Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 22 February 2024, Thursday (02-22-24). 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.
2024 Olympics site : PARIS
Paris is the host city for the 2024 Summer Olympics, making it the correct answer for the clue "2024 Olympics site."
Actor Woo-shik of “Parasite” : CHOI
CHOI is the right answer because the actor's name is Choi Woo-shik, with Choi being his surname. In crossword clues, it's common to use just the surname for brevity.
Anathema to an aesthete : POOR TASTE
The answer "POOR TASTE" fits the clue "Anathema to an aesthete" because an aesthete appreciates beauty and good taste, while poor taste is the opposite of that, making it something they would strongly dislike.
Apply to : USE ON
The answer "USE ON" fits the clue "Apply to" because it suggests using something on a surface or object.
Arbiter : RATTLER (R – Biter)
The answer "RATTLER" for "Arbiter" is formed by removing the letter "B" (biter) from the word "R BITER", resulting in "RATTLER".
Asian dog breed : AKITA
The Akita is a dog breed that originated in Asia, specifically in Japan. It is a well-known and distinct breed known for its loyalty and strength, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Asian dog breed."
Barely defeated : EDGED
"Edged" means to win by a very small margin, just like "barely defeated" suggests.
Begin : BEEFEATER (B – Gin)
The word "START" is the right solution because it means to begin or initiate something. It's a common synonym for the word "begin" and fits perfectly with the clue.
Bibliographer’s abbr. : ET AL
"ET AL" is the abbreviation for the Latin phrase "et alia" or "et alii," which means "and others." In bibliographies, it is commonly used to indicate that there are additional authors beyond those listed.
Big star, in Spain : SOL
The answer "SOL" is the right solution because "Sol" means "sun" in Spanish, and the sun is a big star in the sky.
Bon ___ : AMI
"Bon ___" is a French phrase meaning "good friend." In French, "ami" translates to "friend," making it the correct answer.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, e.g. : DUO
The answer "DUO" fits because Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were a famous criminal duo in history.
Came to pass : AROSE
The answer "AROSE" fits the clue "Came to pass" because it means to happen or occur, which is synonymous with coming to pass.
Ceremony : POMP
"POMP" refers to a grand and formal ceremony, often involving impressive decorations and attire. Therefore, it is an appropriate answer for the clue "Ceremony."
Chevy truck since 1998 : SILVERADO
The Chevy truck model introduced in 1998 is the Silverado, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Church offering : TITHE
"TITHE" is the right answer because a tithe is a traditional offering of one-tenth of one's income to the church.
Copacetic : JAKE
Coup planners : CABAL
"Cabal" refers to a small group of people who plot a political or other conspiracy. In the context of the clue "Coup planners," a cabal fits as it suggests a secretive group planning a coup.
Cut down : SLAIN
"FELL" is the past tense of "fall," and it can also mean to chop down a tree or to cause something to collapse. Therefore, "cut down" can be a synonym for "fell."
Depot : DUTCH OVEN (D – Pot)
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, and in crossword puzzles, it often indicates that the answer is an abbreviated word. In this case, "Depot" is commonly abbreviated as "Dep.", making "Abbr." an appropriate answer.
Discombobulated : AT SEA
"Discombobulated" is a synonym for feeling confused or lost. The phrase "at sea" can mean feeling lost or disoriented, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Doesn’t stay tight : SAGS
"SAGS" is the right answer because something that doesn't stay tight often sags or droops, losing its tautness.
Emirate : MAD AS HELL (M – Irate)
unknown
Ensconced in : AMID
"Ensconced in" means surrounded by or in the middle of something, which can be described as being amid.
Ensiform, adj. : Shaped like a ___
The word "ensiform" means "shaped like a sword," so the answer "Shaped like a ___" fits as it describes something with a sword-like shape.
Ensign : NO PARKING (N – Sign)
The answer "NO PARKING" is a wordplay clue where "N - Sign" refers to removing the letter N from the word "Sign" to get "Sig," which when combined with "NO" gives us "NO PARKING."
Exemplar of neatness : PIN
Figure in I Samuel : ELI
In the Book of I Samuel in the Bible, Eli is a high priest and judge of Israel. He plays a significant role in the story of Samuel and his upbringing.
First part of a triple jump : HOP
"HOP" is the first part of a triple jump, which consists of a hop, step, and jump in track and field.
Focus of the U.S.A.F.’s Project Blue Book (1952-1969) : UFOS
The answer "UFOS" fits the clue because Project Blue Book was a U.S. Air Force investigation into unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from 1952 to 1969.
Going by, in brief : AKA
The answer "AKA" stands for "Also Known As," which is a common abbreviation used to indicate an alternative name or alias. In this context, "Going by" can be understood as referring to someone using a different name or identity, making "AKA" the appropriate answer.
Hankerings : YENS Down 1 Scores
The answer to "Hankerings" is "YENS" because "yens" is a synonym for strong desires or cravings.
Hot topping for a cone? : LAVA
"Hot topping for a cone" is a playful way of referring to lava, as lava is hot and flows like a topping on a cone-shaped volcano. It's a clever and fun play on words that fits the clue perfectly.
If-then-___ (programming construct) : ELSE
The programming construct "if-then-else" is a conditional statement that allows for different actions to be taken depending on whether a condition is true or false. In this construct, "ELSE" is used to specify the action to be taken if the condition is false.
Implied right in the First and Fourth Amendments : PRIVACY
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and religion, while the Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. The concept of privacy is implied in both amendments, making "PRIVACY" the correct answer.
Issuance from an American embassy, in brief : US VISA
The answer "US VISA" fits the clue because it refers to the document that allows entry into the United States and is typically issued by an American embassy.
It’s never out of tune : AIR GUITAR
"Air guitar" is the right solution because when you play air guitar, you are miming playing a guitar without actually producing any sound, so it can never be out of tune.
Joint : DOOBIE
"Joint" is a slang term for a marijuana cigarette, commonly referred to as a "reefer." Therefore, "reefer" is the right solution for the clue.
Kelly of morning talk : RIPA
This is the right solution because Kelly Ripa is a TV host known for her role in morning talk shows like "Live with Kelly and Ryan."
Launches an attack : MAKES WAR
"Launches an attack" is a phrase that can be synonymous with "makes war," as both phrases suggest initiating aggressive actions or military operations against an opponent.
Long hauls : TREKS
"TREKS" is the right solution because a trek refers to a long and arduous journey, often on foot. Therefore, "Long hauls" can be synonymous with "treks."
Lose one’s shirt, say : STRIP
Meant to be : FATED
The answer "FATED" fits the clue "Meant to be" because it suggests a predetermined outcome or destiny.
Migration pattern? : VEE
The answer "VEE" is the right solution because it refers to the V-shaped formation that migrating birds often fly in.
Most-grown coffee bean in the world : ARABICA
Arabica is the most widely grown coffee bean in the world, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Nonreflective, in a way : MATTE
"MATTE" is the right solution because a matte finish is nonreflective, meaning it does not produce a shiny or glossy reflection of light.
Not too much : A LITTLE
The phrase "Not too much" indicates a small or moderate amount, which can be described as "A LITTLE."
One in it for the long haul : LIFER
"LIFER" is the right solution because it refers to someone who is serving a long prison sentence or someone who is committed to a particular job or activity for a long period of time. In this context, it signifies someone in it for the long haul.
One of millions in New Zealand : EWE
The answer "EWE" refers to a female sheep, and there are millions of sheep in New Zealand, making it a common animal there.
Plein-air prop : EASEL
The answer "EASEL" is the right solution because an easel is a stand used by artists to hold and support a canvas while they paint outdoors, which is also known as plein-air painting.
Practical joke : JAPE
"Jape" is a synonym for practical joke. It is a playful or humorous act intended to trick or deceive someone in a light-hearted way.
Pre-med pre-req : BIO
"BIO" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for biology, which is a pre-med prerequisite course.
Puckish sort : ELF
"ELF" is the right solution because an elf is commonly depicted as mischievous or playful, fitting the description of a puckish sort.
Put on a big smile : LIT UP
"LIT UP" means to put on a big smile, as when someone's face lights up with joy or happiness.
Rich sources of beta carotene : KALES
Kales are rich sources of beta carotene because they are leafy green vegetables known for their high levels of this antioxidant, which is converted into vitamin A in the body.
See 31-Down : … DRAFT
The answer to "See 31-Down" is "… DRAFT" because the word "DRAFT" appears in the clue for 31-Down, and the solution to that clue will complete the phrase.
Singer Williams who founded the Temptations : OTIS
"Otis" is the right solution because Otis Williams is the singer who founded the Temptations, a famous American vocal group.
Split up : APART
The word "split" in the clue suggests a division or separation. "Divide" means to separate something into parts or pieces, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Staple of Trinidadian music : STEEL DRUM
The steel drum is a percussion instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago, making it a staple of Trinidadian music. Its unique sound and cultural significance make it a fitting answer to the clue.
Steamy stuff : VAPOR
"Steamy stuff" refers to vapor, which is the gaseous state of a substance that is typically produced by heating a liquid. Steam is a common example of vapor, making "VAPOR" the correct answer.
Stole from a burlesque act : BOA
A boa is a type of feathered accessory often worn in burlesque acts, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Stole from a burlesque act."
Surpass : TOP
"Surpass" is a synonym for "top" in the sense of exceeding or outdoing something.
They’re typically older than seniors : GRADS
"GRADS" refers to graduates, who are typically older than seniors in school. Graduates have completed their education and are moving on to the next stage in their lives.
Things one might pick up while entering a room : VIBES
"VIBES" is the right solution because when entering a room, one can pick up on the atmosphere or feeling of the room, which are often referred to as "vibes."
Time to remember : ERA
The answer "ERA" is the right solution because "era" is a period of time in history that is remembered for certain characteristics or events.
Tricky billiard shot : MASSE
"Masse" is a billiards term referring to a shot where the player strikes the cue ball with extreme spin, causing it to curve around an obstacle before hitting the target ball. This type of shot is often considered tricky due to the skill and precision required to execute it successfully.
Underway : AFOOT
The word "underway" means in progress or ongoing, which makes "ONGOING" the suitable answer for this crossword clue.
Way off : AFAR
"Way off" is a phrase that means far away or distant. "Afar" is a synonym for far away or distant, making it the correct answer.
What some people are dyeing to be? : REDHEADS
The answer "REDHEADS" fits the clue because some people are eager or "dyeing" to have red hair, which is a common hair color that people may desire to have.
With 50-Down, annual June sports event : NBA …
unknown
___ fly : SAC
The term "SAC fly" is short for "sacrifice fly," which is a baseball statistic where a batter hits a fly ball that allows a runner to score a run. "SAC" is the common abbreviation for "sacrifice" in baseball scoring, making "SAC" the correct answer for the clue "___ fly."
___ Formosa (barrier island system of Portugal) : RIA
"RIA" is the right solution because a "ria" is a coastal inlet formed by the partial submergence of a river valley. Formosa is a barrier island system in Portugal known for its rias, making "RIA" the correct answer.
___ Valley : NAPA
The answer "NAPA" fits the clue "___ Valley" because Napa Valley is a famous wine-growing region in California.
___ white : EGG
The answer to "___ white" is "EGG" because an egg is commonly white in color.
“Time ___ …” : WAS
The phrase "Time was..." is a common way to start a sentence when referring to the past. "Was" is the correct verb to use in this context.
“Yikes!” : EEK!
"Yikes!" is an exclamation used to express surprise or alarm. Similarly, "EEK" is an exclamation used to express surprise, fear, or disgust, making it a suitable answer for the clue.