Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 3 March 2024, Sunday (03-03-24). 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.
7/ : JUL
The answer to "#7" is "PAST" because it refers to a time that has already occurred.
Accounts : TALES
The word "Accounts" can refer to stories or narratives, which are often called "tales." So, "TALES" is the right solution for this clue.
Aches (for) : PINES
"PINES" is the right solution because the word "pines" can mean to yearn or long for something or someone, which fits the clue "Aches (for)".
Alternatives to Pumas : AVIAS
AVIAS are a brand of athletic shoes, similar to Pumas, making them suitable alternatives.
Ambitious sort : ASPIRER
The answer "ASPIRER" fits the clue "Ambitious sort" because an aspirer is someone who has strong ambition or desire to achieve something.
Big-eyed baby : OWLET
"OWLET" is the right solution because an owlet is a baby owl, and owls are known for their big eyes. The clue is hinting at a young animal with large eyes, making "OWLET" the correct answer.
Birch bark and pine cones, e.g. : TINDERS
The answer "TINDERS" fits the clue because birch bark and pine cones are both examples of materials that can be used as tinder to start a fire.
Borough of New Jersey noted for its indoor shopping malls : PARAMUS
Paramus is known for having several large indoor shopping malls, making it a popular shopping destination in New Jersey.
Break for a bit : TAKE FIVE (uses FIVE down)
The phrase "Take five" is commonly used to mean taking a short break or pause. In this context, "five" refers to a five-minute break. So, "Break for a bit" clue is hinting at taking a short break, making "TAKE FIVE" the right solution.
Brought before a jury : TRIED
The answer "TRIED" fits because when someone is brought before a jury, they are being tried for a crime.
Camelot figure : MERLIN
Merlin is a well-known figure from the legend of Camelot, known for being a powerful wizard and advisor to King Arthur.
Camera spec : SLR
SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex, which is a type of camera that uses a mirror and prism system to allow the photographer to see exactly what will be captured in the photograph through the lens. This is a common camera spec often seen in photography.
Carrier of goods by rail : FREIGHT TRAIN (uses EIGHT down)
The answer "FREIGHT TRAIN" fits the clue "Carrier of goods by rail" because a freight train is a train specifically designed to transport goods or cargo.
Cavs, on a scoreboard : CLE
The Cleveland Cavaliers are commonly referred to as the "Cavs" and "CLE" is the abbreviation for Cleveland, which is often used on scoreboards to represent the team.
Certain porter : REDCAP
"REDCAP" is the right solution because a redcap is a specific type of porter who typically works at a railway station or airport and helps with luggage.
Checks for bugs : BETA TESTS
"BETA TESTS" is the right solution because it refers to the process of testing software for bugs and issues before its official release to the public.
China’s Sun ___-sen : YAT
Chinese dish eponym : TSO
Chosen name of five popes : SIXTUS (uses SIX down)
The answer "SIXTUS" fits the clue because there have been five popes named Sixtus in history, making it the chosen name of five popes.
Classic soda brand : NEHI
NEHI is a classic soda brand that was popular in the mid-20th century. It is a well-known brand that fits the clue "Classic soda brand."
Classy : ELEGANT
The word "elegant" is synonymous with "classy", both describing something stylish, tasteful, and sophisticated.
Coding headache : ERROR
The term "ERROR" is commonly used in coding to describe a mistake or issue in the code, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Coding headache."
Cold feet and cold shoulder, for two : IDIOMS
The phrase "cold feet" and "cold shoulder" are both common idiomatic expressions in English, which means they are both examples of idioms. Therefore, the answer to the clue "Cold feet and cold shoulder, for two" is "IDIOMS."
Concern at the end of a space journey : EARTH REENTRY (uses THREE down)
The answer "EARTH REENTRY" fits the clue because "EARTH" signifies the destination at the end of a space journey, and "REENTRY" refers to the phase when a spacecraft returns to Earth's atmosphere. So, together they represent the concern at the end of a space journey.
Consumer : EATER
The word "consumer" refers to someone who eats or uses goods and services. Therefore, "EATER" is the right solution as it directly relates to consuming food.
Contest : ARGUE
"Contest" can refer to a disagreement or argument between two parties, making "ARGUE" a fitting answer.
Ctrl-Z command : UNDO
"UNDO" is the right answer because the Ctrl-Z command on a computer is commonly used to reverse the previous action, essentially undoing it.
Curt : SHORT
The word "curt" means brief or concise. Similarly, the word "short" can also mean brief or concise, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Curt."
Dish often topped with marinara sauce : MEATBALLS
The dish "meatballs" is often topped with marinara sauce, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Distress signal : FLARE
"FLARE" is the right solution because a distress signal is often sent by lighting a flare to attract attention and signal that help is needed.
Does some field work : PLOWS
The answer "TILLS" is the right solution because "tilling" refers to the act of working the soil in a field, typically using a plow or other agricultural equipment.
Dorm décor, often : POSTERS
The answer "POSTERS" fits the clue "Dorm décor, often" because posters are commonly used to decorate dorm rooms. They are easy to hang up and can reflect the personality and interests of the person living in the dorm.
Education orgs. : PTAS
PTAs stands for Parent-Teacher Associations, which are organizations commonly found in schools that work to support and enhance the educational experience of students.
Edward Jenner used it when developing the world’s first successful vaccine : COWPOX
Edward Jenner used cowpox virus to develop the world's first successful vaccine against smallpox. By inoculating individuals with the cowpox virus, Jenner was able to provide protection against smallpox, a related and more dangerous virus. This breakthrough laid the foundation for modern vaccination practices.
Effects seen on FX, perhaps : CGI
The answer "CGI" stands for Computer-Generated Imagery, which is a common special effect used in movies and TV shows, including those on the FX network.
Emperor before the Year of the Four Emperors : NERO
NERO was the Emperor before the Year of the Four Emperors because he ruled from AD 54 to AD 68, and the Year of the Four Emperors occurred in AD 69.
Estuary : RIA
"RIA" is the right solution because a "ria" is a coastal inlet formed by the partial submergence of a river valley.
Excerpted passage : SNIPPET
"SNIPPET" is the right solution because it means a small piece or extract from a larger whole, which fits the clue "Excerpted passage."
Exchange words? : WANNA TRADE?
The word "edit" can mean to exchange or replace words in a piece of writing. Therefore, "Exchange words?" is a clever clue that leads to the answer "EDIT".
Exclamation on April Fools’ Day : GOT YA!
The answer "GOT YA!" is a common exclamation used on April Fools' Day to indicate that someone has been fooled or tricked. It is a playful way to acknowledge a prank or joke.
Flair : ELAN
The word "eclat" means "flair" or "style" in French. It perfectly matches the clue and is commonly used in English to describe someone's distinctive and impressive style or flair.
French desserts whose name translates as “small ovens” : PETIT FOURS (uses FOUR down)
The French desserts referred to in the clue are often small, delicate pastries that are typically served after a meal. The name "petit fours" translates to "small ovens" in English, making it the correct answer.
Good name, informally : REP
"REP" is short for reputation, which can be informally referred to as a good name.
Government bonds? : ALLIANCES
unknown
Green-lights : OKS
The term "OKS" is often used as a synonym for "green-lights" in the sense of approvals or permissions, making it the right solution for the clue.
Grim : BLEAK
The word "bleak" is often used to describe something grim or dreary, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Grim."
H.S. exam : PSAT
The answer "PSAT" fits because it stands for Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, which is a high school exam taken by students preparing for the SAT.
Haim of “Licorice Pizza” : ALANA
The answer "ALANA" is the right solution because Alana Haim is a member of the band HAIM and she appeared in the movie "Licorice Pizza."
Heaps at publishing houses : SLUSH PILES
The term "slush piles" refers to the stacks of unsolicited manuscripts that accumulate at publishing houses. Writers submit their work to these piles in hopes of getting published.
Helmsman on “Star Trek” : SULU
"SULU" is the helmsman on the original "Star Trek" TV series, played by actor George Takei.
High times for the petroleum industry : OIL BOOMS
The term "oil booms" refers to periods of rapid growth and prosperity in the petroleum industry, making it the correct answer for the clue "High times for the petroleum industry."
Hush-hush pacts, in brief : NDAS
The answer "NDAS" stands for Non-Disclosure Agreements, which are often referred to as "hush-hush pacts" in brief.
Hwy. : RTE
The abbreviation "Hwy." is commonly used to refer to a highway. In crossword puzzles, "RTE" is a common abbreviation for "route," which can be used interchangeably with "highway," making it the right solution.
Iconic role for Carrie Fisher : LEIA
The answer "LEIA" is correct because Carrie Fisher played the iconic role of Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise.
It can be written in scripts known as naskh and ruq’ah : ARABIC
The clue mentions "naskh" and "ruq’ah," which are styles of Arabic script. Therefore, the correct answer is "ARABIC," as it is the language written in these scripts.
It might help you keep up with old classmates : ALUMNI NEWSLETTER (uses NINE down)
The answer "ALUMNI NEWSLETTER" fits the clue because it is a publication that helps you stay connected with old classmates. The phrase "uses NINE down" indicates that the answer utilizes the word "NEWSLETTER," which is formed by the letters in the word "NINE" rearranged.
Keep it in mind! : IDEA
The phrase "Keep it in mind!" suggests remembering something, which is associated with the concept of an "IDEA."
Landed on a licorice space in Candy Land, say : LOST A TURN
The answer "LOST A TURN" fits because landing on a licorice space in Candy Land causes a player to skip their next turn.
Language spoken in Luang Prabang : LAO
The language spoken in Luang Prabang, a city in Laos, is Lao. It is the official language of Laos and widely spoken in the region.
Leb. neighbor : ISR
This clue is asking for an abbreviation for a country that is a neighbor of Lebanon. The correct answer "ISR" is the abbreviation for Israel, which is a neighbor of Lebanon.
Letter after sigma : TAU
The letter after sigma in the Greek alphabet is tau.
Loose-fitting garment : TENT DRESS (uses TEN down)
"TENT DRESS" is a loose-fitting garment that fits the clue. The instruction "(uses TEN down)" indicates that the answer incorporates the word "TEN" from a different clue, which makes "TENT DRESS" the correct solution.
Louisiana cooking style : CREOLE
"Creole" is the right solution because it refers to the unique style of cooking that originated in Louisiana, blending French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences.
Lower, as lights : DIM
The word "dim" means to lower the intensity of something, like lights.
Makeup of some sleeves : TATTOOS
The answer "TATTOOS" fits the clue because tattoos are a form of body art that can be found on sleeves, meaning they are a type of makeup for sleeves.
Male swan : COB
Male swans are called "Cobs" while female swans are called "Pens". Therefore, "COB" is the correct answer to the clue "Male swan".
Malibu, e.g. : SEDAN
Michelangelo masterpiece : PIETA
The answer is "PIETA" because Michelangelo's famous sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary holding the body of Jesus is called "Pieta."
Missing work? : STOLEN ART
The clue "Missing work?" is a play on words that suggests the artwork has been physically taken or stolen, hence the answer "STOLEN ART."
Mlle., in Madrid : SRTA
"SRTA" is the abbreviation for "Señorita" in Spanish, which is the equivalent of "Miss" in English. In Madrid, they speak Spanish, so the abbreviation for "Miss" would be "SRTA".
Nation on the Red Sea : ERITREA
Eritrea is a country located on the Red Sea in Africa.
Naval engagement : SEA WAR
"SEA WAR" is the right solution because it refers to a military conflict that takes place on the sea or ocean involving naval forces.
Norm : Abbr.
unknown
One doing the lord’s work? : VASSAL
The term "vassal" refers to a person who serves a lord or master. In this context, "One doing the lord’s work" is a play on words, suggesting that a vassal is someone who is carrying out the work or duties assigned to them by their lord.
One taking interest in your education? : SALLIE MAE
SALLIE MAE is a common nickname for the Student Loan Marketing Association, a company that provides education loans. So, someone taking interest in your education could be SALLIE MAE.
One way to go : SOLO
The answer "SOLO" fits the clue "One way to go" because going solo means doing something alone or individually, which is one way to go.
Overnight site : INN
The answer "INN" fits the clue "Overnight site" because an inn is a lodging establishment where travelers can stay for the night.
Player of 45s : PHONO
The answer "PHONO" is short for "phonograph," which is a device used to play 45 rpm records.
Playwright Eugene : O’NEILL
Eugene O’Neill is a famous playwright, known for works such as "Long Day's Journey into Night" and "The Iceman Cometh."
Prepare (oneself) : STEEL
"Prepare (oneself)" is a clue for the word "STEEL" because in this context, "steel" means to mentally prepare or strengthen oneself for a difficult situation or challenge.
Put on the air again : RERAN
The answer "RERAN" means to broadcast a show again. In the context of the clue "Put on the air again," "RERAN" fits perfectly as it describes the action of airing a program for a second time.
Put side by side : APPOSE
"Ap" in "ap"pose means "to" in Latin, and "pose" means "put" in Latin. So, "ap" and "pose" together mean "put side by side," making "apose" the right solution.
Rages : SEES RED Down 1 –
The answer "SEES RED" fits the clue "Rages" because the phrase "sees red" is a common idiom that means to become extremely angry or lose control of one's temper.
Rave : ENTHUSE
The answer "ENTHUSE" fits because to rave means to speak or write about something with great enthusiasm or admiration, which is synonymous with being enthusiastic.
Relative of a gator : CROC
The answer "CROC" is short for crocodile, which is a relative of an alligator.
Schedule slot filler : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for abbreviation, which is often used in schedules to indicate a shortened form of a word or phrase. It fills the slot in the crossword clue because it is a common way to indicate a shortened version of a word.
Set … or word said before set : READY
The word "set" is often followed by "ready," as in "set, ready, go." Additionally, "ready" is a word that can be said before the word "set" to indicate preparedness.
Sigmatism, by another name : LISP
The term "sigmatism" refers to a lisp, which is a speech impediment where the "s" sound is pronounced as "th". In this case, "LISP" is the correct answer because it is another word for sigmatism.
Some Kiwis : MAORIS
"Maoris" are an indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, commonly referred to as "Kiwis" due to the national symbol of the kiwi bird. So, "Some Kiwis" refers to the Maori people.
Some smartphones : LGS
Something bent or lent : EAR
The answer "EAR" fits the clue as it is a body part that can be bent and sounds like "lent".
Sonny and Fredo, for two : CORLEONES (uses ONE down)
The answer "CORLEONES" fits the clue because Sonny and Fredo are characters from the movie "The Godfather," and they are both members of the Corleone family.
Standings column : WINS
"WINS" is the right answer because in sports standings, teams are ranked based on the number of games they have won.
Stop on a publicity tour : PRESS EVENT (uses SEVEN down)
The answer "PRESS EVENT" fits the clue "Stop on a publicity tour" because a press event is a planned gathering for the media to cover and promote a particular cause or organization. It is a common stop on a publicity tour for individuals or companies to generate media coverage.
Terra ___ : COTTA
"Terra cotta" is a type of clay commonly used for pottery and sculpture. In the context of the crossword clue, "Terra ___" is likely referring to this type of clay. Therefore, the correct answer is "COTTA".
The blonde in “Legally Blonde” : ELLE
The character in the movie "Legally Blonde" is named Elle Woods, and she is portrayed by Reese Witherspoon. Therefore, the correct answer to the clue is "ELLE."
The “e” of i.e. : EST
Their eggs are dark green : EMUS
EMUS are large flightless birds that lay dark green eggs, making them the correct answer to the clue "Their eggs are dark green."
They can be tapped out : DENTS
The answer "DENTS" fits the clue "They can be tapped out" because dents can be removed or fixed by tapping them out with a tool. It is a common way to repair dented surfaces.
They’re all pulling in the same direction : CREW TEAM
The answer "CREW TEAM" fits because members of a crew team work together to row a boat in the same direction during a race.
Things packed for a sleepover, informally : PJS
The answer "PJS" is short for pajamas, which are commonly packed for a sleepover.
This, in Spanish : ESTA
The clue "This, in Spanish" is asking for a Spanish word that means "this". "Esto" is the Spanish word for "this", making it the correct answer.
Thor, e.g. : AVENGER
The answer "AVENGER" is the right solution because Thor is a member of the superhero team known as the Avengers.
Tree with “eyes” on its bark : ASPEN
The answer "ASPEN" fits because the bark of an aspen tree often has distinctive black markings that resemble eyes.
Trickle (through) : SEEP
The word "seep" means to flow or pass slowly through small openings or pores, which fits the clue "Trickle (through)" well.
Trivial : MERE
"MERE" is a synonym for trivial, meaning something that is small or insignificant in nature.
TV chef who wrote “Semi-Homemade Cooking” : SANDRA LEE
Sandra Lee is a TV chef known for her show "Semi-Homemade Cooking" and she also wrote a book with the same title.
Welcome : GREET
"GREET" is the right solution because "welcome" is a common way to greet someone or show hospitality.
What might unfold at camp : COT
The answer "COT" is the right solution because a cot is a common item found at a campsite where people sleep.
When repeated, gung-ho : RAH
RAH is a common military cheer that is often shouted enthusiastically, making it synonymous with being gung-ho.
White Russian ingredient : KAHLUA
Kahlua is a coffee-flavored liqueur commonly used in White Russians, a cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream.
Words of clarification : I MEAN
"I MEAN" is a common phrase used to provide clarification or further explanation, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Words of clarification."
Wrap up by : END AT
The phrase "wrap up by" implies finishing or concluding something at a specific point, which can be represented by the term "END AT."
X : CHI
"CHI" is the right solution for "X" because it is the Greek letter that corresponds to the English letter "X".
X, but not Y : NUMERAL
The answer "NUMERAL" fits because it is a type of symbol used to represent a number, such as a digit or a numeral, which is not the same as a letter or a word.
You might take them out for a quick spin, informally : EPS
The answer "EPS" stands for "episodes," which are often referred to informally as "eps."
___ Cherry, 1989 Grammy nominee for Best New Artist : NENEH
Neneh Cherry was a 1989 Grammy nominee for Best New Artist, making "NENEH" the correct answer for the clue.
___ Equis : DOS
The clue "___ Equis" is asking for the Spanish word for "two," which is "DOS."
___ Paz, 1990 Literature Nobelist : OCTAVIO
The answer is "OCTAVIO" because Octavio Paz was a Mexican writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990.
___ Rose of Guns N’ Roses : AXL
The answer is "AXL" because Axl Rose is the lead vocalist of the band Guns N' Roses.
___ Sremmurd (hip-hop duo) : RAE
unknown
___-Ball : SKEE
"Skee-Ball" is a popular arcade game where players roll balls up a ramp to score points by landing them in different holes. Therefore, the answer to "___-Ball" is "SKEE" because it completes the name of the game.
___TV (network for “Impractical Jokers”) : TRU
The answer is "TRU" because TRU TV is the network that airs the show "Impractical Jokers."
– : NINE
In crossword puzzles, "/" is often used to indicate division or separation. The word "per" is commonly used to signify "for each" or "by the means of," which fits the context of the clue. Therefore, "PER" is the right solution for the clue represented by "/".
“Flick of the Switch” band : AC/DC
The answer is "AC/DC" because "Flick of the Switch" is an album by this band.
“Right you are!” : EXACTO!
The answer "EXACTO!" is a phrase used to agree with someone or acknowledge that they are correct, making it a fitting response to "Right you are!" in a crossword puzzle.
“Take it easy once in a while!” : DON’T WORK TOO HARD! (uses TWO down)
The answer "DON’T WORK TOO HARD!" fits the clue because it is a common phrase that suggests taking a break or not overexerting oneself. The phrase aligns with the idea of "Take it easy once in a while!" and encourages relaxation.
“This guy? We’re together” : HE’S WITH ME
The answer "HE'S WITH ME" fits because it suggests that the person in question is in a relationship with the speaker, indicating they are together.
“Three Tall Women” playwright : ALBEE
The answer to "Three Tall Women" playwright is "ALBEE" because Edward Albee is the playwright who wrote the play "Three Tall Women".
“Yeah … pass” : UM … NO
The answer "UM … NO" fits the clue "Yeah ... pass" because it captures the casual and dismissive tone of someone declining or rejecting something. The phrase "UM ... NO" conveys hesitation followed by a clear refusal, which matches the sentiment of the clue.