knights of the N.C.A.A. is a clue that refers to a college sports team. "ARMY" is the correct answer because the United States Military Academy, commonly known as West Point, has a sports team known as the Army Black Knights.
Things to keep in check? : COATS
The answer "COATS" is a play on words. In this clue, "Things to keep in check?" refers to items that are physically kept in a check, like coats in a coat check. Therefore, "COATS" is the right solution.
Thrifty competitor : ALAMO
The answer "ALAMO" is the right solution because the clue "Thrifty competitor" is referring to the rental car company "Alamo," which is known for offering competitive rates and deals.
Top-tier : CLASS-A
The term "top-tier" refers to something of the highest quality or ranking. In this case, "CLASS-A" is the right answer because it signifies the highest or best level, often used to describe top-tier products, services, or individuals.
Tumult : ADO
The word "ado" means commotion or disturbance, which is synonymous with tumult. Therefore, "ado" is the right solution for the crossword clue "tumult."
TV tavern whose owner bribes Mayor Quimby to pass a health inspection : MOE’S
The answer is "MOE’S" because it is the name of the TV tavern in the show "The Simpsons" where the owner, Moe Szyslak, often engages in shady activities. In one episode, Moe bribes Mayor Quimby to pass a health inspection, making "MOE’S" the correct answer.
Where Midori Ito lit the Olympic cauldron : NAGANO
The answer is "NAGANO" because the 1998 Winter Olympics, where Midori Ito lit the Olympic cauldron, took place in Nagano, Japan.
Where one may or may not make the cut : TRYOUT
The answer "TRYOUT" fits the clue because it refers to a situation where someone is being evaluated or tested to determine if they are qualified or skilled enough to be included or selected for something, such as a sports team or a performance.
Without feeling : NUMBLY
The answer "NUMBLY" fits the clue "Without feeling" because it describes a state of being numb or lacking sensation.
Word with aid or pad : LEGAL …
The answer "LEGAL" fits the clue "Word with aid or pad" because "legal aid" and "legal pad" are common phrases that use the word "legal" to describe a type of assistance or a type of writing pad.
___ society : HUMANE
The word "humane" is the right solution because it means characterized by compassion and benevolence towards others, which aligns with the idea of a society that values kindness and empathy.
“Gonna have to pass” : NAH
The answer "NAH" is the right solution for the clue "Gonna have to pass" because "nah" is a casual and informal way of saying "no" or indicating a negative response.
“In-tents” getaways : CAMPS
The answer "CAMPS" is the right solution because "in-tents" is a play on words, hinting at camping in tents. Therefore, "CAMPS" fits perfectly as it refers to outdoor locations where people go for recreational activities and often stay in tents.
“Just ___ heads-up …” : AS A
The phrase "Just ___ heads-up ..." is commonly followed by the word "a" to indicate a brief warning or notification. Therefore, the answer "AS A" fits perfectly in this context.
“What an idiot I am!” : D’OH!
The answer "D'OH!" is the right solution because it is a catchphrase famously used by the character Homer Simpson in the TV show "The Simpsons" when he realizes he has done something foolish.