Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 17 February 2024, Saturday (02-17-24). 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.
Apartment units : SQUARE FEET
Barbie and Ken, e.g. : TOYS
"Barbie and Ken are both types of toys, specifically dolls, so the answer 'TOYS' fits the clue."
Barrel material : OAK
The answer "OAK" is the right solution because oak is a common type of wood used to make barrels due to its strength, durability, and ability to enhance the flavor of the contents.
Bug that sounds like it was in the air? : FLU
"FLU" sounds like "flew," which means to move through the air swiftly. So, the bug that sounds like it was in the air is "FLU."
Chewed (out) : BAWLED
The word "chewed" can be a synonym for scolded or reprimanded. "Bawled" can mean to cry loudly or to scold someone loudly. Therefore, "Bawled" is the right solution for "Chewed (out)".
Chips flavor : BBQ
"BBQ" is the right answer because it is a common flavor of chips, often associated with a smoky and tangy taste that comes from barbecued meat.
Construction materials named after a capital? : I-BEAMS
The answer "I-BEAMS" fits the clue because I-beams are a type of construction material and the letter "I" is a homophone for the pronoun "eye," which is a body part that can be found in the word "capital."
Cool, in old lingo : HEP
The term "hep" was slang in the 1940s and 1950s to mean "cool" or "stylish," making it a fitting answer for "Cool, in old lingo."
Creature catcher in gaming : POKE BALL
The answer "POKE BALL" is the right solution because in the popular game series Pokémon, players use a device called a Poke Ball to catch and store creatures known as Pokémon.
Creepy quality : EERINESS
"EERINESS" is the right answer because it directly relates to the feeling of being creepy or unsettling. It captures the quality of something being strange or mysterious in a way that gives you chills.
Cut : AXE
"Cut" is a verb often associated with using an axe to chop or sever something, making "AXE" the fitting answer.
Defensive football plays, informally : QB SACKS
The answer "QB SACKS" fits the clue because QB SACKS refers to defensive plays where the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage, which is a common strategy in football to stop the opposing team's offense.
Drinks are on me! : BAR MENU
Dull : DRAB
The word "fade" can mean to become dull or lose brightness, making it a fitting solution for the clue "dull."
Finished, colloquially : DONEZO
"Donezo" is a colloquial term meaning "finished" or "completed," making it a fitting answer to the clue "Finished, colloquially."
Fish often served tartare : AHI
The answer "AHI" is the right solution because Ahi is a type of fish commonly served as a tartare dish.
Floor : AMAZE
"Floor" is a verb that means to surprise or amaze someone. "AMAZE" is a synonym of "surprise" or "astound," making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Goggles that aren’t meant to go underwater : VR HEADSETS
The answer "VR HEADSETS" fits because VR headsets are goggles designed for virtual reality experiences, not for underwater use.
Going after the big bucks, say : IN HEAT
Grumpy companion : SNEEZY
The answer "SNEEZY" is the right solution because Sneezy is one of the Seven Dwarfs from the fairy tale Snow White, known for being grumpy.
Half and half : ONE
The phrase "half and half" can be represented by the number 1, as it is the numerical equivalent of half of something.
Handling things : ON TOP OF IT
"ON TOP OF IT" means to be in control and managing things effectively, which fits the clue "Handling things."
Head for the toilet, say? : SLANG
The answer "SLANG" fits the clue because "head for the toilet" is a slang term for needing to use the restroom.
Headache helper : ADVIL
The answer "ADVIL" is a common over-the-counter medication known for relieving headaches, making it a suitable solution for the clue "Headache helper."
Headliner : LEAD
"Headliner" can refer to the main performer or act in a show or event, and "lead" can mean the main or primary role in a performance or production. Therefore, "lead" is a suitable answer for "headliner".
Important contacts : INS
The answer "INS" is short for "influential people" or "important names and sources," making it a fitting solution for the clue "Important contacts."
Japanese/Italian fusion dish : SUSHI PIZZA
Junot ___, author of “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” : DIAZ
"DIAZ" is the right answer because Junot Diaz is the author of the book "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao."
Lays down some ground rolls? : SODS
This is the right solution because "sods" are pieces of grass-covered soil, which are laid down to create a new lawn or ground cover.
Lead-in to plane : AQUA-
The answer "AQUA-" is the lead-in to "plane" because it forms the word "aquaplane," which means a board towed behind a motorboat.
Letters on a bow : USS
"USS" stands for United States Ship, which are letters commonly seen on a naval vessel's bow.
Like communal property : OURS
The answer "OURS" fits the clue "Like communal property" because communal property is shared by a group, making it collectively "OURS."
Like some shows and bands : ONE-MAN
"Like some shows and bands" is a clue that is looking for a term that describes a performance or group consisting of just one person, which fits the answer "ONE-MAN."
Look within oneself : REFLECT
"Look within oneself" is a clue that suggests thinking deeply or pondering one's thoughts and feelings. The word "REFLECT" fits this clue as it means to think deeply or carefully about something.
Made a lap, say : SAT
The answer "SAT" fits the clue "Made a lap, say" because when someone sits down, they often make a lap with their legs. "SAT" is the past tense of "sit," making it the correct answer.
Major Manhattan thoroughfare, informally : LEX
"LEX" is a common shorthand for Lexington Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Manhattan. It is often referred to as "LEX" informally in conversation and in crossword puzzles.
Makes quiet, in a way : OILS
"OILS" is the right solution because oiling a squeaky hinge or a noisy machine can help make it quiet.
Maternity ward staffers, informally : OBS
"OBS" is short for obstetricians, who are medical professionals that work in maternity wards.
Most Broadway theaters have two of these : AISLES
The answer is "AISLES" because most Broadway theaters have two pathways between rows of seats for people to walk through, which are called aisles.
Move laterally : SIDLE
"Sidle" means to move sideways in a stealthy or cautious manner, making it a fitting answer for "Move laterally" in a crossword puzzle.
N.B.A. team that shares an arena with the N.H.L.’s Stars, familiarly : MAVS
The answer "MAVS" is the right solution because the N.B.A. team that shares an arena with the N.H.L.'s Stars, familiarly, is the Dallas Mavericks, often referred to as the Mavs for short.
Nickname for Time’s 2023 Person of the Year : T-SWIZZLE
The answer "T-SWIZZLE" is a playful and informal nickname for Taylor Swift, who was named Time's Person of the Year in 2023. The nickname is a fun and creative way to refer to the famous singer and songwriter.
Not that much : A BIT
The answer to "Not that much" is "LESS" because "less" indicates a smaller amount or degree compared to something else. It is a common phrase used to express a relatively small quantity.
Order that comes with a wide straw : BOBA TEA
The answer "BOBA TEA" fits because boba tea is a type of beverage that typically comes with a wide straw to accommodate the chewy tapioca pearls.
Palate cleanser in a multicourse French meal : SORBET
"Sorbet" is the right solution because it is a common palate cleanser served between courses in a multicourse French meal due to its refreshing and light qualities. It helps to cleanse the palate and prepare it for the next course.
Playground comeback : DID SO!
"DID SO!" is a common playground comeback indicating that the action in question was indeed done. It is a simple and direct response often used in playful or argumentative situations.
Pole used for extending a sail : SPRIT
The term "SPRIT" refers to a pole that extends a sail diagonally on a boat. It is commonly used in sailing terminologies.
Port letters : USB
The answer "USB" is the right solution because USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, which is a common port used for connecting devices to a computer.
Position with security : STEADY GIG
unknown
Poster’s place : BLOG
The answer "BLOG" fits the clue "Poster's place" because a blog is a common platform where individuals can post their thoughts, ideas, and content online for others to read.
Predicament : JAM
"Jam" is a slang term meaning a difficult situation or predicament. It fits the clue "predicament" well.
Publicity, so to speak : INK
The word "ink" is often used as a slang term for publicity in the media industry. Ink refers to coverage in newspapers, magazines, or other printed media, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Publicity, so to speak."
Rapper ___ Cat : DOJA
The rapper's name is Doja Cat. "Doja" is the missing part of her name in the clue.
Show with a Joke Swap segment, in brief : SNL
"SNL" stands for Saturday Night Live, a popular TV show known for its comedy sketches and segments, including "Joke Swap."
Site of a famous flag-raising : IWO JIMA
"IWO JIMA" is the right solution because it is the location where a famous flag-raising took place during World War II, captured in the iconic photograph by Joe Rosenthal.
Small part of a window : PIXEL
The answer "PIXEL" is the right solution because a pixel is a small part of a digital image or display, including a window on a computer screen.
Some home installations, in brief : ACS
"ACS" stands for air conditioning systems, which are common home installations.
Source of a foul odor when wool is washed : LANOLIN
The answer "LANOLIN" is correct because lanolin is a waxy substance found in sheep's wool that can produce a foul odor when the wool is washed.
Southern side dish : PONE
Speed skater Johann ___ Koss, winner of four Olympic golds : OLAV
OLAV is the right solution because Johann Olav Koss is a Norwegian former speed skater who won four Olympic gold medals.
Test-taking no-nos : PHONES
"PHONES" is the right answer because using phones during a test is generally considered a no-no or something that should not be done. It can be a distraction and may lead to cheating.
Tot’s scratches : BOO-BOOS
"BOO-BOOS" is the right solution because it is a common term for minor scratches or injuries that children might get while playing.
Traditional wedding dish in southern Italy, hence its literal translation (“brides”) : ZITI
Ziti is a traditional pasta dish often served at weddings in southern Italy. The literal translation of "ziti" is "brides," making it a fitting choice for a traditional wedding dish.
Very rough, as an experience : BRUISING
The word "bruising" can be used to describe an experience that is very rough or physically and emotionally taxing, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Weight : ONUS
The word "heft" means weight or heaviness, making it an appropriate answer for the clue "Weight."
“Cya” : TTYL
The clue "Cya" is a common abbreviation for "See you". Similarly, "TTYL" is an abbreviation for "Talk to you later", making it a fitting response to "Cya".
“Golly!” : GEE WHIZ!
"Golly" is an exclamation of surprise or wonderment. "Gee" is a similar expression used to express surprise or enthusiasm and is often used as a euphemism for "Jesus". Therefore, "Gee" is the correct answer to the clue "Golly".
“Sure, lemme deal with this first, though” : IN A SEC
The answer "IN A SEC" is short for "in a second," which means the person will do something shortly after dealing with the current task.
“Tsk, tsk,” in textspeak : SMH
"SMH" stands for "shaking my head," which is used to express disapproval, disappointment, or disbelief. In textspeak, it is commonly used to convey a similar sentiment to "Tsk, tsk."
“You’re tempting fate!” : DON’T JINX IT
"Don't jinx it" is a common phrase used to caution against tempting fate or bringing bad luck by speaking too soon about something positive happening. It fits the clue "You're tempting fate!" as it conveys the idea of being cautious to avoid jinxing a situation.
“___ seguro?” (“Are you sure?” : Sp.)
"Sp." is an abbreviation for "Spanish," indicating that the answer to the clue is a Spanish word or phrase. In this case, the Spanish phrase that translates to "Are you sure?" is "¿Estás seguro?"