Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 26 February 2024, Monday (02-26-24). 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.
401(k) alternative, for short : IRA
The answer is "IRA" because an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a common alternative to a 401(k) for retirement savings.
Actress Close : GLENN
The answer to "Actress Close" is "GLENN" because Glenn Close is a well-known actress in the entertainment industry.
Alternative to a watering can : HOSE
The answer "HOSE" is the right solution because a hose can be used as an alternative to a watering can for watering plants or a garden. It is a common tool used for watering larger areas more efficiently.
Apprehensive feeling : UNEASE
"UNEASE" is the right answer because it is a synonym for feeling apprehensive or anxious.
Balm ingredient : ALOE
ALOE is a common ingredient in balms known for its soothing and healing properties, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Balm ingredient."
Banks who hosted “America’s Next Top Model” : TYRA
Tyra Banks hosted the popular reality TV show "America's Next Top Model," making her the correct answer to the clue.
Be subjected to, as treatment : UNDERGO
The word "undergo" means to experience or be subjected to something, like a treatment. It fits the clue because it describes the action of being subjected to a particular treatment or process.
Billfold : WALLET
The word "billfold" is often used as another term for a wallet, making "WALLET" the correct answer.
Breathless with excitement : AGOG
"Breathless with excitement" is a common phrase used to describe someone who is eagerly anticipating something. The word "agog" means to be eager or excited, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Calendar divisions : MONTHS
The answer "MONTHS" fits the clue "Calendar divisions" because months are the units of time used to divide a calendar year into smaller segments.
Canceled, as a mission : NO-GO
The term "NO-GO" is often used in mission planning to indicate that the mission has been canceled or cannot proceed.
Crosses the finish line last, say : LOSES
This answer fits the clue because someone who crosses the finish line last in a race is the one who "loses."
Ctrl-Alt-___ (keyboard shortcut) : DEL
The answer "DEL" is correct because pressing Ctrl-Alt-DEL is a common keyboard shortcut used to open the Task Manager in Windows operating systems.
Culpability : BLAME (hiding “ME”)
The word "BLAME" contains the word "ME" hidden within it, making it a clever way to represent culpability in a crossword clue.
De Armas of the 2022 biopic “Blonde” : ANA
The answer "ANA" fits the clue because Ana de Armas is the actress starring in the 2022 biopic "Blonde." The answer "ANA" is a shortened version of her name.
Elaborate celebration : FETE
"FETE" is a fitting answer because a fete is a large, elaborate celebration or party, making it a suitable match for the clue provided.
Expedition for wildlife viewing : SAFARI
"Safari" is the right answer because it refers to a journey or expedition, typically in Africa, for observing or hunting wildlife. It is commonly associated with viewing wild animals in their natural habitat, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Expedition for wildlife viewing."
Extra-attentive coddling, for short : TLC
The answer "TLC" stands for "tender loving care," which is a term used to describe extra attention and care given to someone or something. In this case, "Extra-attentive coddling, for short" is a clue hinting at the abbreviation for "tender loving care," making "TLC" the correct answer.
Fine leathers : SUEDES
The answer "SUEDES" fits the clue "Fine leathers" because suede is a type of high-quality leather known for its soft, velvety texture.
Fleecy boot brand : UGG
"UGG" is a well-known brand that specializes in fleecy boots, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Fleecy boot brand."
Former stadium for the Indianapolis Colts : RCA DOME (hiding “ME”)
The answer "RCA DOME (hiding “ME”)” is correct because the letters "ME" are hidden within the word "dome" in the phrase "RCA DOME," indicating that it is a former stadium for the Indianapolis Colts.
Greeting that originated on the Indian subcontinent : NAMASTE
"NAMASTE" is a common greeting in India and other South Asian countries. It is often accompanied by a slight bow with palms pressed together in front of the chest. This greeting is a sign of respect and is used to acknowledge the divine spark within each individual.
Ha-ha-ha : LAUGH
The answer "LAUGH" fits the clue "Ha-ha-ha" because laughing is often represented by the sound "ha-ha-ha."
Hawaiian instruments, informally : UKES
"UKES" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for ukuleles, which are Hawaiian instruments.
Henry VIII and family : TUDORS
The answer is "TUDORS" because Henry VIII was a member of the Tudor family, a royal dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603.
Henson who voiced Kermit the Frog : JIM
Jim Henson is the creator of the Muppets and the original performer of Kermit the Frog, making "JIM" the correct answer.
Hidden motive : ANGLE
The word "angle" can mean a hidden or secret motive or intention, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Hidden motive."
Knee tissue torn in an athletic injury, for short : ACL
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a knee tissue commonly torn in athletic injuries, especially in sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction. So, "Knee tissue torn in an athletic injury, for short" is abbreviated as ACL.
Language in Pakistan : URDU
Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and is widely spoken and understood throughout the country. It is also one of the official languages of Pakistan, making it the correct answer to the clue "Language in Pakistan."
Like many small, powerful airplanes : TWIN-ENGINE (hiding “WINE”)
The answer "TWIN-ENGINE" fits the clue because it describes airplanes with two engines, which are often small and powerful. The word "WINE" is hidden within the answer, making it a clever play on words.
Little spheres in a pod : PEAS
The answer "PEAS" fits the clue "Little spheres in a pod" because peas are small, round vegetables that are typically found inside a pod.
Loan officer, e.g. : BANKER
The answer "BANKER" fits the clue "Loan officer, e.g." because a banker is someone who works in a bank and is responsible for tasks like approving loans.
Low-key : SUBDUED
"Low-key" means subtle or not showing strong emotions. "Subdued" also means quiet or restrained in style, making it a fitting synonym for "low-key."
Match before the final : SEMI
The word "SEMI" means halfway or partial, making it the match that comes before the final match in a competition.
Mayor Adams of New York City : ERIC
The answer "ERIC" fits because Eric Adams is the current Mayor of New York City.
More up-to-date : NEWER
The word "newer" is the comparative form of "new," indicating something more up-to-date than something else.
Most Super Bowl M.V.P.s, for short : QBS
The answer "QBS" is the right solution because quarterbacks (QBs) are the players who most frequently win the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Muscles worked on a “pull day,” informally : LATS
The muscles worked on a "pull day" typically include the latissimus dorsi, which are commonly referred to as "lats" for short. So, "LATS" is the right answer for this clue.
Oblong tomato variety : ROMA
The answer "ROMA" is the right solution because ROMA is a specific type of oblong tomato commonly used for making sauces due to its meaty texture and low seed count.
Old coin of France : SOU
The old coin of France is called "sou." It was a unit of currency used in France before the adoption of the euro.
Out-spoken? : ALOUD
The clue "Out-spoken?" is a play on words hinting at speaking out loud, which is the definition of the answer "ALOUD."
Oven-warmed sandwiches : MELTS (hiding “ME”)
The answer "MELTS" refers to sandwiches that are typically made by melting cheese over ingredients, such as in a grilled cheese sandwich. The clue mentions "hiding 'ME,'" indicating that the word "ME" is hidden within the word "MELTS."
Peevish state : SNIT
"SNIT" is a common crossword answer for a peevish state because it means a fit of irritation or anger, which matches the clue well.
Petty quarrels : SPATS
"Spats" is a term often used to describe minor or petty arguments or quarrels. It fits the clue "Petty quarrels" perfectly.
Photo ___ (P.R. events) : OPS
"OPS" is short for "opportunities," which are often referred to as "photo ops" in the context of public relations events.
Role of each angry man in “12 Angry Men” : JUROR
The answer "JUROR" fits the clue because in the play "12 Angry Men," each character is referred to as a juror as they serve on a jury to decide the fate of a defendant.
Salt Lake City’s home : UTAH
The answer "UTAH" fits the clue because Salt Lake City is the capital of the state of Utah.
Sherlock Holmes’s sister, on Netflix : ENOLA
The answer "ENOLA" fits the clue because Enola Holmes is the name of Sherlock Holmes's younger sister in the Netflix movie "Enola Holmes."
Skips over, as vowels : ELIDES
"ELIDES" means to skip over or omit certain sounds or syllables, which is what happens when vowels are skipped over in a word or phrase.
Soccer great Mia : HAMM
Mia Hamm is a retired American soccer player widely regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players of all time. The answer "HAMM" fits the clue "Soccer great Mia" as it refers to Mia Hamm.
Spooky : EERIE
"EERIE" is the right solution because it is a synonym for spooky, meaning strange or frightening in an unsettling way.
Start of many a diary entry : DEAR …
The answer "DEAR" is the right solution because it is a common way to start a diary entry, addressing the diary itself or a specific person.
Status ___ : QUO
The phrase "Status quo" means the existing state of affairs. In this context, "quo" completes the phrase and refers to the current situation.
Stick like glue : ADHERE
The word "adhere" means to stick closely or firmly to something, making it a perfect match for the clue "Stick like glue."
Stone or Watson of the big screen : EMMA
Emma Stone and Emma Watson are both actresses known for their roles in movies, making "Emma" the correct answer for the clue referencing them.
Take the show on the road : TOUR
The answer "TOUR" fits the clue "Take the show on the road" because a tour involves traveling to different locations to perform a show or event.
There’s a “lone” one on Texas’ flag : STAR Down 1 Contented cat’s sound
Thimble or Scottish terrier, in Monopoly : TOKEN
In Monopoly, a thimble or a Scottish terrier are examples of playing pieces, which are also known as tokens in the game.
Trawler’s mesh : NET
The mesh used by trawlers to catch fish is called a "net," making it the correct answer for the clue "Trawler's mesh."
Two-person acts : DUOS
"DUOS" is the right solution because it is a common term used to refer to musical or performance acts involving two people.
Unit at the gym : REP
REP is short for repetition, which is a unit of exercise commonly used in the gym to measure the number of times an exercise is performed.
Upper hands in competition : ADVANTAGES
The phrase "upper hands" suggests having an advantage or being in a superior position in a competition. "Advantages" is a synonym for being in a favorable or superior position, making it the right answer.
What’s-___-name (that lady) : HER
The phrase "What’s-___-name" is a common way to refer to someone whose name you can't remember. In this case, "that lady" is being referred to, so the answer "HER" makes sense as it's a pronoun commonly used to refer to a female person.
Where silt builds up to create a delta : RIVER MOUTH (hiding “VERMOUTH”)
The answer "RIVER MOUTH" is a location where silt builds up to create a delta. In this case, the word "VERMOUTH" is hidden within "RIVER MOUTH", making it the correct solution.
“Boy king” whose tomb was discovered in 1922, familiarly : TUT
"TUT" is the right solution because it refers to Tutankhamun, the boy king whose tomb was discovered in 1922. "Tut" is a familiar nickname for Tutankhamun.
“Definitely husband material!” : HE’S A KEEPER (hiding “SAKE”)
The answer "HE’S A KEEPER" fits the clue "Definitely husband material!" and the word "SAKE" is hidden within it, making the complete answer "HE’S A KEEPER (hiding “SAKE”).
“Handy” oven accessory : MITT
This is the right solution because a "mitt" is a type of glove or mitten that is used to handle hot objects, such as when taking dishes out of the oven.
“I’m paying for this round” … or a literal hint to this puzzle’s theme : DRINKS ON ME
The answer "DRINKS ON ME" is the right solution because it is a common phrase that means the speaker is treating others to drinks, which fits the clue "I’m paying for this round" and hints at the puzzle's theme of generosity or treating others.
“No joke!” : I KID YOU NOT!
The phrase "No joke!" is often used to emphasize that something is serious or not to be taken lightly. The answer "SERIOUS!" perfectly captures this meaning, making it the right solution for the crossword clue.
“Other halves” no more : EXES
The term "other halves" usually refers to a former romantic partner or spouse, making "EXES" the right answer as it means former partners or spouses.
“Raising the Flag on ___ Jima” (iconic photo of 1945) : IWO
The iconic photo "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" was taken during World War II on the island of Iwo Jima. The word "Iwo" in the clue refers to the location where the event took place.
“That makes sense!” : AHH!
The phrase "I see" can be used to indicate understanding or comprehension, which is similar in meaning to "That makes sense."
“x” or “y” number line, in graphing : AXIS
The "x" or "y" number line in graphing is called an AXIS because it is the reference line used to plot points on a graph in relation to the x or y coordinates.
“___ mañana!” : HASTA
"HASTA" is the right answer because "HASTA mañana" is a common Spanish phrase that translates to "See you tomorrow" in English.