Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 9 February 2024, Friday (02-09-24). 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.
At stake : ON THE LINE
The phrase "on the line" means that something is at risk or in jeopardy. In the context of the clue "At stake," it is a fitting answer because it conveys the idea that something important or valuable is on the line and could potentially be lost.
Baby bat : PUP
The answer "PUP" is the right solution because a baby bat is called a pup.
Bacon or pancetta : CURED PORK
The answer "CURED PORK" is the right solution because both bacon and pancetta are types of cured pork.
Beaming : ALL SMILES
The answer "ALL SMILES" is the right solution because it accurately describes someone who is beaming or showing a happy and cheerful expression.
Big container : VAT
The answer to "Big container" is "VAT" because a VAT is a large container typically used for holding liquids or storing goods.
Break into bits : PARSE
The word "parse" means to analyze or break down a sentence or text into its component parts. In this context, "break into bits" is a clue that suggests the need to analyze or break down something, making "PARSE" the appropriate answer.
Classified in levels : HIERARCHAL
The answer "HIERARCHAL" is the right solution because it means being classified in levels or having a hierarchical structure. It accurately describes the idea of something being organized or arranged in a specific order or hierarchy.
Conceited sorts : SNOTS
The answer "SNOTS" is the right solution because it is a colloquial term for conceited or arrogant people.
Court ruling? : LET
The answer "LET" is the right solution for the clue "Court ruling?" because in tennis, when a ball lands within the boundaries of the court, it is considered "in" or "let."
DC Comics weapons, one of which can be seen at the Smithsonian : BATARANGS
The answer "BATARANGS" is the right solution because Batarangs are a type of weapons used by DC Comics superhero Batman. They are shaped like bats and can be seen on display at the Smithsonian, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
Disdainful sounds : TSKS
The answer "TSKS" is the right solution because it represents the disdainful sounds made by someone disapproving or expressing disapproval. The letters "TSKS" mimic the sound of clicking one's tongue in a disapproving manner.
Exposure units : RADS
The answer "RADS" is short for "radiation absorbed dose," which is a unit used to measure the amount of radiation absorbed by a material or a person. In the context of the clue "Exposure units," "RADS" is the correct solution because it refers to the units used to measure radiation exposure.
Facial concealer : VEIL
The answer to "Facial concealer" is "VEIL" because a veil is a thin covering that can be used to conceal or hide something. In the context of a crossword clue, a facial concealer is a product that is applied to the face to hide imperfections or blemishes, similar to how a veil can hide or cover something.
First president to own a car : TAFT
The answer is "TAFT" because William Howard Taft was the first U.S. president to own a car.
Fly : SOAR
"Fly" is a verb that means to operate an aircraft. "Aviate" is a synonym for "fly" and means to operate an aircraft in flight, making it the correct answer.
Frequent conspiracy subject : UFO
The answer "UFO" is the right solution because it refers to Unidentified Flying Object, which is a common subject of conspiracy theories.
Fuzzy exotic pet : TARANTULA
The answer "TARANTULA" fits the clue "Fuzzy exotic pet" because tarantulas are often kept as pets and they have a fuzzy appearance due to the hair-like structures on their bodies.
Gives (out) : METES
The answer "METES" fits the clue "Gives (out)" because "METES" means to distribute or give out in measured quantities.
Good words, so to speak : PLUGS
The answer "PLUGS" is the right solution because when we say "good words, so to speak," it means words of praise or positive comments. In this context, "PLUGS" refers to positive endorsements or recommendations for something, like a product or a person.
Grumpy toward : CROSS AT
The answer "CROSS AT" is the right solution because "grumpy" is a synonym for "cross" and "toward" indicates the direction "at." Therefore, "Grumpy toward" can be interpreted as "Cross at."
Hall mate? : OATES
The answer to "Hall mate?" is "OATES" because Hall and Oates are a famous musical duo. They are often referred to together as "Hall & Oates," so "OATES" is the mate or partner of "Hall" in this context.
Hens, but not roosters : LAYERS
The answer "LAYERS" is the right solution because hens are female chickens that are known for laying eggs, while roosters are male chickens that do not lay eggs. Therefore, "LAYERS" accurately describes hens but not roosters.
High-speed commuter option : ACELA
The answer to "High-speed commuter option" is "ACELA" because the ACELA is a high-speed train service operated by Amtrak in the northeastern United States. It connects major cities such as Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C., making it a popular choice for commuters traveling between these locations.
In concert : ALL AT ONCE
The phrase "in concert" can mean "together" or "in unison". "ASONE" is a word that means "together as a whole", making it an appropriate answer for the clue.
Invention originally used as a yellow dye, in brief : TNT
The answer "TNT" is the right solution because it is an abbreviation for trinitrotoluene, which was initially developed as a yellow dye before its explosive properties were discovered.
It makes a spin around a dance floor : DISCO BALL
The answer "DISCO BALL" is correct because a disco ball is a round object covered in small mirrors that reflects light, creating a spinning and dazzling effect on the dance floor.
It’s a blast : GALE
The answer "GALE" is the right solution because a "blast" can refer to a strong gust of wind, which is also known as a gale.
Lead : STAR
Lena of “Alias” : OLIN
The answer to "Lena of 'Alias'" is "OLIN" because Lena Olin is the Swedish actress who portrayed the character Irina Derevko on the TV show "Alias."
Like some teenagers and pasta : SAUCY
The word "saucy" can be used to describe both teenagers and pasta. Teenagers are often described as saucy when they display a bold or cheeky attitude. Similarly, pasta can be saucy when it is served with a flavorful sauce. Therefore, "saucy" is the right solution that fits the clue.
Like the Lilliputians : TINY
The Lilliputians are known for their small size in Jonathan Swift's novel "Gulliver's Travels." Therefore, the word "TINY" is the right solution because it means small or diminutive, just like the Lilliputians.
Match up : AGREE
The word "match" can mean to correspond or be in agreement with something, and "up" suggests coming together. Therefore, "AGREE" is the right answer as it means to be in harmony or alignment with something or someone.
Mideast capital : SANAA
The answer "SANAA" is the right solution because it is the capital city of Yemen, which is located in the Middle East.
Monthly with a palindromic name : ELLE
The answer is "ELLE" because it is a monthly magazine that has a palindromic name, meaning it can be read the same way forwards and backwards.
Natural necklace : LEI
The answer to "Natural necklace" is "LEI" because a lei is a traditional Hawaiian necklace made from flowers, shells, or other natural materials.
O, on a letter : HUG
The answer "HUG" is the right solution because "O" is the letter that comes before "H" in the word "HUG". In crossword puzzles, "on" can indicate that one letter is on top of another, so in this case, "O" is on top of "H".
One of the Jackson brothers : TITO
The answer to "One of the Jackson brothers" is "TITO" because Tito Jackson is one of the members of the famous musical family, The Jacksons.
One-sided dice? : SNAKE EYES Down 1 Caption in a comparison ad
The answer "SNAKE EYES" is the right solution for the clue "One-sided dice?" because snake eyes is a term used in dice games to refer to rolling two ones, which are the only possible outcomes when a die is one-sided.
Overwhelming and needing time for consideration : A LOT TO UNPACK
The phrase "A LOT TO UNPACK" accurately captures the idea of something being overwhelming and requiring time for consideration. It suggests that there is a large amount of information or complexity that needs to be carefully examined and understood.
Passes with ease : SAILS BY
The answer "SAILS BY" is the right solution because it suggests effortlessly surpassing or surpassing with ease, which fits the clue "Passes with ease."
Performed by the whole ensemble, in music : TUTTI
The word "TUTTI" is an Italian musical term that means "all" or "everyone." In music, it indicates that a passage or section should be performed by the entire ensemble, rather than just a soloist or a smaller group of musicians. Therefore, "Performed by the whole ensemble, in music" clues us to the answer "TUTTI."
Philippine island that’s home to Iloilo : PANAY
The answer is "PANAY" because it is a Philippine island that is known for being the home of Iloilo.
Place for a ring : LOBE
The answer "LOBE" is the right solution because it refers to the part of the ear where people commonly wear rings.
Pops : OLD MAN
The word "pops" is a slang term for soda or a carbonated beverage. Therefore, "SODAS" is the right solution to this crossword clue.
Question of legitimacy : IS THAT A THING?
Ruler often seen in a robe : EMIR
The answer "EMIR" is the right solution because an emir is a ruler or leader in some Islamic countries, and they are often seen wearing traditional robes.
Scrooge, to Donald Duck : UNCLE
The answer "UNCLE" is the right solution because Scrooge is Donald Duck's uncle in the Disney universe.
Sensational : LURID
"LURID" is the right solution for the clue "Sensational" because it means shocking, vivid, or sensational in a negative way. It fits the clue perfectly and accurately describes something that is attention-grabbing and scandalous.
Sign by a highway exit : GAS
The answer "GAS" is the right solution because it is a common sign you would see by a highway exit indicating the availability of a gas station.
Social media influencer Addison ___ : RAE
The answer is "RAE" because Addison Rae is a popular social media influencer.
Some spa treatments : PEELS
The answer "PEELS" is the right solution because some spa treatments involve the process of peeling, where the outer layer of the skin is removed to reveal a fresher layer underneath.
Sounds of melodrama : SOBS
The sounds of melodrama are often associated with crying or sobbing, making "SOBS" the fitting answer.
Southern city that was once home to Black Wall Street : TULSA
The answer "TULSA" is the right solution because Tulsa, Oklahoma, was the city where Black Wall Street was once located.
Stephen Sondheim’s “The Worst ___ in London” : PIES
The clue mentions Stephen Sondheim's musical "The Worst ___ in London." In the context of the musical, the missing word refers to something related to London. PIES are famously associated with British cuisine, including London's traditional pie shops. Therefore, "PIES" is the correct answer.
Suck it! : STRAW
The answer "STRAW" is the right solution because when someone says "Suck it!", they might be referring to a straw, which is used for sucking up liquids.
The Traveling Wilburys or Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young : SUPERGROUP
The answer "SUPERGROUP" is the right solution because both The Traveling Wilburys and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young are examples of musical groups formed by already established and successful musicians. These groups are often referred to as supergroups.
These might help people take deep breaths : AQUALUNGS
The answer "AQUALUNGS" is the right solution because aqualungs are a type of diving equipment that allow people to breathe underwater, thus helping them take deep breaths.
Track selection : LANE
The answer to "Track selection" is "LANE" because in various sports, such as running, swimming, or racing, a lane refers to a designated path or track where participants compete.
Trend for unengaged employees : QUIET-QUITTING
"QUIET-QUITTING" is the right solution because it combines two words that relate to the clue. "QUIET" suggests a lack of engagement or involvement, while "QUITTING" implies employees leaving their jobs. Therefore, the answer "QUIET-QUITTING" accurately represents the trend of unengaged employees.
Twist : CURL
The answer "SKEW" is the right solution for the clue "Twist" because "SKEW" means to deviate or slant from a straight line, which can be interpreted as a type of twist.
Where a flask might be kept : LAB
The answer "LAB" is the right solution because a flask is typically used in a laboratory setting.
Wind up alone? : FLUTE SOLO
The answer to "Wind up alone?" is "FLUTE SOLO" because "wind up" is a clue for the instrument "flute," and "alone" suggests that it is played as a solo.
Word with tie or fly : … ROD
The word "rod" can be combined with the words "tie" or "fly" to refer to fishing equipment. Therefore, "rod" is the correct answer to the clue.
Yoga pose with arms extended and legs folded over the head : PLOW
The yoga pose described in the clue, with arms extended and legs folded over the head, is commonly known as the "Plow" pose.
“Me ___ …” (Spanish for “My name is …”) : LLAMO
The answer is "LLAMO" because it is the first person singular form of the verb "llamar" which means "to call" or "to name" in Spanish. Therefore, "Me ___ …" translates to "My name is ..." in English.
“___ and the Good Book” (1958 jazz album) : LOUIS
The answer is "LOUIS" because Louis Armstrong released a jazz album called "Louis and the Good Book" in 1958.
“___ Explain Things to Me,” influential 2014 essay collection by Rebecca Solnit : MEN
The answer to the clue "___ Explain Things to Me," influential 2014 essay collection by Rebecca Solnit" is "MEN" because the collection explores the theme of male privilege and the tendency for men to explain things to women.
“___ pasa?” : QUE
"¿Qué pasa?" is a common Spanish greeting that translates to "What's up?" or "What's happening?" Therefore, the answer to the crossword clue "___ pasa?" is "QUE," which is the Spanish word for "what."