Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 27 February 2025, Thursday (02-27-25). 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.
2000s HBO series about a polygamous family : BIG LOVE
"Big Love" is the correct answer because it was a popular HBO series that aired in the 2000s and focused on a polygamous family.
Absolutely dominate : OWN
"Own" is a slang term meaning to completely dominate or control something or someone. In this context, "absolutely dominate" can be synonymous with "own," making it the correct answer.
Actor ___ Jackson Jr. : O’SHEA
The answer is "O’SHEA" because O’Shea Jackson Jr. is an actor known for his roles in movies like "Straight Outta Compton."
Apt surname for Scarlett? : REDD
The answer "REDD" is the right solution because it is a fitting surname for Scarlett as it is a color, and Scarlett is a shade of red.
Bad comment to hear from your surgeon : OOPS!
The answer "OOPS!" is the right solution because it is a common expression used when someone makes a mistake or error, which is definitely not something you want to hear from your surgeon during a medical procedure.
Bark beetle’s target : ELM
The bark beetle commonly targets elm trees as a host for infestation, making "ELM" the right answer for this clue.
Big name in commercial trucks : RYDER
"RYDER" is the right answer because Ryder is a well-known company that specializes in commercial truck rentals and leasing. They are a big name in the industry, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
Book you won’t get lost in? : ATLAS
The answer "ATLAS" is the right solution because an atlas is a book of maps that helps you navigate and find your way, so you won't get lost while using it.
Broccoli feature : STEM
The answer "STEM" is correct because the stem is a prominent feature of broccoli, the long, firm stalk that supports the florets.
Brooding genre : EMO
"EMO" is the right solution because it is a genre of music and a subculture known for its emotional and introspective themes, often characterized by brooding lyrics and melancholic melodies.
Certain young parent : TEEN DAD
The answer "TEEN DAD" fits the clue "Certain young parent" because a teen dad refers to a young father who is a teenager.
Chop : HEW
"Hew" is a synonym for "chop" that specifically refers to cutting with a tool like an axe or a knife. It fits the clue because it means to cut or chop something with force.
Compact Volkswagens : JETTAS
The answer "JETTAS" fits the clue "Compact Volkswagens" because Jetta is a model of compact car made by Volkswagen.
Creative class : ART
The term "creative class" refers to individuals working in creative fields such as art, design, and media. Therefore, the answer "ART" is a fitting solution for this clue.
Crew item : OAR
The answer "OAR" is the right solution because it is an essential item used by a crew to row a boat or a ship.
Delicacy : TACT
unknown
Describe in a story : TELL OF
"Describe in a story" is a clue asking for a phrase that means to recount or narrate a tale. The answer "TELL OF" fits this clue because it means to inform or recount a story.
Didn’t cook one’s food : ATE RAW
The answer "ATE RAW" fits the clue "Didn’t cook one’s food" because it suggests that the person consumed their food without applying heat to it, meaning they ate it raw.
Fish whose most plentiful species are the “Atlantic” and “Pacific” : COD
The answer "COD" fits because the Atlantic cod and Pacific cod are two of the most plentiful species of fish.
Greek goddess of spring : PERSEPHONE
Persephone is the Greek goddess of spring because in Greek mythology, she is associated with the cycle of the seasons, spending half the year in the underworld with Hades (which represents winter) and the other half on Earth with her mother Demeter (which represents spring and summer).
Grounds : REASON
The word "grounds" can be synonymous with "reason" when referring to the basis or justification for something. So, "REASON" is the right solution for this clue.
Hearty slow-cooker meals : BEEF ROASTS
The answer "BEEF ROASTS" fits the clue "Hearty slow-cooker meals" because beef roasts are a popular dish that is often cooked in a slow cooker, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal.
Herb with a silent H : THYME Down 1 X-communicates?
The answer to "Herb with a silent H" is "THYME" because the herb "thyme" is spelled with a silent H at the beginning. For "1 X-communicates?", the answer is "EXCLUDES" because to X-communicate means to exclude or banish someone from a group or community.
Husband of Sif, in Norse myth : THOR
Thor is the husband of Sif in Norse mythology. He is known for his strength and is one of the most prominent gods in Norse mythology, making him the correct answer to the clue.
Jason who plays Aquaman : MOMOA
The answer is "MOMOA" because Jason Momoa is the actor who plays Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe films.
Juneau’s is roughly nine times New York City’s : AREA
The clue is comparing the size of Juneau's area to New York City's area. The answer "AREA" fits because it refers to the measurement of space or the size of a specific geographical area.
Kid-lit character whose name rhymes with his book’s title character : ROO
The clue is referring to the character Roo from the Winnie-the-Pooh series. Roo's name rhymes with the book's title character, Pooh.
Leftover bits : DREGS
The term "dregs" refers to the least valuable or leftover parts of something, often found at the bottom. In this case, "leftover bits" can be synonymous with dregs, making it the correct answer.
Like a filthy flue : SOOTY
The word "sooty" means covered in soot, which is a black, powdery substance that accumulates in a chimney or flue when burning wood or coal. So, a filthy flue would be described as "sooty".
Made a sudden turn : VEERED
"Veered" is the right solution because it means to change direction suddenly, which fits the clue "Made a sudden turn."
Make a basket, maybe : SCORE
The answer "SCORE" fits because in basketball, making a basket earns points, which is called scoring.
Manhattan component : RYE
The answer "RYE" is the right solution because rye is a type of whiskey that is commonly associated with Manhattan cocktails.
Mark for life : SCAR
The answer "SCAR" fits because a scar is a mark on the skin that can be permanent, hence "mark for life."
Mars, by another name : ARES
The answer is "ARES" because Ares is the Greek god of war, equivalent to the Roman god Mars.
Matches or watches : SEES
The word "sees" can mean both "matches" (as in corresponds to) and "watches" (as in observes), making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Meals at boot camps : MESSES
The term "mess" can refer to a place where military personnel eat their meals, especially in a boot camp setting. Therefore, "Meals at boot camps" can be described as "MESSES."
Mirage image : OASIS
The answer "OASIS" is the right solution because a mirage is an optical illusion that makes distant objects appear closer, often creating an image of water in a desert landscape, resembling an oasis.
Nest piece : TWIG
The answer "TWIG" fits the clue "Nest piece" because twigs are commonly used by birds to build their nests.
On task : AT IT
"AT IT" is a common phrase meaning actively working on something or being focused on a task. In the context of the clue "On task," "AT IT" fits perfectly as it describes being engaged in a specific activity.
Oven option : GAS
The answer "GAS" is the right solution for "Oven option" because gas is a common fuel source used in ovens for cooking and baking.
Pants in which you may carry a glove : BLUE JEANS
The answer "BLUE JEANS" fits the clue because blue jeans typically have pockets where you can carry a glove.
Pants in which you may carry a key : JODHPURS
Jodhpurs are a type of riding pants that have a pocket on the side where you can carry a key while horseback riding.
Pants in which you may carry a pen : TROUSERS
The answer "TROUSERS" fits because trousers typically have pockets where you can carry a pen.
Pants in which you may carry a phone : CORDUROYS
Pass it on! : BATON
The phrase "Pass it on!" is often used in the context of relay races, where a baton is passed from one runner to the next. Therefore, "BATON" is the right answer.
Pest that can be a pet : RAT
Rats can be kept as pets, making them a pest that can also be a pet.
Previous : OLD
The word "previous" means "existing or occurring before in time or order." The word that fits this definition and is often used as a synonym for "previous" is "PRIOR."
Pro wrestler John : CENA
"CENA" is the right solution because it refers to the popular professional wrestler John Cena.
Pupil : aperture
Ring call, for short : TKO
The answer "TKO" stands for "Technical Knockout," which is a term used in boxing when a referee stops a fight because one boxer is unable to continue, often due to being severely hurt or knocked down. This fits the clue "Ring call, for short" as it is a short way to refer to a specific outcome in a boxing match.
Salsa ___ : VERDE
"Verde" is the Spanish word for green, and "salsa verde" is a type of salsa made with tomatillos, green chili peppers, and cilantro. So, "Salsa ___" would commonly be completed with "VERDE" to indicate this specific type of salsa.
Salt Lake ___, broadcasting home for radio’s “Music & the Spoken Word” since 1929 : TABERNACLE
The Salt Lake Tabernacle has been the broadcasting home for radio's "Music & the Spoken Word" since 1929, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Script divisions : SCENES
"Script divisions" are typically separated into different parts called scenes. Each scene represents a specific location or time in the storyline, making "SCENES" the correct answer.
Shook one’s defender, in sports lingo : GOT OPEN
The phrase "got open" is often used in sports to describe a player successfully maneuvering to create space away from their defender, making themselves available to receive a pass.
Skating performance : ICE SHOW
The answer "ICE SHOW" fits the clue "Skating performance" because an ice show typically refers to a performance or exhibition of figure skating on ice.
Small handful : IMP
Snakelike, in a way : SCALY
"Scaly" is the right solution because snakes are known for their scaly skin, which sets them apart from other animals.
Some of these include coupons : ADS
The answer "ADS" fits the clue because advertisements often include coupons as a way to promote products or services.
Spanish title : Abbr.
The answer to "Spanish title" is "Abbr." because the clue is abbreviated and is asking for an abbreviated Spanish title, such as Sr. or Sra.
States something with authority : SAYS SO
"SAYS SO" is the right solution because it means to state something with authority or to assert something confidently. The phrase "says so" implies a strong declaration or assertion of a fact or opinion.
Stick in a bucket? : MOP
The answer "MOP" fits because a mop is a cleaning tool that is often used to clean floors by sticking it in a bucket of water or cleaning solution.
Strong desire : THIRST
"Strong desire" is a definition of the word "urge", which means to have a strong desire or impulse to do something.
Sulfur property : ODOR
The answer "ODOR" is the right solution for the clue "Sulfur property" because sulfur is known for its distinct and strong smell, often described as having an odor similar to rotten eggs.
They might be kept on someone suspicious : TABS
The answer "TABS" fits because tabs can be kept on someone suspicious, meaning keeping a close watch or monitoring their activities.
Tomato type : ROMA
The answer to "Tomato type" is "ROMA" because Roma is a specific type of tomato known for its firm flesh and low seed count.
Try to win over : WOO
"WOO" is the right solution because it means to try to win over someone's affection or favor through romantic gestures or charming actions.
Vanilla holders : PODS
"PODS" are the long, slender capsules that hold vanilla beans, making them the perfect answer for "Vanilla holders."
What the U’s in this puzzle’s solution represent : POCKETS
The answer "POCKETS" fits because the letter U can be seen as a pocket in the word "POCKETS." Each U in the puzzle's solution represents a pocket within the word.
Word before peace or planet : INNER …
The answer is "INNER" because it can be combined with "peace" to form the word "inner peace" and with "planet" to form the word "inner planet."
Word with May or D : -DAY
The word "May" or "D" can be combined with "-DAY" to form the words "Mayday" or "D-day," making "-DAY" the correct answer.
___ Mouse : MICKEY
"Mickey" is the right answer because it is a common nickname for the character created by Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse.
___ out (intimidate, as by appearing very confident) : PSYCH
The answer "PSYCH" fits because "psych out" means to intimidate or unsettle someone by appearing very confident.
“Dubliners” author : JOYCE
"JOYCE" is the right answer because James Joyce is the author of the book "Dubliners."
“Me!” : I DO!
The answer to "“Me!”" is "I DO!" because in a wedding ceremony, when the officiant asks who is ready to commit to the marriage, the traditional response is "I do." The answer to "Vegas winter hrs." is "PST" which stands for Pacific Standard Time, as Las Vegas follows this time zone during winter months.