Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 8 March 2024, Friday (03-08-24). 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 mover … but not a shaker, one hopes : VAN
The answer "VAN" fits because a mover typically uses a van to transport items, and a van is not typically associated with shaking movements.
Active person : DOER
"DOER" is the right solution because an active person is someone who takes action and gets things done, which can be described as being a "doer."
Attacked : HAD AT
"HAD AT" is a phrase that can mean to have attacked someone or something. In this context, "Attacked" can be represented by "HAD AT" in a crossword puzzle.
Balanced, as some molecules : APOLAR
The answer "APOLAR" is correct because some molecules are balanced when they are apolar, meaning they have no separation of electric charge and no distinct positive or negative poles.
Big name in construction equipment : CAT
CAT is the abbreviation for Caterpillar Inc., a well-known manufacturer of construction equipment. Their machines are commonly referred to as CAT machines, making "CAT" a fitting answer for the clue "Big name in construction equipment."
Billy Joel’s “___ Always a Woman” : SHE’S
The answer "SHE'S" fits the clue because it completes the title of the song "She's Always a Woman" by Billy Joel.
Bread with charred brown spots : NAAN
"NAAN" is a type of bread that is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, which gives it charred brown spots.
Butt of a joke? : WHOOPEE CUSHION
The answer "WHOOPEE CUSHION" fits the clue "Butt of a joke?" because a whoopee cushion is a prank item that is often placed on a chair to create a farting sound when someone sits on it, making the person the "butt" of the joke.
Cameos might be seen on one : TIARA
The clue "Cameos might be seen on one" is hinting at a piece of jewelry that is often adorned with precious stones or cameos, and that is a tiara. Tiaras are commonly worn at special events by royalty or as a costume accessory, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
Casual dining setting : BISTRO
"BISTRO" is the right solution because a bistro is a small, casual restaurant or bar. It is a popular setting for casual dining, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Chap : BUB
"Gent" is a shortened form of "gentleman," which is a synonym for "chap." Therefore, "GENT" is a suitable answer for the crossword clue "Chap."
Color similar to lilac : MAUVE
Mauve is a color that is similar to lilac in the purple color range, making it the right answer to the clue.
Court figure, informally : BALLER
"BALLER" is a slang term often used to describe someone who is skilled or successful in a particular field, such as basketball. In this case, "Court figure" can refer to a basketball player, so "BALLER" fits as the informal term for such a person.
Cries : CLAMORS
"CLAMORS" is the right solution because it means to cry out loudly or vehemently, matching the clue "Cries."
Female kangaroos : DOES
"Does" is the right answer because female kangaroos are called "does," similar to how female deer are called does.
Flotsam once in Boston Harbor : TEA CHEST
The Boston Tea Party involved throwing tea chests into the harbor as an act of protest, making "TEA CHEST" the right answer for the clue "Flotsam once in Boston Harbor."
Get down : MASTER
unknown
Give (out) : DOLE
The answer to "Give (out)" is "RATION" because ration means to distribute or give out in limited portions.
Give it a whirl! : ROTOR
The phrase "Give it a whirl" suggests trying something out, which is related to spinning or rotating, like a rotor does.
Good name for a last-minute planner? : EVE
The answer "EVE" is a good name for a last-minute planner because it refers to the day before an event, suggesting that the person is planning things at the last minute.
High winds? : OBOES
The answer "OBOES" is a play on words. "High winds" can refer to both strong winds and musical instruments. Oboes are a type of musical instrument, so it fits the clue.
Hot rods popular in the ’60s : GTOS
"GTOs" are hot rods popular in the '60s, specifically referring to the Pontiac GTO model which was a high-performance car that gained popularity during that era.
Hunger hyperbole : I COULD EAT A HORSE
"I COULD EAT A HORSE" is a phrase used as hyperbole to express extreme hunger, emphasizing that one is so hungry they could eat a large animal like a horse.
In, in the past : HEP
Interior secretary Haaland : DEB
The clue is asking for the name of the current Interior secretary Haaland. The answer is "DEB" which is short for Deb Haaland, who is the current Interior secretary of the United States.
It’s between the shoulders : ROAD
unknown
Jewelry gift for a 25th anniversary : SILVER BRACELET
The 25th anniversary is traditionally known as the silver anniversary, making a silver bracelet a fitting jewelry gift for this occasion.
LeAnn of country music : RIMES
The answer is "RIMES" because LeAnn Rimes is a well-known country music singer, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Like the homes of roughly one in six Americans : RURAL
The answer is "RURAL" because roughly one in six Americans live in rural areas, which are typically characterized by countryside and farmland.
Michael of “Saturday Night Live” : CHE
Nearing : TOWARD
"TOWARD" is the right solution for "Nearing" because "toward" indicates moving in the direction of something or approaching a particular point or situation.
Needle on a thread? : TROLL
Nonstop : ON END
"ON END" means continuously or without stopping. It is a common phrase used to describe something that is nonstop.
One of seven for Salome : VEIL
In the story of Salome, she famously requested the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter. In some versions of the story, Salome is depicted as wearing seven veils before performing the Dance of the Seven Veils. Therefore, "One of seven for Salome" refers to the veils she wore in the dance, making "VEIL" the correct answer.
Overextend : TAX
"Tax" can mean to overextend or strain something, such as resources or abilities. In this context, the word "tax" fits the clue "Overextend."
Person of integrity : MENSCH
MENSCH is a Yiddish term for a person of integrity or honor. It is commonly used to describe someone who is decent, upstanding, and trustworthy.
Pest control brand once touted by Muhammad Ali : D-CON
"D-CON" is the right solution because it is a pest control brand that was promoted by Muhammad Ali in the past.
Pill bug or wood louse : ISOPOD
The answer is "ISOPOD" because both "pill bug" and "wood louse" are common names for creatures belonging to the order Isopoda, which includes terrestrial and aquatic crustaceans with seven pairs of legs.
Practice squad? : Abbr.
The answer is "PS" because "Practice squad" is often abbreviated as "PS" in sports, especially in American football.
Pre-algebra class calculations : SLOPES
The answer "SLOPES" fits the clue "Pre-algebra class calculations" because in pre-algebra, students learn about calculating slopes in linear equations.
Secure : LAND
The answer "SAFE" fits the clue "Secure" because a safe is a secure place to keep valuable items.
Small part of a watch : STEM
The small part of a watch that is responsible for winding and setting the time is called the "stem." It is the correct answer to the clue because it fits the description of a small component that is essential for the functioning of a watch.
Some fishermen : EELERS
"Fishermen" in this clue refers to individuals who catch eels, so "EELERS" is the right answer as it specifically denotes people who fish for eels.
State capital dubbed the “Cherry City” : SALEM
Salem is the state capital of Oregon and is known as the "Cherry City" due to its historical importance in cherry agriculture.
Steal : LIFT
"LIFT" is a synonym for "steal" in informal language. In this context, "LIFT" means to take something without permission.
Student enrolled in courses like Contracts and Civil Procedures : ONE L
The answer "ONE L" refers to a law student, as law students typically take courses like Contracts and Civil Procedures.
Suffix with liquid : -ATE
The suffix "-ATE" is commonly added to words to form verbs, and "liquidate" is a word where the suffix is added to "liquid."
Swarm : TEEM
"Teem" is a synonym for "swarm," meaning to be full of or swarming with. In crossword puzzles, it's common for clues to be synonyms of the answer, making "TEEM" the correct solution for the clue "Swarm."
Terse denial : NOT I
The phrase "I DON’T!" is a terse denial because it is a short and direct way of expressing a negative response or disagreement.
The Jonas Brothers, e.g. : THREESOME
The U.N.’s smallest member : MONACO
Monaco is the answer because it is the smallest member of the United Nations in terms of both size and population.
Things going beyond your control? : SELF-DRIVING CARS
unknown
Things to settle : OLD SCORES
"OLD SCORES" fits the clue "Things to settle" because it refers to past grievances or disagreements that need to be resolved or settled.
Throw for six, informally : TD PASS
The answer "TD PASS" fits the clue because in football, a touchdown pass is informally referred to as a "TD pass," and it is worth six points.
Water ___, mammal dubbed the “cheetah of the wetlands” for its speed and stealth : SHREW
A shrew is a small mammal known for its agility and speed, hence being compared to the cheetah. It is also associated with water, as some species of shrews are semi-aquatic.
Welcome : SEE IN
"GREET" is the right solution because "welcome" is a common way to greet someone or show hospitality.
What some consume on a diet : LESS
The answer "LESS" fits the clue because when people are on a diet, they typically consume less food or fewer calories to achieve their weight loss goals.
What something unexpected might do : ARISE
"ARISE" is the right answer because something unexpected can arise, meaning to occur or appear suddenly or unexpectedly.
Word with door or dance : BARN …
The answer is "BARN." It can be combined with "door" to make "barndoor" or with "dance" to make "barndance," which are both common phrases.
World leader associated with the justicialism movement : PERON
Juan Perón was a world leader of Argentina who was associated with the justicialism movement, a political ideology in Argentina. Therefore, "PERON" is the correct answer to the clue.
Wreck : TOTAL
The word "total" can mean to completely wreck or destroy something, making it the right solution for the clue "Wreck."
___ Manette, woman in “A Tale of Two Cities” : LUCIE
Lucie Manette is a character in the novel "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. She is a central character who plays a significant role in the story. The clue "___ Manette, woman in 'A Tale of Two Cities'" is hinting at her first name, which is "LUCIE."
“A party? Count me in!” : I’M THERE! Down 1 “Wanna tell me more?”
The answer "I'M THERE" fits the clue "A party? Count me in!" because it expresses enthusiasm and willingness to attend the party. It conveys a sense of excitement and readiness to participate.
“Gosford Park” director, 2001 : ALTMAN
Robert Altman directed the film "Gosford Park" in 2001, making "ALTMAN" the correct answer for the clue.
“Herb” … or a lead-in to herb : POT
The word "pot" can refer to a cooking vessel for herbs, or it can be a lead-in to the word "pot" when referring to marijuana, which is sometimes called "herb."
“History is a set of ___ agreed upon” (remark attributed to Napoleon) : LIES
The answer "LIES" fits the clue because the quote suggests that history is often distorted or fabricated, implying that it may not always be entirely truthful.
“Just give it time” : WAIT A BIT
The answer "WAIT A BIT" fits the clue "Just give it time" because it suggests the idea of being patient and waiting for a short period.
“That’s what I just said!” : JINX!
When two people say the same thing at the same time, they can say "JINX!" as a playful response. It means that one person owes the other a soda or a favor.
“You guys STINK!,” e.g. : JEER
The word "JEER" means to make rude and mocking remarks, which fits the clue "You guys STINK!," as it suggests someone is insulting or mocking others.