Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 17 February 2025, Monday (02-17-25). 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.
1981 hit by Queen and David Bowie : UNDER PRESSURE
The answer "UNDER PRESSURE" fits the clue because it is the title of a popular song released in 1981 by Queen and David Bowie.
Abu Dhabi’s country, for short : UAE
The answer "UAE" stands for the United Arab Emirates, which is the country where Abu Dhabi is located. It is a common abbreviation used to refer to the country in a shorter form.
Ache (for) : YEARN
"Yeern" is the right solution because to "ache for" something means to desire or long for it strongly, which is synonymous with the word "yearn."
Actress Lucy of CBS’s “Elementary” : LIU
Lucy Liu is the actress who plays Joan Watson in the CBS show "Elementary," making "LIU" the correct answer.
Air Force ___ : ONE
The answer to "Air Force ___" is "ONE" because the Air Force is one branch of the military.
Big part of an elephant : EAR
The ear is a big part of an elephant that is easily recognizable and distinct, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Blade on a boat : OAR
"OAR" is the right answer because a blade on a boat is a long pole with a flat blade at one end used for rowing or steering.
Brings to mind : EVOKES
"Brings to mind" is a clue for a word that means to bring up memories or feelings. "Evokes" fits this definition perfectly, as it means to bring a memory, feeling, or image to mind.
Broadway’s ___-Manuel Miranda : LIN
The answer to "Broadway’s ___-Manuel Miranda" is "LIN" because Lin-Manuel Miranda is a well-known Broadway composer, lyricist, and performer. His first name is "Lin," which fits the clue.
Bumpy yellow fruit : UGLI
"UGLI" is the right solution because it is a type of bumpy yellow fruit, specifically a citrus fruit that is a cross between a grapefruit and a tangerine.
Burning feeling : IRE
Child’s urging to a horse : GIDDY UP!
The phrase "GIDDY UP!" is commonly used to urge a horse to start moving or go faster. It is a playful and energetic way to encourage the horse to move forward.
Clears (of) : RIDS
The answer "RIDS" is the right solution for the clue "Clears (of)" because "RIDS" means to free or relieve someone or something of something unwanted or burdensome. It fits perfectly with the clue, indicating the action of removing or getting rid of something.
Country music’s McEntire : REBA
Reba McEntire is a well-known country music artist, making "REBA" the correct answer for the clue "Country music's McEntire."
Cowboy’s workplace : RANCH
The answer "RANCH" is the right solution because a ranch is a large farm where cattle or horses are raised, making it a cowboy's workplace.
Danish film director ___ von Trier : LARS
Lars von Trier is a Danish film director, so the answer "LARS" fits the clue.
Day-__ paint : GLO
The answer "GLO" fits the clue "Day-__ paint" because it completes the word "day-glo," which refers to fluorescent or brightly colored paint.
Everything on a bagel, say : THE WORKS
The phrase "The works" is commonly used to refer to having all the toppings on a bagel, such as cream cheese, lox, onions, and capers.
Fast-food chain that serves Louisiana chicken : POPEYES
The fast-food chain known for serving Louisiana chicken is Popeyes, as it is a popular restaurant famous for its spicy fried chicken.
Fireplace remains : ASHES
The answer "ASHES" fits the clue "Fireplace remains" because after a fire has burned in a fireplace, what is left behind are the ashes.
Fluffy Chinese bread roll : BAO
The word "BAO" is a fluffy Chinese bread roll commonly filled with various ingredients. It fits the clue "Fluffy Chinese bread roll" perfectly.
Gate-keeping org.? : TSA Down 1 In the main
The answer "TSA" is the right solution because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an organization known for gate-keeping at airports. "In the main" is a phrase that means "mostly" or "generally," so the answer is "TSA."
Glimpsed : SAW
The word "glimpsed" means to catch a quick look at something. "Saw" is a past tense of the verb "see," which means to perceive with the eyes. Therefore, "saw" is an appropriate answer to the clue "glimpsed."
Glum : MOROSE
The word "glum" means looking or feeling sad or dejected, and "sad" is a synonym for this definition. Therefore, "SAD" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Glum."
Hosp. area for critical cases : ICU
The answer "ICU" stands for Intensive Care Unit, which is a hospital area specifically for critical cases that require close monitoring and specialized care.
Ingredient in tempera or tempura : EGG
The answer is "EGG" because both tempera and tempura recipes commonly include eggs as an ingredient.
Insolent sorts : SNOTS
"SNOTS" is the right solution because "insolent sorts" can be referred to as "snots" in a colloquial and informal way. The term "snots" is slang for rude or impudent individuals, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Italian motor scooter : VESPA
The answer "VESPA" fits the clue "Italian motor scooter" because Vespa is a well-known brand of Italian motor scooters.
Item on a stage : PROP
The answer "PROP" is correct because props are objects used on a stage during a performance to enhance the scene or help tell the story.
Jump (on) : POUNCE
"Jump (on)" is a clue indicating a sudden aggressive action, which fits the word "POUNCE" meaning to spring or swoop suddenly.
Layered rock : SHALE
The answer is "SHALE" because it is a type of sedimentary rock that is naturally formed in layers.
Lead-in to phone or ass : SMART-
The answer "SMART-" is the right solution because it can be added before "phone" to form "smartphone" and before "ass" to form "smartass".
Level : EVEN
"Level" can refer to a floor or a story in a building, making "STORY" the right answer.
Looked for : SOUGHT
"Sought" is the past tense of "seek," which means to look for or search for something. In the context of the clue "Looked for," "sought" is a synonym that fits the definition and tense required.
Main character on “All in the Family” or “Riverdale” : ARCHIE
The main character on the TV shows "All in the Family" and "Riverdale" is named Archie.
Memento-filled craft project : SCRAPBOOK
The answer "SCRAPBOOK" fits the clue "Memento-filled craft project" because a scrapbook is a craft project where mementos such as photos, tickets, and notes are creatively arranged and displayed on decorated pages.
Menzel who has played a green witch and an ice princess : IDINA
Idina Menzel is a well-known actress and singer who has played the roles of Elphaba, the green witch in "Wicked," and Elsa, the ice princess in Disney's "Frozen." The clue is asking for her first name, which is "Idina."
Merge : MELD
"MELD" is the right solution for "Merge" because in card games like bridge and poker, "meld" means to merge cards together to form a set or sequence.
Messing around on set? : DEBRA
unknown
Messing around, as with an instrument or ideas : NOODLING
The answer "NOODLING" fits because it can mean playing with an instrument in an improvised or casual manner, or playing around with ideas in a similar way.
One of tennis’s Williams sisters : SERENA
Serena Williams is a famous professional tennis player, and she is one of the Williams sisters, along with her sister Venus Williams. Therefore, the answer to "One of tennis’s Williams sisters" is "SERENA".
Ones born between July 23 and August 22 : LEOS
"LEOS" are individuals born between July 23 and August 22, according to the zodiac calendar. The astrological sign associated with this period is Leo, so people born in this time frame are commonly referred to as Leos.
Opposite of refuse : ACCEPT
ACCEPT is the opposite of refuse because refuse means to reject or decline something, while accept means to agree to take or receive something.
Papa : DAD
The term "Papa" is often used as an informal way to refer to one's father. The word "DAD" is a common synonym for father, making it the appropriate answer for this crossword clue.
Parts of a jigsaw puzzle that many people work on first : EDGES
The edges of a jigsaw puzzle are usually the easiest to identify and connect, making them a common starting point for many people when working on a puzzle.
Pen filler : INK
The answer to "Pen filler" is "INK" because ink is commonly used to fill pens and provide the writing medium.
Planet beyond Saturn : URANUS
The answer "URANUS" is correct because Uranus is the planet that is located beyond Saturn in our solar system.
Profs’ aides : TAS
The answer "TAS" stands for "teaching assistants," which are aides to professors. This is a common abbreviation used in academic settings.
R&B’s Franklin : ARETHA
Aretha Franklin is a famous R&B singer known as the "Queen of Soul." Therefore, the answer to the clue "R&B’s Franklin" is "ARETHA."
Rescuer : SAVIOR
The word "Savior" means someone who rescues or saves others, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Rescuer."
Rhetorical device used to tug at your heartstrings : PATHOS
"Pathos" is a rhetorical device that appeals to the audience's emotions, specifically aiming to evoke feelings of pity or sympathy. It is used to tug at the heartstrings of the audience, making them feel emotionally connected to the message being conveyed.
Singer Grande, to fans : ARI
The answer to "Singer Grande, to fans" is "ARI" because it is a common nickname for the singer Ariana Grande.
Snickers or Milky Way : CANDY BAR
The clue "Snickers or Milky Way" is hinting at a type of sweet treat that includes both Snickers and Milky Way, which are both types of candy bars. Therefore, the answer "CANDY BAR" fits the clue.
Some dark red wines : SYRAHS
The answer "SYRAHS" fits the clue "Some dark red wines" because Syrah is a type of dark red wine made from the Syrah grape. It is a plural form of Syrah, hence "Some dark red wines."
Staffs : CANES
"Staffs" can refer to long sticks used for support or walking, which are also called canes.
Starchy tuber : YAM
"YAM" is the right solution because a yam is a type of starchy tuber vegetable commonly found in many cuisines around the world.
Swing at a ball? : DANCE
The answer "DANCE" fits the clue "Swing at a ball?" because "swing" can refer to both the motion of hitting a ball in sports like baseball and the rhythmic movement of dancing.
The Bay State : Abbr.
The Bay State is a nickname for Massachusetts, which is often abbreviated as "Mass." or "MA." Therefore, the answer "Abbr." indicates that the state name is being abbreviated.
Tie named for a British horse racing venue : ASCOT
The answer "ASCOT" fits because Ascot is a famous British horse racing venue and a tie style is named after it.
Unadulterated : PURE
"PURE" means not mixed or diluted with any different or extra elements, making it unadulterated.
Unwavering : RESOLUTE
"Unwavering" means not changing or faltering. The word "steady" also means firmly fixed, supported, or balanced, making it a suitable synonym for unwavering.
Valuable metals : ORES
"Ores" are valuable metals because they are naturally occurring rocks or minerals that contain a high concentration of a specific metal that can be extracted and processed for use in various industries.
Walk back and forth nervously : PACE
The word "PACE" means to walk back and forth nervously, making it the right solution for the clue.
Where you might “take a number” : DELI
In a deli, customers often take a number to be served in order. The answer "DELI" fits the clue because it is a common practice in delis for customers to take a number while waiting to be served.
__-conscious : ECO
"__-conscious" is a common phrase that typically refers to being environmentally aware or friendly, which is often associated with the term "eco." So, the answer "ECO" fits the clue well.
___ badge (scout’s award) : MERIT
The answer "MERIT" fits the clue because a scout's award is commonly referred to as a merit badge, making "MERIT" the correct answer.
___ chi (martial art) : TAI
The martial art referred to in the clue is Tai Chi, and the answer is a shortened version of "Tai."
___ masala (spicy Indian chickpea dish) : CHANA
The spicy Indian chickpea dish is called "chana masala," where "chana" refers to chickpeas. Therefore, the answer to the clue is "CHANA."
“Check your ___ at the door” (sign for musical artists entering to record “We Are the World”) : EGOS
The clue mentions musical artists entering to record "We Are the World," implying a group effort. The word "EGOS" suggests that they should leave their egos behind to work together effectively.
“Live ___” (Taco Bell slogan) : MAS
The answer "MAS" completes the phrase "Live MAS," which is a slogan used by Taco Bell in their advertising campaigns. It is Spanish for "more," emphasizing the idea of living more or enjoying more.
“None for me” : PASS
The phrase "None for me" can be interpreted as declining an offer, which is commonly done by saying "pass."
“Not. Good.” : UH-OH
The answer "EVIL" is the right solution because it is the opposite of "good".
“Please send assistance A.S.A.P.!” : SOS
"SOS" is a common distress signal in Morse code, typically used to ask for help urgently. In this context, the clue is asking for assistance to be sent quickly, making "SOS" the appropriate answer.
“Uh-huh, I bet” … or a literal description of what 17-, 24-, 36- and 50- all have : YEAH, RIGHT
The phrase "Yeah, right" is a common expression used to express skepticism or disbelief, which fits the clue "Uh-huh, I bet." Additionally, if you look at the letters in the answers to clues 17-, 24-, 36-, and 50-across, they all contain the letters YEAH and RIGHT in order.