Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 25 February 2024, Sunday (02-25-24). 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 Thompson of “Creed” : TESSA
Tessa Thompson is an actress who starred in the movie "Creed," making "TESSA" the correct answer to the clue.
Allowed to be borrowed : LENT
The word "borrowed" in the clue indicates that something is being lent to someone else. Therefore, the answer "LENT" fits as it means being allowed to borrow something.
Alternative to foil or saber : EPEE
The answer is "EPEE" because foil, saber, and epee are all types of weapons used in the sport of fencing.
Ancient Greek area north of Thessaly : THRACE
Thrace is an ancient Greek area located north of Thessaly, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Anxiety condition, for short : OCD
OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors or mental acts. Therefore, OCD is an appropriate answer to the clue "Anxiety condition, for short."
Apt letters that complete this word : P_RPO_ _
The word "PROPONY" is completed by the letters "P", "R", "P", "O", "N", and "Y".
Asia’s disappearing ___ Sea : ARAL
The Aral Sea is a body of water in Central Asia that has been shrinking due to human activity, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Asia’s disappearing ___ Sea."
Bamboozles : CONS
"CONS" is the right solution because "bamboozles" is a synonym for deceives or tricks, which are actions commonly associated with the term "cons," short for "confidence tricks."
Bean variety : MUNG
MUNG is a type of bean commonly used in cooking, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Bean variety."
Behaved like the lion in Oz : COWERED
The lion in Oz is known for being cowardly, so the answer "COWERED" fits the clue as it means to crouch or shrink back in fear.
Big flings : HEAVES
The word "heaves" can refer to big flings or throws, especially in a forceful or vigorous manner.
Bitter brews : IPAS
The answer "IPAS" fits because IPAs are a type of bitter brews, which are a popular style of craft beer known for their hoppy and bitter taste.
Bull-headed? : HORNED
The clue "Bull-headed?" is a play on words suggesting an attribute of a bull, which is having horns. Therefore, the answer "HORNED" fits the clue.
Button on social media : ADD
The button that allows you to add someone as a friend or connection on social media platforms is commonly labeled as "ADD," making it the right answer to the clue.
California wine valley : SONOMA
Napa is a city in California that is known for its wine industry and is home to several renowned wineries, making it a famous wine valley.
Call : RING UP
The answer "PHONE" is the right solution because it is a common device used for making calls.
Car that Brits call a “saloon” : SEDAN
The answer "SEDAN" fits because in Britain, a "saloon" is another term for a sedan car style.
Caribbean musical genre : SKA
SKA is a Caribbean musical genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s. It is characterized by a walking bass line, accented guitar or piano rhythms on the offbeat, and brass instruments.
Castle material, maybe : SAND
Sand is commonly used to build sandcastles, making it a likely material for a castle in this context.
Change positions, as in volleyball : ROTATE
In volleyball, players rotate positions on the court after each point is scored. The answer "ROTATE" fits the clue as it describes the action of changing positions in volleyball.
Club assistant : CADDIE
A club assistant in golf is called a caddie, as they help carry a player's clubs and provide advice during the game.
Color-blending technique : OMBRE
"Ombre" is a color-blending technique where one color fades into another, typically from dark to light or vice versa. It is commonly used in hair coloring and fashion design.
Cookie with its name on it : OREO
The clue "Cookie with its name on it" refers to the OREO cookie, which has its name embossed on each cookie.
Corp. shuffle : REORG
"Corp. shuffle" is a common abbreviation for a corporate reorganization, which is often shortened to "REORG" in the business world.
Cosecant’s reciprocal : SINE
The cosecant is the reciprocal of the sine function, so the answer to "Cosecant’s reciprocal" is "SINE".
Cribbage marker : PEG
In the card game of cribbage, players use pegs to keep track of their score on a board with holes. Each player has two pegs, and they move forward on the board as points are earned. Therefore, "Cribbage marker" refers to a "PEG".
Current event? : EDDY
The word "eddy" can mean a circular movement of water, air, or electricity. In a body of water, an eddy is a current that moves against the main current, creating a circular motion. Therefore, "Current event?" is a play on words, with "current" referring to both a flow of water and a recent happening or news event.
Do some engraving : ETCH
"ETCH" is the right solution because engraving is a process that involves cutting designs into a surface, and etching is a common method of engraving where acid is used to cut into the surface.
Double-wide, as a garage : TWO-CAR
The answer "TWO-CAR" indicates a garage that is wide enough to fit two cars side by side.
Educational forum : TEACH-IN
A teach-in is a form of educational forum where experts and participants engage in discussions and lectures on a particular topic, making it the right solution for the clue "Educational forum."
Eleven, in El Salvador : ONCE
"Eleven" in Spanish is "once," and El Salvador is a Spanish-speaking country. Therefore, the answer to "Eleven, in El Salvador" is "ONCE."
Equivalent of 32,000 ounces : TON
The equivalent of 32,000 ounces is a ton because a ton is equal to 32,000 ounces in weight. In the imperial system, 1 ton is equal to 32,000 ounces, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Erupt : SPEW
The word "erupt" means to explode or burst forth suddenly and violently, which is also the meaning of the word "blow". Therefore, "blow" is the right solution for the crossword clue "erupt".
Express lane unit : ITEM
The answer "ITEM" fits the clue "Express lane unit" because in a store's express lane, items are counted and scanned individually at the checkout.
Fashion something fashionable, maybe : SEW
The clue "Fashion something fashionable, maybe" is a play on words. In this case, "fashion" can mean both to create something and to be stylish. The answer "SEW" fits because sewing is a way to create something fashionable, like clothing.
Favors : ASKS
The word "Favors" can be a verb meaning to prefer or support. In this context, "ASKS" is the right answer because when you ask for a favor, you are requesting something from someone.
Female French friend : AMIE
"Amie" is the French word for friend, specifically referring to a female friend. In this clue, we are looking for the French term for a female friend, making "amie" the correct answer.
Filled, folded food : TACO
"TACO" is the right solution because a taco is a filled and folded food item typically made with a tortilla that is folded around various ingredients such as meat, cheese, vegetables, and salsa.
Fix : RIG
"Fix" can mean to manipulate or arrange something in a dishonest or unfair way, which is synonymous with "rig."
GameCube successor : WII
The answer is "WII" because the Nintendo Wii was the successor to the Nintendo GameCube console.
Garden statuette : GNOME
The answer "GNOME" is the right solution because a garden statuette is typically a small, whimsical figure often depicting a mythical creature like a gnome.
Gave a thumbs-down : VOTED NO
The phrase "VOTED NO" means to give a negative response or disapproval, which is similar to giving a thumbs-down gesture.
Gets in shape? : MOLDS
The clue "Gets in shape?" is a play on words, suggesting that something is physically shaping or forming. The answer "MOLDS" fits this clue as it can refer to shaping something into a specific form or shape, such as molding clay or shaping metal.
Got tagged : IS OUT
The phrase "Got tagged" is often used in sports like baseball or tag, where a player is tagged by the opposing team. In baseball, being tagged means the player is out. Therefore, "IS OUT" is the right answer.
Have over : HOST
The word "host" can mean to have people over as guests, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Have over."
Having two equal sides : ISOSCELES
The answer "ISOSCELES" fits because an isosceles triangle has two sides that are equal in length.
Heretofore : ERE NOW
The answer "ERE NOW" is a synonym for "heretofore" because "ere" means before and "now" means at this moment. Together, they convey the idea of something that happened before the current time.
Hint to the number of ingredients in Triscuits : TRI
The answer "TRI" is the right solution because the hint "Hint to the number of ingredients in Triscuits" suggests the word "TRI" which means three, indicating that Triscuits have three ingredients.
Home of the 123-story Lotte World Tower : SEOUL
SEOUL is the capital city of South Korea, and it is where the Lotte World Tower is located. The Lotte World Tower is a 123-story skyscraper, making SEOUL the correct answer to the clue.
Hunt : PREY ON
"Prey on" is the right answer because "hunt" can be synonymous with "prey on," meaning to search for or pursue someone or something in order to capture or harm them.
I visited a dentist and now I … : … KNOW THE DRILL
The phrase "know the drill" is a common expression that means to be familiar with a routine or procedure. In this context, visiting a dentist often involves a familiar routine of procedures, hence the answer "KNOW THE DRILL."
I visited a sleep specialist, who … : … GAVE ME THE NOD
The phrase "gave me the nod" is a common expression meaning to give approval or agreement, which fits the context of visiting a sleep specialist for advice or treatment.
I visited the anesthesiologist and now I’ve … : … LOST MY TOUCH
The phrase "lost my touch" means to have lost one's skill or ability. In this context, visiting the anesthesiologist may have resulted in the person feeling less capable or skilled, hence "lost my touch."
I visited the cardiologist, who … : … DIDN’T MISS A BEAT
The phrase "didn't miss a beat" is often used to describe someone who is performing smoothly and without any mistakes. In this context, it suggests that the cardiologist is very skilled and competent in their work.
I visited the dermatologist, who … : … MADE A RASH DECISION
The phrase "made a rash decision" is a play on words, as a dermatologist deals with rashes on the skin. This answer fits the clue and adds a humorous twist.
I visited the podiatrist and now I … : … STAND CORRECTED
The phrase "stand corrected" often means to admit an error or mistake, which fits the context of visiting a podiatrist to correct an issue with one's feet.
I visited the radiologist, who … : … SAW RIGHT THROUGH ME
The phrase "saw right through me" is a common expression meaning to understand someone completely or to see through their facade. In this context, the radiologist is able to see through the patient using medical imaging techniques.
It might be a stretch : POSE
The word "stretch" is often used to refer to a stretch limousine, which is a type of luxury vehicle that is lengthened to accommodate more passengers. Therefore, "LIMO" is a fitting answer to the clue "It might be a stretch."
It’s involved in kissing and telling : LIP
The answer "LIP" is correct because when someone kisses, their lips are involved in the action, and "telling" refers to the phrase "loose lips sink ships," where the word "lip" is used in a metaphorical sense to mean revealing secrets.
It’s totally corny : COB
The answer "COB" is short for corn on the cob, which is a popular way of serving corn. "Corny" can be a slang term for something that is overly sentimental or old-fashioned, which fits the idea of corn on the cob being totally corny.
Kind of keyboard : EMOJI
Knocking onomatopoeia : RAT-A-TAT
The answer "RAT-A-TAT" is the right solution because it is an onomatopoeic word that imitates the sound of knocking. The repetition of the "T" sound mimics the sound of knocking on a door or window.
Lasting bad memories, so to speak : SCARS
The answer "SCARS" fits the clue because scars are lasting reminders of past injuries or bad experiences.
Leo, for one : STAR SIGN
The answer "STAR SIGN" fits the clue "Leo, for one" because Leo is a zodiac sign, and zodiac signs are also known as star signs.
Letters on security camera footage : CCTV
"CCTV" stands for Closed Circuit Television, which are the letters commonly seen on security camera footage.
Like a comeuppance, perhaps : KARMIC
"KARMIC" is the right solution because a comeuppance is a consequence or punishment that is deserved based on past actions, often associated with the concept of karma, which suggests that one's actions will have corresponding consequences in the future.
Like a money-back guarantee : NO-RISK
The answer "NO-RISK" fits the clue "Like a money-back guarantee" because a no-risk guarantee ensures that the buyer can get their money back if they are not satisfied with their purchase, meaning there is no risk involved for the buyer.
Like much of Iran : SHIA
The answer "SHIA" is correct because Shia Islam is the predominant religion in Iran, making much of Iran Shia.
Lived (in) : DWELT
"Dwelt" is the past tense of "dwell," which means to live in a particular place. In the context of the clue, "Lived (in)," the answer "DWELT" fits perfectly as it means to have lived in a specific location.
Long : ACHE
The word "ache" can be used to describe a physical sensation that is prolonged or long-lasting.
Long quest : ODYSSEY
The answer "ODYSSEY" fits because a long quest is often referred to as an odyssey, which is a long, adventurous journey.
Lovelace of early computer programming : ADA
Ada Lovelace is considered to be the world's first computer programmer, known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. The programming language "Ada" was named in her honor.
Man’s name that becomes a distance if you move the first letter to the end : EMIL
The answer "EMIL" is a man's name, and when you move the first letter "E" to the end, it becomes "MILE," which is a unit of distance.
Mascara mishap : SMEAR
The answer "SMEAR" fits because a mascara mishap often results in the mascara being smudged or spread unevenly on the face or eyelids, creating a smear.
Mathematician Noether : EMMY Down 1 Rock band with a slash (but not Slash)
The answer is "GUNS N ROSES." The rock band Guns N' Roses is known for having a slash in its name (N') but does not include the guitarist Slash's name in the band name.
Meager : SCANTY
The word "meager" means lacking in quantity or quality. The word "scant" also means lacking or insufficient. Therefore, "scant" is the right answer because it is a synonym of "meager".
MSNBC competitor : CNN
"MSNBC competitor" is asking for a network that competes with MSNBC in the same industry, which is cable news. CNN is a major cable news network that directly competes with MSNBC, making it the correct answer.
Nailed : ACED
The word "nailed" is often used to mean successfully accomplished or achieved. Similarly, the word "aced" is a colloquial term that means to perform exceptionally well or to excel at something. Therefore, "aced" is the right solution because it accurately captures the meaning of "nailed" in this context.
Natural decorations on some bookshelves : GEODES
Geodes are natural rock formations that are often used as decorative items on bookshelves. Their unique appearance and colorful crystals make them a popular choice for adding a touch of nature to home decor.
Neighbor of Md. : DEL
The abbreviation for Delaware is "DEL," and Delaware is a neighbor of Maryland, making "DEL" the correct answer.
Non-stereo : MONO
The answer "MONO" is the right solution because it refers to a sound system that uses a single channel to reproduce audio, as opposed to stereo which uses two channels.
O, in hangman : HEAD
The answer "HEAD" fits the clue "O, in hangman" because in the game of hangman, the player typically draws a stick figure with a head when a wrong letter is guessed. The letter "O" is often used to represent the head in the game.
Old yeller? : CRIER
The clue "Old yeller?" is a play on words, suggesting someone who cries or shouts a lot. The answer "CRIER" fits this description as it refers to someone who cries out publicly.
Olive ___ of “Popeye” : OYL
The answer "OYL" is the last name of the character Olive in the comic strip "Popeye."
One of four on a diamond : UMPIRE
The answer "UMPIRE" fits the clue "One of four on a diamond" because in baseball, there are four bases on a diamond-shaped field, and an umpire is one of the four officials stationed at each base during a game to make calls on plays.
One with a landlord : LESSEE
"LESSEE" is the right solution because a lessee is someone who rents or leases a property from a landlord. In this case, the clue "One with a landlord" is hinting at someone who is in a rental agreement with a landlord, making "LESSEE" the correct answer.
Open, as a toothpaste tube : UNCAP
The word "UNCAP" means to open something by removing the cap or cover. In this case, to open a toothpaste tube, you would uncap it by removing the cap.
Otis of elevator fame : ELISHA
Elisha Otis was the inventor of the safety elevator, which revolutionized the elevator industry.
Pack of dogs? : WIENERS
The clue "Pack of dogs?" is a play on words, suggesting a group of dogs but actually referring to a pack of hot dogs, which are also known as wieners.
Part of most musical notes : STEM
The stem is the vertical line on a musical note that extends either up or down from the notehead. It is a crucial part of most musical notes.
Partner of Hoda on “Today” : JENNA
The answer is "JENNA" because Jenna Bush Hager is the partner of Hoda Kotb on the "Today" show.
Paul ou Paulette : NOM
"Paul ou Paulette" is a French name, and "NOM" is the French word for "name." This makes it the correct solution for the clue.
Pinches : CRIMPS
"Pinches" is a term commonly used in rock climbing to describe small holds that require a specific gripping technique. The word "CRIMPS" is often used to refer to these holds, making it the right solution for this clue.
Pique : IRE
The word "ire" is the right solution for the clue "pique" because "ire" means anger or annoyance, which is a synonym for pique.
Prattle : YAP
"Prattle" is a synonym for chatter or talk incessantly, which can be described as "yap" in a more informal way.
Prenatal tests, in brief : AMNIOS
The answer "AMNIOS" is the right solution because it is a shortened form of "amniocentesis," which is a prenatal test where a small sample of amniotic fluid is taken for genetic testing.
Proctor’s pronouncement : TIME
The answer "TIME" fits the clue "Proctor's pronouncement" because in Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," John Proctor's final words before his execution are "It is time, it is time!"
Professional who works a lot : VALET
Puts the pedal to the metal : STEPS ON IT
The phrase "steps on it" is a common idiom meaning to accelerate quickly, which is the same as putting the pedal to the metal in a car.
Quilter’s line : SEAM
The answer "SEAM" is the right solution because a quilter's line refers to the line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together, which is called a seam.
Result : ENSUE
The word "result" is a noun that means the outcome or consequence of something. The word "ensue" is a verb that means to happen or occur as a result of something else. Therefore, "ensue" is the right answer because it directly relates to the concept of a result.
Revealing word : VOILA!
"Voila!" is a French word often used to indicate that something is being revealed or presented. It fits the clue "Revealing word" because it is a common expression used in this context.
Ridiculously : TOO
"Ridiculously" is a clue indicating an excessive or extreme degree, and "too" is a word that can mean excessively or overly.
Rob in Hollywood : REINER
The clue "Rob in Hollywood" is a wordplay clue where "Rob" refers to Rob Reiner, a famous Hollywood director and actor. Therefore, the answer "REINER" fits the clue.
Roth ___ : IRA
The term "Roth ___" commonly refers to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) that allows for tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
Rude … or, without its first two letters, rude person : CRASS
The word "rude" without its first two letters is "de," which is a word that can describe a rude person. When you remove "de" from "rude," you are left with "CRASS," which also means rude.
Scenario before a two-run home run, say : ONE ON
The clue is asking for a situation before a two-run home run, which means there is a runner on base. In baseball, "ONE ON" indicates that there is one runner on base, which fits the scenario described in the clue.
Set forth : ASSERT
The word "ASSERT" means to set forth a statement with confidence or force. In this context, "set forth" is a synonym for "assert," making it the correct answer.
Setting for some post-run refreshments? : APRES-SKI
The clue suggests a location where people gather after a specific activity. "Apres-ski" refers to the social activities and entertainment that take place after a day of skiing, making it a fitting setting for post-run refreshments.
Skin : RIND
The word "rind" can refer to the outer skin or covering of a fruit or vegetable, such as the rind of an orange or watermelon.
Slathered in sauce, in restaurant-speak : WET
"WET" is the right answer because in restaurant-speak, when food is slathered in sauce, it is often referred to as being "wet."
Slowly cook, in a way : BRAISE
"Braise" is a cooking method where food is cooked slowly in liquid at a low temperature. This fits the clue "Slowly cook, in a way" as braising involves cooking food slowly over a long period of time.
Sorry ass? : EEYORE
The clue "Sorry ass?" is a play on words, referring to the character Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh who is known for being sorry or sad. So, the answer "EEYORE" fits the clue perfectly.
Soul seller : KIA
The answer "KIA" is the right solution because "KIA" is a brand of car, and in this context, "soul seller" is a play on words referring to selling your soul for a car, which fits with the answer "KIA."
Spanish salutation : HOLA
"HOLA" is the right solution because it is a common Spanish greeting that translates to "hello" in English.
Sponge feature : PORE
The answer "PORE" is the right solution because sponges have tiny openings called pores that allow water to flow through them.
Step in origami : CREASE
The answer "CREASE" fits the clue "Step in origami" because creasing paper is a fundamental step in origami to create precise folds and shapes in the paper.
Sue Monk ___, author of “The Secret Life of Bees” : KIDD
Sue Monk Kidd is the author of "The Secret Life of Bees," making "KIDD" the correct answer to the clue.
Swear : AVER
The answer "CUSS" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "swear" in the sense of using profane or offensive language.
Swears : ATTESTS
The word "attests" can mean to affirm or declare something to be true, which is similar to swearing to the truth of something.
Takes the blame for : COPS TO
"Cops to" is a slang term meaning confesses or admits to something, often taking the blame for it.
The “Do” in “Do-Re-Mi” : DEER
They might come out of the woodwork : ANTS
ANTS are known to come out of the woodwork, meaning they can be found emerging from cracks and crevices in wooden structures. This makes them a fitting answer to the clue "They might come out of the woodwork."
Title for a French priest : PERE
The answer "PERE" is the title for a French priest because "Père" is the French word for "Father," which is a common title for a priest in French-speaking countries.
U.S. fair-hiring inits. : EEO
"EEO" stands for Equal Employment Opportunity, which are the initials commonly associated with fair-hiring practices in the United States.
Uninspired : SO-SO
The word "so-so" means mediocre or uninspired, making it the right solution for the clue "Uninspired."
Web page code : HTML
The answer "HTML" is correct because it is a common web page code used to create and structure content on the internet.
Went under : DOVE
The word "dove" is the past tense of "dive," which means to go under the surface of water or another liquid.
Wheelless vehicle : SLED
The answer "SLED" fits the clue "Wheelless vehicle" because a sled is a vehicle that moves over snow or ice without the use of wheels, typically pulled by animals or people.
[Forehead palm smack] : [D’OH!]
The answer "[D’OH!]" is a common expression of frustration made famous by the character Homer Simpson in "The Simpsons." It is often accompanied by a forehead palm smack, making it a fitting response to the clue.
___ Barbarino, John Travolta’s role on “Welcome Back, Kotter” : VINNIE
The answer is "VINNIE" because Vinnie Barbarino is the name of the character played by John Travolta on the TV show "Welcome Back, Kotter."
___ beer (nonalcoholic beverage) : NEAR
"NEAR" is the right solution because it completes the phrase "NEAR beer," which is a term used to describe nonalcoholic beverages that resemble beer in taste and appearance.
___ Lingus : AER
"AER Lingus" is the flag carrier airline of Ireland. "AER" is the IATA code for the airline.
___ Max, singer of the 2018 hit “Sweet but Psycho” : AVA
The answer is "AVA" because Ava Max is the singer of the 2018 hit song "Sweet but Psycho."
___ vs. ___ (Mad strip) : SPY
The comic strip "Spy vs. Spy" features two characters named White Spy and Black Spy who are constantly trying to outwit each other.
“Lemme, lemme!” : I WANNA!
"I WANNA!" is a colloquial way of saying "Let me, let me!" in informal speech. It is a common phrase used to express eagerness or desire to do something.
“Pet” you wouldn’t take to the vet : CHIA
"CHIA" is the right answer because a chia pet is a decorative planter that grows chia seeds to resemble the fur or hair of an animal, which is not a living pet that would need to go to the vet.
“SportsCenter” anchor Linda : COHN
COHN is the right answer because Linda Cohn is a well-known sports anchor who has worked for ESPN's "SportsCenter" for many years.
“The greatest as well as the most elegant of Roman philosophers,” per Voltaire : CICERO
Cicero was a Roman philosopher known for his elegance and influence, making him a fitting answer to the clue provided by Voltaire.
“We doin’ this?” : YOU GAME?
The answer "YOU GAME?" fits the clue "We doin' this?" because "You game?" is a casual way of asking if someone is ready or willing to do something, which is essentially what "We doin' this?" is asking.
“Whaddya mean?” : HUH?
"HUH?" is a common expression used to ask someone to repeat or clarify what they just said, making it a fitting answer to the clue "“Whaddya mean?”"