Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 27 February 2024, Tuesday (02-27-24). 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.
A school one starts in the fall : YEAR
The answer "YEAR" fits the clue because school typically starts in the fall, which is the beginning of the academic year.
A single time : ONCE
The answer to "A single time" is "ONCE" because "once" means "one time" or "a single occurrence." It fits the clue perfectly.
After-bath powder : TALC
"TALC" is the right solution because it is a common type of powder used after a bath to absorb moisture and leave the skin feeling smooth.
Assistance : AID
The word "assistance" means help or support. "Aid" is a synonym for help or support, making it the correct answer.
Basil-based sauce : PESTO
The answer "PESTO" is correct because it is a sauce made primarily from basil, along with other ingredients like pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Bellybutton buildup : LINT
The answer "LINT" is the right solution because bellybuttons can collect small fibers and particles from clothing, which is commonly referred to as lint.
Big-ticket ___ : ITEM
The phrase "big-ticket" is often used to describe expensive or high-priced items, so the most fitting word to complete the phrase is "ITEM."
Cafeteria food holder : TRAY
The answer "TRAY" is the right solution because a tray is commonly used to carry food in a cafeteria setting.
Champagne stopper : CORK
"CORK" is the right solution because a cork is commonly used to stopper or seal a Champagne bottle, keeping the contents fresh and bubbly.
Christmas tree, often : PINE
Pine trees are commonly used as Christmas trees.
Cinnamon or cardamom : SPICE
The answer "SPICE" fits the clue because cinnamon and cardamom are both types of spices.
Classes that are hard to fail : EASY AS
The answer "EASY AS" is a play on the phrase "easy as pie," suggesting that these classes are very easy to pass.
Cockpit figure : PILOT
The term "pilot" is commonly used to refer to the person who operates and controls an aircraft from the cockpit.
Condition that may involve repetitive behavior, for short : OCD
"OCD" stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which is a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors or thoughts. The abbreviation "OCD" is commonly used to refer to this condition, making it the right solution for the clue.
Ecstasy’s opposite : AGONY
"Ecstasy" and "agony" are opposite in meaning. Ecstasy represents extreme joy or happiness, while agony represents extreme pain or suffering.
Elsa’s sister in “Frozen” : ANNA
The answer is "ANNA" because Anna is the name of Elsa's sister in the movie "Frozen".
Eroded, with “away” : EATEN …
The word "ate" is the past tense of the verb "eat." When something is eroded, it means it has been gradually worn away or consumed, which aligns with the clue "eroded, with 'away'." Therefore, the answer "ate" fits the clue.
Foal’s mother : MARE
The term "mare" specifically refers to a female horse, making it the correct answer for "Foal's mother" as foal is a young horse.
Follow, as a package : TRACK
The answer "TRACK" fits because when you track a package, you monitor its progress and follow its movement from one location to another.
From the beginning : ANEW
The word "ANEW" means "from the beginning" or "once more." It is a common phrase used to indicate starting fresh or starting from the very beginning.
Gather together : AMASS
The word "amass" means to gather together or collect in large quantities, making it the correct answer to the clue "Gather together."
Gloom’s partner : DOOM
The word "gloom" often pairs with "doom" to convey a sense of impending disaster or misfortune. In this context, "partner" refers to a word that commonly goes together with "gloom." Therefore, "DOOM" is the right solution.
Great Lake with a vowel-heavy name : ERIE
The Great Lake with a vowel-heavy name is "ERIE" because it has three vowels in its name (E, I, E) out of a total of four letters.
Gross : YUCKY
The answer "UGH!" is the right solution because it is an expression of disgust or repulsion, which is often used when something is considered gross.
Hard-edged, anticorporate musician : PUNK ROCKER
The answer "PUNK ROCKER" fits the clue because punk rock musicians are known for their hard-edged, anti-establishment attitudes and music style.
Homer Simpson exclamation : D’OH!
"D’OH!" is the catchphrase of Homer Simpson from the TV show "The Simpsons." It is an exclamation he often makes when he realizes he has made a mistake or when something goes wrong.
Hot drink with marshmallows : COCOA
The word "cocoa" refers to a hot chocolate drink that is often topped with marshmallows. Therefore, "Hot drink with marshmallows" is a fitting clue for the answer "COCOA".
In a sneaky way : SLYLY Down 1 Disapproving look
The answer "SLYLY" fits the clue "In a sneaky way" because "slyly" means in a cunning or deceitful manner, which aligns with the idea of being sneaky.
Inquire : ASK
The word "ASK" is the right solution because it means to inquire or request information from someone.
L.A. winter clock setting : PST
The answer "PST" stands for Pacific Standard Time, which is the time zone observed in Los Angeles during winter.
Like a dress with a diagonal hemline, say : ASYMMETRIC
The answer "ASYMMETRIC" fits because a dress with a diagonal hemline is not symmetrical, meaning it is uneven or irregular in shape, which is synonymous with "asymmetric."
Like areas around waterfalls : MISTY
The answer "MISTY" is the right solution because areas around waterfalls are often filled with mist due to the water splashing and breaking into fine droplets, creating a hazy or misty atmosphere.
Liter or meter : UNIT
The answer "UNIT" works for the clue "Liter or meter" because both liter and meter are units of measurement.
Little finger adornment : PINKY RING
"PINKY RING" is the right solution because a pinky ring is a type of jewelry worn on the little finger of the hand.
Machu Picchu resident : INCA
The Inca civilization lived in Machu Picchu, making "INCA" the right answer.
Make an offer at an auction : BID
"BID" is the right answer because at an auction, participants make offers or bids to purchase an item or property.
Makes a certain video call : SKYPES
The answer "SKYPES" fits the clue because Skype is a popular platform for making video calls.
Moves excitedly, like a puppy’s tail : WAGS
The word "wags" is a verb that means to move from side to side in a playful or excited manner, just like a puppy's tail.
New Mexico art community : TAOS
Taos is a town in New Mexico known for its vibrant art community, with many artists and galleries in the area.
Not fake : REAL
The word "REAL" means genuine or not fake. It is the right solution because it directly matches the clue "Not fake."
Nothing, in Mexico : NADA
"NADA" is the Spanish word for "nothing," and in Mexico, the word "nada" is used to mean "nothing." This makes it the correct answer to the clue "Nothing, in Mexico."
One with unselfish motivations : ALTRUIST
"Altruist" is the right answer because an altruist is someone who has unselfish motivations and cares more about others' well-being than their own.
Oscar winner Mahershala : ALI
The answer "ALI" fits the clue "Oscar winner Mahershala" because Mahershala Ali is an actor who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the movie "Moonlight."
Pork portion : LOIN
The answer "LOIN" is a common cut of pork that is often used in cooking. It is a recognizable term related to pork, making it the correct solution for the clue "Pork portion."
Pressed one’s luck : PUSHED IT
The phrase "pressed one's luck" means to take a risk or push the boundaries of what is safe or acceptable. "Pushed it" is a colloquial way of saying someone took a risk or pushed their luck.
Revered celebrities : ICONS
"ICONS" is the right answer because celebrities who are revered or highly respected are often referred to as "icons" due to their influential status in popular culture.
Serving with chop suey : RICE
The answer "RICE" is the right solution because rice is a common side dish served with chop suey, a Chinese-American dish typically made with meat, vegetables, and a savory sauce, often served over rice.
Signs that it’s time to take out the trash : ODORS
"ODORS" is the right solution because one of the signs that it's time to take out the trash is when you start to smell unpleasant odors coming from the garbage.
Singer Diana with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame : ROSS
Diana Ross is a singer who has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for her solo career and one for her work with The Supremes.
Small-time : RINKY-DINK
"RINKY-DINK" is a slang term meaning small-time or inferior, making it the right solution for the clue "Small-time."
Speakers’ platforms : PODIA
"Podia" is the plural form of "podium," which is a raised platform used by speakers to stand on while addressing an audience.
Spot for a card skimmer, in brief : ATM
The answer "ATM" fits the clue because an ATM is a common location where a card skimmer, a device used to steal credit card information, can be illegally installed.
Spring’s shape : COIL
The answer "COIL" fits because a coil is a spiral or circular shape, often associated with springs.
Spy’s gathering : INTEL
The answer "INTEL" is short for intelligence, which is information gathered by spies.
Sweeping tale : SAGA
"SAGA" is the right solution because a saga is a long story of heroic achievement or a family history, making it a sweeping tale.
Target for salicylic acid : ACNE
Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in acne treatments, as it helps to exfoliate and unclog pores. Therefore, the target for salicylic acid is often acne-prone skin.
Tatted : INKED
The word "tatted" is often used as slang for having tattoos, and "inked" is a common term for having tattoos.
Tony Award-winning musical with the song “Sex Is in the Heel” : KINKY BOOTS
"KINKY BOOTS" is the correct answer because it is a Tony Award-winning musical that features the song "Sex Is in the Heel."
Top part : HEAD
"Top part" is a common way to refer to the highest point or uppermost section of something, such as the human body. In this case, "HEAD" fits the clue as it is the top part of the body where the brain and sensory organs are located.
Trojans’ sch. : USC
The Trojans are the mascot of the University of Southern California (USC), so "USC" is the correct answer for "Trojans' sch."
Vegetarian street food known for its distinct smell : STINKY TOFU
Stinky tofu is a popular vegetarian street food known for its strong and distinct smell, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Wallow moodily : SULK
"SULK" means to wallow moodily in a bad mood or be silent and withdrawn. It fits the clue perfectly.
Walrus feature : TUSK
The walrus is known for its long, protruding canine teeth called tusks, which are a distinctive feature of this animal.
___ Vegas Aces (W.N.B.A. team) : LAS
The abbreviation for Las Vegas is "LAS", which is commonly used in airport codes and other references to the city.
___-Seltzer : ALKA
Alka-Seltzer is a brand name of an effervescent antacid and pain reliever medication used for relief of heartburn, indigestion, and headache. "ALKA" is the first part of the brand name.
“Assuming that’s true …” : IF SO …
The answer "IFSO" is a short form of "If So," which means "assuming that's true."
“Defend the rights of all people nationwide” org. : ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is an organization that defends the rights of all people nationwide, making it the correct answer to the clue.
“Don’t worry about me!” : I’M OK!
"Ill" can mean "unwell" or "not good", and "manage" means "handle" or "deal with". So "ill-manage" can be interpreted as "not handling well" or "not dealing with things in a good way", which could be a response to someone saying "Don't worry about me".
“If the shoe ___ …” : FITS
The phrase "If the shoe fits..." is a common expression meaning if something is appropriate or suitable. In this context, "FITS" is the correct answer as it completes the phrase.
“It’s Raining ___” : MEN
unknown
“Mamma ___!” : MIA
The phrase "Mamma ___!" is often used to express surprise or shock. "MIA" is the correct answer because it is an acronym for "Missing in Action," which is a common military term used to describe a soldier who has disappeared during combat. Therefore, "Mamma ___!" could be interpreted as a mother expressing shock or surprise at her child being missing in action.
“Me, me, me” attitudes : EGOS
The answer "EGOS" fits because the clue refers to self-centered attitudes, which is synonymous with having a big ego.
“Misery” co-star Bates : KATHY
Kathy Bates is an actress who starred in the movie "Misery." The clue is asking for the name of the actress who was a co-star in the film, and the answer is "KATHY."
“Toy Story” dachshund with a springy body : SLINKY DOG
Slinky Dog is a character in the movie "Toy Story" who is a dachshund toy with a springy body that allows him to stretch out and retract like a slinky toy.