Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 15 February 2024, Thursday (02-15-24). 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.
Approved on PolitiFact, say : TRUE
The answer "TRUE" is the right solution because when something is approved on PolitiFact, it means that it has been fact-checked and confirmed to be accurate or true.
Aware of : IN ON
The answer "IN ON" is the right solution because it means being aware of something or having knowledge about it.
Biblical site of a burning bush : SINAI
The answer "Sinai" is the right solution because it is the mountain where Moses encountered the burning bush in the Bible.
Bill supporting public television : NYE
The answer "NYE" is a clever play on words. "Bill" refers to Bill Nye, the popular science educator who is known for his television show "Bill Nye the Science Guy." The clue is hinting at a bill that supports public television, and "NYE" is a clever way to represent Bill Nye's last name.
Blue : SAD
"Blue" is a clue for the abbreviation "Sp." which stands for "Spanish" in English.
Broke one’s silence : SPOKE
The answer "SPOKE" is the right solution because it means to break one's silence by uttering words or making a statement.
Careened across snow, maybe : SKIDDED or SKIED
The answer "SKIDDED or SKIED" is the right solution because both words accurately describe the action of careening across snow. "Skidded" suggests sliding or slipping uncontrollably, while "skied" refers to gliding on skis. Both options fit the clue and make sense in the context of snow-related activities.
CD component : DISC
The answer to "CD component" is "DISC" because a CD is made up of a circular disc that stores and plays the audio or data.
Characteristic of video poker, lottos and casinos : LONG ODDS or LONG Os
The answer "LONG ODDS or LONG Os" is the right solution because video poker, lottos, and casinos are all known for having low chances of winning. The term "long odds" refers to the unlikelihood of winning, making it a characteristic of these gambling activities.
Chignon, for one : BUN
The answer to "Chignon, for one" is "BUN" because a chignon is a hairstyle that involves twisting and pinning the hair into a rounded shape at the back of the head, which resembles a bun.
Cleans (up) : MOPS
The answer "MOPS" fits the clue "Cleans (up)" because mops are commonly used for cleaning floors, making it the appropriate word choice.
Controvert : BELIE
The word "controvert" means to argue or dispute. The word "belie" also means to contradict or give a false impression. Therefore, "belie" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "controvert" and fits the clue.
Degenerate : ROUE
The answer "ROUE" is the right solution because it is a term used to describe a person who is morally or socially degenerate.
Degree in math? : NTH
The answer "NTH" is the right solution because in mathematics, "N" is often used to represent an unknown or unspecified number. So, when we say "degree in math," we are referring to an unspecified or unknown degree, which is represented by "NTH."
Disturb, in a way : RIPPLE or RILE
The answer to "Disturb, in a way" can be either "RIPPLE" or "RILE" because both words imply causing a disturbance or agitation.
Dizzy : AREEL
The answer "AREEL" fits the clue "Dizzy" because it means to be unsteady or off balance, which is a common symptom of dizziness.
Doctor for kids : SEUSS
The answer "SEUSS" refers to Dr. Seuss, a beloved author known for his children's books. He is often considered a "doctor for kids" due to his imaginative and educational stories that have entertained and inspired young readers for generations.
Essence : GIST
The word "gist" means the main or essential part of something. It captures the essence of a concept or idea, making it the right answer for the clue "Essence."
Existential unease : ANGST
The answer "ANGST" is the right solution because it directly relates to the clue "existential unease." Angst is a feeling of deep anxiety or dread, often associated with philosophical or existential questions about the meaning of life.
Fat substitute : OLESTRA
The answer to "Fat substitute" is "OLESTRA" because OLESTRA is a synthetic fat substitute that was used in certain food products to reduce fat content without sacrificing taste.
Flower : BLOSSOM or BLOOM
The answer "BLOOM" is the right solution for the clue "Flower" because "bloom" is a common term used to describe the colorful and often fragrant part of a plant that is used for reproduction.
Garden party annoyance, colloquially : SKEETER
The answer "SKEETER" is the right solution because "SKEETER" is a colloquial term for a mosquito, which is a common annoyance at garden parties.
Graceful : LISSOME
The word "lissome" means graceful or agile. It is a suitable answer to the clue "Graceful" because it accurately describes someone or something that moves with elegance and ease.
Group whose full name translates as “Bulletproof Boy Scouts” : BTS
The answer "BTS" is the right solution because it is a popular K-pop group whose full name, "Bangtan Sonyeondan," translates to "Bulletproof Boy Scouts" in English.
Hit or miss, perhaps : VERB
The answer "VERB" is the right solution because "hit or miss" refers to something that is unpredictable or inconsistent, just like the usage of verbs in language. Verbs can vary in terms of their effectiveness or success, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
Hoodwink : SNOOKER
The answer "SNOOKER" is a suitable solution for the clue "Hoodwink" because it means to deceive or trick someone, similar to how one might be hoodwinked.
Hundos : C-SPOTS
The answer "C-SPOTS" is the right solution because "Hundos" is a slang term for one hundred-dollar bills, and "C-SPOTS" refers to the letter "C" on a US one hundred-dollar bill.
Impressive showbiz quartet : EGOT
The answer "EGOT" is the right solution because it represents the four major awards in showbiz: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
It makes you “dance down the street with a cloud at your feet,” in a 1953 hit : AMORE
The answer "AMORE" is the right solution because it is a word that means "love" in Italian. In the 1953 hit song "That's Amore" by Dean Martin, the lyrics describe love as something that makes you feel like dancing down the street with a cloud at your feet.
Italian apology : SCUSE
The answer to "Italian apology" is "SCUSE" because "SCUSE" is a shortened form of the word "excuse" which is commonly used in Italian to apologize or make an excuse.
Kind of acid : AMINO
The answer "AMINO" is the right solution because it is a common prefix used to describe a certain type of acid called amino acids.
Landlord-pays-broker, in rental lingo : NO-FEE
The answer "NO-FEE" is the right solution because in rental lingo, it refers to a situation where the landlord pays the broker's fee, meaning the tenant does not have to pay any additional fees.
Life of ___ : RILEY
The answer to "Life of ___" is "RILEY" because "Life of Riley" is a common phrase meaning a carefree and enjoyable life.
Make love? : ENDEAR
The answer "ENDEAR" to the clue "Make love?" is correct because "endear" means to cause someone to be loved or cherished. In this context, the clue is using a play on words, as "make love" can also mean to inspire affection or warm feelings towards someone.
Meaning of the Italian “lui” or German “ihn” : HIM
The clue is asking for the meaning of the pronoun "lui" in Italian or "ihn" in German. The English equivalent for both is "HIM."
N.F.C. South pro : BUC
The answer "BUC" is short for "Buccaneer," which is the nickname for the professional football team in the N.F.C. South division, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Nation with a four-century “Viking Age” : SWEDEN
The answer is "SWEDEN" because it is a nation that experienced a significant Viking Age lasting for four centuries.
Not fixable, as an error : FATAL
The answer "FATAL" is the right solution because something that is "not fixable, as an error" implies that the error has caused irreparable damage or harm, leading to a fatal outcome.
Not written : ORAL
The answer "ORAL" is the right solution because it is the opposite of "written." When something is not written, it is typically spoken or communicated orally.
Olympic champion who said he threw his gold medal into the Ohio River : ALI
The answer is "ALI" because Muhammad Ali, the Olympic champion and legendary boxer, claimed that he threw his gold medal into the Ohio River in protest against racial discrimination.
Part of a pen name? : EPI-
The answer "EPI-" is the right solution because it is a common prefix used in pen names. It indicates that the name is a pseudonym or a variation of the author's real name.
Part of yourself that you can’t see without two mirrors : NAPE
The answer "NAPE" is the right solution because when you look at the back of your head in two mirrors, you can see the back of your neck, which is commonly referred to as the "NAPE."
People also known as the Cat Nation : ERIE
The answer "ERIE" is the right solution because the Erie people were also known as the Cat Nation.
Permit : ENABLE
The word "let" can mean to allow or permit something, making it the correct answer for the clue "permit."
Phenomenon nicknamed “Karl” in San Francisco : FOG
The answer "FOG" is the right solution because San Francisco is known for its characteristic fog, which is sometimes nicknamed "Karl".
Philanthropy : AID
The word "philanthropy" refers to the act of helping others or promoting human welfare. The answer "AID" fits this clue because it means assistance or support given to someone in need.
Plastic ___ Band : ONO
The answer to "Plastic ___ Band" is "ONO" because Yoko Ono is a well-known artist who was associated with the Plastic Ono Band, a musical group formed by her and John Lennon.
Powered down, in a way : DIMMED or DIED
The answer "DIMMED" is the right solution because when something is powered down, it can be dimmed to reduce its brightness. The answer "DIED" is also correct because when something is powered down, it can completely stop functioning.
Red ___ (serving at a Carolina barbecue) : SLAW
The right answer is "SLAW" because it is a common side dish served at Carolina barbecues that is often made with red cabbage.
Response to “Merci” : DE RIEN
The answer "DE RIEN" is the right solution because it is a common French phrase that translates to "you're welcome," which is a response to "Merci" meaning "thank you" in French.
Results of some dating app matches : FEELINGS or FLINGS
The answer to "Results of some dating app matches" can be either "FEELINGS" or "FLINGS" because dating app matches can lead to developing deep emotions and meaningful connections (FEELINGS) or more casual, short-term encounters (FLINGS). Both outcomes are possible, depending on the individuals involved.
Risky wager … with a hint to the letters in this puzzle’s circled squares : DOUBLE OR NOTHING
The phrase "Double or Nothing" refers to a risky wager where the bettor has the chance to either double their winnings or lose everything. In this crossword puzzle, the circled squares spell out the word "double" and "nothing," hinting at the answer "DOUBLE OR NOTHING" as the correct solution.
Sat on a clothesline, say : DRIPPED or DRIED
The answer to "Sat on a clothesline, say" is "DRIPPED". When something is hung on a clothesline, it can drip water or another liquid. Therefore, "DRIPPED" is the correct answer.
Second of five? : DOTTED I
The answer "DOTTED I" is the right solution because it refers to the act of placing a dot above the letter "i" in writing. In a sequence of five letters, the second letter would be "O," and when you dot the "i" in "O," you get "DOTTED I."
Sleek ocean swimmers : SEA EELS or SEALS
The answer to "Sleek ocean swimmers" is "SEALS". Seals are known for their sleek bodies and their ability to swim in the ocean. They are often seen gracefully gliding through the water, making them a fitting answer for this clue.
So-called “missing links” : APE-MEN
The answer "APE-MEN" is the right solution because "missing links" refers to hypothetical evolutionary intermediates between apes and humans. "APE-MEN" is a term commonly used to describe these transitional forms.
Soft rock : TALC
The answer "TALC" is the right solution to the clue "Soft rock" because talc is a soft mineral commonly used in the production of cosmetics and baby powder.
Speaker of the line “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” : IAGO
The answer is "IAGO" because Iago is a character in Shakespeare's play "Othello" who speaks this line.
Spider web, effectively : NET
The answer to "Spider web, effectively" is "NET" because a spider web is essentially a net that spiders create to catch their prey.
State in debate : ARGUE
The word "state" can be a verb meaning to express or declare something. In the context of a debate, "state" refers to presenting an argument or point of view. The word "argue" is a synonym for presenting a case or engaging in a debate, making it the correct answer.
Stylish dresser : FOP
The answer "FOP" is the right solution because a fop is someone who is excessively concerned with their appearance and is very stylishly dressed.
Test for a future Ph.D. : GRE
The answer to "Test for a future Ph.D." is "GRE" because the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test commonly required for admission to graduate programs, including Ph.D. programs.
This too shall pass : FAD
Throw in : ADD
"To throw in" is an idiomatic expression meaning to add something extra. "Add" is a synonym for this meaning, making it the correct solution.
Told where to go, say : CUSSED or CUED
The answer to "Told where to go, say" is "CUED". In this clue, "told where to go" is a hint that we are looking for a word related to giving directions or instructions. "CUED" fits perfectly as it means to give someone a signal or prompt. Therefore, "CUED" is the right solution.
Totally pumped : PSYCHED Down 1 Disinclined
The answer "PSYCHED" fits the clue "Totally pumped" because it means excited or enthusiastic.
Use X-ray vision on : SEE INTO
The answer "SEE INTO" is the right solution because it accurately describes the action of using X-ray vision to look inside or penetrate through an object or surface.
Was up : LED
The answer "LED" is the right solution because it is a past tense form of the verb "lead." In this context, "Was up" is a clue that suggests the past tense of "lead," which is "led."
Word with bank or base : DATA-
The word "DATA-" is the right solution because it can be combined with "bank" or "base" to form commonly used terms such as "data bank" or "database."
___ gun : TOMMY or TOY
The answer to "___ gun" can be either "TOMMY" or "TOY" because both options fit the clue. "TOMMY gun" refers to a type of submachine gun, while "TOY gun" refers to a replica firearm used for play or as a prop.
“I meant that sarcastically” : NOT
The word "NOT" is often used to indicate sarcasm or to negate a previous statement, making it a fitting answer for the clue "I meant that sarcastically."
“I want to go with you!” : TAKE ME!
The answer "TAKE ME!" is the right solution because it is a phrase often used to express the desire to accompany someone.
“The pause that refreshes” sloganeer, once : COKE
The answer is "COKE" because "The pause that refreshes" is a well-known slogan that was used by the Coca-Cola company in the past.
“Windowpane” : LSD
The term "windowpane" is a slang term used to refer to a form of the hallucinogenic drug LSD. It is called so because the drug is often distributed in small, colorful squares resembling windowpanes. Therefore, "LSD" is the correct answer to the crossword clue "Windowpane."