Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 21 February 2024, Wednesday (02-21-24). 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.
Actress and documentarian Remini : LEAH
The answer "LEAH" fits the clue because Leah Remini is a well-known actress and documentarian, making her the most likely answer for this clue.
Addams family cousin : ITT
The answer "ITT" is the right solution because Cousin Itt is a character from the Addams Family TV show and movies. Cousin Itt is known for his long hair covering his entire body, resembling a walking pile of hair.
Ape’s weapon in “Planet of the Apes” : SPEAR
The answer is "SPEAR" because apes in the movie "Planet of the Apes" are often depicted using spears as weapons.
Arthur of the court : ASHE
Arthur Ashe was a professional tennis player who achieved success both on and off the court. He is well-known for breaking barriers in the sport as an African American player. This clue is a play on words, combining the name "Arthur" with his last name "Ashe."
Attempt : TRY
"Attempt" is a synonym for "try," and "stab" is a common expression meaning "try." Therefore, "stab" is a suitable answer for the clue "Attempt."
Author of “The Eagle and the Fox” and “The Fox and the Lion” : AESOP
Aesop is the author of famous fables such as "The Eagle and the Fox" and "The Fox and the Lion," making him the correct answer to the clue.
Be absorbed, as a marinade : SOAK IN
"SOAK IN" fits the clue because when you soak something in a marinade, it gets absorbed or permeates into the food, enhancing its flavor.
Beatles compilation album made up entirely of their No. ___ hits : ONE
The Beatles compilation album referred to in the clue is named "1", as it consists of their number one hits. Therefore, the correct answer is "ONE".
Big fashion inits. : YSL
"Big fashion inits." is a common crossword clue that is asking for the initials of a well-known fashion designer or brand. "YSL" stands for Yves Saint Laurent, a famous and influential fashion designer.
Biological molecule : RNA
RNA is a biological molecule that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and gene expression in cells. It is a nucleic acid that carries genetic information and helps in the translation of DNA into proteins.
Bobby of Bruins lore : ORR
"ORR" is the right solution because Bobby Orr is a legendary hockey player associated with the Boston Bruins, hence the clue "Bobby of Bruins lore."
Certain mattress material : FOAM
The answer "FOAM" fits the clue "Certain mattress material" because foam is a common material used in mattresses for comfort and support.
Clay targets, informally : SKEETS
The term "skeets" is informal slang for clay targets used in shooting sports, such as trap and skeet shooting. This answer fits the clue "Clay targets, informally" perfectly.
Commercial spaces in an app : AD UNITS
The term "ad units" refers to the commercial spaces within an app where advertisements are displayed. It is a common term in the advertising and app development industry, making it the correct answer to the clue "Commercial spaces in an app."
Commonly torn band, for short : ACL
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a commonly torn band in the knee, especially among athletes. "ACL" is the common abbreviation for this ligament, making it the right answer for the clue.
Cook with a long history at Apple : TIM
Tim Cook is the current CEO of Apple Inc., and has been with the company for a long time, making him a cook with a long history at Apple. "Tim" is the answer to this clue.
Cry out : WAIL
"WAIL" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "cry out," indicating a loud, high-pitched sound made in distress or pain.
Days past : YORE
"Days past" is a phrase often used to refer to times gone by or long ago, which is synonymous with the word "yore."
Do, as hair : STYLE
The word "style" can be used as a verb meaning to arrange or do hair in a particular way.
Electricity bill datum : USAGE
The term "USAGE" refers to the amount of electricity consumed, which is a key piece of information found on an electricity bill.
Excited about : INTO
The word "into" is used to indicate a strong interest or excitement about something.
Eye-opening experience? : LASIK
The answer "LASIK" is the right solution because LASIK is a surgical procedure that can correct vision, making it an eye-opening experience both literally and figuratively.
Fall behind : LAG
"Fall behind" is a clue for a word that means to move more slowly than others, which is the definition of "LAG".
Fellow : GENT
The word "guy" is a synonym for "fellow" or "man," often used in casual conversation.
Fellows : LADS
The word "fellows" can refer to a group of people or members of an organization. "Parishes" are also groups of people who belong to a particular church or religious organization. Therefore, "parishes" can be a suitable answer to the clue "fellows."
Fencing option : FOIL
The answer to "Fencing option" is "EPEE" because an epee is a type of sword used in the sport of fencing.
First M.L.B. team to use artificial turf in its stadium : ASTROS
The Houston Astros were the first M.L.B. team to use artificial turf in its stadium, which was the Astrodome.
Fortune tell : AUGUR
The answer "AUGUR" is the right solution because an augur is a fortune teller in ancient Rome who interpreted omens or signs to predict the future.
Get on : MOUNT
"Get on" can mean to mount a horse or bike, so the answer "MOUNT" fits the clue.
Governor DeSantis : RON
The answer "RON" fits because Ron DeSantis is the Governor of Florida, and his first name is Ron.
Grain in some hearty soup : BARLEY
"BARLEY" is a grain commonly used in hearty soups for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. It fits the clue as it is a common ingredient in soups like beef barley soup or barley vegetable soup.
How ballerinas often perform : ON TOE
"ON TOE" is the right answer because ballerinas often perform on the tips of their toes, which is known as dancing on pointe.
International oil grp. : OPEC
OPEC stands for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which is an international organization consisting of countries that are major oil producers.
Investigate persistently : DIG AT
The answer "DIG AT" fits the clue "Investigate persistently" because "dig" can mean to investigate or search thoroughly, and "at" can indicate persistence or focusing on a particular subject.
Is French? : EST
"EST" is the French word for "is." In this case, the clue "Is French?" is asking for the French translation of the word "is," which is "EST."
It’s just an illusion : MIRAGE
The clue "It's just an illusion" suggests something that appears real but isn't. A mirage is an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, making distant objects appear closer or distorted. Therefore, "MIRAGE" fits the clue.
Keeps cold, as a sprained ankle : ICES
The answer "ICES" means to keep cold, which is a common treatment for a sprained ankle to reduce swelling and pain.
Like the names of 18-, 25-, 40- and 50- vis-à-vis the bracketed languages : TAUTOLOGICAL
The names in the brackets are the same as the words themselves, making them tautological, which means unnecessary repetition.
Little brats : SNOTS
The answer "SNOTS" fits the clue "Little brats" because "snots" is a colloquial term for mischievous or annoying children.
Loch ___ : NESS
The crossword clue is referring to a Scottish lake called Loch Ness. The answer "NESS" fits perfectly in the blank space provided after "Loch".
Long, long times : AEONS
"AEONS" is the right solution because "aeons" is another term for long periods of time, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Long, long times."
Look away from : IGNORE
The word "ignore" means to deliberately pay no attention to something or someone, which is synonymous with looking away from them. This makes "ignore" the right answer to the clue "Look away from."
Official language of Ghana and Botswana : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for abbreviation, indicating that the official languages of Ghana and Botswana are abbreviated in the crossword puzzle. In this case, the official language of Ghana is "ENG" for English, and the official language of Botswana is "ENG" as well.
Penguins great Lemieux : MARIO
Mario Lemieux is a former professional ice hockey player who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time. "Mario" is a common shorthand for his first name, making "MARIO" the correct answer to the clue.
Persian language : FARSI
"FARSI" is the correct answer because it is the official language of Iran and is commonly referred to as Persian in English.
Playground retort : DOES SO!
The playground retort "Are not!" is a common response to someone's statement. In this case, the clue is asking for the actual retort, which is "ARENOT".
Pole that extends a sail : SPRIT
The answer "SPRIT" is a pole that extends a sail diagonally on a boat, providing support and helping control the shape of the sail.
Porridge grain : OAT
Oats are a type of grain commonly used to make porridge, making "OAT" the correct answer for the clue "Porridge grain."
Prior to, poetically : ERE
"Ere" is a poetic word that means "before" or "prior to." It is often used in old English poetry and literature.
Rodin sculpture featuring a couple whose lips don’t quite touch : THE KISS
The sculpture "The Kiss" by Rodin depicts a couple in a passionate embrace, but their lips do not quite touch. This distinctive feature of the sculpture makes it a recognizable and iconic work of art.
Scale button : TARE
"TARE" is a scale button that allows you to reset the scale to zero, subtracting the weight of the container holding the items being weighed.
Shakespearean fairy queen : MAB
The answer "MAB" is the abbreviation for Queen Mab, a character in Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet." She is a fairy queen who is known for bringing dreams to people while they sleep.
Some downtown street liners : METERS
This is the right solution because "METERS" are commonly found lining downtown streets to measure parking time.
Some pub brews : ALES
The answer "ALES" is the right solution because ales are a type of beer commonly served in pubs.
Something a student may cut : CLASS
The answer "CLASS" fits the clue because a student may cut a class, meaning they skip attending a scheduled lesson or lecture.
Start over : RESET Down 1 Dramatis personae portrayers
The answer "RESET" fits the clue "Start over" because when you reset something, you are essentially starting it over from the beginning.
Take a lighter to : IGNITE
The answer "IGNITE" fits the clue "Take a lighter to" because to ignite means to set something on fire or to start burning. It is a common action done with a lighter.
Team V.I.P.s, in brief : GMS
The answer "GMS" stands for "General Managers," which are often referred to as the V.I.P.s of a team.
Therefore : ERGO
"Thus" is an adverb that means "therefore" or "as a result". It is often used to indicate a conclusion or consequence based on the preceding information or actions. Therefore, "thus" is the right solution for the crossword clue "therefore".
They might be guided : TOURS
The answer "TOURS" fits because tours are often guided, with a tour guide leading the way and providing information about the sights.
Thin cut : SLIT
The answer "SLIT" fits the clue "Thin cut" because a slit is a narrow cut or opening in something.
Together (with) : ALONG
The word "ALONG" is a common synonym for "together with," indicating doing something in company or in the same direction as someone or something else.
Underhanded sort : SNEAK
"SNEAK" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe someone who behaves in a deceitful or underhanded manner.
What all good children do, in a nursery rhyme : GO TO HEAVEN
What some workout videos promise : ABS OF STEEL
The answer "ABS OF STEEL" fits the clue because workout videos often promise to help viewers achieve strong and defined abdominal muscles, commonly referred to as "abs," and "of steel" emphasizes the idea of extreme strength and durability.
Where to watch the Lightning and Hurricanes : ARENAS
The answer "ARENAS" fits the clue because both the Lightning and Hurricanes are professional hockey teams that play their games in arenas.
___ Raducanu, 2021 U.S. Open women’s tennis champion : EMMA
Emma Raducanu is the 2021 U.S. Open women’s tennis champion, and "EMMA" is her first name.
___ Virtue, three-time world ice dancing champion : TESSA
Tessa Virtue is a well-known figure skater who has won the world ice dancing championship three times. The answer "TESSA" fits the clue perfectly.
“Have fun!” : ENJOY
The answer "ENJOY" fits the clue "Have fun!" because "enjoy" is a common phrase used to encourage someone to have a good time or to make the most of a situation.
“Mud” : JOE
“My Gal ___” : SAL
The phrase "My Gal Sal" is a popular song title, so the answer to the clue "My Gal ___" is "SAL" as it completes the title of the song.
“That’s sufficient, I guess” : IT’LL DO
The phrase "It'll do" is commonly used to indicate that something is sufficient or acceptable, making it a fitting answer to the clue "That's sufficient, I guess."