Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 21 March 2024, Thursday (03-21-24). 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.
1970s-’80s sitcom about a trio of zany roommates : THREE’S COMPANY
"THREE’S COMPANY" is the right solution because it fits the clue of a sitcom from the 1970s-’80s featuring a trio of zany roommates, which perfectly describes the premise of the show.
2002 George Clooney film set in a space station : SOLARIS
"SOLARIS" is the right answer because it is a 2002 film starring George Clooney that is set in a space station. The clue directly references the title of the movie, making it the correct answer.
Action movie highlight : CHASE SCENE
The answer "CHASE SCENE" fits the clue "Action movie highlight" because a chase scene is a common and exciting element in action movies where characters are pursued or are pursuing others in a fast-paced sequence.
Allow to take, perhaps : PRESCRIBE
The answer "PRESCRIBE" fits the clue "Allow to take, perhaps" because when a doctor prescribes medication, they are giving permission for someone to take a specific medication.
Apt key for a musical prodigy? : A MINOR
The term "Apt key" refers to a musical key that is suitable for a musical prodigy, and "A MINOR" is a common musical key that is often used in music compositions.
Awkward period, for many : MIDDLE SCHOOL
The answer "MIDDLE SCHOOL" fits the clue "Awkward period, for many" because middle school is a time in life that many people find awkward due to the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during that stage of adolescence.
Celebratory work : ODE
"ODE" is the right answer because an ode is a type of lyrical poem that is often written to celebrate or praise a person, event, or thing. In this context, a celebratory work could refer to an ode.
Classic sports car feature : T-TOP
A T-top is a type of removable roof panel on a sports car, typically made of glass or acrylic. It is a classic feature found on many sports cars from the 1970s and 1980s, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Classic sports car feature."
Closest to raw : RAREST
The word "raw" often refers to something uncooked or unprocessed. Therefore, the word "RAREST" implies something that is closest to its raw or unprocessed state.
Cry from an upset sibling : MOM!
The cry "MOM!" is often what an upset sibling would call out to their mother for help or comfort.
Dead spots? : CRYPTS
The clue "Dead spots?" is a play on words, suggesting spots where dead people are buried. "Crypts" are underground burial chambers, making it the right answer.
Deals a mighty blow : SMITES Down 1 Martin Sheen’s real first name
Detroit River’s terminus : ERIE
The Detroit River ends at Lake Erie, making "ERIE" the correct answer.
Evidence of an injury : SCAB
The answer "SCAB" fits the clue "Evidence of an injury" because a scab forms as part of the body's natural healing process when the skin is injured and begins to heal.
Fair fare : RIDES
The clue "Fair fare" is a play on words, where "fair" can mean both an event where you pay for rides and "fare" can refer to the cost of transportation. Therefore, the answer "RIDES" fits the clue as it can be both a form of entertainment at a fair and something you pay for.
Fantasy character? : RUNE
The answer "RUNE" fits the clue "Fantasy character?" because a rune is a character in a fictional or fantasy setting, often associated with magic or mysticism.
Fig. sought by an identity thief : SSN
"SSN" stands for Social Security Number, which is a key piece of identification that an identity thief would seek to steal in order to commit fraud or theft using someone else's identity.
Frenzied situation : ZOO
"ZOO" is the right solution because a zoo is a place where animals are kept, and a frenzied situation can be described as a "zoo" to convey chaos and excitement.
Frenzied situations : ADOS
unknown
Front of the bus? : OMNI-
The front of the word "bus" is "bu," and when you add "OMNI-" in front of it, you get "OMNI-BU," which sounds like "omnibus," another word for bus.
Galley gear : OARS
"Galley gear" is a common crossword clue that refers to the equipment used for rowing a boat. OARS are the most essential gear for rowing a galley, making it the correct answer.
Genesis antagonist : SERPENT
The serpent is the antagonist in the Book of Genesis in the Bible because it tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, leading to the fall of humanity.
Genre for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones : SKA
This is the right solution because SKA is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and was later popularized in the UK in the 1970s. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are an American ska punk band, so their music falls under this genre.
Group on Louisiana’s state flag : PELICANS
The Louisiana state flag features a group of pelicans feeding their young in the center of the flag, making "PELICANS" the correct answer.
Herb in saltimbocca : SAGE
SAGE is the herb traditionally used in saltimbocca, an Italian dish made with veal, prosciutto, and sage leaves. The distinct flavor of sage complements the other ingredients in the dish, making it the correct answer for this clue.
Hitter’s stat, for short : RBI
"RBI" stands for "Runs Batted In," which is a statistic in baseball that measures how many runs a player has caused by hitting the ball. In a crossword context, "Hitter's stat, for short" is a common clue for "RBI" because it is a well-known abbreviation related to baseball.
Housing projects? : EAVES
The word "eaves" refers to the lower edges of a roof that overhang a building, often providing shelter over a doorway or window. In this context, "housing projects" can be interpreted as a construction-related clue, hinting at the eaves of a house.
Iconic painting housed at Oslo’s Nasjonalmuseet : THE SCREAM
The iconic painting housed at Oslo’s Nasjonalmuseet is "The Scream" by Edvard Munch. It is a famous artwork known for its expression of angst and is one of the most recognizable paintings in the world.
It plays on the road : CAR STEREO
The answer "CAR STEREO" fits because a car stereo is a device that plays music or audio while driving on the road.
Jolt of electricity : ZAP
"ZAP" is the right solution because it is a common onomatopoeic term used to describe a sudden jolt or shock of electricity. It fits the clue perfectly.
K-12 grp. : PTA
The answer to "K-12 grp." being "PTA" is correct because the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) is a common organization found in schools for parents and teachers to collaborate on educational matters.
Kind of organic acid : AMINO
Like logs for a fireplace : SAWN
"Sawn" is the right solution because logs for a fireplace are typically cut or sawn into pieces for burning.
Line from Nike : AIR JORDAN
The answer "AIR JORDAN" is the right solution because it is a popular line of basketball shoes by Nike, named after basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Li’l : EENY
Longtime Los Angeles sports venue : STAPLES CENTER
The STAPLES CENTER is a well-known sports and entertainment arena in Los Angeles that has hosted various sporting events for many years, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Longtime Los Angeles sports venue."
Malcolm’s dad on 2000s TV : HAL
Mathematician George known for his work on logic gates : BOOLE
George Boole was a mathematician known for his work on Boolean algebra, which forms the basis of modern digital computer systems and logic gates. The answer "BOOLE" is a reference to his last name and his significant contributions to the field of logic gates.
Norse war god : TYR
Tyr is the Norse god of war, known for his bravery and sense of justice. He is often depicted as a one-handed god, having sacrificed his hand to bind the wolf Fenrir. This makes him a fitting answer for the clue "Norse war god."
Obligation : MUST
The answer "ONUS" is the right solution because it means a moral or legal duty or responsibility, which aligns with the clue "Obligation."
Opera that premiered in Cairo : AIDA
"Aida" is an opera by Giuseppe Verdi that premiered in Cairo in 1871. The clue "Opera that premiered in Cairo" directly points to "Aida" as the correct answer.
Ordered : NEAT
"Ordered" can be synonymous with "neat," meaning arranged in an orderly manner.
Paleontology : fossils
The study of paleontology involves the examination of fossils, which are the remains of ancient organisms preserved in rocks. Therefore, "fossils" is the right answer.
Part of your body that smells the most? : NOSTRIL
The nostril is part of the body that is closest to smells and is responsible for detecting odors, making it the part of the body that smells the most.
Puzzling activity, as seen four times in this puzzle? : ESCAPE ROOM
The answer "ESCAPE ROOM" fits the clue because it is a type of puzzling activity where participants solve riddles and puzzles to "escape" from a locked room. In this puzzle, the phrase "ESCAPE ROOM" appears four times, hinting at the theme of the crossword.
Quality of many episodes of “The Twilight Zone” : EERINESS
"EERINESS" is the right answer because many episodes of "The Twilight Zone" are known for their unsettling and mysterious atmosphere, creating a sense of eeriness for viewers.
Quitter’s declaration : I’M OUT!
The answer "I'M OUT!" fits the clue "Quitter's declaration" because it is a common phrase used by someone who is leaving or quitting a situation.
Radius of a unit circle : ONE
The radius of a unit circle is always 1 unit long, hence the answer "ONE" is correct.
Reactions of disapproval : TSKS
"TSKS" is a common onomatopoeic representation of the sound made when someone expresses disapproval or disappointment. It fits the clue "Reactions of disapproval" because it represents the sound people might make when disapproving of something.
Reactions of disgust : EWS
Repeated sound that can be “cured” : HIC
"HIC" is the right solution because it refers to the sound of a hiccup, which is a repeated sound that can be "cured" by various methods.
Roman slate : TABULA
Round sandwich : OREO
The answer "OREO" fits the clue "Round sandwich" because Oreo cookies are round and are often used to make sandwiches with a creamy filling in the middle.
Second-highest of four : ALTO
"Alto" is the second-highest voice type in a four-part vocal harmony, with the highest being soprano, followed by alto, tenor, and bass. In this context, "second-highest of four" refers to the alto voice.
Semimonthly tide : NEAP
The answer to "Semimonthly tide" is "NEAP" because neap tides occur twice a month, during the first and third quarters of the moon. They are characterized by minimal tidal range.
Something that can be spun : TALE
St. Patrick’s land : EIRE
"EIRE" is the Irish name for Ireland, so it is commonly referred to as St. Patrick's land since St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
Stone and others : EMMAS
The answer "EMMAS" fits the clue "Stone and others" because Emma Stone is an actress, and there are other famous Emmas such as Emma Watson and Emma Roberts.
Stub, say : END
The word "stub" can refer to the end of something, like the end of a ticket or a receipt. So, "Stub, say" is a clue for the word "END" which means the conclusion or final part of something.
Summer setting in D.C., for short : EDT
"EDT" stands for Eastern Daylight Time, which is the time zone observed in Washington D.C. during the summer months.
Temporary stays : SOJOURNS
The term "sojourns" refers to temporary stays or visits in a particular place. It is a synonym for temporary stays, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Tennis ball container : CAN
The answer "CAN" is the right solution because tennis balls are commonly sold and stored in cylindrical containers called cans.
Tinged : HUED
"HUED" is the right answer because it means to be slightly colored or tinted, which fits the clue "Tinged" perfectly.
Took a leisurely walk : SAUNTERED
"Sauntered" means to walk leisurely and with a relaxed gait, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Took a leisurely walk."
TV surname at 742 Evergreen Terrace : SIMPSON
The TV show "The Simpsons" is set at 742 Evergreen Terrace, making "SIMPSON" the correct surname for this clue.
___ film : CULT
"CULT film" refers to a movie that has a dedicated and passionate fan base, often with a unique or unconventional appeal. The term "CULT" in this context signifies a movie that has gained a following outside of mainstream popularity.
___ Turismo (racing video game series) : GRAN
Gran Turismo is a popular racing video game series, and "Gran" is part of its title.
“It’s so over for us!” : WE’RE SCREWED!
The phrase "We're screwed!" is a common expression used to convey that a situation is hopeless or doomed, which fits the sentiment of "It's so over for us!" in the crossword clue.
“Of course!” : AHA!
The answer to "Of course!" is "YES!" because it is a common expression used to indicate agreement or affirmation. The exclamation mark emphasizes the enthusiasm or certainty of the response. For the clue "Chocolate morsels" with five letters, the answer could be "CHIPS" as it is a common term used for small pieces of chocolate often used in baking or as a topping.
“Ooh-la-la!” : TRES CHIC!
"TRES CHIC!" is a French expression that means very stylish or fashionable, which is often used to express admiration for something that is elegant or sophisticated. This fits the clue "Ooh-la-la!" as both phrases convey a sense of admiration or approval for something that is considered stylish or fashionable.
“___ cosa fai?” (Italian for “What are you doing?”) : CHE
"Che" is the Italian word for "what," making it the correct answer for the Italian phrase "___ cosa fai?" which translates to "What are you doing?"
“___ there” : BEEN
The clue "___ there" is a common phrase that is completed by the word "BEEN," making the full phrase "been there." It is a common expression used to indicate that someone has had a particular experience before.