Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 20 March 2024, Wednesday (03-20-24). 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.
007 : BOND
The clue "007" is a reference to the famous fictional spy James Bond, whose code number is 007. Therefore, the answer "BOND" fits the clue.
101 : INTRO CLASS
The term "101" is often used to refer to an introductory course or class. "Introclass" is a combination of "intro" (short for introductory) and "class," making it a fitting answer for the clue.
360 : FULL CIRCLE
The answer "FULL CIRCLE" is a common phrase that means completing a cycle or returning to the starting point, which is represented by the number 360 degrees in a circle.
411 : INFO
The term "411" is often used colloquially to mean "information" or "details." Similarly, "DEETS" is a slang abbreviation for "details." Therefore, "DEETS" is the right solution for the crossword clue "411."
420 : CANNABIS
The number "420" is often associated with cannabis culture and the use of marijuana. People celebrate "420" as a time to consume cannabis, making "CANNABIS" the fitting answer to the clue.
666 : THE BEAST
The answer "THE BEAST" is a common reference to the number 666 in the Book of Revelation in the Bible, where it is associated with the Antichrist.
Anger : IRE
"Ire" is a synonym for anger, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Arise (from) : STEM
Be a sponge : MOOCH
The answer "MOOCH" fits the clue "Be a sponge" because to mooch means to absorb or take in something, like a sponge absorbs liquid. It also fits the informal tone of the clue.
Become dry, as lips : CHAP
"CHAP" means to become dry and cracked, which is a common occurrence for lips in dry weather or cold conditions.
Berate, with “out” : BAWL …
The word "BAWL" means to berate loudly or to scold someone in a loud and forceful manner. In this context, "out" could be used to indicate that the berating is being done publicly or in a visible way.
Brand of shoes and handbags : ALDO
ALDO is a well-known brand that specializes in shoes and handbags, making it the correct answer for the clue "Brand of shoes and handbags."
Ceramics, cinema, etc. : ARTS
The clue is asking for a category that includes ceramics and cinema, which are both forms of art. "Arts" is the broad category that encompasses various forms of creative expression, making it the correct answer.
Chimney vent : FLUE
The answer "FLUE" is correct because a flue is a duct or pipe that allows smoke and gases to escape from a fireplace or furnace.
Commits a faux pas : ERRS
"Commits a faux pas" is a clue indicating a mistake or error, which fits the definition of "ERRS" as a verb meaning to make a mistake.
Contemplate : MULL
The word "mull" means to think about carefully and at length, which is synonymous with contemplating.
Copy command on a PC : CTRL-C
The answer "CTRL-C" is the copy command on a PC because pressing the "CTRL" key along with the "C" key simultaneously allows you to copy selected text or items.
Cry repeated in the 1980s dance tune “Hot Hot Hot” : OLE!
The answer "OLE!" is correct because "OLE" is a cry repeated in the 1980s dance tune "Hot Hot Hot" by Arrow.
Czech form of Charles : KAREL
"Karel" is the Czech form of the name "Charles." In Czech, the name Charles is commonly translated and used as "Karel."
Determined to do : SET ON Down 1 Arizona in Hawaii, e.g.
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Diamondbacks’ div. : NL WEST
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a Major League Baseball team that plays in the National League West division, often abbreviated as "NL WEST."
Down : BLUE
"Down!" is a command to get off or to descend from something, so "OFF" is the correct answer.
End of a noodle? : IDEA
The word "noodle" is a slang term for one's head or brain, so the "end of a noodle" refers to the end of an idea. Therefore, "IDEA" is the correct answer.
English version of 61-Down : JOHN
The answer "JOHN" is the English version of the French name "JEAN," which is the answer to 61-Down. In English, the name "JEAN" is commonly translated to "JOHN."
Eponym of a neighborhood in Queens : ASTOR
Folklore monster : OGRE
"OGRE" is a folklore monster known for being large, ugly, and often depicted as man-eating. It is a common creature in fairy tales and folklore, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Folklore monster."
Full stop : KIBOSH
"KIBOSH" is a slang term meaning to put an end to something or to stop it. In this context, "Full stop" is a phrase indicating a complete end or cessation of something, making "KIBOSH" a fitting answer.
Future doc’s exam : MCAT
The "MCAT" is the Medical College Admission Test, which is taken by future doctors as part of the admissions process for medical school. Therefore, "Future doc's exam" is referring to the MCAT.
Golf hazard : TRAP
The answer "TRAP" is correct because a sand trap is a common hazard found on golf courses where golf balls can get stuck.
Hole-punching tool : AWL
An awl is a tool used for making small holes in materials like leather or wood, making it a suitable answer for "Hole-punching tool" in a crossword puzzle.
Instrument for Bela Fleck : BANJO
The answer is "BANJO" because Bela Fleck is a renowned banjo player, making the instrument closely associated with him.
Irish version of 40-Down : SEAN
"40-Down" is likely a clue for a name, and the Irish version of the name "John" is "Sean." So, "Irish version of 40-Down" would be "SEAN."
Kind of cake with a swirl : MARBLE
The answer "MARBLE" is correct because a marble cake is a type of cake with a swirl effect created by combining different colored batters to create a marbled appearance.
Like Kia and Samsung : KOREAN
The clue "Like Kia and Samsung" is asking for a word that describes the nationality or origin of these two companies. Both Kia and Samsung are South Korean companies, so the answer is "KOREAN."
Like some music that’s challenging to sing : ATONAL
The answer "ATONAL" fits because atonal music lacks a key or tonal center, making it difficult to sing or perform in a traditional melodic way.
Look : SEEM
The answer "FACIAL EXPRESSION" is the right solution because when we "look" at someone, we observe their face and the various expressions they may be displaying.
Manspread, e.g. : SPRAWL
The answer "SPRAWL" fits the clue "Manspread, e.g." because both actions involve spreading out in a relaxed or casual manner, taking up more space than necessary.
Marx brother with a curly wig : HARPO
Harpo Marx is the Marx brother known for wearing a curly wig in his performances, making "HARPO" the correct answer to the clue.
Members of a woolly herd : LLAMAS
LLAMAS are members of a woolly herd because they are domesticated South American camelids known for their thick woolly coats and are often found in herds.
Mini maker : BMW
The answer "BMW" fits the clue "Mini maker" because BMW is the parent company of the car brand Mini.
Niña : CHICA
"Niña" is the Spanish word for "girl," and "chica" is the Spanish word for "girl" as well. They are synonyms, making "CHICA" the correct answer.
Norwegian name that gained global prominence in 2010 : SIRI
The Norwegian name "Siri" gained global prominence in 2010 when Apple introduced its virtual assistant named Siri on the iPhone 4S.
One in a mullion? : PANE
The term "mullion" refers to the vertical bar between panes of glass in a window. Therefore, "One in a mullion" would be a single "PANE" of glass.
Option words : ORS
The answer "ORS" is short for "or" which are option words used to present choices.
Overstepped : WENT TOO FAR
The answer "WENT TOO FAR" fits the clue "Overstepped" because it means to exceed the acceptable limits or boundaries, which is synonymous with overstepping.
Passing fancy : WHIM
The term "whim" is often used to describe a passing or sudden idea or desire, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Passing fancy."
Pharmacist’s amount : DOSE
The answer "DOSE" is the right solution because a pharmacist dispenses medications in specific amounts called doses.
Played first after the deal : LED
"LED" is the right solution because in card games, the player who plays the first card after the deal is said to have "led" the hand.
Pricey : DEAR
The word "steep" can mean "having a high price or cost," making it an appropriate answer to the clue "pricey."
Prolonged attack : SIEGE
The answer "SIEGE" fits the clue "prolonged attack" because a siege is a military tactic where an enemy surrounds a location, cutting off supplies and launching continuous attacks, which can last for an extended period of time.
Put up with : ABIDE
The word "abide" means to tolerate or endure, which is synonymous with "put up with."
Reach a max : PEAK
The word "peak" means to reach the highest point or maximum level, making it the right answer for the clue "Reach a max."
Really not feeling it? : NUMB
"Really not feeling it" is a phrase that can be interpreted as being emotionally numb or lacking sensation, which aligns with the word "NUMB."
Seder holiday : PESACH
"Pesach" is the Hebrew word for Passover, which is a Jewish holiday that includes the Seder meal.
Shout after sneaking up on someone : BOO!
The answer "BOO!" fits the clue because it is a common expression used to startle or surprise someone, which is what happens when you sneak up on them and shout.
Sighed aside : ALAS
The word "OHME" is an anagram of "HOME", with the letter "H" replaced by the letter "O". The phrase "sighed aside" suggests that the letters in the word have been rearranged or shifted to form a new word, making "OHME" a valid solution.
Site of a Herculean feat : NEMEA
The site of a Herculean feat refers to the Nemean Games, one of the ancient Greek athletic competitions held in Nemea, Greece, in honor of the mythical hero Hercules. The answer "NEMEA" fits the clue as it is the location of this legendary event.
Small intimate restaurant : BISTRO
"BISTRO" is the right answer because a bistro is a small, cozy restaurant that typically serves simple and hearty meals in a casual setting. It is known for its intimate and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends.
Smith or Jones, on occasion : ALIAS
The word "alias" is used to refer to a different name that someone goes by, like Smith or Jones.
Spanish for “roasted” : ASADA
The Spanish word "asada" translates to "roasted" in English.
Steep banks : BLUFFS
"BLUFFS" are steep banks, especially along a body of water like a river or ocean. The word "bluffs" specifically refers to high, steep cliffs or hills that typically have a sharp drop-off.
Subjects of a “Twist on it” ad campaign : OREOS
The "Twist on it" ad campaign is a reference to the way people often twist apart Oreo cookies before eating them. Therefore, the correct answer is "OREOS".
This sucks! : LEECH
"STRAW" is a homophone of "sucks."
Title with a tilde : SENOR
The answer "SENOR" fits the clue "Title with a tilde" because "Señor" is a Spanish title that is often written with a tilde over the "n".
Toy on many a vintage Christmas card : SLED
The answer "SLED" fits the clue because a sled is a common toy often depicted on vintage Christmas cards, especially in snowy scenes.
Twitch, e.g. : SPASM
"SPASM" is the right solution because a twitch is a sudden, involuntary spasm or contraction of a muscle.
Unimpressive, attendance-wise : SPARSE
The word "sparse" means thinly dispersed or scattered. In the context of attendance, if something is unimpressive attendance-wise, it means that there are very few people present, which aligns with the definition of "sparse."
Was left with no other choice : HAD TO
"HAD TO" is the right solution because it means being compelled or obligated to do something, indicating that there was no other choice.
Winter melon : CASABA
___ Fett, “Star Wars” bounty hunter : BOBA
The answer is "BOBA" because Boba Fett is a well-known character in the "Star Wars" universe, specifically known as a bounty hunter.
“Go ___” (game cry) : FISH
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“Highway to Hell” band : AC/DC
The band AC/DC is known for their song "Highway to Hell," making them the correct answer to the clue.
“I’m busy that night,” often : FIB
"FIB" is the right solution because the clue is hinting at a common excuse people use when they don't want to attend an event or meeting, which is to tell a small lie or "fib" about being busy that night.
“Just kidding!” : NOT!
The answer "NOT!" is a common way to indicate sarcasm or that the previous statement was a joke, making it a fitting response to "Just kidding!" in a playful or light-hearted context.
“Wait, what?!” : WHOA!
The answer "HUH?" is commonly used to express confusion or surprise, making it a fitting response to the phrase "Wait ... what?" in casual conversation.
“Where?” : I DON’T SEE IT
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