Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 3 February 2024, Saturday (02-03-24). Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
We're not affiliated with New York Times in any way.
Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
A little smoke? : CIG
The answer "CIG" is short for "cigarette," which is a form of smoking. So, "A little smoke?" is a clever clue that hints at the abbreviation for cigarette, making "CIG" the right solution.
Actor Damon Sr. or Damon Jr. : WAYANS
The answer is "WAYANS" because both Damon Wayans Sr. and Damon Wayans Jr. are actors, making it a suitable solution for the clue.
Aid in focusing : LENS
The answer "LENS" is the right solution because a lens helps in focusing by adjusting the distance between the object and the eye, allowing for clearer vision.
Angular movement? : CUBISM
The answer to "Angular movement?" is "CUBISM" because Cubism is an art movement that emphasized geometric shapes and angles in its artwork. It is known for depicting objects from multiple viewpoints, resulting in a fragmented and angular representation.
Arrive with great hype : COME IN HOT
"COME IN HOT" is the right solution because it means to arrive with a lot of excitement or enthusiasm. It implies that someone or something is making a grand entrance, creating a buzz or generating a lot of attention.
Ball holder : TEE
The answer to "Ball holder" is "TEE" because a tee is a small peg used to hold a golf ball off the ground for the initial shot.
Bring in : REAP
"EARN" can mean to bring in money or income, which fits the clue "Bring in".
Cannabis product sometimes found in granola : HEMP
The answer is "HEMP" because hemp is a type of cannabis plant that is often used to produce various products, including granola.
Cannabis with a high level of THC : KUSH
The answer "KUSH" is the right solution because Kush is a specific strain of cannabis known for its high levels of THC.
Cap, but not a hat : LIMIT
The word "cap" can also refer to a limit or restriction, which is the meaning intended in this crossword clue. Therefore, "limit" is the correct answer.
Certain clubhouse : ELKS LODGE
The answer "ELKS LODGE" is the right solution because it is a type of clubhouse specifically associated with the fraternal organization called the Elks.
Classic symbol of purity and grace : UNICORN
The answer "UNICORN" is the right solution because unicorns are often depicted as symbols of purity and grace in mythology and folklore.
College assignment : ROOMIE
Common Scandinavian man’s name : NILS
The name "Nils" is a common Scandinavian man's name, making it the right solution for the clue.
Compatriot : PAISANO
The answer "ALLY" is the right solution for the clue "Compatriot" because an ally is someone who is on the same side or supports the same cause, making them a fellow countryman or compatriot.
Cries of shear terror? : BAAS
The answer "BAAS" is the right solution because "baas" is the sound that a sheep makes. The clue "Cries of shear terror?" is a play on words, using "shear" as a reference to sheep shearing and "terror" to indicate fear, resulting in the answer "BAAS."
Develop feelings for : TAKE TO
The answer "TAKE TO" fits the clue "Develop feelings for" because it means to start liking or becoming fond of someone or something.
Economize : SKIMP
The word "skimp" means to economize or be frugal by using less of something, such as money or resources. Therefore, "skimp" is the right solution for the clue "economize" because it directly relates to the concept of saving or cutting back on expenses.
Economy-based calculation, for short : MPG
The answer "MPG" stands for "miles per gallon," which is a commonly used calculation in the context of measuring fuel efficiency in vehicles. It represents the number of miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Therefore, "MPG" is the correct answer for an economy-based calculation, as it relates to measuring how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel.
Endnote abbr. meaning “same as before” : IBID
The abbreviation "IBID" stands for "ibidem" in Latin, which means "in the same place." In endnotes or footnotes, it is used to refer to the same source that was cited immediately before. Therefore, "IBID" is the correct answer for the clue "Endnote abbr. meaning 'same as before'."
Evidence in a criminal case, maybe : PRINTS
The answer "PRINTS" is the right solution because it refers to fingerprints, which are often considered as evidence in a criminal case.
Fiddle (with) : TOY
The word "fiddle" can mean to play with or manipulate something. In this case, "fiddle (with)" suggests the action of playing with a "toy". Therefore, "toy" is the right solution.
Fixture on a frozen lake : ICE HUT
The answer "ICE HUT" is the right solution because it refers to a structure or shelter that is commonly built on a frozen lake or pond. It is a familiar fixture that people use for ice fishing or as a temporary shelter during winter activities.
Gently apply, as concealer : DAB ON
The answer "DAB ON" is the right solution because it means to gently apply a substance in a light, quick motion, which is commonly done when applying concealer.
Greek word for “knowledge” : GNOSIS
The Greek word for "knowledge" is indeed "GNOSIS".
Halley’s comet, to some : OMEN
The answer "OMEN" is the right solution because Halley's comet is often seen as a sign or a warning of something to come, making it an omen.
Highlighters, of sorts : EYELINERS
In an intimate way, in a way : CARNALLY
The answer "CARNALLY" fits the clue because it means "in a way relating to the physical aspects of a romantic or sexual relationship." This suggests a close and intimate connection between two people.
Internal lie detector, so to speak : BS METER
The term "BS" is often used as an abbreviation for "bullshit," which refers to something that is false or deceptive. A "meter" is a device used to measure something. Therefore, a "BS meter" is a figurative term for an internal lie detector, as it suggests the ability to detect when someone is being dishonest or deceptive.
Issa who created “Awkward Black Girl” : RAE
The answer is "RAE" because Issa Rae is the creator of the web series "Awkward Black Girl."
It can be radiant or magnetic : ENERGY
The answer "ENERGY" is the right solution because energy can be radiant, like light or heat, and it can also be magnetic, like in electromagnetism.
It may leave you speechless : SHYNESS
The answer "SHYNESS" is the right solution because when someone is shy, they often feel uncomfortable or hesitant to speak up or express themselves, which can leave them speechless in certain situations.
It’s a plan : DIET
The answer to "It's a plan" is "DIET" because a diet is a specific plan or regimen for eating and drinking, often followed for health or weight loss purposes.
Keep one’s beginning goals modest : START OUT SMALL
The answer "START OUT SMALL" is the right solution because it perfectly fits the clue "Keep one’s beginning goals modest." The phrase "start out" means to begin, and "small" means modest or not ambitious. So, "start out small" means to begin with modest goals, which directly matches the clue.
King Lear’s middle daughter : REGAN
The answer is "REGAN" because Regan is one of King Lear's three daughters in Shakespeare's play "King Lear."
Korean model hitting the scene in 1999 : KIA RIO
The answer "KIA RIO" is the right solution because the KIA RIO is a Korean model that was introduced in 1999.
Lets loose : FREES
"Let loose" means to release or free something from a restraint or confinement. "Untie" means to undo a knot or a restraint, which fits the definition of "letting loose". Therefore, "Unties" is the correct answer.
Licenses, perhaps : OKS
The answer "OKS" is the right solution because licenses are often granted or approved with the abbreviation "OK."
Like zombies and some loves : UNDYING
The word "undying" is the right solution because it describes both zombies and some loves. Zombies are often portrayed as being undead or incapable of dying, while some loves are described as being everlasting or never-ending. Therefore, "undying" fits the clue perfectly.
Literary character whose name translates to “no one” : NEMO
The answer "NEMO" is the right solution because the name translates to "no one" in Latin. In Jules Verne's novel "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," Captain Nemo is a mysterious character who remains unidentified, hence the translation of "no one."
Lunar ___ : MODULE
The answer "MODULE" is the right solution because it is commonly used to refer to a self-contained unit or component of a larger structure or system. In the context of the clue "Lunar ___," a lunar module specifically refers to the spacecraft used to land astronauts on the moon during the Apollo missions.
Major street in New York City or New Orleans : CANAL
The answer is "CANAL" because both New York City and New Orleans have major streets named after canals.
Many cross words? : TIRADE
The answer to "Many cross words?" is "TIRADE" because a tirade refers to a long, angry speech or outburst of words, which can be seen as many cross words.
Off : LESS
"Off" is a synonym of "screwy", which means strange or eccentric. Therefore, "screwy" is the right answer to the clue "Off".
One way to wonder : IDLY
The answer "IDLY" fits the clue "One way to wonder" because when we wonder, we often do it idly or without purpose or direction.
Ones running the world, per Beyoncé : GIRLS
The answer "GIRLS" is the right solution because in Beyoncé's song "Run the World (Girls)", she empowers and celebrates the strength and influence of women in society.
Org. that checks what you don’t : TSA
The answer "TSA" stands for Transportation Security Administration, an organization that checks what you don't in terms of airport security. They are responsible for screening passengers and their belongings to ensure safety during air travel.
Panthers’ home : CAROLINA
The answer "CAROLINA" is the right solution because the Carolina Panthers are a professional football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Therefore, "Panthers' home" refers to the state of Carolina, making "CAROLINA" the correct answer.
Pass on a wing and a prayer : HAIL MARY
The phrase "Hail Mary" is commonly used to describe a desperate or last-ditch attempt. In this context, "pass on a wing and a prayer" implies taking a risky action with little chance of success. Therefore, "HAIL MARY" fits the clue as the right solution.
People of the Iroquois Confederacy : ONEIDA
The Iroquois Confederacy is made up of six nations, and Oneida is one of those nations. Therefore, "People of the Iroquois Confederacy" refers to the Oneida people.
Prefix with second : NANO-
The prefix "nano-" means one billionth, and when combined with "second," it forms the word "nanosecond." In the context of time measurement, a nanosecond is an extremely short unit of time, making it the appropriate answer for the crossword clue.
Pucker precipitators at a pub : SOUR BEERS
The term "pucker" suggests a sour taste, and "precipitators" refers to something that causes or brings about an effect. At a pub, one might find a variety of beers, including sour beers, which are known for their tart and acidic flavors. Therefore, "SOUR BEERS" is the right answer.
Roots : EMBEDS
The answer "EMBEDS" fits the clue "Roots" because it means to firmly fix or implant something, like roots do in the ground.
Sir Georg who conducted 999 Chicago Symphony concerts : SOLTI
The answer "SOLTI" is the right solution because Sir Georg Solti was a renowned conductor who conducted 999 concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Storm on the horizon, maybe : CLOUD BANK
The answer "CLOUD BANK" is the right solution because when there is a storm on the horizon, you often see a large mass of clouds that resemble a bank.
Take an unplanned trip : TUMBLE
The answer "TUMBLE" is the right solution because it means to take a trip or journey in a hasty or unplanned manner.
Test drives : TRIAL RUNS
The answer "TRIAL RUNS" is the right solution because it refers to the act of testing or trying something out before making a final decision. In the context of the clue "Test drives," it implies trying out a vehicle or product before purchasing or committing to it.
The emperor Túpac Amaru, for one : INCA
The emperor Túpac Amaru was a ruler of the Inca civilization, making "INCA" the correct answer.
They’re not only human : BEINGS
The answer "BEINGS" is the right solution because it refers to creatures or entities that exist, which can include non-human entities as well.
Third-grade groups? : C-TEAMS
The answer "C-TEAMS" is the right solution because in schools, students are often divided into different teams based on their grade level. In this case, "Third-grade groups" refers to the teams specifically for third-grade students, which are commonly referred to as C-teams.
Transmitter of audio programmes : BBC RADIO
The answer "BBC RADIO" is the right solution because the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a well-known broadcaster that transmits audio programmes through its radio stations.
Vegetable that’s baked, fried or roasted : OKRA
The answer is "OKRA" because it is a versatile vegetable that can be prepared by baking, frying, or roasting.
Venue for many TV reruns : TBS
The answer "TBS" is the right solution because TBS is a television network that often airs reruns of popular TV shows.
Victor’s crow : I WON!
What it’s not, in a saying : ROCKET SCIENCE
The saying "It's not rocket science" is commonly used to imply that something is not overly complicated or difficult to understand. Therefore, the answer "ROCKET SCIENCE" fits perfectly as it represents something that is known for being complex and challenging.
What’s on the up and up? : ASCENT
The answer "ASCENT" is the right solution because "on the up and up" is a phrase that means progressing or improving. "Ascent" is a noun that means the act of climbing or moving upward, which aligns with the idea of progress or improvement.
___ steak, dish lightly seared on the outside and raw in the middle : AHI
The answer is "AHI" because it is a type of fish, specifically the yellowfin tuna, that is often served as a dish lightly seared on the outside and raw in the middle.
“Whatevs” : MEH
The answer "MEH" is the right solution for the clue "Whatevs" because "MEH" is a slang term that expresses indifference or lack of interest, which is similar to the sentiment conveyed by "Whatevs."