Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 3 February 2025, Monday (02-03-25). 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.
Abnormal : ODD
"Abnormal" is a synonym for "odd," meaning not usual or strange. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "odd" fits the definition and length of the word needed for the clue.
Achieved, as a victory… or how you might describe 17-, 25-, 47- and 55- : CHALKED UP
The phrase "CHALKED UP" can mean both achieving a victory and describing the appearance of something written on a chalkboard. This answer fits the clue because it can describe both winning and the visual of something being recorded.
Besides : EXCEPT
The word "too" is the right solution to the clue "Besides" because it means "in addition" or "also." It indicates that something is happening or being done in addition to something else.
Black-and-white dessert that’s sliced : OREO PIE
The answer "OREO PIE" fits the clue because it is a dessert that is typically black and white in color and is often served in slices like a pie.
Brand of motor oil : STP
STP is a well-known brand of motor oil, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Brand of motor oil."
Burden : ONUS
The word "onus" is the right solution because it means a burden or responsibility. It fits the clue perfectly.
Captain Hook’s right-hand man : SMEE
SMEE is Captain Hook's loyal right-hand man in the story of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. He is often depicted as a bumbling but well-meaning character who assists Hook in his schemes.
Chilly treat : ICE POP
The answer "ICE POP" fits the clue "Chilly treat" because an ice pop is a frozen dessert typically made by freezing flavored liquid around a stick. It is a popular treat to cool down on a hot day.
Coke and Pepsi, but not Sprite : COLAS
The clue is looking for a word that refers to Coke and Pepsi specifically, which are both types of colas. Therefore, the answer "COLAS" fits the clue.
Door opener : KNOB
The answer "KNOB" is the right solution because a door knob is a common device used to open and close doors by turning it.
Dorito, e.g. : CHIP
The clue "Dorito, e.g." is a hint to the type of food item that a Dorito belongs to, which is a "CHIP."
Drew funny little pictures : DOODLED
The word "DOODLED" means to draw funny little pictures, making it a perfect match for the clue.
Drink of choice for Captain Jack Sparrow : RUM
RUM is the right answer because Captain Jack Sparrow is known for his love of rum in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.
Enticing ad promotions : TEASERS
The answer "TEASERS" fits the clue "Enticing ad promotions" because teasers are advertisements designed to arouse curiosity or interest without revealing all the details, enticing people to learn more.
Experimental effort : TEST RUN
"TEST RUN" is the right solution because it refers to a trial or practice of a new method or system to see how it works or performs, which fits the clue "Experimental effort."
Female name that’s a body part spelled backward : RAE
The answer "RAE" is the name "EAR" spelled backward, which is a body part.
Frog sounds : CROAKS
The answer "CROAKS" fits the clue "Frog sounds" because croaking is a common sound that frogs make.
Give a makeover : REDO
The answer "REDO" fits the clue "Give a makeover" because to redo something means to make it over or improve its appearance or functionality.
Give the heebie-jeebies : SPOOK
The word "spook" is a slang term for a ghost or a person who is scary or frightening, so it fits the clue "Give the heebie-jeebies" which means to scare or creep someone out.
Go down the slopes with a chute : PARASKI
PARASKI is the right solution because it combines "para," which relates to parachuting, and "ski," which is a term for skiing. This combination accurately describes going down the slopes with a chute.
Gone up : RISEN
RISEN is the past participle of "rise," which means to go up or increase in height or level. So, "Gone up" can be appropriately answered with RISEN.
Hopscotch locale : SIDEWALK
The answer "SIDEWALK" is the right solution for the clue "Hopscotch locale" because hopscotch is typically played on a sidewalk or pavement.
IDs written on applications, for short : SSNS Down 1 Trip in a taxi
The answer to "IDs written on applications, for short" is "SSNS" because "IDs" is short for "identifications" and "SSNs" stands for "Social Security Numbers," which are commonly written on applications. The answer to "Trip in a taxi" is "RIDE" because a trip taken in a taxi is commonly referred to as a "ride."
Lab assistant often depicted with a hunched back : IGOR
IGOR is a common name for a lab assistant in popular culture, often depicted with a hunched back, such as in the story of Frankenstein.
Lass : GAL
"Miss" is a title used for an unmarried woman, which is often synonymous with "lass," a term for a young girl or woman.
Make reference to : CITE
"CITE" is the right solution because it means to make reference to a source or authority, often to support an argument or claim.
Makes an oopsie : SCREWS UP
The answer "SCREWS UP" fits the clue "Makes an oopsie" because "screws up" is a colloquial term meaning to make a mistake or error.
Martial art that uses bamboo swords : KENDO
Kendo is a Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords called "shinai" to practice and compete. The clue mentions the use of bamboo swords, which is a key characteristic of Kendo, making it the correct answer.
Mouse’s bigger cousin : RAT
Rats are larger than mice and are often considered their bigger cousin in the rodent family.
Name on a mailbox at the North Pole : CLAUS
The name "CLAUS" is a common last name associated with Santa Claus, who is often depicted as living at the North Pole. Therefore, "CLAUS" is the likely name on a mailbox at the North Pole.
Name on dictionaries : WEBSTER
"WEBSTER" is the right answer because it refers to Noah Webster, a famous lexicographer known for his dictionary, which is why his name is commonly associated with dictionaries.
Need for playing pool : CUE STICK
The "CUE STICK" is needed for playing pool as it is used to strike the cue ball and make shots on the pool table.
Not allowed : ILLICIT
The word "ILLICIT" means not allowed or forbidden by law or rules, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Not allowed."
Oahu neighbor : KAUAI
"Oahu neighbor" is a clue looking for the name of an island that is next to Oahu in Hawaii. Kauai is the correct answer because it is one of the neighboring islands to Oahu in the Hawaiian archipelago.
Obsolescent classroom wall fixture : BLACKBOARD
The answer "BLACKBOARD" fits the clue "Obsolescent classroom wall fixture" because blackboards are traditional classroom fixtures that have become less common with the rise of whiteboards and digital screens.
One end to a boxing match, for short : TKO
The answer "TKO" stands for "technical knockout," which is when a boxer wins a match because the referee stops the fight due to one boxer being unable to continue, often because of injury or being knocked down multiple times. So, "TKO" is the correct answer for "One end to a boxing match, for short."
One of three in an ellipsis : DOT
The answer "DOT" is correct because an ellipsis consists of three dots, and "DOT" refers to one of those dots.
Onetime “Jeopardy!” host Trebek : ALEX
Alex Trebek was a onetime host of the popular game show "Jeopardy!" and the clue is asking for the first name of the host. Therefore, the answer is "ALEX".
Overthrow : DEPOSE
The answer "DEPOSE" fits the clue "Overthrow" because it means to remove someone from a position of power or authority, often by force.
Person with a twisted mind : SICKO
"SICKO" is a colloquial term used to describe someone with a twisted or perverted mind. It is a slang term commonly used to refer to individuals who exhibit disturbing or abnormal behavior.
Poet whose first two initials stand for “Thomas” and “Stearns” : ELIOT
This is the right answer because the poet referred to is T.S. Eliot, with the initials "T" for Thomas and "S" for Stearns. So, the answer is "ELIOT."
Pot smokers : STONERS
"STONERS" is a slang term commonly used to refer to people who smoke marijuana, which is also known as pot. The clue "Pot smokers" is a straightforward way of hinting at this term.
Pushes down, as with the thumb : PRESSES
The word "presses" means to push down with force, which fits the clue "Pushes down, as with the thumb."
Rather warm, as a firelit room : TOASTY
The word "toasty" describes a room that is rather warm, especially due to a fire. It conveys the idea of a comfortable and cozy temperature.
Recreational rock climbers : BOULDERERS
The term "boulderers" refers to rock climbers who engage in bouldering, a type of climbing that is done on smaller rock formations or artificial rock walls without the use of ropes or harnesses. This answer fits the clue as it specifically refers to individuals who participate in this recreational activity.
Reeves of “The Matrix” : KEANU
Keanu Reeves is a well-known actor who starred in the movie "The Matrix," making "KEANU" the correct answer.
Slender instruments : OBOES
"OBOES" are slender musical instruments with a long body and a double reed mouthpiece, making them the correct answer for the clue "Slender instruments."
Slimeball : DIRTBAG
"DIRTBAG" is a slang term used to describe a despicable or contemptible person, often someone who is deceitful or dishonest. This fits the clue "Slimeball" as both terms are derogatory and used to describe someone who is untrustworthy or unpleasant.
Slimming surgery, for short : LIPO
The answer to "Slimming surgery, for short" is "LIPO" because "LIPO" is a common abbreviation for liposuction, which is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat from the body.
Small gushes : SPURTS
The answer "SPURTS" fits the clue "Small gushes" because a spurt is a sudden, brief flow of liquid, which matches the idea of small, quick bursts of liquid.
Spanish newborn : BEBE
"BEBE" is the right solution because it is the Spanish word for "baby" or "newborn." In crossword puzzles, it is common to use words from different languages, and in this case, the clue is indicating a Spanish term.
Stadium chants : OLES
"OLES" is a common chant heard in stadiums during sporting events, typically when fans want to show support for their team or players. The word "OLES" is often repeated rhythmically to create a lively and energetic atmosphere.
Stared creepily : OGLED
"OGLED" is the right answer because it means to stare at someone in a way that is suggestive or creepy. It fits the clue perfectly.
Strategically taps the ball into the infield : BUNTS
BUNTS is the right answer because "bunts" is a baseball term that refers to a strategic move where the batter lightly taps the ball into play by holding the bat in the path of the ball. This is often done to advance a baserunner or surprise the defense.
Style for Picasso : CUBISM
"Cubism" is the right solution because it was a style of art developed by Picasso and Georges Braque in the early 20th century, characterized by geometric shapes and multiple perspectives in a single image.
Sweetie : BAE
"HON" is a term of endearment that is short for "honey", which is often used to refer to a loved one or a sweetheart. In crossword clues, "Sweetie" is a common indicator that the answer is a term of endearment, and "HON" is a popular crossword answer for this type of clue.
Tickle Me ___ : ELMO
"Tickle Me Elmo" is a popular children's toy featuring the character Elmo from Sesame Street. The answer "ELMO" fits the clue perfectly because it is the name of the character in the toy's title.
U.F.O. crew : ETS
The answer "ALIENS" is the right solution because U.F.O.s are often associated with extraterrestrial beings, which are commonly referred to as "ALIENS".
Uncomfortable health class subject, for short : STDS
The answer "STDS" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, which are often an uncomfortable health class subject to discuss.
Use TikTok, say : SCROLL
The answer "SCROLL" fits the clue "Use TikTok, say" because on TikTok, users typically scroll through videos on their feed.
Warms up : HEATS
The answer "HEATS" fits the clue "Warms up" because heating is a common way to raise the temperature of something, making it warmer.
Washington’s M.L.B. team, informally : THE NATS
The Washington Nationals baseball team is often informally referred to as "The Nats."
Weep loudly : SOB
The answer "SOB" fits the clue "Weep loudly" because "sob" is a word that means to cry noisily and uncontrollably.
___ the Frog : KERMIT
The answer is "KERMIT" because "___ the Frog" is a common phrase used to refer to the Muppet character Kermit the Frog.
___-squat (a whole lot of nothing) : DIDDLY
The term "diddly-squat" is a colloquial expression meaning "a very small amount or nothing at all." In this context, "diddly" is used to mean "nothing," making it the right answer for the clue "___-squat (a whole lot of nothing)."
“Gro-o-oss!” : EWW!
The answer "EWW!" fits the clue "Gro-o-oss!" because "EWW!" is an exclamation often used to express disgust or distaste, which is the reaction one might have to something gross.
“Phew!” : CLOSE ONE!
The answer "CLOSE ONE!" fits the clue "Phew!" because it conveys a sense of relief or near escape, which is often expressed with the phrase "close one" in colloquial language.
“Q ___ queen” : AS IN
The answer "AS IN" fits the clue "Q ___ queen" because when you say "Q" as in "queen," you are giving an example of how the letter "Q" is pronounced in the word "queen."
“Remember the ___!” : ALAMO
The phrase "Remember the ___!" is a reference to the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, making "ALAMO" the correct answer.
“Wise” bird : OWL
Owls are known for being wise in many cultures and stories, making them a common symbol of wisdom.
“___ dat” : TRUE
The phrase "___ dat" is commonly followed by "true" to express agreement or affirmation. So, the answer to "___ dat" is "TRUE".