Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 12 March 2024, Tuesday (03-12-24). 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 kind of poem / Found within this crossword clue / Serendipity : HAIKU
The answer is "HAIKU" because a haiku is a type of poem that consists of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern, making it a perfect fit for the clue "A kind of poem / Found within this crossword clue / Serendipity".
A ways away : AFAR
"AFAR" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "a ways away," indicating a distance or space between two points.
Accessory that may denote military rank : SASH
The answer "SASH" is the right solution because a sash is a decorative band worn around the waist or over the shoulder, often used to denote military rank or honor.
Amorphous shape : BLOB
"BLOB" is the right solution because it is a commonly used term to describe a shapeless or amorphous mass or form. It fits the clue perfectly.
Anonymous creator of a painting sold at auction that subsequently shredded itself : BANKSY
Banksy is an anonymous street artist known for his provocative and politically charged art. He created a painting called "Girl with a Balloon" which was sold at auction and immediately shredded itself after the gavel went down, making headlines worldwide. This incident is why Banksy is the correct answer for this clue.
Apt anagram of “yea” : AYE
The word "AYE" is an anagram of "yea" as it contains the same letters rearranged in a different order.
A♭? : APARTMENT (a flat)
The clue "A♭?" is a play on words, hinting at the musical note A♭ which sounds like "a flat." The answer "APARTMENT" fits the wordplay as it means a flat or a place to live.
Berry rich in antioxidants (and vowels) : ACAI
The answer "ACAI" fits because acai is a berry that is known for being rich in antioxidants, and it also contains all the vowels (A, E, I, O, U).
Big name in nail polish : OPI
OPI is a well-known brand in the nail polish industry, making it a big name in nail polish.
Blanc who was known as “The Man of a Thousand Voices” : MEL
Mel Blanc was a voice actor known for his work in many animated films and TV shows, providing voices for numerous characters. He was often referred to as "The Man of a Thousand Voices," making "MEL" the correct answer for this clue.
Botanical climber : VINE
"VINE" is the right solution because it is a plant that climbs or trails along the ground or other surfaces using its slender, flexible stems.
B♭? : LIE DOWN (be flat)
"LIE DOWN" is a phrase that means "be flat," which is a play on words for the musical notation B♭, which stands for B flat. This makes "LIE DOWN" the correct answer to the clue "B♭?"
B♯? : LOOK ALIVE (be sharp)
The answer "LOOK ALIVE (be sharp)" is the right solution because in music notation, B♯ is the same as C. So, "be sharp" is a clue to indicate that B♯ is equivalent to C, and "LOOK ALIVE" is a phrase that means to be sharp or alert.
Categorize : ASSORT
The word "assort" means to categorize or arrange into groups based on similarities. It fits the clue "Categorize" because it conveys the idea of sorting items into different categories.
Cereal crop : OATS
"OATS" is a cereal crop commonly grown for its seeds, which are used for human consumption and livestock feed. It is a popular breakfast food and is often used in baking as well.
City ___ (place for a population sign) : LIMITS
The term "City Limits" refers to the boundaries of a city where the population sign is typically located. Therefore, the answer "LIMITS" fits the clue "City ___ (place for a population sign)" because it directly relates to the location of the sign within the city.
Corroded : ATE AT
"Corroded" is a verb that means to gradually wear away or deteriorate. "Ate at" is a phrase that can be used to describe something slowly deteriorating or being eroded, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Daily record : LOG
"Log" can refer to a daily record or journal, where events or activities are recorded chronologically. It is a common term used in various contexts to denote a written record of daily occurrences.
Deep chasm : ABYSS
The word "abyss" refers to a deep chasm or a vast expanse, making it the correct answer for the clue "Deep chasm."
Discontinue : DROP
The word "DROP" can mean to discontinue or cease something, like dropping a project or dropping a subscription.
Double Dutch equipment : ROPES
The answer "ROPES" fits the clue "Double Dutch equipment" because in the game of Double Dutch, two ropes are used for players to jump over.
Dudes : GUYS Down 1 Field of play?
The word "dudes" is a casual term referring to males, so the answer "MEN" fits perfectly as it is a synonym for males.
Each : A POP
The word "per" is often used to indicate "each" or "for each" in various contexts. In crossword puzzles, "per" is a common abbreviation that fits the clue "Each" perfectly.
E♯? : TECH SAVVY (“e” sharp)
The answer "TECH SAVVY" fits the clue "E♯?" because the letter "e" is sharp in music notation, and the phrase "TECH SAVVY" includes the word "e" with a sharp symbol, making it a clever play on words.
Feeling the need to scratch : ITCHY
The answer "ITCHY" fits the clue "Feeling the need to scratch" because when something feels itchy, you typically have the urge to scratch that area of your body.
Fictional land ruled by Aslan : NARNIA
"NARNIA" is the right solution because it is a fictional land created by author C.S. Lewis in "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, where the character Aslan is a powerful and wise lion who rules over the land.
Fills with delight : ELATES
"Elate" means to fill with delight or happiness. In this case, "Fills with delight" is a clue that indicates the answer should be a word with a similar meaning, making "ELATES" the correct solution.
Flik and Dot, in “A Bug’s Life” : ANTS
The answer "ANTS" fits the clue because Flik and Dot are both characters in the movie "A Bug's Life," which is about ants.
Fluctuate wildly : YO-YO
The answer "YO-YO" is a word that can mean to fluctuate wildly, like the motion of a yo-yo going up and down repeatedly.
Follow a composer’s notation … or a hint to interpreting four clues in this puzzle : READ MUSIC
The answer "READ MUSIC" is the right solution because it means to interpret musical notations, and in this puzzle, it hints at interpreting four clues by following the musical notation theme.
Gave the go-ahead : OK’ED
The answer "OK’ED" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "approved" or "gave the go-ahead."
Give lip to : SASS
"SASS" is the right answer because "Give lip to" is a colloquial way of saying to talk back or be disrespectful, which is often referred to as "sassing" someone.
Hamperful : LOAD
"Hamperful" is a clue for a large amount of something that can be carried or transported in a hamper. "LOAD" fits the definition as it refers to a large quantity of items that can be contained in a hamper, making it the correct solution.
High-end Honda : ACURA
ACURA is the luxury vehicle division of Honda, making it a high-end brand under the Honda umbrella.
Kind of cord or column : SPINAL
The answer "SPINAL" fits the clue "Kind of cord or column" because the spinal cord is a type of cord in the human body and the spinal column is another term for the backbone, which is a type of column.
Lanai neckwear : LEIS
The answer "LEIS" is the right solution because leis are traditional Hawaiian necklaces made of flowers or leaves, often worn on the lanai, which is a type of porch or veranda in Hawaii.
Liquid-ate? : MELT
This is a play on words where "Liquid-ate" hints at something becoming liquid. When something melts, it turns into a liquid, making "MELT" the correct answer.
Make do : COPE
The answer "MANAGE" fits the clue "Make do" because it is a verb that means to handle or cope with a situation. It can be broken down into "MAN" (referring to a person) and "AGE" (referring to the passage of time). Therefore, "MANAGE" is the right solution for the clue.
Mother of Kim, Kylie and Kourtney : KRIS
The answer is "KRIS" because Kris Jenner is the mother of Kim, Kylie, and Kourtney Kardashian.
Naughty : BAD
"TSK TSK!" is an expression typically used to scold someone for being naughty or misbehaving. It fits the clue "Naughty!" as it is a common response to such behavior.
Never Have I ___ (party game) : EVER
The phrase "Never Have I Ever" is a popular party game where players admit things they have never done. The missing word in the clue completes the title of the game, making the answer "EVER."
Not playing any songs, as a radio station : ALL TALK
The answer "ALL TALK" fits because a radio station that is not playing any songs would be focusing on talk shows or discussions instead of music.
Occasion for blowing out candles, informally : B’DAY
The answer "B'DAY" is a short form of the word "birthday," which is an occasion where candles are typically blown out on a cake.
Offering from the miller or the cook, in Chaucer : TALE
In Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," the characters, including the miller and the cook, tell stories or "tales" as part of a storytelling competition. This is why the answer to the clue is "TALE."
Pancakes sometimes served with caviar : BLINI
BLINI is the right answer because it is a type of small Russian pancake that is often served with caviar as a traditional dish.
Pay-___-view : PER
The term "Pay-Per-View" is commonly abbreviated as "PPV", with "Per" being the abbreviated form of "Per" in this context.
Persian honorific : AGHA
The word "AGHA" is a Persian honorific title used to address a person of high rank or authority.
Quick kisses : PECKS
The answer "PECKS" fits the clue "Quick kisses" because a peck is a quick, light kiss typically on the lips.
Racetrack shapes : OVALS
"OVALS" is the right solution because racetracks are commonly designed in an elongated circle or oval shape to allow for continuous racing without sharp turns.
Reply to “Grazie” : PREGO
"PREGO" is the Italian word for "you're welcome," commonly used as a reply to "Grazie," which means "thank you" in Italian.
Rocker Lavigne : AVRIL
The answer "AVRIL" is the right solution because "Rocker Lavigne" refers to Avril Lavigne, a Canadian singer known for her rock music.
Shakespearean “Tsk!” : FIE!
"FIE!" is a Shakespearean expression used to show disapproval or disgust, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Shakespearean 'Tsk!'"
Show stoppers? : ADS
"Show stoppers?" is a play on words that suggests the answer is related to advertisements, which can interrupt or "stop" a TV show or program. Therefore, "ADS" is the right solution.
Skewered meat dish : SATAY
"Satay" is a skewered meat dish that is popular in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. It is typically made with marinated and grilled meat, often served with a peanut sauce. The clue "Skewered meat dish" fits the answer "SATAY" perfectly.
Skilled performer : ARTISTE
"Artiste" is a term often used to refer to a skilled performer, especially in the entertainment industry. It can apply to various types of performers, such as actors, singers, or dancers.
Skydiving or a ride on a roller coaster : THRILL
The answer "THRILL" fits the clue because both skydiving and riding a roller coaster are activities that provide a sense of excitement and adrenaline, which are commonly associated with the word "thrill."
Smallest bit : IOTA
The word "iota" is often used to mean the smallest or least amount possible. It is derived from the Greek alphabet, where "iota" is the smallest letter.
Smallest unit of purchasing power, in an idiom : RED CENT
The term "red cent" is an idiom that refers to a unit of currency, specifically the smallest denomination of money in the United States. It is often used to emphasize that something is of little or no value.
Speak one’s mind : OPINE
"Speak one's mind" means to express one's opinion openly and honestly. The word "opine" means to hold or express an opinion, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Start of a spell : ABRA-
The word "ABRA" is often used as the start of a magic spell or incantation in popular culture, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Start of a spell" in a crossword puzzle.
Tends to an overgrown garden : WEEDS
The answer "WEEDS" fits the clue because tending to an overgrown garden often involves removing weeds, which are unwanted plants that can overtake a garden.
The “V” of V.P. : VICE
The "V" in V.P. stands for Vice President, so the answer is "VICE."
Tries not to be found : HIDES
The answer "HIDES" fits the clue "Tries not to be found" because when someone hides, they are attempting to stay out of sight or avoid being discovered.
Wander : ROVE
The word "roam" means to move around without any specific destination or purpose, which is synonymous with the word "wander". Therefore, "roam" is the right answer to the clue "wander".
Where visitors take photos pretending to hold up a landmark : PISA
The answer "PISA" is correct because visitors often take photos pretending to hold up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a famous landmark in Italy known for its tilt.
Whole host : SLEW
The word "slew" can mean a large number or quantity of something, which fits the clue "whole host" well.
Winter Olympics facility : ICE RINK
The answer "ICE RINK" fits the clue "Winter Olympics facility" because ice rinks are commonly used for ice sports like figure skating and ice hockey, which are events in the Winter Olympics.
X–III : VII
The Roman numeral X represents 10, and III represents 3. When you subtract 3 from 10, you get 7, which is represented by the Roman numeral VII.
___ cake (dessert with a liquid chocolate core) : LAVA
The answer "LAVA" fits because a lava cake is a dessert with a soft, liquid chocolate center that oozes out when cut into, resembling flowing lava.
“Hello,” in Mandarin : NI HAO
"NI HAO" is the right solution because it is a common way to say "hello" in Mandarin Chinese. It consists of two characters, "ni" meaning "you" and "hao" meaning "good," together forming the greeting "hello."
“Hi,” in Lanai : ALOHA
The answer is "ALOHA" because "ALOHA" is a common Hawaiian greeting, and Lanai is one of the Hawaiian Islands.
“Sheesh!” : OY VEY!
"OY VEY!" is an exclamation of exasperation or dismay, similar in meaning to "Sheesh!" It is commonly used in Yiddish and Jewish-American English, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
“Victory is mine!” : I WIN!
The answer "I WIN!" fits the clue "Victory is mine!" because "I WIN!" is a common phrase used to declare victory or success.
“Winning ___ everything” : ISN’T
The phrase "Winning isn't everything" is a common saying that emphasizes the importance of participation and effort rather than just winning. The answer "ISNT" is the contraction of "is not" and accurately completes the phrase.
“You can say that again!” : AND HOW!
"AND HOW!" is a colloquial phrase used to strongly agree with something that has been said, emphasizing the speaker's agreement or enthusiasm. It is often used in response to a statement that the listener strongly agrees with, making it a fitting response to "You can say that again!" as it conveys a strong sense of agreement or affirmation.