Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 23 February 2024, Friday (02-23-24). 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.
Absolute drivel : UTTER ROT
"UTTER ROT" is a synonym for "absolute drivel," as both phrases mean complete nonsense or rubbish.
AOL competitor : MSN
"AOL competitor" refers to a company that competes with AOL in providing internet services, and MSN is a well-known internet service provider that competes with AOL.
Baño feature : TILDE
The word "baño" means "bathroom" in Spanish. The word "tilde" has a tilde mark above the "e" in Spanish, making it a feature of the word.
Beethoven’s fourth? : TEE
The answer "TEE" for "Beethoven’s fourth?" is a play on words, referring to the fourth letter in the name "Beethoven," which is the letter "T."
Borrower’s limit : LOAN CAP
The answer "LOANCAP" is a combination of "LOAN" meaning money borrowed and "CAP" meaning a limit or maximum amount. Therefore, "Borrower's limit" is referring to the maximum amount of money a borrower can borrow, which is the "LOANCAP".
Covered in ink : TATTED UP
Defunct health technology company that once had a $10 billion valuation : THERANOS
Theranos was a health technology company that claimed to revolutionize blood testing but faced controversy and legal issues, leading to its downfall. It famously had a valuation of $10 billion before its troubles became public.
Device used by a court reporter, informally : STENO
"STENO" is the right solution because it is a common slang term for a stenograph machine used by court reporters to transcribe spoken words into shorthand.
Drain away : LEACH
"Drain away" is a clue that suggests the process of liquid moving through soil. "Leach" specifically means to drain away or dissolve out, making it the correct answer.
Early number? : ETHER
The answer "ETHER" is a play on words, as "Early number" refers to the early chemical compound diethyl ether.
Fleming who was the first opera singer to perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl (2014) : RENEE
Renee Fleming is a famous opera singer who performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl in 2014, making her the first opera singer to do so. This makes "RENEE" the correct answer to the clue.
Flight components : STEPS
The answer "STEPS" for "Flight components" refers to the steps or stairs on an aircraft that passengers use to board or disembark from the plane.
For real : LEGIT
The phrase "For real" is often used to mean something is genuine or authentic. "Kosher" is a term commonly used to describe food that is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws, meaning it is genuine and proper. Therefore, "Kosher" is the right solution for "For real."
Formal affirmative : YES, MA’AM
The answer "YES, MA'AM" is a formal way to affirm or agree with someone, especially when addressing a woman with respect.
Get back : RETRIEVE
The answer "REGAIN" fits the clue "Get back" because it means to recover or retrieve something that was lost or taken away.
Greenish drink : LIMEADE
The answer "LIMEADE" fits the clue "Greenish drink" because limeade is a beverage made from lime juice, which gives it a greenish color.
Had to recant : ATE ONE’S WORDS
The phrase "ate one's words" means to take back something said, which is similar to recanting a statement.
Home of the prehistoric Ggantija temples : MALTA
Malta is the home of the prehistoric Ggantija temples as they are located on the island of Malta. The temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and date back to around 3600 BC, making Malta the correct answer for this clue.
Identify : PLACE
Ignatius ___, figure on Netflix’s “Wednesday” : ITT
"ITT" is the right solution because Ignatius J. Reilly, a character from the novel "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole, is associated with the fictional company "Ignatius J. Reilly Toole" or "ITT." This character is referenced in the Netflix series "Wednesday."
Instrument that includes ranks and divisions : PIPE ORGAN
The answer "PIPE ORGAN" fits because a pipe organ is a musical instrument that includes different ranks and divisions of pipes that produce sound.
Isn’t finalized : PENDS
"PENDS" is the right solution because it means something is not yet finalized or completed, indicating that it is pending.
It has high-end tastes : HAUTE CUISINE
The phrase "haute cuisine" is French for high-end or fancy cooking, which aligns with the clue "It has high-end tastes."
Kicked off : BEGUN
The answer "BEGUN" fits the clue "Kicked off" because it means to start or initiate something, which is synonymous with beginning.
Liturgical chant : CREDO
The liturgical chant "Credo" refers to the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian beliefs. It is often sung or recited during religious services, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Liturgical chant."
Longtime TV news colleague of Pelley, Cooper and Whitaker : STAHL
The clue mentions TV news colleagues, and Lesley Stahl is a longtime TV news correspondent who has worked with Scott Pelley, Anderson Cooper, and Bill Whitaker on different news programs. Therefore, the answer "STAHL" fits the clue.
Major export of Ukraine : WHEAT
Ukraine is one of the largest wheat exporters in the world, making wheat a major export of the country.
Matches, as watches : SYNCS
The answer "SYNCS" is the right solution because it means to match the time on watches or devices to be the same.
Network for 15- : CBS
The answer to "Network for 15-" is "CBS" because CBS is a major television network that has the show "60 Minutes," which is a popular news program that has a segment called "15 Minutes of Fame."
Occasion when one might choose truth : SLUMBER PARTY
One in a hundred : CENT
The answer "CENT" is the right solution because "cent" is a unit of currency equal to one hundredth of a dollar.
One of more than 300 for “S.N.L.” : EMMY NOD
The answer "EMMY NOD" is correct because "S.N.L." stands for "Saturday Night Live," a TV show that has received more than 300 Emmy nominations, making it an Emmy favorite.
One who grapples, in dialect : RASSLER
The answer "RASSLER" is the right solution because it is a dialect term for a wrestler, someone who grapples in a wrestling match.
Outmaneuver, in a way : EVADE
"EVADE" is the right answer because to outmaneuver someone means to cleverly avoid or escape from them, which is exactly what the word "EVADE" means.
Predispositions : BENTS
"BENTS" is the right solution because predispositions can be seen as inclinations or tendencies towards certain behaviors or beliefs, which can be referred to as one's "bents."
Prestigious award established after its founder purportedly read his premature obituary : NOBEL
The Nobel Prize was established by Alfred Nobel after reading an obituary that mistakenly referred to him as the "merchant of death." This prestigious award is given for outstanding achievements in various fields.
Queer identity whose flag is green, white, gray and black, for short : ARO
The term "ARO" is short for aromantic, which is a queer identity represented by the flag with the colors green, white, gray, and black.
Queso, e.g. : CHEESE DIP
"Queso" is a Spanish word for cheese, and "dip" refers to a type of food that is meant to be dipped into. Therefore, "Cheese Dip" is a fitting answer for the clue "Queso, e.g."
Question asked outside a bedroom : ARE YOU DECENT?
The answer "ARE YOU DECENT?" is the right solution because it is a common question asked before entering someone's bedroom to ensure they are appropriately dressed or covered.
Sign of a sellout : SRO
The answer "SRO" stands for "Standing Room Only," which is a sign that a concert or event is completely sold out.
Singer Marie : TEENA
"TEENA" is the right solution because the clue "Singer Marie" is likely referring to the singer Teena Marie, known for hits like "Lovergirl" and "Square Biz."
Singer Michaels : BRET
Bret Michaels is a singer and songwriter known for being the lead vocalist of the band Poison. Therefore, the answer to "Singer Michaels" is "BRET."
So-called : ALLEGED
The word "alleged" is often used to indicate that something is so-called or supposed, without confirming its truth.
Something unoriginal : REPLICA
"REPLICA" is the right solution because a replica is a copy or imitation of something that is not original. It fits the clue "Something unoriginal" perfectly.
Stealing from the collection plate, for example : SACRILEGE
"SACRILEGE" is the act of violating something sacred or holy, such as stealing from a collection plate in a place of worship. The clue suggests an immoral or disrespectful action, making "SACRILEGE" the fitting answer.
Swimsuit portmanteau : TANKINI
"TANKINI" is the right solution because it is a portmanteau of "tank top" and "bikini," referring to a two-piece swimsuit with a tank top.
Team : SIDE
The answer to "Team" is "SIDE" because a team is often made up of different sides working together towards a common goal.
They resemble boas : PYTHONS Down 1 State flower of New Mexico
The answer to "They resemble boas" is "PYTHONS" because pythons are a type of snake that resemble boas in appearance, both being large constrictor snakes. The state flower of New Mexico is the YUCCA.
Tin lizzies : MODEL TS
The term "Tin lizzies" is a nickname for the Ford Model T, commonly known as the Model T.
Tuchuses : ASSES
The word "tuchuses" is a Yiddish term for "buttocks" or "rear ends." "Asses" is a slang term for "buttocks," making it a fitting synonym for "tuchuses."
Unreliable news source : RAG
The answer "RAG" fits the clue "Unreliable news source" because a rag can refer to a cheaply produced and unreliable newspaper.
What you might get at the gym : IN SHAPE
The answer "IN SHAPE" fits the clue "What you might get at the gym" because going to the gym helps you get in shape by improving your fitness and overall health.
Whence the phoenix : PYRE
The phoenix is said to be reborn from its ashes on a pyre, making "PYRE" the correct answer.
Whoops, e.g. : YELLS
"Whoops" is an expression of surprise or dismay, often accompanied by a loud noise. "YELLS" fits this clue as it is a word that describes making a loud noise, similar to a "Whoops."
Windy location of myth? : LABYRINTH
The answer "LABYRINTH" fits because in Greek mythology, the Minotaur was kept in a labyrinth on the island of Crete. The Minotaur was a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull. The labyrinth was a complex maze designed by Daedalus to contain the Minotaur. The word "windy" in the clue could refer to the twisting and turning paths of a labyrinth.
Word with swim or swap : … MEET
The word "meet" can be combined with "swim" to form "swim meet" and with "swap" to form "swap meet," making it a fitting word to complete the phrases.
Wrote an exposé, say : TOLD ALL
"TOLD ALL" is the right answer because to "tell all" means to reveal everything, which is what someone would do when writing an exposé.
___ nova : ARS
The term "ars nova" refers to a musical style from the 14th century. "Ars" is a Latin word that means "art" or "skill," making it the correct answer for this clue.
“Dear ___” : SIRS
"Dear ___" is a formal way to start a letter, often followed by a plural form of address like "SIRS" when addressing multiple people.
“Is anybody home …?” : HELLO …?
The answer "HELLO …?" fits the clue "Is anybody home …?" because it is a common way to inquire if someone is present or available.
“Sonnets to Orpheus” poet : RILKE
RILKE is the right answer because Rainer Maria Rilke is the poet who wrote "Sonnets to Orpheus."
“Ugh!” : BLEH!
"Ick" is an expression used to convey disgust or distaste, which matches the clue "Ugh!" perfectly.