Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 12 March 2025, Wednesday (03-12-25). 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.
Allow : LET
The answer "LET" is the right solution for the clue "Allow" because it means to give permission or to enable someone to do something.
Back talk : LIP
The word "sass" is slang for impudent or disrespectful talk. Therefore, "back talk" which means impudent or disrespectful replies, is a synonym for "sass".
Bigeye tuna : AHI
"AHI" is the right solution because it is a type of tuna known for its big eyes and is commonly used in sushi.
Birthplace of Halle Berry and Simone Biles : OHIO
Ohio is the birthplace of both Halle Berry and Simone Biles.
Boolean operators denoted by v-like symbols : ORS
The answer "ORS" is the right solution because Boolean operators denoted by v-like symbols are typically represented by the OR symbol, which stands for logical OR. Therefore, the abbreviation "ORS" corresponds to this concept in Boolean logic.
Classic arcade game in which characters can dunk at humanly impossible heights : NBA JAM
The answer "NBA JAM" fits because it is a classic arcade game known for its exaggerated and unrealistic basketball gameplay, allowing characters to perform dunks at heights that are humanly impossible.
Country that elected its first female P.M. in 2022 : ITALY
Italy is the right answer because it elected its first female Prime Minister, Maria Chiara Carrozza, in 2022.
Court : WOO
unknown
Cousin of a squadron : PLATOON
"PLATOON" is the right solution because a platoon is a military unit that is smaller than a squadron but larger than a section or squad. It is a group of soldiers typically composed of two or more squads.
Crazy, sexy or cool : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for "abbreviation," which indicates that the clue is looking for a shortened form of the words "crazy, sexy, or cool."
Curve on a score : SLUR
A "slur" is a curved line used in music notation to indicate that the notes it connects should be played smoothly without separation.
Ending with Smith or Barnard : EDU
The ending "EDU" can be found in the names of educational institutions like Smith College and Barnard College.
Exclamation before the 10th inning : IT’S A TIE!
The answer "IT’S A TIE!" fits the clue because in baseball, if the game is tied at the end of the 9th inning, it goes into the 10th inning. Players and fans might exclaim "IT’S A TIE!" in anticipation of the extra inning.
FaceID or TouchID : PASSKEY
Facets : ASPECTS
The word "facets" means different sides or aspects of something. "ASPECTS" is a synonym for facets, making it the correct answer.
Folk song figure who is implored not to cry : SUSANNA
The folk song "Oh! Susanna" includes the lyrics "Oh! Susanna, don't you cry for me." Therefore, the figure in the folk song who is implored not to cry is SUSANNA.
Freebie at most American diners : REFILL
The answer "REFILL" fits the clue because at most American diners, you can often get a free refill on your drink, such as coffee or soda.
Gabriel García Márquez’s “Love in the Time of ___” : CHOLERA
The answer is "CHOLERA" because the full title of Gabriel García Márquez's novel is "Love in the Time of Cholera."
German article : DER
In German language, "das" is a definite article which is used for neuter gender nouns. Therefore, "das" is the correct answer for the clue "German article".
Globular regalia : ORBS
The word "ORBS" is a synonym for globular objects, and "regalia" can refer to royal symbols or emblems, which can be represented by orbs.
Grammy’s Album of the Year winner for 2024’s “Cowboy Carter” : BEYONCE
unknown
Greek goddess whose namesake NASA mission plans to land the first female astronaut on the moon : ARTEMIS
Artemis is the Greek goddess of the moon, making her the perfect namesake for a NASA mission planning to land the first female astronaut on the moon.
Hate, hate, hate! : ABHOR
The word "abhor" means to regard with disgust or hatred, which fits the clue "Hate, hate, hate!" perfectly.
Heidi Klum, for one : MODEL
Heidi Klum is known for being a model in the fashion industry, so the answer "MODEL" fits the clue.
High-traffic hosp. areas : ERS
The answer "ERS" stands for Emergency Rooms, which are known to be high-traffic areas in hospitals.
Hullaballoo : ADO
"ADO" is a synonym for "hullabaloo" or commotion, making it the right solution for the clue.
Important info for an airport pickup, informally : ETA
The answer "ETA" stands for Estimated Time of Arrival, which is important information for someone picking up a passenger at an airport to know when to expect their arrival.
Kid-lit character with telekinetic abilities : MATILDA
Matilda is the correct answer because she is a well-known character from children's literature created by Roald Dahl who possesses telekinetic abilities, allowing her to move objects with her mind.
Kinsey scale rating for someone equally attracted to men and women : THREE
The Kinsey scale rates sexual orientation on a scale from 0 to 6, with 0 being exclusively heterosexual and 6 being exclusively homosexual. A rating of 3 indicates being equally attracted to both men and women.
Lager alternative : ALE
ALE is the right solution because it is a type of beer that is commonly consumed as an alternative to lager.
Leatherworker’s tool : AWL
The answer "AWL" is the right solution because an awl is a sharp-pointed tool used by leatherworkers to make holes in leather or to mark it for stitching.
Like plump peaches, typically : RIPE Down 1 Poker declaration
The answer to "Like plump peaches, typically" is "RIPE" because ripe is a common characteristic of plump peaches. The answer to "Poker declaration" is "CALL" because in poker, a player can declare "call" to match the previous bet and continue playing.
Mall stall : KIOSK
A "kiosk" is a small stall or shop typically found in a mall, making it the correct answer for the clue "Mall stall."
Marché de ___ (French yuletide market) : NOEL
"Marché de ___" translates to "market of ___" in English. Since the clue mentions "French yuletide market," the missing word is likely a French word associated with Christmas. "Noel" is a French word that means Christmas, making it the correct answer.
Mocking comments, maybe : SNARK
"SNARK" is the right solution because it is a term often used to describe sarcastic or mocking comments made with the intention of being critical or mocking.
Musical notes : TONES
"Musical notes" can be referred to as "tones" in the world of music. In music theory, tones are the sounds that make up a musical scale.
Nemesis : FOE
"SCOURGE" is often used to refer to a person or thing that causes great trouble or suffering, which aligns with the concept of a nemesis, an archenemy or rival. Both words convey a sense of someone or something that brings about difficulty or harm.
Never ever ever : NOHOW
The answer "NOHOW" is a synonym for "never ever ever" in informal language, meaning "in no way or manner." It fits the clue perfectly.
Obsolescent data storage options : CD-ROMS
CD-ROMs are considered obsolescent data storage options because they were widely used in the past but have been largely replaced by newer technologies like cloud storage and USB drives.
Paint sometimes made with egg yolk : TEMPERA
"Tempera" is a type of paint that is traditionally made by mixing pigments with a binder such as egg yolk. This makes it a suitable answer for the clue "Paint sometimes made with egg yolk."
Parodia and peyote, for two : CACTI
The clue mentions "Parodia and peyote," which are both types of cacti. Therefore, the answer "CACTI" is the right solution as it is the plural form of "cactus."
Part of the Hagia Sophia with a celebrated mosaic of Mary and child : APSE
The apse is a semicircular or polygonal projection at the east end of a church, where the altar is typically located. The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul has a famous mosaic of Mary and child located in the apse, making "APSE" the correct answer.
Perform a classic magic trick that’s depicted figuratively in this grid? : SAW A WOMAN IN HALF
The answer "SAW A WOMAN IN HALF" fits the clue because the letters "SAW" are split between the words "WOMAN" and "IN" in the grid, representing the classic magic trick where a woman is sawed in half.
Place to buy a toy for a toy : PETCO
Poetic preposition : O’ER
The answer to "Poetic preposition" is "ERE" because it is a poetic and archaic way of saying "before" or "prior to."
Prefix with -phyte : NEO-
The prefix "neo-" means new or recent. In the context of the clue, "-phyte" refers to a plant or organism. Therefore, "prefix with -phyte" indicates that we need a prefix that can be attached to the word "phyte" to create a new or recent plant or organism. The correct answer is "NEO-" because it fits this definition.
Professional in risk assessment : ACTUARY
An actuary is a professional who assesses and manages risks, particularly in the insurance and financial industries. They use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze potential risks and help businesses make informed decisions.
Ruse : PLOY
The word "ploy" means a cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage. It is synonymous with "ruse," which means a trick or deception. Therefore, "ploy" is the right answer to the clue "Ruse."
Show visible disdain : SCOWL
"SCOWL" is the right solution because a scowl is a facial expression that shows visible disdain or displeasure. It is a recognizable expression that conveys annoyance or anger.
Someone with a burning desire : PYRO
PYRO is the right solution because someone with a burning desire can be referred to as a pyromaniac, which is someone who has a compulsion to set things on fire. The term "pyro" is a shortened form of pyromaniac.
Sprinkled with seasoning, in Italian : SALATA
"Sprinkled with seasoning" in Italian is "salata," which means seasoned or salted. In this context, "salata" fits the clue as it describes something that has been seasoned.
Sticky stuff : SAP
The word "GOOP" is a colloquial term used to describe sticky substances or gooey materials. It fits perfectly with the clue "Sticky stuff" as it is a concise and commonly understood answer.
Surrey town known for its salt : EPSOM
The Surrey town known for its salt is "EPSOM" because Epsom is famous for its Epsom salts, which are a mineral compound often used for medicinal purposes and in bath products.
Swab : MOP
unknown
Take off : SOAR
"FLEE" means to run away or escape, which is a synonym for "take off" in the sense of leaving quickly.
Target of a military hunt : AWOL
"AWOL" stands for "absent without leave," which is a term used in the military to describe someone who is not present at their designated location without permission. So, someone who is the target of a military hunt might be AWOL.
The Wicked Witch of the West, in “Wicked” : ELPHABA
Elphaba is the name of the character who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West in the novel "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire, which serves as a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz."
Tool to unlock most modern cars : FOB
The answer "FOB" is the right solution because a fob is a small electronic device used to unlock and lock a car remotely.
Traffic cone : PYLON
"Pylon" is another term for a traffic cone, often used to redirect traffic or mark off construction zones. It is a common synonym for traffic cone in crosswords.
TV series whose name is shown on a vanity license plate in its opening sequence : LA LAW
"LA LAW" is the right solution because in the opening sequence of the TV series, the name "LA LAW" is shown on a vanity license plate. This visual clue directly corresponds to the answer.
Unavailable, as a doctor : NOT IN
The answer "NOT IN" fits the clue because when a doctor is unavailable, they are "not in" their office or available to see patients.
Uncomplicated : CLEAR
"Clear" is the right solution for "Uncomplicated" because something that is clear is easy to understand or see, making it straightforward and uncomplicated.
Wear down : ERODE
"Erode" means to gradually wear away or deteriorate through natural processes, such as water or wind. Therefore, it fits the clue "Wear down."
What an apartment may be converted into : CONDO
The answer "CONDO" fits the clue because an apartment can be converted into a condominium, which is a type of housing where individuals own their units but also share ownership of common areas.
Yarn spinner’s tool : SPOOL
A spool is a tool that holds yarn or thread, making it the right answer for "Yarn spinner's tool."
Yoga pants fabric : LYCRA
The answer "LYCRA" is the right solution because it is a common fabric used in yoga pants for its stretchiness and comfort.
__-ops : PSY
The term "__-ops" is used in psychology to refer to mental processes or activities. The answer "PSY" is short for psychology, making it a fitting solution for this clue.
___ America, network behind “Killing Eve” : BBC
BBC is the network behind the TV show "Killing Eve." The clue is asking for the network name, and BBC fits perfectly.
___ voce (musical notation meaning “soft voice”) : SOTTO
The answer "SOTTO" is the right solution because "sotto voce" is an Italian musical term that means "soft voice." In Italian, "sotto" translates to "under" or "below," so "sotto voce" literally means "under the voice," indicating a quiet or subdued vocal delivery.
“Bearded” flower : IRIS
The answer "IRIS" fits the clue "‘Bearded’ flower" because the iris flower has a fuzzy, beard-like structure called the "beard" that grows on the falls of the flower.
“Brand New Key” singer, 1971 : MELANIE
Melanie is the singer of the song "Brand New Key" which was released in 1971, making her the correct answer to the clue.
“Drink up!” : PROST!
"Prost" is a German word that is commonly used as a toast when clinking glasses together. It is equivalent to saying "Cheers!" in English.
“You win!” : I LOSE!
The clue is a trick question, as "You win" typically implies a positive outcome. However, the answer "ILOSE" is a play on words, meaning that the letters "I" and "LOSE" are present in the phrase "You win."
“__ be my honor” : IT’D
The answer "IT’D" is short for "It would," completing the phrase "It would be my honor."