Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 8 February 2024, Thursday (02-08-24). 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.
Arrange loosely : DRAPE
The word "drape" means to arrange or hang loosely, especially fabric or clothing. In the context of the clue "Arrange loosely," "drape" fits perfectly as it describes the action of loosely arranging something, like draping a cloth over a surface.
Austin Powers catchphrase : OH, BEHAVE!
The catchphrase "OH, BEHAVE!" is commonly associated with the character Austin Powers from the movie franchise. It is a playful and humorous phrase that reflects his cheeky and charismatic personality.
Bad-mouth : DIS
The answer "DIS" is the right solution because it is a slang term meaning to criticize or speak negatively about someone or something.
Boston’s Mass. ___ : AVE
The answer to "Boston's Mass. ___" is "AVE" because "Mass." is an abbreviation for Massachusetts, and "AVE" is the abbreviation for Avenue.
Brasilia-to-Rio dir. : SSE
The abbreviation "SSE" stands for "south-southeast." Brasilia is located south-southeast of Rio de Janeiro, making "SSE" the correct direction for this crossword clue.
Clever quip : EPIGRAM
The answer "EPIGRAM" is the right solution because an epigram is a clever or witty saying or remark. It fits the clue "Clever quip" perfectly.
Colorful Coke brand : FANTA
The answer to "Colorful Coke brand" is "FANTA" because Fanta is a brand of soft drink that is known for its vibrant and colorful flavors.
Conductors may conduct them : CHOIRS
The answer "CHOIRS" is the right solution because conductors often lead and direct choirs during musical performances.
Conforming to accepted values : ETHICAL
The word "ethical" means conforming to accepted values or principles of right and wrong. It is the right solution because it directly matches the clue's definition.
Container weight allowances : TARES
The answer "TARES" is the right solution because "tare" refers to the weight of a container or packaging that is deducted from the total weight to determine the net weight of the contents. Therefore, "container weight allowances" are represented by the term "tare" in this crossword clue.
Dating axiom … or a hint to interpreting four pairs of answers in this puzzle : OPPOSITES ATTRACT
The phrase "Opposites attract" is a dating axiom that suggests that people with different personalities or interests are often attracted to each other. In this puzzle, there are four pairs of answers that can be interpreted as opposites, hinting at the theme of the puzzle. Therefore, "Opposites attract" is the right solution.
Despite the fact that, informally : ALTHO’
The answer "ALTHO'" is the right solution because it is a shortened and informal version of "although," which means "despite the fact that."
Director Justin of the “Fast & Furious” franchise : LIN
The answer to "Director Justin of the 'Fast & Furious' franchise" is "LIN" because Justin Lin is a director known for directing several movies in the "Fast & Furious" series.
Dog on a cat? : PAW
The answer "PAW" is the right solution because a dog uses its paw, and a cat also has paws. Therefore, "Dog on a cat?" is a clue hinting at the word "PAW".
Economic fig. : GNP
The abbreviation "GNP" stands for Gross National Product, which is a measure of the total value of goods and services produced by a country's residents and businesses. It is commonly used in economics to gauge the overall economic performance of a nation.
Eerie : GHOSTLY
The word "ghostly" is the right solution for the clue "eerie" because it describes something that is spooky or supernatural in a haunting way.
Email function depicted with a paper plane icon : SEND
The paper plane icon is commonly used to represent sending or sending a message. In the context of email, the "SEND" function allows you to send an email message to the intended recipient. Therefore, "SEND" is the correct answer to the clue.
Emmy-nominated Issa : RAE
The answer to "Emmy-nominated Issa" is "RAE" because Issa Rae is an actress and writer who has been nominated for an Emmy award.
End of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” : ACT IV
The answer "ACT IV" is the right solution because in Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Act IV is the final act where the story reaches its conclusion.
End of days? : ESS
The answer "ESS" is the right solution because it represents the end of the word "days." The letter "S" is the final letter in the word, so it is the "end" of "days."
Entering after the bell : TARDY
The word "entering" suggests going into a place or situation. "After the bell" refers to being late, as in arriving after a specified time. Therefore, the word "TARDY" fits perfectly as it means being late or delayed.
Excite, as a crowd : CHARGE UP (from UPCHARGE)
The answer "CHARGE UP" fits the clue because it means to excite or energize a crowd.
Explains in detail : LAYS OUT (from OUTLAYS)
"LAYS OUT" is the right solution because it means to explain or describe something in detail.
Fail : GO UNDER (from UNDERGO)
The answer "GO UNDER" fits the clue "Fail" because it means to be unsuccessful or to come to an end without success. It can also be derived from the word "UNDERGO," which means to experience or undergo something.
Family tree : LINEAGE
The answer "LINEAGE" is the right solution because a family tree represents the lineage or the direct line of descent of a family.
Food items originally called Froffles : EGGOS
The answer is "EGGOS" because "Froffles" is a play on words combining "frozen" and "waffles," which are popularly known as "Eggos."
Highway crossing : OVERPASS (from PASS OVER)
The answer "OVERPASS" is the right solution for the clue "Highway crossing" because an overpass is a bridge that allows one road to pass over another road, providing a safe crossing for vehicles.
Hypothetical degree : NTH
The term "NTH" is often used in mathematics and other fields to represent an unspecified or hypothetical degree or number. In crossword puzzles, it is commonly used to indicate an unknown or indefinite value. Hence, "NTH" is the right solution for the clue "Hypothetical degree."
It goes viral in winter : FLU BUG
The answer "FLU BUG" is the right solution because the flu is a viral infection that tends to spread rapidly during the winter season.
It may glow in the dark : NEON
The answer "NEON" is the right solution because neon is a gas that emits a bright and glowing light when an electric current passes through it. It is commonly used in signs and lighting that glow in the dark.
Jazz great Shaw : ARTIE
The answer to "Jazz great Shaw" is "ARTIE" because Artie Shaw was a famous jazz clarinetist and bandleader.
Jets pass in it, for short : NFL
The clue "Jets pass in it, for short" is a wordplay clue. "Jets" refers to the New York Jets, a professional football team. "Pass" suggests that we need a term related to football passing. "NFL" stands for the National Football League, which is the professional football league in the United States. Therefore, "NFL" is the correct answer because it is the abbreviation for the league where the Jets play and where passing occurs.
Keep wearing : LEAVE ON (from ON LEAVE)
The answer "LEAVE ON" fits the clue "Keep wearing" because it suggests the idea of leaving something on, which implies continuing to wear it.
L.G.B.T. History Mo. : OCT
The answer "OCT" stands for October, which is recognized as LGBT History Month.
Lab liquids : SERA
The answer "SERA" is the right solution for the clue "Lab liquids" because "sera" is the plural form of "serum," which is a liquid component of blood used in laboratory testing.
LAX scanners (but not lax ones, one hopes) : TSA
The answer "TSA" is the right solution because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for operating the scanners at LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) to ensure the safety and security of passengers.
Lead dogs : ALPHAS
The term "lead dogs" refers to the dogs at the front of a dog sled team. These dogs are typically the strongest and most dominant, taking on the role of leaders. "Alphas" is a term often used to describe the dominant individuals in a group or pack, making it a fitting answer for "lead dogs."
Like an impromptu remark : OFFHAND (from HAND OFF)
The word "offhand" means something done or said without prior thought or preparation, just like an impromptu remark. The phrase "from hand off" is a playful way of hinting at the word "offhand" and is used in crossword clues to indicate the answer.
Luau side dish : POI
The answer to "Luau side dish" is "POI" because it is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from the taro root. It is commonly served at luaus, which are traditional Hawaiian feasts.
Many country-and-western dances : TWO-STEPS Down 1 Admit (to)
The answer "TWO-STEPS" fits the clue "Many country-and-western dances" because a two-step is a popular dance style in country-and-western music. It involves a simple two-beat pattern and is commonly performed at country dance events.
Mart start : WAL-
The answer "WAL-" is the right solution for the clue "Mart start" because it is a common abbreviation for the retail store chain "Walmart."
Mob man : DON
The answer to "Mob man" is "DON" because "Don" is a term commonly used to refer to the leader or boss of a mafia or organized crime group.
Mobile ___ : APP
The term "Mobile" indicates that the answer is related to smartphones or tablets. "APP" is a common abbreviation for "application", which is a software program designed to run on mobile devices. Therefore, "APP" is the right solution for "Mobile ___".
N.B.A. impossibility : TIE
The answer "TIE" fits the clue "N.B.A. impossibility" because in basketball, it is impossible for two teams to have the exact same score at the end of the game. Therefore, a tie is not possible in the N.B.A.
Name for two Spice Girls : MEL
The answer "MEL" is the right solution because it is a shortened version of the name "Melanie," which is the first name of two Spice Girls: Mel B and Mel C.
One being quizzed : TESTEE
The answer to "One being quizzed" is "TESTEE" because it refers to a person who is taking a test or being examined.
Perp alert : APB
The answer "APB" is the right solution because it stands for "All Points Bulletin," which is a broadcast issued by law enforcement agencies to alert the public about a wanted person or suspect.
Place to put the dough : OVEN
The answer "OVEN" is the right solution because it is a common place where dough is put to bake and cook.
Playground retort : AM SO!
The playground retort "Are not!" is a common response to someone's statement. In this case, the clue is asking for the actual retort, which is "ARENOT".
Prop used for kickoffs : TEE
The answer to "Prop used for kickoffs" is "TEE" because a tee is a small stand used to hold the football in place for the kicker to kick off.
Raze : FLATTEN
The answer to "Raze" is "FLATTEN" because it means to completely destroy or level something, which aligns with the clue.
Reality checks? : CAPTCHAS
The answer "CAPTCHAS" is the right solution to the clue "Reality checks?" because CAPTCHAS are a type of online security measure that requires users to prove they are human, often by solving puzzles or identifying specific images. These checks help verify the user's reality and prevent automated bots from accessing certain content or performing actions.
Rehearsed to perfection : DOWN PAT (from PAT DOWN)
The phrase "down pat" means to have something mastered or memorized perfectly. In this case, "rehearsed to perfection" is a clue that indicates the answer is "DOWN PAT", which fits the definition.
Road runners? : ENGINES
The term "road runners" is a clever play on words in this crossword clue. In this context, "road runners" refers to the engines of vehicles, as they are responsible for powering and propelling them on the road. Therefore, the answer "ENGINES" is the correct solution.
Scraping tools : RASPS
The answer "RASPS" is the right solution because rasps are tools specifically designed for scraping or shaping wood or other materials by abrasion.
Sequentially arranged : IN ORDER (from ORDER IN)
The answer "IN ORDER" fits the clue "sequentially arranged" because it means things are arranged in a specific sequence or arrangement. The letters "ORDER IN" can be rearranged to form "IN ORDER," making it the correct solution.
Some desert dwellers : SAHARANS
The answer "SAHARANS" is the right solution because it refers to people who live in or are native to the Sahara desert.
Spanish love : AMOR
The answer "AMOR" is the right solution because "amor" is the Spanish word for "love".
Split hairs again? : RE-PART
The clue "Split hairs again?" is a play on words. "Split hairs" means to argue or nitpick over small details. The answer "RE-PART" can be interpreted as splitting something (in this case, hair) again by adding the prefix "RE-" to the word "PART." Therefore, "RE-PART" is the right solution that fits the clue.
Start to fix? : PRE-
The answer "PRE-" is the right solution for the clue "Start to fix?" because "PRE-" is a prefix that means "before" or "prior to." In this context, it suggests something that comes before fixing or preparing for fixing.
Tidy up, in a way : DUST
The answer to "Tidy up, in a way" is "DUST" because when you dust, you remove the particles and dirt from surfaces, making them cleaner and tidier.
Title role for Tom Hanks in 2022 : OTTO
The answer "OTTO" is the right solution because Tom Hanks is playing the title role in the movie "Bios," which is set to be released in 2022. The name of the character he portrays is Otto.
Uncle Sam’s land, informally : US OF A
The answer "US OF A" is the right solution because it is a common informal way to refer to the United States of America, which is often represented by the iconic figure "Uncle Sam."
Unit of cellphone reception : BAR
The answer to "Unit of cellphone reception" is "BAR" because the strength of cellphone reception is often represented by bars on the signal indicator of a phone.
Video format : MPEG
The answer to "Video format" is "MPEG" because MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) is a widely used format for compressing and encoding video files. It is a standard format that allows for efficient storage and transmission of video data.
Well-seasoned : OLD
The word "old" can be used to describe something that has been seasoned or aged over time, making it well-seasoned.
Where Lear exclaims “Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!” : HEATH
The answer is "HEATH" because in Shakespeare's play "King Lear," Lear exclaims "Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks!" while he is on a desolate heath.
Where trailers wind up : LAST
The answer "LAST" fits the clue "Where trailers wind up" because "last" can refer to the final position in a series or sequence. In this case, it suggests that trailers, as in movie trailers or previews, are shown at the end of a series of commercials or before the main feature film.
Without ice or mixer : NEAT
The answer "NEAT" fits the clue "Without ice or mixer" because it means a drink served straight, without any additional ingredients.
___ cheese : NACHO
The answer to "___ cheese" is "NACHO" because "nacho cheese" is a popular type of cheese often used in Tex-Mex cuisine, particularly for nachos.
“Agreed!” : TRUTH!
The answer "I CONCUR" is the right solution for the clue "Agreed" because "I CONCUR" is a commonly used phrase that means "I agree" or "I share the same opinion."
“America” pronoun : THEE
“I wish!” : IF ONLY!
The answer "IF ONLY!" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to express a strong desire or longing for something.
“Natural” at the craps table : SEVEN
The term "natural" in craps refers to rolling a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. Since the clue mentions the craps table, the answer "SEVEN" fits perfectly as it is one of the possible natural numbers rolled.
“Never ___ ever …” : HAVE I
The phrase "Never ___ ever ..." is an idiom that is commonly completed with the words "have I". It is a way of expressing a strong denial or disbelief.
“Now I remember who sang ‘Take On Me’!” : AHA!
The answer is "AHA!" because it is the name of the band that sang the song "Take On Me".
“Unbelievable!,” in internet shorthand : SMH!
The answer "SMH!" is the right solution because it stands for "Shaking My Head," which is a common expression used to convey disbelief or disappointment in internet slang.
“Wait, there’s more …” : AND …
The phrase "Wait, there's more" often indicates that additional information or items are coming. In crossword clues, "and" is a common word used to connect or add things together. Therefore, "AND" is the right solution as it represents the continuation or addition of something.
“Washington Week” airer : PBS
The answer to "Washington Week" airer is "PBS" because PBS is a television network that airs the show "Washington Week."
“You got it!” : BINGO!
"Okeydokey" is a slang expression that means "okay" or "all right." It's a playful and casual way of agreeing with someone or giving permission. The phrase "You got it!" is often used in the same context, so "Okeydokey" is a fitting and fun answer.