Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 16 February 2024, Friday (02-16-24). 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.
1986 rock autobiography : I, TINA
The answer "I, TINA" is the right solution because it refers to the autobiography written by Tina Turner, a rock musician, which was published in 1986.
Act bullish? : SNORT
The clue "Act bullish?" is a play on words. "Bullish" can mean having a confident or optimistic outlook, but it can also refer to the behavior of a bull. When a bull is about to charge, it often snorts. Therefore, the answer "SNORT" is a clever and fitting response to the clue.
Antivenoms, e.g. : SERA
The answer "SERA" is the right solution because antivenoms are typically made from the serum of animals that have been immunized against specific toxins or venoms. Therefore, "SERA" refers to the plural form of serum, which is used to create antivenoms.
Bacon bits : ESSAYS
The answer to "Bacon bits" is "ESSAYS" because "bacon" is a type of writing style, and "bits" refers to small pieces or sections. Therefore, "ESSAYS" is a fitting answer as it represents small pieces of writing in the style of bacon.
Bit of gear for gliding : ICE-SKATE
Boston College athlete : EAGLE
The answer to "Boston College athlete" is "EAGLE" because the athletic teams at Boston College are called the Eagles.
Boston Harbor detritus, once : TEAS
The answer "TEAS" is the right solution because it refers to the Boston Tea Party, where tea was dumped into the Boston Harbor, leaving tea leaves as detritus.
Brood : MOPE
The word "brood" can mean to be in a state of deep thought or to be gloomy or sullen. The word "mope" means to be in a similar state of being gloomy or sad. Therefore, "mope" is the right solution for the clue "brood".
Carefully consider : WEIGH
The answer "WEIGH" is the right solution because when we carefully consider something, we are mentally weighing the pros and cons or evaluating the options before making a decision.
Cartoonist Groening : MATT
The answer to "Cartoonist Groening" is "MATT" because Matt Groening is the creator of the popular cartoon series "The Simpsons".
Casually chic updo : MESSY BUN
The answer "MESSY BUN" is the right solution because a messy bun is a casual and chic hairstyle where the hair is gathered and twisted into a loose bun. It is a popular choice for a relaxed and effortless look.
Check box in a survey : OTHER
The answer "OTHER" is the right solution because in a survey, there is usually a list of predefined options to choose from. If none of the options apply to the respondent, they can select the "OTHER" box and provide their own response.
Code of conduct : ETHIC
The answer "ETHIC" is the right solution because a "code of conduct" refers to a set of moral principles or values that guide someone's behavior. "ETHIC" fits perfectly as it represents a system of principles that governs one's actions.
Comme ci, comme ça : SO-SO
The phrase "comme ci, comme ça" is a French expression that means "so-so" or "neither good nor bad." "SO-SO" is the right solution because it is a common English equivalent for this phrase.
Compete in a freestyle, e.g. : SWIM
The answer to "Compete in a freestyle, e.g." is "SWIM" because freestyle is a swimming style where competitors have the freedom to choose their own stroke.
Cowboy Bill : PECOS
The answer to "Cowboy Bill" is "PECOS" because the Pecos River is located in Texas, which is known for its cowboy culture.
Coy response to a compliment : AREN’T I?
The phrase "Aren't I?" is a coy response to a compliment because it is a playful way of accepting the compliment while also expressing modesty. The word "aren't" is a contraction of "am not" and is used here to imply surprise or disbelief at the compliment.
Critics’ picks, informally : RECS
The answer "RECS" is short for "recommendations," which is a term often used informally to refer to critics' picks.
Cruel ruler : TYRANT
The answer "TYRANT" fits the clue "Cruel ruler" because a tyrant is a person who exercises power in a harsh and oppressive manner.
Cry after a windfall : WE’RE RICH
The answer "WE'RE RICH" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to express excitement and joy after receiving a large amount of money or a windfall.
Cry from Homer : D’OH!
The answer "D'OH!" is the right solution because it is a famous catchphrase from the animated television show "The Simpsons," often exclaimed by the character Homer Simpson when he makes a mistake or something goes wrong.
Deciding contest : RUNOFF
The answer "RUNOFF" is the right solution because a deciding contest, also known as a runoff, is a competition held to determine a winner when the initial results are inconclusive or when a tie occurs.
Drink brand that sounds like a shout : YOO-HOO
The answer "YOO-HOO" is the right solution because when pronounced, it sounds like a shout or call for attention.
Eldest daughter of Oceanus and mother of Nike : STYX
The answer is "Styx" because Styx is the name of the eldest daughter of Oceanus in Greek mythology, and she is also the mother of Nike, the goddess of victory.
European airline that was nationalized from 1944 to 2001 : IBERIA
The answer is "IBERIA" because it is a European airline that was nationalized from 1944 to 2001.
Fall sound : THUD
The word "THUD" is the right solution because it accurately represents the sound made when something falls.
First, and so far only, chimpanzee to orbit Earth : ENOS
The answer is "ENOS" because Enos was indeed the first and so far only chimpanzee to orbit Earth.
God on a mission? : APOLLO
The answer "APOLLO" is the right solution because Apollo is a Greek god associated with various missions, including being the god of prophecy, healing, and music.
Going ___ : RATE
The answer to "Going ___" is "RATE" because "rate" can be used to describe the speed or pace at which something is happening or progressing.
Hands and feet : UNITS
The answer "UNITS" is the right solution because "hands and feet" are both units of measurement.
Hit, in a way : TOKE
The answer "TOKE" is the right solution because it is a slang term that means to inhale smoke from a marijuana cigarette or pipe. This action can be considered a way of "hitting" or consuming the drug.
Howard or Spelman : Abbr.
The answer to "Howard or Spelman" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, indicating that the clue is looking for an abbreviated form of the word. In this case, "Howard" and "Spelman" are both names of colleges, and "Abbr." is the abbreviation commonly used to refer to such institutions.
Informed of : UPON
The answer "UPON" is the right solution because it means being informed or notified about something. It is a concise and common way to express being made aware of a particular matter.
Its tributaries have colorful names : NILE
The Nile is the right answer because it is a river that has tributaries with colorful names, such as the Blue Nile and the White Nile.
It’s got a big mouth : EWER
The answer "EWER" is the right solution because an ewer is a type of pitcher or jug that typically has a wide mouth.
Jardín contents : FLORES
The answer "FLORES" is the right solution because "Jardín" is the Spanish word for "garden" and "FLORES" translates to "flowers" in English. Therefore, "FLORES" is the contents or what you would typically find in a garden.
Louisiana ___, religion with West African roots : VOODOO
The answer to "Louisiana ___, religion with West African roots" is "VOODOO" because Voodoo is a religion that originated in West Africa and is commonly practiced in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans.
Makeup artist? : LIAR
The answer "LIAR" is the right solution for the clue "Makeup artist?" because a makeup artist uses their skills to deceive or conceal, just like a liar does.
Moving company? : TROUPE
The answer "TROUPE" is the right solution for the clue "Moving company?" because a troupe refers to a group of performers, typically in theater or dance, who travel and perform together. In this context, "moving" refers to the act of traveling from one place to another, which aligns with the idea of a troupe moving from one location to another for their performances.
Musical whose preshow warning about cellphone use says that knights “may drag you onstage and impale you” : SPAMALOT
The musical "Spamalot" is a comedic adaptation of the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." In the preshow warning about cellphone use, the mention of knights dragging people onstage and impaling them is a humorous reference to the medieval theme of the show. Therefore, "Spamalot" is the correct answer.
Name on an envelope : SENDER Down 1 Sitarist Shankar
The answer "SENDER" fits the clue "Name on an envelope" because when we send a letter or package, we typically write our own name as the sender on the envelope.
Noble gas used in propelling ion thrusters : XENON
Xenon is the right solution because it is a noble gas that is commonly used in ion thrusters. It has properties that make it ideal for this purpose, such as being non-reactive and having a high atomic mass.
Northern hemisphere? : IGLOO
The answer to "Northern hemisphere?" is "IGLOO" because igloos are traditional shelters made of snow and ice, commonly associated with the indigenous people of the Arctic regions in the northern hemisphere.
Novelist Leonard : ELMORE
The answer to "Novelist Leonard" is "ELMORE" because Elmore Leonard is a well-known American novelist.
Ones in a waiting room : PATIENTS
The answer "PATIENTS" is the right solution because people who are waiting to see a doctor or receive medical attention are commonly referred to as "patients" in a waiting room.
Original tablet holder : ARK
The answer "ARK" is the right solution because in the Bible, Noah built an ark to hold and protect the animals during the great flood. This can be considered the original tablet holder as it served as a vessel to carry and safeguard living beings.
Personal struggles personified : INNER DEMONS
The answer "INNER DEMONS" fits the clue "Personal struggles personified" because it refers to the internal battles or conflicts that individuals face within themselves. These struggles are often represented as metaphorical "demons" that people have to confront and overcome.
Post-Thanksgiving meal drowsiness, familiarly : FOOD COMA
The answer "FOOD COMA" is the right solution because it accurately describes the drowsiness that often follows a big Thanksgiving meal. The term "food coma" is a familiar colloquialism used to describe the feeling of sleepiness or lethargy that can occur after consuming a heavy or indulgent meal.
Prefix with -genarian : OCTO-
The answer to "Prefix with -genarian" is "OCTO-" because the prefix "OCTO-" means "eight" in Latin. Therefore, an "octogenarian" refers to a person who is in their eighties.
Printer brand : EPSON
RICOH is a well-known brand of printers and copiers. It is a popular choice for both personal and professional use due to its reliability and quality.
Prop (up) : SHORE
The word "prop" can mean to support or hold something up. "Shore" is a synonym for support or reinforce, making it the right answer to the clue.
Rode the bench : SAT
The phrase "rode the bench" is a common expression used in sports, referring to a player who did not participate in a game and instead sat on the bench. The word "SAT" is the past tense of the verb "sit," which means to be seated. Therefore, "SAT" is the correct answer as it aligns with the given clue.
Selling point : ASSET
The word "selling" suggests commerce or business, and the word "point" can refer to a location or place. In this case, "SHOP" is a place where goods are sold, making it an appropriate answer for the clue "Selling point?"
Slips into : DONS
The answer "DONS" is the right solution because it means "slips into" in the sense of putting on or wearing something, like clothing or accessories.
Source of milk for Manchego cheese : EWE
The answer is "EWE" because ewes are female sheep, and their milk is used to make Manchego cheese.
Spent : WORN DOWN
"WORN DOWN" is the right solution because it is a phrase that means exhausted or depleted, which is synonymous with being "spent."
Stand-up person? : NO-SHOW
The answer "NO-SHOW" fits the clue "Stand-up person?" because a "stand-up person" is someone who shows up or attends an event. However, a "NO-SHOW" is the opposite, indicating someone who does not show up or attend.
Stands : RISES
The word "stands" is a clue that suggests something being in an upright position. "Rises" fits this description as it means to move or be in an upward position, making it the correct answer.
Storyteller’s transition : THEN
The word "transition" suggests a change or shift. In storytelling, the word "then" is often used to indicate a chronological sequence of events. Therefore, "then" is the right solution for the clue "Storyteller's transition".
Suboptimal ending : SOUR NOTE
The phrase "sour note" is commonly used to describe a disappointing or unpleasant ending to a situation or event. In this crossword clue, "suboptimal ending" is a hint that suggests something negative or unsatisfactory. Therefore, "sour note" is the appropriate answer that aligns with the given clue.
Symbol found in Pac-Man and on slot machines : CHERRY
The answer is "CHERRY" because it is a symbol commonly seen in Pac-Man and on slot machines. It is a recognizable and iconic symbol associated with both of these games.
Time to draw? : NOON
The answer "NOON" is the right solution because it is a time of day when the sun is directly overhead, making it an ideal time to draw shadows.
Trancelike state during a monotonous drive : HIGHWAY HYPNOSIS
The answer "HIGHWAY HYPNOSIS" is the right solution because it accurately describes the trancelike state that can occur during a monotonous drive on the highway. This term is commonly used to refer to the feeling of being hypnotized or mentally absorbed while driving for an extended period on a long, straight road.
Where Life Savers and pop-top cans were both invented : OHIO
The answer is "OHIO" because both Life Savers and pop-top cans were invented in this state.
World’s rarest goose : NENE
The answer to the clue "World's rarest goose" is "NENE" because the Nene goose is indeed considered the rarest goose in the world. It is native to the Hawaiian Islands and is endangered, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
[Violin emoji] : OH, BOO-HOO
___ Carter, most-recorded jazz bassist in history : RON
The answer is "RON" because Ron Carter is widely recognized as the most-recorded jazz bassist in history.
“Getting ___ is no problem. You just have to live long enough” : Groucho Marx
The answer "Groucho Marx" is the right solution because Groucho Marx is a famous comedian known for his witty and humorous remarks. The clue suggests that living long enough allows one to gain experience and wisdom, just like Groucho Marx's comedic style developed over time.
“I want to, but really I shouldn’t …” : DON’T TEMPT ME …
The answer "DON'T TEMPT ME ..." fits the clue because it captures the internal struggle of wanting to do something but knowing it's not the right decision. The phrase "Don't tempt me" implies a desire to resist the temptation and make the right choice.
“Jingle Bells” contraction : O’ER
In the phrase "Jingle Bells", the contraction "OER" stands for "over". It is a poetic way of saying that the sleigh is "going over" the snow-covered ground.
“You did great!” : NICE WORK!
The answer "NICE WORK!" fits the clue "You did great!" because it is a common phrase used to compliment someone's achievements or efforts.