Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 18 March 2024, Monday (03-18-24). 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.
1960s activist Hoffman : ABBIE
Abbie Hoffman was a well-known activist in the 1960s, making "ABBIE" the right answer to the clue.
Abruptly leave, as a lover : JILT
"JILT" means to suddenly and unkindly end a romantic relationship, which fits the clue "Abruptly leave, as a lover."
Accompany : ESCORT
"Accompany" is a synonym for "escort," which means to go with someone as a companion or guide.
Airport rental : CAR
The answer "CAR" fits the clue "Airport rental" because when people arrive at an airport, they often rent a car to use during their stay at their destination.
App connecting riders with drivers : UBER
UBER is a popular app that connects riders with drivers for transportation services, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Arrange some video clips, e.g. : EDIT
The answer "EDIT" is the right solution because when you arrange video clips, you typically edit them to put them in the desired order or make changes to them.
Artist who co-authored a book about his mustache : DALI
Salvador Dali was an artist known for his distinctive mustache. He co-authored a book titled "Dali's Mustache," making "DALI" the correct answer.
Barely make do, with “by” : EKE …
The word "eke" means to make a living with difficulty or to supplement. In this context, "barely make do, with 'by'" suggests making ends meet or managing to survive with the help of something else, which fits the definition of "eke."
Barilla competitor : RAGU
"Barilla" and "RAGU" are both well-known brands in the food industry, with Barilla specializing in pasta and RAGU in pasta sauce. Therefore, RAGU is a competitor to Barilla in the market.
Bring back to life, as an auto battery : JUMP-START
When an auto battery is dead, jump-starting it involves using another vehicle's battery to provide a temporary boost of power to start the car. Therefore, "Jump-start" is the correct answer as it means bringing back to life an auto battery.
Clothing ensembles, slangily : FITS
The answer "FITS" is the right solution because "fits" is slang for clothing ensembles.
Command to cancel a countdown : ABORT
The answer "ABORT" fits the clue because "abort" is a command used to cancel a countdown or mission.
Commit perjury : LIE
"LIE" is the right solution because to commit perjury means to knowingly give false information while under oath, which is essentially lying in a legal setting.
Constellation with a belt : ORION
Orion is a well-known constellation in the night sky that is often recognized by its three bright stars in a row, known as the "belt" of Orion.
Crab pot for crabbing, e.g. : TRAP
The answer "TRAP" fits because a crab pot is a type of trap used for catching crabs.
Creamy French cheese : BRIE
BRIE is a creamy French cheese that is well-known and fits the clue perfectly.
Crowdsourced review site : YELP
YELP is a popular crowdsourced review site where users can leave reviews and ratings for businesses, restaurants, and services.
Custodian’s ringful : KEYS
The answer "KEYS" fits the clue "Custodian's ringful" because custodians often carry a ring full of keys to open and lock doors and other spaces.
Delicate use of words : TACT
"TACT" is the right solution because it refers to the ability to choose words carefully in order to avoid offending others or causing upset. It fits the clue "Delicate use of words" as it captures the idea of being sensitive and considerate in communication.
Digital diary : BLOG
The answer "BLOG" fits the clue "Digital diary" because a blog is a type of online journal where people can write about their thoughts, experiences, and opinions in a digital format.
Drought ender : RAIN
The answer "RAIN" fits the clue "Drought ender" because rain is the precipitation that brings an end to a period of drought by providing much-needed moisture to the land.
Earth-friendly prefix : ECO-
The prefix "ECO-" is commonly used to indicate something is environmentally friendly or related to ecology.
Extraterrestrial’s home, to us : ALIEN WORLD
The answer "ALIEN WORLD" fits because it refers to a place where extraterrestrials live, which is foreign or alien to us on Earth.
Farewell celebration for those leaving the Hawaiian Islands : ALOHA PARTY
The answer "ALOHA PARTY" fits because "Aloha" is a Hawaiian word used for both hello and goodbye, and a party to bid farewell to someone leaving the Hawaiian Islands would be called an "Aloha party."
France, for the 2024 Olympics : HOST COUNTRY
The answer "HOST COUNTRY" fits the clue because France will be hosting the 2024 Olympics, making it the country where the event will take place.
Fundamental belief : TENET
"TENET" is the right solution because a tenet is a fundamental belief or principle of a religion, philosophy, or ideology.
Game show icon Trebek : ALEX
Alex Trebek was a well-known game show host, most famous for hosting the television game show "Jeopardy!" for many years. Therefore, the answer to the clue "Game show icon Trebek" is "ALEX" as it refers to Alex Trebek.
Geological time unit : EPOCH
"EPOCH" is a geological time unit that represents a distinct period in Earth's history characterized by significant events or developments. It is commonly used to divide longer periods of time into more manageable segments for study and analysis.
Glorify : EXALT
"Exalt" means to praise or glorify someone or something highly, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Glorify."
Half of cuatro : DOS
The word "cuatro" means four in Spanish. Half of cuatro is dos, which means two in Spanish. Therefore, the answer is "DOS."
Hang on to : KEEP
The answer to "Hang on to" is "KEEP" because it means to retain or hold onto something. It fits the clue because when you "keep" something, you are holding onto it and not letting go.
Help with a crime : ABET
The answer "ABET" means to assist or encourage someone to commit a crime, which fits the clue "Help with a crime."
Hinders : STYMIES
"Stymies" is a synonym for "hinders." In the context of a crossword puzzle, it fits the number of letters required and matches the definition of the clue.
Hip-hop’s Wu-Tang ___ : CLAN
The Wu-Tang Clan is a famous hip-hop group, so the answer "CLAN" fits the clue "Hip-hop’s Wu-Tang ___" as the group's name is Wu-Tang Clan.
Hotly contested area in a U.S. election : PURPLE STATE
"PURPLE STATE" is the right solution because it refers to a state where the political support for both major parties is closely balanced, making it hotly contested in elections.
In Europe, it’s known as a “twin town” : SISTER CITY
"SISTER CITY" is the right answer because in Europe, a "twin town" is commonly referred to as a "sister city" as part of an international partnership between two cities.
Info for a spy : INTEL
The answer "INTEL" is short for intelligence, which is information gathered for espionage purposes, making it the right solution for the clue "Info for a spy."
Intoxicated : DRUNK
The word "intoxicated" is a synonym for "drunk," meaning under the influence of alcohol.
It’s no longer worth talking about : MOOT POINT
The phrase "moot point" is used to describe an issue that is no longer relevant or worth discussing. It implies that further discussion or debate on the topic is unnecessary because the point has become irrelevant or has already been resolved.
Legal professional : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for abbreviation, which is short for "Attorney" or "Lawyer," making it a fitting answer for the clue "Legal professional."
Like a doughnut with no icing or filling : PLAIN
The word "plain" describes a doughnut without any icing or filling, making it the right solution for the clue.
Lucy’s pal on “I Love Lucy” : ETHEL
"Ethel" is the right answer because Ethel Mertz is Lucy Ricardo's best friend and neighbor on the classic TV show "I Love Lucy."
Luke and Leia’s mother in “Star Wars” : PADME
The answer is "PADME" because Padme Amidala is the mother of Luke and Leia in the "Star Wars" franchise.
Meddling sorts : BUSYBODIES
The answer "BUSYBODIES" fits the clue "Meddling sorts" because busybodies are people who meddle or interfere in other people's affairs.
Monte ___ (gambling destination) : CARLO
The answer is "CARLO" because Monte Carlo is a famous gambling destination known for its luxurious casinos.
N.B.A. tiebreakers, for short : OTS
The answer "OTS" stands for "overtime", and in the N.B.A., overtime is used as a tiebreaker to determine the winner of a game.
Neighbor of Turkey : IRAN
Iran is the neighbor of Turkey because they share a border in the Middle East.
Nevertheless : YET
The phrase "nevertheless" means "in spite of that" or "however". "And yet" is a synonym of "nevertheless" and can be used in the same context. Therefore, "ANDYET" is the right solution for the crossword clue ""Nevertheless ..."".
New York theater award : OBIE
The OBIE Awards are specifically for Off-Broadway theater in New York City, making "OBIE" the correct answer for the clue "New York theater award."
On the double : ASAP
"ASAP" stands for "as soon as possible," meaning to do something quickly or without delay, which is synonymous with the phrase "on the double."
Part of a needle or hurricane : EYE
The word "eye" refers to the center of a hurricane or storm, as well as the hole in a needle that the thread passes through.
Plant that soothes burns : ALOE
ALOE is the right answer because aloe vera is a plant known for its soothing properties on burns and skin irritations.
Queen of the Nile, informally : CLEO
The answer "CLEO" is the right solution because it is a common informal name for Cleopatra, who was known as the Queen of the Nile.
Santa’s sackful : TOYS
The answer "TOYS" fits the clue "Santa's sackful" because Santa is known for delivering toys to children around the world during Christmas.
Sheep’s sound : BAA!
"BAA!" is the sound commonly associated with sheep. It is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound they make.
Show off shamelessly : FLAUNT
"Flaunt" means to show off or display something ostentatiously, often in a boastful or shameless way. So, it fits the clue "Show off shamelessly" perfectly.
Slight coloration : TINT
"TINT" is the right answer because it means a slight coloration or a delicate shade of color. It fits perfectly with the clue provided.
Snitch on : RAT OUT
The answer "NARC" is the right solution because it is a slang term for someone who informs or reports illegal activities to authorities, essentially acting as a snitch.
Something found in a computer folder : FILE
The answer "FILE" is correct because a file is a common item found in a computer folder where data is stored and organized.
Store sign lit up during business hours : OPEN
The word "OPEN" is commonly displayed on store signs to indicate that the business is currently operating and welcoming customers.
Swedish currency : KRONA
"KRONA" is the Swedish currency because it is the official currency of Sweden.
Took in some takeout? : ATE
The clue is a play on words suggesting "taking in" food from takeout, which means eating it. The answer "ATE" fits this interpretation.
Toy brand documented on the website Brickipedia : LEGO
LEGO is a popular toy brand known for its building blocks and sets. Brickipedia is a website that documents information about LEGO products, making LEGO the correct answer to the clue.
Unruly ’60s hairdo : MOP TOP
The term "MOP TOP" refers to the hairstyle famously worn by The Beatles in the 1960s, characterized by long, straight hair that resembled a mop. This hairstyle was considered unruly and unconventional for the time, making it the right answer for the clue "Unruly '60s hairdo."
What dogs do with their tongues sticking out : PANT
The answer "PANT" fits the clue because dogs often stick their tongues out and breathe rapidly when they are hot or excited, which is known as panting.
Window ledge : SILL
"SILL" is the right solution because a window ledge is commonly referred to as a window sill, which is the horizontal piece at the bottom of a window frame where you can place items.
Wrapped Indian garment : SARI
A "SARI" is a traditional Indian garment that is wrapped around the body, making it the correct answer to the clue "Wrapped Indian garment."
___ Millions (lottery) : MEGA
The term "Mega Millions" refers to a popular lottery game in which players have the chance to win large sums of money. The word "Mega" in the clue hints at this specific lottery game, making "MEGA" the correct answer.
“As I ___ saying …” : WAS
The phrase "As I was saying..." is a common expression used to resume a point that was previously being discussed. In this context, "WAS" is the correct answer as it fits grammatically and makes sense in the completion of the phrase.
“How ya ___?” : DOIN’
The phrase "How ya doin'?" is a common informal greeting, making "DOIN'" the right answer for the clue.
“Just a heads-up …” : FYI …
The phrase "Just a heads-up" is often used to give someone information in advance. "FYI" stands for "For Your Information," which is a common way to preface sharing information with someone. So, "FYI" is a fitting response to "Just a heads-up."
“Star Wars” droid, familiarly : ARTOO
The answer to ""Star Wars" droid, familiarly" is "ARTOO" because "ARTOO" is a common nickname for the droid character R2-D2 in the "Star Wars" franchise.
“Unfortunately …” : ALAS …
ALAS is a common interjection used to express regret or sorrow, making it a fitting response to the word "Unfortunately" in the clue.
“Yeah … sure you did” : I BET
The phrase "I bet" is often used to express skepticism or doubt, which fits the context of the clue "Yeah ... sure you did" as a response indicating disbelief.
“You’d rather not know” : DON’T ASK
The answer "DON'T ASK" fits the clue "You'd rather not know" because it suggests avoiding a potentially uncomfortable or unwanted topic by not asking about it.