Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 5 February 2024, Monday (02-05-24). 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.
Break bread : EAT
The phrase "break bread" is a common expression that means to share a meal together. The word "DINE" is a synonym for having a meal, making it the right solution for this crossword clue.
Bygone Japanese camera brand : MINOLTA
The answer to "Bygone Japanese camera brand" is "MINOLTA" because Minolta was a well-known and popular Japanese camera brand that is no longer in production.
Campus building : DORM
The answer "DORM" is the right solution because it is a commonly used abbreviation for "dormitory," which is a building on a campus where students live.
Can material : TIN
The answer to "Can material" is "TIN" because tin is a commonly used material for making cans.
Can./U.S./Mex. treaty : NAFTA
The answer to "Can./U.S./Mex. treaty" is "NAFTA" because NAFTA stands for the North American Free Trade Agreement, which is a treaty between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Cattle farmer’s land : RANCH
The term "RANCH" is commonly used to refer to a large piece of land where cattle are raised and managed. Therefore, it is the appropriate answer to the clue "Cattle farmer's land."
College email suffix : EDU
The suffix "EDU" is commonly used by educational institutions, including colleges, for their email addresses. Therefore, "EDU" is the appropriate answer for the clue "College email suffix."
Commonly sprained joint : ANKLE
The ankle is a joint that connects the foot and the leg, and it is commonly sprained due to its mobility and the weight it bears.
Datum for a basketball point guard : ASSIST
The answer "ASSIST" is the right solution because in basketball, a point guard is responsible for setting up plays and passing the ball to their teammates to score. The term "ASSIST" refers to the act of passing the ball to a teammate who then scores a basket, earning the point guard a statistical credit.
Delta deposit : SILT
The answer to "Delta deposit" is "SILT" because silt is a type of fine sediment that is often found in river deltas.
Deutschland denial : NEIN
The answer "NEIN" is the right solution to the clue "Deutschland denial" because "NEIN" is the German word for "no."
Dipstick coating : OIL
The dipstick is a tool used to measure the oil level in a car's engine. Therefore, the coating on the dipstick is typically oil.
Droop : SAG
"SAG" means to sink or bend downwards under weight or pressure. "Droop" also means to sink or bend downwards, making "SAG" the correct solution.
Duck known for its soft down : EIDER
The answer to "Duck known for its soft down" is "EIDER" because the Eider duck is well-known for its fine and insulating down feathers.
Dutch cheese : EDAM
Edam is a type of cheese that originated in the Netherlands, which makes it a Dutch cheese. Therefore, "Edam" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Dutch cheese".
Eagles and falcons : BIRDS
The answer to "Eagles and falcons" is "BIRDS" because both eagles and falcons are types of birds.
Famed fable writer : AESOP
The answer "AESOP" is the right solution because he is a well-known writer of fables.
Female pigs : SOWS
The answer to "Female pigs" is "SOWS" because "sows" specifically refers to adult female pigs.
Fool (with) : MESS
The answer "MESS" fits the clue "Fool (with)" because when you "mess" with something or someone, you are acting foolishly or playing around in a silly manner.
Governed by fate : DESTINED
The word "destined" means being determined or controlled by fate, making it the perfect fit for the clue "governed by fate."
Greek theater : ODEON
In ancient Greece, an odeon was a small, roofed theater used for poetry competitions and musical performances. Therefore, "Greek theater" is a suitable clue for the answer "ODEON".
Influence through close contact : RUB OFF ON (hiding “BOFF!”)
The answer "RUB OFF ON (hiding 'BOFF!')" is the right solution because it accurately describes the concept of influence through close contact. When two people are in close proximity or have frequent interaction, their behaviors, habits, or attitudes can have an impact on each other, as if they are "rubbing off" on one another. The phrase "hiding 'BOFF!'" is a wordplay clue indicating that the letters for "BOFF" are hidden within the answer.
Itsy-bitsy : WEE
The answer "WEE" fits the clue "Itsy-bitsy" because it is a short and simple word that conveys a small or tiny size.
Labor Day’s mo. : SEPT
The answer to "Labor Day's mo." is "SEPT" because "mo." is an abbreviation for month, and Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September, which is short for "Sept."
Landing spot for Santa : ROOF
The answer "ROOF" is the right solution because it is the most common and logical landing spot for Santa Claus when he delivers presents on Christmas Eve.
Light bulb, in a comic strip : IDEA
The answer "IDEA" is the right solution because in comic strips, a light bulb is often used to visually represent a sudden realization or a bright idea.
Light units : LUMENS
The answer to "Light units" is "LUMENS" because lumens are the standard unit of measurement for the total amount of visible light emitted by a light source.
Lowest numbered club for a golfer : ONE-IRON
The answer "ONE-IRON" is the right solution because in golf, the clubs are numbered based on their loft angle. The one-iron has the lowest loft angle among the numbered clubs, making it the lowest numbered club for a golfer.
Many a G.I. : NCO
The answer "NCO" stands for "non-commissioned officer," which is a rank in the military. G.I. is a term used to refer to a soldier, and many soldiers hold the rank of NCO.
Maple product : SAP
The answer to "Maple product" is "SAP" because sap is the fluid that is extracted from maple trees, which is then used to make maple syrup and other maple products.
Meal on a blanket : PICNIC
The answer to "Meal on a blanket" is "PICNIC" because a picnic is a meal that is typically enjoyed outdoors, often on a blanket.
Moved smoothly : EASED
The answer "EASED" is the right solution because it means to move smoothly and gently, fitting the clue "Moved smoothly."
Nanny : goat
Netlike fabric : MESH
The answer "MESH" fits the clue "Netlike fabric" because mesh refers to a type of fabric that has an open, net-like structure.
Opposite of sinking : AFLOAT
The word "afloat" is the opposite of sinking because it means to be buoyant or floating on the surface of water.
Passenger-screening org. : TSA Down 1 Legally prohibit
The answer to "Passenger-screening org." is "TSA" because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for screening passengers at airports and ensuring their safety.
Peach or beech : TREE
The answer to "Peach or beech" is "TREE" because both peach and beech are types of trees.
Politicians Gore and Franken : ALS
Prefix that means “bad” : MAL-
The prefix "MAL-" is derived from the Latin word "malus" which means "bad" or "evil". It is commonly used in English to indicate something negative or of poor quality. Therefore, "MAL-" is the correct answer to the clue "Prefix that means 'bad'".
Pub projectile : DART
The answer to "Pub projectile" is "DART" because darts are commonly thrown in pubs as a popular recreational game.
Reason to say “Gesundheit!” : SNEEZE
The answer to "Reason to say 'Gesundheit!'" is "SNEEZE" because "Gesundheit!" is a traditional response to someone sneezing.
Red ink, so to speak : DEBT
The term "red ink" is often used to refer to financial losses or debt. Therefore, the answer "DEBT" fits the clue as it represents the concept of being in a negative financial situation.
Reznor of Nine Inch Nails : TRENT
The answer to "Reznor of Nine Inch Nails" is "TRENT" because Trent Reznor is the lead vocalist and main creative force behind the band Nine Inch Nails.
Rite Aid competitor : CVS
This is the right solution because Rite Aid and CVS are both pharmacy chains that compete with each other in the same market.
Robert ___, Paul Newman’s co-star in “The Sting” : REDFORD
The answer is "REDFORD" because Robert Redford is the actor who co-starred with Paul Newman in the movie "The Sting".
Rocky Mountain ___ (state animal of Utah) : ELK
The Rocky Mountain Elk is the state animal of Utah, making "ELK" the correct answer to the clue.
Sam-___ (Seuss character) : I-AM
The answer "I-AM" is the right solution because it completes the name of the Seuss character, "Sam-I-AM."
Show respect for : HONOR
The answer "HONOR" is the right solution because it means to show respect or admiration for someone or something.
Smallest unit of life : CELL
The answer to "Smallest unit of life" is "CELL" because a cell is the basic building block of all living organisms. It is the smallest unit that can carry out the essential functions of life.
Soaks up some rays : SUNS
The answer "SUNS" is the right solution because it refers to the act of soaking up rays from the sun.
Stones embedded in a crown : JEWELS
The answer "JEWELS" fits the clue because stones are commonly embedded in a crown to enhance its beauty and value.
Submit, as homework : TURN IN
The phrase "hand in" means to submit or turn in something, typically an assignment or piece of homework. "HANDIN" is a shortened version of this phrase, commonly used in crossword puzzles.
Surreptitiously give, as classified information : LEAK TO
The answer "LEAK TO" fits the clue because "leak" means to release information, and "to" indicates that the information is being given to someone. Therefore, "LEAK TO" means surreptitiously giving classified information.
Taking by force : SEIZING
The answer to "Taking by force" is "SEIZING" because it is a verb that means to take something forcefully or to capture.
The “M” of G.M. : MOTORS
The "M" in G.M. stands for General Motors, a well-known automobile company. Therefore, the answer to the clue is "MOTORS," which refers to the automotive industry that G.M. is a part of.
Tie-breaking periods, for short : OTS
The answer "OTS" stands for "overtime periods" which are commonly used in sports to break a tie.
U.F.O. crew, supposedly : ETS
The answer "ETS" is the right solution because "U.F.O. crew" is a clue that suggests extraterrestrial beings, and "supposedly" indicates that it is not confirmed. "ETS" is a common abbreviation used to refer to extraterrestrial beings in popular culture.
Underwater divers’ aids : SCUBA MASKS (hiding “BAM!”)
The answer "SCUBA MASKS" is the right solution because scuba masks are aids used by underwater divers to see clearly underwater. The wordplay in the clue suggests that the letters "BAM!" are hidden within the answer, adding an element of fun and wordplay to the crossword.
Uno + due : TRE
The clue "Uno + due" is asking for the sum of "Uno" (which means one in Italian) and "due" (which means two in Italian). The answer to this addition is "TRE," which means three in Italian.
Weird Al Yankovic medley that features “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls : POLKA POWER (hiding “KAPOW!”)
The answer is "POLKA POWER (hiding “KAPOW!”)" because "Weird Al Yankovic" is known for his polka medleys, and "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls is one of the songs featured in his "Polka Power" medley. The word "KAPOW!" is hidden within the answer.
What it takes to tango : TWO
The answer "TWO" is the right solution because the tango is a dance that requires two people to perform.
What quill pens are dipped in : INKWELLS
The answer "INKWELLS" is the right solution because quill pens were traditionally dipped into inkwells to replenish the ink as it ran out.
What “E” stands for in golf : EVEN PAR
The answer "EVEN PAR" is the right solution because in golf, "E" stands for "even," which means that the player has completed the course with a score equal to the par.
What’s in style : TREND
The answer "TREND" is the right solution because a trend refers to something that is currently popular or fashionable. It fits the clue "What's in style" as it implies something that is currently in vogue or commonly followed.
___ Mahal : TAJ
The answer "TAJ" is the right solution because the phrase "___ Mahal" is a clue that indicates the missing word is a famous mausoleum in India. The Taj Mahal is one of the most well-known and recognizable mausoleums in the world, making "TAJ" the correct answer.
“Don’t text and drive” ad, e.g. : PSA
The answer "PSA" stands for "Public Service Announcement," which is a type of advertisement commonly used to promote public safety messages like "Don't text and drive."
“Frozen” queen : ELSA
The clue is referring to a queen from the movie "Frozen". The name of the queen in the movie is Elsa, making "ELSA" the correct answer.
“OK, have it your way!” : FINE!
The phrase "OK, have it your way!" is often used to express agreement or acceptance. The word "FINE!" can be interpreted as a response indicating agreement or acceptance, making it the right solution for this crossword clue.
“Ta-___ Boom-de-ay” : RA-RA
The answer "RA-RA" is the right solution because "Ta-___ Boom-de-ay" is a popular song title, and "RA-RA" is a common expression used to cheer or show enthusiasm, which fits the energetic and lively nature of the song.
“Wanna take this outside?,” e.g … or what are found four times in this puzzle’s circled letters : FIGHTING WORDS
The clue suggests a phrase that implies a challenge or confrontation. "Wanna take this outside?" is a common expression used to provoke a fight. The answer "FIGHTING WORDS" fits this description perfectly and is also supported by the circled letters in the puzzle.
“When the moon hits your eye like a big ___, that’s amore” (Dean Martin lyric) : PIZZA PIE (hiding “ZAP!”)
The answer is "PIZZA PIE" because it fits the given clue from the Dean Martin lyric. The word "PIZZA" is hidden within the phrase "when the moon hits your eye like a big," and the word "PIE" is hidden within the word "PIZZA." Therefore, "PIZZA PIE" is the correct answer.
“You underestimate me!” : I CAN SO!
The phrase "I CAN SO!" is a strong and assertive response to someone underestimating you. It conveys confidence and determination.
“___ to Billie Joe” (1967 #1 hit) : ODE
The answer is "ODE" because "___ to Billie Joe" is a famous song title, and an ode is a type of lyrical poem or song.