Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 28 February 2024, Wednesday (02-28-24). 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.
2020 N.F.L. retiree who leads all QBs with 123 regular-season games of 300+ passing yards : BREES
Drew Brees retired from the NFL in 2020 and holds the record for the most regular-season games with 300+ passing yards among all quarterbacks. Therefore, the answer "BREES" fits the clue.
Abrasive : HARSH
The word "harsh" can be used to describe something that is rough or abrasive in nature, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Abrasive."
All over again : ANEW
The phrase "all over again" can be synonymous with "anew," meaning starting over or from the beginning.
Allergic reaction : ACHOO!
ACHOO is a commonly used onomatopoeic word that mimics the sound of a sneeze, which is a typical symptom of an allergic reaction. Therefore, ACHOO is an appropriate answer for the clue "Allergic reaction".
Apple devices run on it : IOS
The answer is "iOS" because iOS is the operating system developed by Apple that runs on their devices like iPhones and iPads.
Bar mitzvah, for one : RITE
The term "bar mitzvah" refers to a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for boys, marking their transition into adulthood. A "rite" is a formal or ceremonial act or procedure, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Big inconvenience : HASSLE
The word "hassle" is commonly used to describe a big inconvenience or difficulty, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Big letters in home security : ADT
The answer to "Big letters in home security" is "ADT" because ADT is a well-known home security company and their name is often displayed in large letters on their signs and advertisements.
Bit of attire that sends the message “I mean business!” : POWER TIE
The term "power tie" refers to a bold, usually brightly colored necktie that is associated with confidence and authority. Wearing a power tie can convey a sense of seriousness and determination, making it a fitting choice for someone who wants to send the message "I mean business."
Boo-boo : OWIE
The answer "OWIE" is a common term used to describe a minor injury or "boo-boo". It is a simple and relatable word that fits the clue well.
Buffoonery : ANTICS
"Antics" is a synonym for buffoonery, as it refers to playful or silly behavior.
Bunny first appearing in “Space Jam” (1996) : LOLA
Lola is the name of the female bunny character who first appeared in the movie "Space Jam" in 1996, making her the correct answer to the clue.
Captain von Trapp’s betrothed, in “The Sound of Music” : ELSA
The character Captain von Trapp’s betrothed in “The Sound of Music” is named Elsa.
Car dealer’s offering : QUOTE
The answer "QUOTE" fits because a car dealer often provides a price estimate or "quote" for a vehicle.
Cause of wear and tear : USE
"USE" is the right answer because the more something is used, the more wear and tear it experiences.
Command centers, for short : HQS
The answer "HQS" stands for "headquarters" and is commonly used as an abbreviation for command centers.
Diego ___, one of two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award : MARADONA
Diego Maradona is the correct answer because he was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award alongside Pelé.
Ending of “The Bachelor”? : -ETTE
The answer "-ETTE" is the right solution because it is a common ending for words that denote a smaller or female version of something, like "bachelorette" in this case.
Entered speedily : RAN IN
The answer "RAN IN" fits the clue "Entered speedily" because "RAN" implies moving quickly, and "IN" indicates entering a place or location. So, together they suggest entering quickly, which matches the clue.
Fabled slacker : HARE
The fable of "The Tortoise and the Hare" depicts the Hare as a slacker who underestimates the Tortoise in a race. Therefore, "HARE" is the right answer for "Fabled slacker."
Features of some cruise ships : SPAS
"SPAS" is the right solution because many cruise ships are equipped with spa facilities for passengers to relax and rejuvenate during their voyage.
Firebird maker : PONTIAC
The answer "PONTIAC" is correct because Pontiac is a car manufacturer that produced the Firebird model.
Franz’s partner in old “S.N.L.” sketches : HANS
The answer "HANS" is correct because in old "S.N.L." sketches, Franz's partner was named Hans, forming the duo "Franz and Hans."
Full of the latest : NEWSY
The word "newsy" means full of news or information, which fits the clue "full of the latest."
Grant consideration, sometimes : NEED
Grant consideration sometimes refers to fulfilling a need, hence the answer "NEED."
Hell of a guy? : SATAN
The answer "DEVIL" is the right solution because it plays on the phrase "hell of a guy," which typically means someone who is impressive or exceptional. In this case, the clue is using wordplay to suggest that the answer is the opposite of a good or admirable person, which is the devil.
Infantry members, in brief : GIS
The answer "GIS" stands for "General Infantry Soldiers," which is a common abbreviation for infantry members in the military.
Just like ___ : THAT
In the phrase "Just like THAT," "that" is used to refer to something previously mentioned or understood, making it a fitting completion for the clue.
Knight’s “trusty” companion : STEED
The word "steed" is a term often used to refer to a knight's horse, which is their trusty companion in battle and adventures.
Like food served at a tea party : DAINTY
The word "dainty" is often used to describe delicate or small, carefully prepared food items that are typically served at a tea party, making it the right solution for this clue.
Major dis : SLAM
The term "Major dis" is a slang term for a strong insult or criticism. "SLAM" can mean a harsh criticism or insult, making it the right solution for the clue.
Makeup of a match : SETS
The answer "SETS" refers to the makeup of a match in sports like tennis or volleyball, where a match is comprised of multiple sets that players compete in to determine the winner.
Many a Monopoly property : Abbr.
In the game of Monopoly, properties are divided into color groups, and each color group contains one or more avenues. Therefore, "avenue" is a common type of Monopoly property.
Many a Weird Al Yankovic medley : POLKA
The answer is "POLKA" because Weird Al Yankovic often creates medleys of popular songs in polka style for his albums.
McFlurry flavor : OREO
The answer "OREO" is correct because Oreo cookies are a common flavor used in McDonald's McFlurry desserts.
Methods : WAYS
The word "ways" means methods or ways of doing something. Therefore, it is the correct solution to the clue "methods."
Michelob ___ (light brew) : ULTRA
The answer is "ULTRA" because it is a light brew by Michelob.
Nasty : UGLY
The word "vile" is a suitable answer to the clue "nasty" because it means extremely unpleasant or morally repugnant. It accurately describes something that is offensive or disgusting.
Not doing anything : IDLE
"Free" can mean not being occupied or busy with anything, which matches the clue "not doing anything".
One may dominate a conversation : TALKAHOLIC
The answer "TALKAHOLIC" is a play on the word "alcoholic," suggesting someone who is addicted to talking excessively. This fits the clue "One may dominate a conversation" as a talkaholic is someone who tends to monopolize discussions.
One who works well with others : TEAM PLAYER
The answer "TEAM PLAYER" fits because it describes someone who collaborates effectively and cooperates with others in a group setting.
Parasite’s place : HOST
The answer "HOST" is the right solution because a parasite lives in or on a host organism.
Place to order handmade goods : ETSY
"Etsy" is a popular online marketplace known for selling handmade goods, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Place to order handmade goods."
Quickly join a call, with “on” : HOP …
The word "hop on" is a common phrase used to mean quickly join or board something, like a call.
Rapper Lil ___ X : NAS
unknown
Repairs, as a golf green : SODS
"SODS" is the right solution because when you repair a golf green, you typically lay new strips of grass called sods to fill in any damaged areas and restore the green to its original condition.
Societal troubles : ILLS
The word "ills" is a common term used to describe societal problems or troubles. It is a succinct way to refer to various negative aspects or challenges within a society.
Some lunchbox sammies : PBJS
The answer "PBJS" stands for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which are commonly packed in lunchboxes.
Someone terrorizing kids in a 1986 Stephen King novel : SCARY CLOWN (What “It”, the novel, is all about)
The answer "SCARY CLOWN" fits the clue because the 1986 Stephen King novel "It" features a terrifying clown named Pennywise who terrorizes kids in the town of Derry.
Soul singer Bridges : LEON
Leon Bridges is a well-known soul singer, making "LEON" the correct answer for the clue "Soul singer Bridges."
Spanish sparkling wine : CAVA
"Cava" is the right solution because it is a type of sparkling wine that comes from Spain, specifically from the Catalonia region. It is made using the traditional method, similar to Champagne.
Standing up : ERECT
The word "erect" can mean standing up straight or vertically, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Standing up."
Start of many URLs : HTTP
The answer "HTTP" is correct because it stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which is commonly found at the beginning of many website URLs.
Straddling, say : ATOP
The word "atop" means on top of or straddling something, making it the correct answer to the clue "Straddling, say."
Suit material? : TORT
unknown
Surgery sites, for short : ORS
"ORS" stands for Operating Rooms, which are commonly referred to as surgery sites. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "Surgery sites, for short" is a clue hinting at the abbreviated term for Operating Rooms, making "ORS" the correct answer.
Taunt : JEER
"JEER" is the right answer because a taunt is a mocking or insulting remark meant to provoke a reaction, and "JEER" fits this description as a synonym for mocking or ridiculing someone.
The main takeaway … or, when considered in three different senses, a description of 20-, 33- and 41- : WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
The answer "WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT" fits the clue because it can be interpreted in three different senses: "WHAT" (20), "IT'S" (33), and "ALL ABOUT" (41). This phrase can mean the main takeaway, which aligns with the clue's description.
Took a lap, perhaps : SWAM
The clue "Took a lap, perhaps" suggests an activity that involves swimming, as swimming laps is a common exercise. Therefore, the answer "SWAM" fits the clue.
Walled city near Madrid : AVILA
Avila is a walled city located near Madrid in Spain. It is known for its well-preserved medieval walls, making it a popular tourist destination.
What Professor Moriarty was a professor of : MATH
Professor Moriarty was a character in the Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle. He was a criminal mastermind who used his mathematical expertise to plan his criminal activities, making him a professor of math.
[What a snoozefest!] : [YAWN!]
The answer "YAWN!" is a common expression used to convey boredom or disinterest, making it a fitting response to the clue "[What a snoozefest!]".
___ ghanouj : BABA
Baba ghanouj is a Middle Eastern dish made from eggplant, tahini, and other ingredients. "Baba" is a term of endearment for a father or an elderly man in Arabic, and "ghanouj" means "spoiled" in Arabic. Therefore, "Baba ghanouj" translates to "spoiled daddy" or "spoiled old man."
“Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi,” e.g. : PLEA
The word "PLEA" fits the clue because it refers to a request or appeal for help, which is what the quote "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi" is conveying.
“I’ll ___” : BITE
The phrase "I'll bite" is a common expression meaning "I'll agree or go along with that."
“O.G. Original Gangster” rapper : ICE-T
ICE-T is a rapper known for his album "O.G. Original Gangster" and is often referred to as an original gangster rapper.
“We totally should!” : YES, LET’S!
This answer fits the clue because "YES, LET’S!" is a phrase commonly used to express agreement and enthusiasm towards doing something.
“___ : The Way of Water” (2022 film)
The answer is "ENRON" because "The Smartest Guys in the Room" is a documentary film about the rise and fall of the Enron Corporation.
“___ you vera much!” (punny valentine) : ALOE
ALOE sounds like "I love," making it a punny way to express affection in a valentine's message.