Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 24 February 2024, Saturday (02-24-24). 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-Down participant : TENANT
The answer "TENANT" fits the clue "12-Down participant" because a tenant is someone who participates in a rental agreement for a property, such as an apartment or a house.
Adjective that, when its lone vowel is doubled, becomes an advocacy organization : GLAD
The adjective "GLAD" becomes the advocacy organization "GLAAD" when its lone vowel "A" is doubled.
Asian honorific : LAMA
The answer to "Asian honorific" is "SRI" because "Sri" is a common honorific title used in many Asian countries, such as Sri Lanka and India. It is similar to "Mr." or "Ms." in English.
Basketball player’s cry while being fouled on the shot : AND ONE!
The phrase "AND ONE!" is commonly shouted by basketball players when they make a shot despite being fouled by an opponent. It signifies that the player made the basket and will have a chance to score an additional point from a free throw.
Big brand of coolers : YETI
YETI is the right solution because it is a well-known brand of high-quality coolers often used for outdoor activities and keeping items cold for extended periods.
Big move, for short : RELO
The answer "RELO" is short for "relocation," which is a big move.
Coast : SAIL
The answer "SEASHORE" is the right solution for the clue "Coast" because it refers to the land along the edge of the sea or ocean.
Cook for Easter, maybe : HARD-BOIL
The answer "HARD-BOIL" fits the clue "Cook for Easter, maybe" because it is a common way to prepare eggs for Easter by boiling them until the yolk and white are firm.
Cop to : OWN
"Own" is the right solution because "to cop to" is a colloquial expression meaning to admit or acknowledge something, and "own" is a synonym for admit or acknowledge.
Cousin of a mariposa lily : SEGO
SEGO is the state flower of Utah and is a type of lily, making it a cousin of a mariposa lily.
Dark grape variety : SYRAH
The answer "SYRAH" is a dark grape variety commonly used to make red wines. It is known for its bold flavors and is popular in regions like the Rhône Valley in France and Australia.
Disclaimer before an uncomfortable question : I HATE TO ASK …
The answer "I HATE TO ASK" fits the clue because it indicates a feeling of reluctance or discomfort before posing a question. The phrase "I HATE TO ASK" is commonly used to preface inquiries that may be sensitive or awkward.
Emphatic assent : OH GOD YES!
This answer fits the clue because "OH GOD YES!" is a phrase used to express enthusiastic agreement or approval, making it an emphatic assent.
Faint reactions? : SWOONS
"Swoons" can be a synonym for fainting, making it a clever play on words for the clue "Faint reactions?"
Fashion items that may be a bit steep : STILETTOS
The answer "STILETTOS" fits because stilettos are a type of high-heeled shoe that are known for having a steep or high heel.
Feline hybrids : TIGONS
Tigons are feline hybrids resulting from the crossbreeding of a male tiger and a female lion. The answer "TIGONS" fits the clue "Feline hybrids" because tigons are a specific type of feline hybrid.
Fly catcher : MITT
The answer to "Fly catcher?" is "MITT" because a "mitt" is a type of glove often used to catch or trap objects, including flies.
Has a grate voice? : RASPS
The word "rasps" means to speak in a harsh, grating voice, which fits the clue "Has a grate voice?" perfectly.
Historic husband of Claudia Octavia : NERO
NERO is the right answer because Nero was a historic Roman Emperor who was married to Claudia Octavia during his reign.
Hybrid fruit akin to an aprium : PLUOT
A Pluot is a hybrid fruit that is a cross between a plum and an apricot, making it akin to an aprium. Therefore, the answer "PLUOT" fits the clue.
In time : EVENTUALLY
The answer "EVENTUALLY" fits the clue "In time" because it means something that will happen at some point in the future, indicating a progression over time.
Its influences include the Cuban mambo and Jamaican mento : SKA
Ska is a music genre that originated in Jamaica and its influences include the Cuban mambo and Jamaican mento, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Landlord’s concern : RENT STRIKE
"Landlord's concern" indicates a situation where tenants refuse to pay rent as a form of protest or negotiation, which is known as a "rent strike." This answer fits the clue because it directly relates to the issue a landlord would face in this scenario.
Lets go of : CANS
Lion : pride
The term for a group of lions is called a "pride," making it the correct answer for the clue "Lion."
Love scene? : TENNIS
The term "love" in tennis means zero, so a "love scene" in tennis refers to a score of 0-0, which is the beginning of a game.
Made a sound with a flute : CLINKED
Marathon markers of sorts : RACE BIBS
The answer "RACE BIBS" fits the clue "Marathon markers of sorts" because race bibs are worn by runners during a marathon as a form of identification and tracking, essentially marking their participation in the race.
Marble, e.g. : ORB
The word "ORB" is a synonym for a marble, as both refer to a spherical object.
Noodle sometimes eaten with mentsuyu sauce : SOBA
SOBA is a type of noodle commonly eaten with mentsuyu sauce in Japanese cuisine.
Opening : SLOT
The word "gap" can mean an opening or space between two things. Therefore, it fits the clue "Opening."
Opera about an opera singer : TOSCA
TOSCA is an opera by Giacomo Puccini that revolves around the life of an opera singer named Floria Tosca. Therefore, the answer "TOSCA" fits the clue "Opera about an opera singer."
Org. that regulates fertilizers : EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the organization responsible for regulating fertilizers to protect the environment and public health.
Oversupply : SATE Down 1 Staying power
The answer to "Oversupply" is "GLUT" because "glut" means an excessive amount or an overabundance of something.
Perfume named after a pop star : RIRI
The answer "RIRI" is a shortened version of the pop star Rihanna's nickname, which is commonly used to refer to her in the media and by her fans.
Period before sunset with ideal lighting for photography : GOLDEN HOUR
The "golden hour" refers to the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the lighting is soft, warm, and ideal for photography. This time of day creates a golden hue that enhances the beauty of the scenery and is highly sought after by photographers for its flattering light.
Person who’s left, for short? : DEM
The answer "DEM" is short for the word "democrat," which is commonly associated with the political left in many countries.
Pink-headed mushroom in Mario games : TOADETTE
TOADETTE is the pink-headed mushroom character in the Mario games, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Price to pay, say : MARKET RATE
The phrase "price to pay" refers to the cost of something, and "say" is used to indicate an example. "Market rate" is a common example of a price to pay, as it represents the going rate for a particular product or service.
Ripostes : RETORTS
The word "ripostes" is a synonym for "retorts," which are quick, sharp replies in conversation.
Sight on a Hawaiian lava flow : NENE
The Nene is a type of bird that is commonly seen on Hawaiian lava flows, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Small tips : ONES
The word "ones" can refer to small tips or amounts of money, making it the right solution for the clue "Small tips."
State : AVOW
Still learning, maybe : NEW AT
The answer "NEW AT" fits the clue "Still learning, maybe" because it suggests someone is new at a particular activity or task and is still in the process of learning and gaining experience.
Symbol of life : ANKH
The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents life and immortality. It is often depicted as a cross with a loop at the top.
Take ___ : NOTE
The phrase "Take note" means to pay attention or heed, making "NOTE" the right solution for the clue "Take ___".
Takes the lead in a team project : RUNS POINT
"Runs point" is a term commonly used in basketball to describe the player who leads the team's offense and sets up scoring opportunities for their teammates. In a team project context, "Runs point" means taking charge and leading the project forward, similar to a point guard in basketball leading the team on the court.
The cab’s here! : NAPA
Things that might hurt you to the core? : SIT-UPS
The answer "SIT-UPS" is a play on words, as doing sit-ups can be physically challenging and may hurt your core muscles.
Time of year for hunting : OPEN SEASON
The term "OPEN SEASON" refers to the specific time of year when hunting is allowed for certain animals. It indicates the period when hunting is permitted by law.
Tony and Grammy winner Mitchell : ANAIS
"Tony and Grammy winner Mitchell" refers to the artist Anais Mitchell, who has won both a Tony Award and a Grammy Award. Therefore, the correct answer is "ANAIS."
Tough work schedule : NIGHTS
"NIGHTS" is the right answer because a tough work schedule often involves working during the night, which can be physically and mentally challenging.
Unbeatable : THE BEST
"Ideal" means perfect or best possible, which implies that it cannot be beaten or surpassed. Therefore, "Unbeatable" is a synonym of "Ideal".
Univ. overlooking the Hudson River : RPI
RPI stands for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which is a university located in Troy, New York, overlooking the Hudson River.
What may go to waste? Nope! What waste may go to : COMPOST BIN
The answer "COMPOST BIN" fits the clue because it is a container where organic waste can be collected and turned into compost, which is a form of waste that can be beneficial for the environment.
What requires a charge to use, in two senses : SMARTPHONE
The answer "SMARTPHONE" fits the clue because: 1. A smartphone requires a charge (battery) to use. 2. The word "charge" can also refer to using a device's features or functions, which a smartphone requires to be used effectively.
Who says? : SIMON
Winner of Wimbledon five consecutive times between Ashe and McEnroe : BORG
Borg is the correct answer because he won Wimbledon five consecutive times between the eras of Arthur Ashe and John McEnroe. Borg won Wimbledon from 1976 to 1980, overlapping with both Ashe and McEnroe's careers.
Yanks : TUGS ON
"Yanks" is a synonym for "tugs," and "on" indicates that the action is happening in a particular direction or towards something. Therefore, "TUGS ON" is the right solution for the clue "Yanks."
[I’m right here, you know] : [AHEM]
The answer is "[AHEM]" because it is a sound often made to get someone's attention, indicating that the speaker is present or wants to speak.
___ Jean Covey, protagonist of Jenny Han’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” : LARA
Lara Jean Covey is the protagonist of the book "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" by Jenny Han, and her first name is Lara. Therefore, the answer to the clue is "LARA".
___ Lieberman, former W.N.B.A. player and coach known as “Lady Magic” : NANCY
Nancy Lieberman is a former W.N.B.A. player and coach known as "Lady Magic," making "NANCY" the correct answer.
“Be reasonable” : COME NOW
The phrase "Come now" is often used to urge someone to be reasonable or rational, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Be reasonable."
“Couldn’t eat another bite” : I’M SET
"I'M SET" means that one is satisfied or has had enough, which fits the clue "Couldn’t eat another bite."
“Fast X” actor John : CENA
The answer "CENA" fits the clue "Fast X" actor John because John Cena is an actor who appeared in the movie "Fast & Furious 9," often abbreviated as "Fast 9" or "Fast X."
“Goodness!” : I SAY!
"MERCY" is an exclamation used to express surprise or shock. It is often used as a substitute for "Goodness!" or "Oh my!" in informal situations.
“So exciting!!!” : AAH!!!
The answer "AAH!!!" is the right solution because it represents an expression of excitement or surprise often exclaimed with multiple exclamation points.
“That’s so kind” : AW GEE
"AW GEE" is a common expression used to convey appreciation or gratitude, making it a fitting response to "That's so kind."
“Two steps ahead of you” : ON IT
The phrase "Two steps ahead of you" implies being proactive and already taking action, which is synonymous with being "ON IT."