Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 13 March 2024, Wednesday (03-13-24). 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.
American ___ : SAMOA
The American Elm is a type of tree that is native to North America and is known for its tall, vase-like shape and its ability to tolerate a wide range of soil and environmental conditions. It is often used as a shade tree in parks and along streets.
Amount at stake : WAGER
"WAGER" is the right solution because a wager is the amount of money or something else of value that is risked on the outcome of a particular event or situation.
Best Actor nominee for “12 Years a Slave” : CHIWETEL EJIOFOR
Chiwetel Ejiofor was indeed a Best Actor nominee for his role in the film "12 Years a Slave."
Biblical verb ending : -ETH
The answer "-ETH" is the correct solution because it is a common verb ending in the King James Version of the Bible, indicating third person singular present tense.
Circuitry units : AMPS
The term "AMPS" is a common abbreviation for amperes, which are units used to measure electric current in circuitry.
City with 40 islands and nearly 350 lakes within its limits : OSLO
Oslo is the capital of Norway and is known for being a city with 40 islands and nearly 350 lakes within its limits. This unique geographical feature makes Oslo the correct answer to the clue.
Close call : SCARE
The answer "SCARE" fits the clue "Close call" because a scare is a sudden feeling of fear or alarm, which can happen in a situation that is a close call or near miss.
Cosmetics mogul Lauder : ESTEE
The clue mentions "Cosmetics mogul Lauder", and the answer is "ESTEE" because Estee Lauder was a famous businesswoman who founded the Estee Lauder Companies, a cosmetics empire.
Dampens : WETS
"WETS" is the right answer because it is a synonym for dampening or making something moist.
Derrières : REARS
"Derrières" is a synonym for "rears," which refers to the back part of something, usually used to describe the buttocks or hindquarters of a person or animal.
Destination for scuba divers : REEF
The answer "REEF" is a common destination for scuba divers as reefs are underwater ecosystems known for their biodiversity and vibrant marine life, making them popular spots for diving.
Doesn’t hesitate : ACTS
"Doesn't hesitate" is a clue for a word that means taking action promptly without delay. The word "ACTS" fits this description as it means to take action, making it the right solution for the clue.
Doorway feature : JAMB
The answer "JAMB" is correct because a jamb is the vertical part of a doorway that surrounds and supports the door.
Eel, at a sushi restaurant : UNAGI
The answer "UNAGI" is the right solution because it is a type of eel commonly served at sushi restaurants.
Ending with lime or orange : -ADE
The answer "-ADE" completes words like "limeade" and "orangeade," which are drinks made from lime or orange juice.
Escape : EVADE
"EVADE" is a synonym for escape, meaning to avoid or get away from something or someone.
Eve who wrote “The Vagina Monologues” : ENSLER
"Eve who wrote 'The Vagina Monologues'" is a specific clue that refers to playwright and activist Eve Ensler, who is known for writing the acclaimed play. The answer "ENSLER" fits the clue perfectly.
Famed art patron Henry : TATE
TATE is the answer because Henry Tate was a well-known art patron who founded the Tate Gallery in London.
Flag-waver’s specialty : SEMAPHORE
The answer "SEMAPHORE" fits because semaphore is a system of sending messages using visual signals, often involving waving flags.
Garbage : WASTE
"WASTE" is synonymous with "garbage," as both refer to unwanted or discarded materials. In a crossword puzzle, answers are often chosen for their similarity in meaning to the clue, making "WASTE" a fitting solution for "Garbage."
Go full ___ (make a big deal of things, in modern slang) : DIVA
The phrase "go full diva" means to act in an overly dramatic or self-important manner, making a big deal out of things. A diva is typically known for their dramatic behavior and high-maintenance attitude, so "DIVA" is the right answer for this clue.
Houston N.F.L. player : TEXAN
The Houston NFL team is called the Texans, making "TEXAN" the right answer.
Hung loosely : DRAPED
The word "DRAPED" means hung loosely, often used to describe fabric or clothing hanging in a loose or relaxed manner.
Huntsville’s home : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, and Huntsville is commonly abbreviated as "Hsv" or "AL" for Alabama.
In an unprecedented manner : AS NEVER BEFORE
The answer "AS NEVER BEFORE" fits the clue "In an unprecedented manner" because it means in a way that has never happened or been seen before.
Jeff Bridges’s “Big Lebowski” stoner role, familiarly : THE DUDE
The answer is "THE DUDE" because Jeff Bridges's character in "The Big Lebowski" is famously known as "The Dude."
Kind of school : MED
"Kind of school" is a common crossword clue that often refers to a medical school, which is abbreviated as "MED."
Listing near a museum door, perhaps : DONOR
The answer "DONOR" fits because a listing near a museum door could be a list of people who have made donations to the museum, making them donors.
Literary character who cries “You’re glumping the pond where the Humming-Fish hummed!” : LORAX
The character who says the quote provided is the Lorax from Dr. Seuss's book "The Lorax." The quote references the Lorax's concern for the environment and the creatures that live in it.
Lyric poet from Lesbos : SAPPHO
Sappho was a lyric poet from the island of Lesbos in ancient Greece, known for her poems about love and desire. The clue "Lyric poet from Lesbos" directly refers to Sappho, making "SAPPHO" the correct answer.
Make amends : ATONE
The word "ATONE" means to make amends or to make up for a wrongdoing. It is the right solution because it directly fits the clue "Make amends."
Manhattan hoops venue, in brief : MSG
The answer "MSG" stands for Madison Square Garden, a famous sports and entertainment arena in Manhattan.
March Madness component that’s a phonetic hint to 18-, 23-, 38- and 50- : FINAL FOUR
The answer "FINAL FOUR" is the right solution because it is a phonetic hint to the four theme answers in the crossword grid that are related to March Madness.
Memo heading : IN RE
The abbreviation "INRE" stands for "in re", which is Latin for "in the matter of". It is commonly used in legal contexts to indicate the subject or title of a document or memo. Therefore, "Memo heading" can be appropriately clued with "INRE".
N.B.A. great nicknamed “Diesel” : O’NEAL
Shaquille O'Neal, a former N.B.A. player, is commonly known by the nickname "Diesel." Therefore, the answer to the clue "N.B.A. great nicknamed 'Diesel'" is "O'NEAL."
Overhead features on sports cars : MOONROOFS
The answer "MOONROOFS" fits the clue "Overhead features on sports cars" because moonroofs are a common feature in sports cars that provide a view of the sky and can be opened for fresh air and sunlight.
Played the role of : WAS
"WAS" is the right answer because it is the past tense of the verb "to be," which is often used in the context of acting to indicate that someone portrayed a character in a performance.
Practice piece : ETUDE
"Etude" is a musical composition designed to improve a musician's technique. In this context, a "practice piece" often refers to an etude, making "ETUDE" the correct answer.
Screenwriter Ephron : NORA
Nora Ephron was a well-known screenwriter in Hollywood, known for writing popular films such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle." Therefore, the answer to "Screenwriter Ephron" is "NORA" as it refers to Nora Ephron.
Sealy competitor : SERTA
"SERTA" is the right solution because Sealy and Serta are both popular mattress brands, making them competitors in the market.
Sensation on a roller coaster : G-FORCE
The answer "G-FORCE" is the right solution because it refers to the force experienced during changes in speed or direction, such as on a roller coaster.
Several : A FEW
"A FEW" is the right solution because "several" means more than two but not many, and "a few" fits this description perfectly.
Sights at overnight rest stops : SEMIS
The answer "SEMIS" fits because semitrailer trucks, often called semis, are commonly seen at overnight rest stops.
Some traffic directors : CONES
The answer "CONES" fits because traffic directors can be physical objects used to direct traffic, like traffic cones.
Sound of a roar, maybe : VROOM!
The clue "Sound of a roar, maybe" suggests a loud, powerful noise often associated with a revving engine, which is commonly represented as "VROOM!" in onomatopoeia.
Southwestern wolf : LOBO
LOBO is the Spanish word for wolf, and it specifically refers to a type of wolf found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Stood on hind legs, with “up” : RARED …
The answer "RARED" fits the clue because "stood on hind legs" implies rearing up, and adding "up" emphasizes the upward motion, making "RARED" the correct answer.
Suddenly encounters trouble : HITS A SNAG
The phrase "HITS A SNAG" means to suddenly encounter a problem or obstacle. In this case, the word "HITS" implies a sudden action, while "SNAG" refers to an unexpected difficulty or complication.
Unworthy of debate : MOOT
The answer "MOOT" fits because something that is moot is not worth debating or discussing further.
Variety of Indian tea : CHAI
"Chai" is a variety of Indian tea commonly made with a mixture of spices, milk, and sugar, giving it a unique and flavorful taste. It is a popular drink in India and around the world, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Visibly in awe : AGAPE
AGAPE is the right answer because "agape" is a word that means being in a state of wonder or amazement, which fits the clue "visibly in awe."
Walk loudly : TROMP
"TROMP" is the right solution because it is a synonym for walking loudly or heavily, typically with a stomping sound.
Web attachments? : INSECTS
The clue "Web attachments?" is a play on words, suggesting that "attachments" on a web could be "INSECTS" that are attached to a spider's web.
What some online blockers block : ADS
The answer "ADS" fits the clue "What some online blockers block" because online blockers, such as ad blockers, are specifically designed to block advertisements or ads from appearing on websites.
What the stone is in a stone fruit : SEED
The stone in a stone fruit is the seed because it is the inner, hard, and usually large part of the fruit that contains the seed.
Whatever floats your boat! : SEA
"SEA" is the right solution because the phrase "Whatever floats your boat" is a saying that means do what makes you happy or what works best for you, and boats float on the sea.
What’s needed for a “Who’s on First?” routine : DUO
The answer "DUO" is the right solution because a "Who's on First?" routine typically involves two performers, making it a duo act.
Wide-awake : ALERT
The word "alert" means being fully awake and attentive, making it a synonym for "wide-awake."
Word with soul or sob : … SISTER
The word that can follow both "soul" and "sob" to form common phrases is "SISTER." It creates the phrases "soul sister" and "sob sister."
Work whose name comes from the Greek for “sing” : ODE
The word "ode" comes from the Greek word "aeidein," which means "to sing." Odes are a form of lyrical poetry meant to be sung or chanted.
[That’s hilarious!] : SNORT
The word "SNORT" is often used to describe a loud, amused sound made by someone who finds something funny. This fits the clue "[That's hilarious!]" as it suggests a reaction of amusement or laughter.
___ Miss : OLE
"___ Miss" is a common expression used to show enthusiasm or support, often associated with Spanish-speaking cultures. "Ole" is a Spanish interjection used in this context, making it the right solution.
“Anything ___?” : ELSE Down 1 Variety of Indian tea
The answer to "Variety of Indian tea" is "ELSE" because "Else" is a variety of Indian tea known for its unique flavor and aroma.
“Darn!,” in Germany : ACH!
The word "ACH" is a common expression in Germany used to express disappointment or frustration, similar to saying "Darn!" in English.
“Interwebs” : NET
The term "Interwebs" is a playful slang term for the internet, and "NET" is a common abbreviation for the internet or network. Therefore, "NET" is the right solution for the clue "Interwebs."
“My ___” (“Put your money away”) : TREAT
The answer "TREAT" fits the clue because when someone says "My treat," it means they will pay for something, prompting the other person to put their money away.
“O,” in W.W. II radio lingo : OBOE
"OBOE" is the answer because in World War II radio lingo, the phonetic alphabet was used to represent letters. In this case, "O" is represented by "OBOE" in the phonetic alphabet.
“Sex and the City” actress ___ Jessica Parker : SARAH
The answer is "SARAH" because the actress's first name is Sarah Jessica Parker.
“The Simpsons” neighbor : NED
NED Flanders is the neighbor of the Simpson family in the TV show "The Simpsons." The clue is hinting at a character from the show, and NED fits the description.
“Vivat ___!” (“Long live the king!”) : REX
"REX" is the Latin word for "king," so it fits the clue "Vivat ___!” which is a Latin phrase meaning "Long live the king!"
“When the going gets tough, the early bird gets the worm,” e.g. : MIXED METAPHOR
The clue is a play on the common saying "the early bird catches the worm," which is a metaphor about the benefits of being proactive. "Mixed metaphor" refers to the use of two or more inconsistent metaphors in a single expression, making it the right answer.
“Why are you in such a rush?” : SO SOON?
The answer "SO SOON?" fits the clue "Why are you in such a rush?" because it is a common phrase used to question someone's haste or impatience.
“___ Lang Syne” : AULD
The answer is "AULD" because "Auld Lang Syne" is a traditional Scottish song often sung at New Year's Eve celebrations. "Auld" means old or long-standing in Scottish dialect.