Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 20 February 2024, Tuesday (02-20-24). 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.
12/24 or 12/31 : EVE
The answer "EVE" is the right solution because "12/24" and "12/31" refer to Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, respectively.
Afghan’s place : ASIA
The answer to "Afghan's place" being "ASIA" is correct because Afghanistan is a country located in the continent of Asia.
Altima maker : NISSAN
The Altima is a model of car made by the manufacturer Nissan.
Army squad leaders : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, indicating that the answer to "Army squad leaders" is a shortened or abbreviated term. In this case, the abbreviation for Army squad leaders is "SGTS" for Sergeants.
B-baller in California : LA LAKER
The answer "LA LAKER" fits the clue "B-baller in California" because the Los Angeles Lakers (LA LAKERS) are a well-known basketball team based in California.
Belligerent, in British slang : AGGRO
The answer "AGGRO" is the right solution because it is a slang term commonly used in British English to mean aggressive or belligerent.
Big name in pharmacies : CVS
Bottom of a boat : KEEL
The keel is the bottom-most part of a boat that runs along the centerline, providing stability and preventing the boat from tipping over.
Chip in : ADD
The answer "ANTE" is the right solution because "chip in" is a phrase commonly used in poker, where players contribute money to the pot before the game begins. "ANTE" is a term that specifically refers to the initial bet or contribution made by each player.
Chocolate confection with a molten core : LAVA CAKE
The answer "LAVA CAKE" fits because it is a chocolate dessert with a gooey, molten center that oozes out when cut into, resembling lava flowing from a volcano.
Cleric’s title, for short : REV
"REV" is short for "Reverend," which is a title commonly used for clerics in various religious denominations.
Common sight along the Norwegian coast : FJORD
"FJORD" is the right answer because fjords are long, narrow inlets with steep sides or cliffs, created by glacial erosion, and they are a common natural feature along the Norwegian coast.
Cop-turned-vigilante in a postapocalyptic film : MAD MAX
In the postapocalyptic film series "Mad Max," the main character is a cop who becomes a vigilante. Therefore, the answer "MAD MAX" fits the clue "Cop-turned-vigilante in a postapocalyptic film."
Courtier who oversees Hamlet’s duel with Laertes : OSRIC
OSRIC is the courtier who oversees Hamlet's duel with Laertes in the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare. He is a minor character who plays a significant role in the scene where the duel takes place.
Crooner Mel who was called “The Velvet Fog” : TORME
Mel Torme was a famous American singer known for his smooth voice and vocal style, earning him the nickname "The Velvet Fog." Therefore, the answer to the clue "Crooner Mel who was called 'The Velvet Fog'" is "TORME."
Degrade : ABASE
The word "abase" means to degrade or humiliate someone, making it the correct answer to the clue "Degrade."
Description of 17-, 25-, 36- and 49-, in different senses? : HALF-BAKED
The phrase "half-baked" can mean both "insufficiently thought out" and "partially cooked," which fits the description of the clues where the answers are two-word phrases with the first word meaning "part" or "half."
Drill (into) : BORE
"Bore" is the right answer because one of the meanings of the word "bore" is to drill into something, such as drilling into the ground or wood.
Dunkable edible : DONUT
The answer "DONUT" fits the clue "Dunkable edible" because donuts are a type of pastry that is often enjoyed by dipping into coffee or milk. They are commonly dunked in beverages, making them a perfect fit for the clue.
Effect of secondhand pot smoke : CONTACT HIGH
The term "contact high" refers to the experience of feeling the effects of a drug, in this case, marijuana, by being in close proximity to someone who is smoking it. This fits the clue "Effect of secondhand pot smoke" as it describes the phenomenon of feeling the influence of marijuana without directly consuming it.
Evening party : SOIREE
The word "soiree" is a synonym for an evening party, typically a formal one. It is commonly used to describe a social gathering or party held in the evening, making it the correct answer for this crossword clue.
Evidence of a day at the beach : BIKINI TAN
The answer "BIKINI TAN" fits the clue because it is a visible indication that someone has spent time at the beach, specifically wearing a bikini and getting a tan.
Fishing net : TRAWL
"Trawl" is a type of fishing net that is dragged along the sea bottom or in the water to catch fish.
Flight of fancy : WILD IDEA
The phrase "flight of fancy" is often used to describe a wild or imaginative idea that is not based in reality. "Wild idea" is a fitting answer that captures the essence of a fanciful or imaginative concept.
Funereal compositions : DIRGES
"Funereal compositions" are songs or music typically played at funerals or memorial services. A dirge is a mournful piece of music specifically composed to express grief or sorrow, making it the right solution for this clue.
German “Geez!” : ACH!
"Ach!" is a common interjection in German used to express frustration or surprise, similar to "Geez!" in English.
Hank Aaron holds the M.L.B. record for these, for short (2,297) : RBIS
RBIs stands for runs batted in, which is a statistic in baseball that measures how many runs a player has batted in. Hank Aaron holds the Major League Baseball record for the most RBIs with 2,297.
Held on (to) : CLUNG
"CLUNG" is the right solution because it means to hold on tightly to something or someone. It fits the clue "Held on (to)" perfectly.
Hero of Narnia in C. S. Lewis novels : ASLAN
Aslan is the lion and a central character in C.S. Lewis's "The Chronicles of Narnia" series. He is often seen as the hero and a powerful figure in the novels.
In a deadpan manner : DRILY
"Drily" means in a matter-of-fact or unemotional way, which is synonymous with deadpan delivery. Both terms describe a lack of emotion or expression in speech, making "drily" the correct answer for the clue "In a deadpan manner."
Inits. before a nickname : AKA
The abbreviation "Inits." stands for initials, and "before a nickname" indicates that the initials come before an alternate name or alias. "AKA" is an abbreviation for "also known as," which is commonly used before a nickname or alias.
Largest Chinese ethnic group : HAN
The Han is the largest Chinese ethnic group, making up over 90% of China's population.
Lethal : DEADLY
The word "lethal" means causing death, and a synonym for lethal is "deadly."
Lettuce or cabbage : MOOLA
Like “three men” of nursery rhyme : IN A TUB
unknown
Made an irreverently sarcastic comment : SNARKED
"SNARKED" is the right solution because it means to make a sarcastic or disrespectful remark, which fits the clue "Made an irreverently sarcastic comment."
Mail inits. since 1971 : USPS
"Mail inits. since 1971" is a clue asking for the initials of the mail service that has been in operation since 1971. USPS stands for United States Postal Service, which fits the clue.
Make a mistake : ERR
"Make a mistake" is a clue for a 3-letter word. "ERR" is a verb that means to make a mistake. Therefore, "ERR" is the right solution.
Male admirer : BEAU
"BEAU" is the right solution because it is a term that refers to a male admirer or boyfriend, especially one who is fashionable or attentive to a woman.
Member of a powerful ruling elite : OLIGARCH
"Oligarch" refers to a member of a small group of people who have control over a country, organization, or institution. They are often wealthy and influential individuals who hold significant power. This fits the description of a powerful ruling elite.
Middle of a classic boast from Caesar : … I SAW …
This answer completes the classic boast from Caesar, "Veni, vidi, vici," which translates to "I came, I saw, I conquered." The answer "I SAW" fits the clue perfectly.
Miles away : AFAR
The answer "AFAR" is the right solution because it means being at a distance, or far away. It perfectly matches the clue "Miles away" as it indicates a significant distance.
Mindfulness-based practice : ZEN
"Zen" is a type of mindfulness-based practice originating from Buddhism that focuses on meditation and self-awareness. It is a popular form of practice for achieving mental clarity and inner peace.
N.H.L. team with a mythological eponym : KRAKEN
The N.H.L. team with a mythological eponym is the Seattle Kraken. The Kraken is a mythical sea monster from Scandinavian folklore, making it the correct answer for this clue.
Nobelist Wiesel : ELIE
Elie Wiesel was a Nobel Prize-winning author and Holocaust survivor. "Nobelist Wiesel" is a clue that refers to him, and the answer is "ELIE" which is the first name of Elie Wiesel.
One of Islam’s Five Pillars : HAJ
The answer "HAJ" is short for "Hajj," which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim is expected to make at least once in their lifetime if they are able to do so.
Part of a decent-sized plot : ACRE
The answer "ACRE" fits the clue because an acre is a unit of measurement commonly used to describe the size of a plot of land.
Partner of “ceases” : DESISTS
The word "ceases" is a synonym for "stops" or "ends." Therefore, the partner of "ceases" would be a word with a similar meaning, which is "DESISTS."
Patch things up, say? : SEW
The clue "Patch things up, say?" is a play on words suggesting using a needle and thread to fix something, which is what "SEW" means.
Presided over a roast, say : EMCEED
The answer "EMCEED" fits because to "preside over a roast" means to host or oversee a comedic event where jokes are made at someone's expense. This is commonly done by an emcee, who guides the event and introduces the speakers.
Rudely “welcome” the away team : JEER
The word "JEER" means to rudely welcome someone with mocking or disrespectful remarks, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Shakespeare’s “___ of Athens” : TIMON
"Timon" is the right answer because the full title of the play by Shakespeare is "Timon of Athens." The clue is hinting at the title of the play, making "TIMON" the correct solution.
Signature Obama achievement, in brief : ACA
The answer is "ACA" because it stands for the Affordable Care Act, which is a significant legislative achievement of President Obama.
Small recess : NOOK
"Nook" is a small, secluded corner or recess in a room, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Small recess."
Small songbird : TIT
The Wren is a small, active songbird with a round body and a short, thin bill. It is a common answer to the crossword clue "Small songbird" due to its size and popularity.
Spanish girlfriend : AMIGA
"Amiga" is the Spanish word for "girlfriend," making it the correct answer for the clue "Spanish girlfriend."
Spleen : IRE
"Fury" can refer to a sudden outburst of anger, which is often associated with the spleen in traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, "spleen" can be a synonym for "fury."
Swiss founder of analytical psychology : CARL JUNG
Carl Jung is the Swiss founder of analytical psychology, known for his theories on the collective unconscious and archetypes. He made significant contributions to the field of psychology, making him the correct answer to this clue.
Ted ___, author of the best-selling short-story collection “Exhalation” : CHIANG
The answer is "CHIANG" because Ted Chiang is the author of the best-selling short-story collection "Exhalation."
Tiki bar drink : MAI TAI
The answer "MAI TAI" fits the clue "Tiki bar drink" because a Mai Tai is a popular tropical cocktail often served at Tiki bars. It is a well-known and classic drink associated with the Tiki bar culture.
Tools for fireplaces : POKERS
The answer "POKERS" fits the clue "Tools for fireplaces" because pokers are long, metal tools used to rearrange burning logs in a fireplace. They are essential for managing a fire safely.
Uber-fan : STAN
The term "Stan" originated from the Eminem song of the same name, referring to an overly enthusiastic or obsessive fan. Over time, it has become a widely used term to describe any avid fan of a particular person or thing.
Unimportant things : TRIFLES
"TRIFLES" is the right solution because it is a synonym for unimportant things or matters of little importance.
Upper part of a Vandyke beard, informally : STACHE
The term "stache" is a common informal slang for a mustache, which is the upper part of a Vandyke beard.
Where it’s at : VENUE
The phrase "where it's at" is often used to refer to a specific location or venue where something important or exciting is happening. Therefore, "VENUE" is the right answer for this clue.
Winter item on a car’s roof rack : SKI
The answer "SKI" fits the clue because skis are commonly carried on a car's roof rack during winter for skiing trips.
___-Carlton (hotel chain) : RITZ
The answer is "RITZ" because The Ritz-Carlton is a well-known luxury hotel chain.
“Given the way things appear …” : AS IT IS …
The answer "AS IT IS" fits the clue "Given the way things appear..." because the phrase "as it is" is often used to refer to the current situation or state of things without any embellishment or alteration.
“Phooey!” : NERTS!
The answer "DARN!" fits the clue "Phooey!" because it is an exclamation used to express frustration or disappointment.
“Toy Story” boy : ANDY Down 1 Remove the fastenings from
The answer to "“Toy Story” boy" is "ANDY" because Andy is the name of the boy who owns the toys in the movie "Toy Story." The answer to "Remove the fastenings from" is "UNDO" because to "remove the fastenings from" something means to undo or unfasten them.
“Well, lah-di-___” : DAH
The phrase "lah-di-___" is typically followed by "dah," making "DAH" the correct answer.
“___ Maria” : AVE
The clue is referring to the Catholic prayer "Hail Mary" which begins with "Ave Maria" in Latin. "Ave" is the Latin word for "Hail".
“___ takers?” : ANY
The answer to "___ takers?" is "ANY" because it is a phrase commonly used to ask if anyone is willing to accept a particular offer or challenge.