Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 23 March 2024, Saturday (03-23-24). 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.
2022 rom-com with a predominantly L.G.B.T.Q. cast : BROS
unknown
Activist “born at 375 p.p.m.,” per her social media bio : THUNBERG
The answer "THUNBERG" fits the clue because Greta Thunberg, the climate activist, was born in 2003 when the atmospheric CO2 concentration was around 375 parts per million (p.p.m.).
Advice to move on : LET IT GO
The answer "LET IT GO" is the right solution because it is a common piece of advice given to someone to help them move on from a situation or emotion that is holding them back. It suggests releasing any attachment or negative feelings and moving forward.
Baby raccoons : KITS Down 1 Taking off the table
"KITS" is the right solution because baby raccoons are commonly referred to as kits.
Bench cover? : ROBE
The answer "ROBE" for "Bench cover?" is a play on words. A "bench" can also refer to a judge's seat, and a "robe" is what judges typically wear while presiding over a court.
Big name in trucks : RYDER
GMC is a well-known brand that produces trucks, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Big name in trucks."
Blue belt? : SOB
The answer "SOB" for "Blue belt?" is a play on words, as "SOB" can be slang for a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where practitioners are often referred to by the color of their belt.
Bowlful often served with bean sprouts : PHO
The answer "PHO" is correct because pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup commonly served with bean sprouts.
Bring around : SWAY
The answer "WAKE" is the right solution for the clue "Bring around" because "wake" can mean to cause someone to regain consciousness or become alert, which is similar to bringing someone around.
City of 1+ million near the Russia/Kazakhstan border : OMSK
The city of Omsk is located near the Russia/Kazakhstan border and has a population of over 1 million people, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Cleveland, e.g. : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, and Cleveland is an abbreviation for Cleve.
Cry of encouragement : OLE!
"OLE!" is a cry commonly heard at bullfights and is also used as a general cry of encouragement in Spanish-speaking countries.
Declaim : ELOCUTE
"ELOCUTE" is a synonym for "declaim," meaning to speak in a formal or theatrical manner. It fits the clue well in terms of meaning and length.
Easily crushable : PUNY
"PUNY" means small and weak, making it easily crushable.
Egg-shaped brain structures : THALAMI
The thalami are two egg-shaped structures in the brain that play a key role in relaying sensory and motor signals to the cerebral cortex. This makes "THALAMI" the correct answer to the clue "Egg-shaped brain structures."
Extra security : SAFETY NET
"SAFETY NET" is the right solution because a safety net provides extra security by catching someone in case of a fall or failure.
Fabric named for a Mideast capital : DAMASK
The fabric named "DAMASK" is named after the capital of Syria, Damascus, where it was originally produced.
Fathers, in Hebrew : ABBAS
"Abbas" is the correct answer because it is the Hebrew word for "Fathers." In Hebrew, "Abba" means father, and by adding an "s" at the end, it becomes plural, referring to fathers.
Get hitched : SAY “I DO”
"SAY 'I DO'" is the right solution because when someone gets married, they typically say "I do" as a verbal agreement to the marriage vows.
Gloomy atmosphere : PALL
"PALL" is the right solution because it means a dark cloud or covering of smoke, dust, or similar matter that creates a gloomy atmosphere.
Grant or Benjamin : LARGE BILL
The answer "LARGE BILL" fits because both Grant and Benjamin are names of U.S. currency denominations, with Grant appearing on the $50 bill and Benjamin on the $100 bill.
Grievance : PLAINT
"PLAINT" is the right solution because a "plaint" is a complaint or grievance, especially in a legal context. It fits the clue "Grievance" perfectly.
Hill-adjacent field, in brief : POLI-SCI
The answer "POLI-SCI" is short for political science, which is a field of study often associated with government and politics. A hill-adjacent field, in this case, refers to a subject of study related to politics, making "POLI-SCI" the right solution.
Lassitude : TORPOR
TORPOR is a synonym for lassitude, as both words refer to a state of physical or mental weariness or fatigue.
Lastin’ line? : SCAR
The answer "SCAR" is the right solution because the word "lastin’" is a play on the word "lasting," suggesting something that endures, like a scar does.
Lead-in to male or female : CIS-
"CIS-" is the right solution because it is a prefix that can be added to "male" or "female" to indicate someone whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Legit : ALL THAT
"Legit" is a slang term that means genuine or authentic. "Real" is a synonym for genuine or authentic, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Li Mu ___, Chow Yun-fat’s role in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” : BAI
The answer is "BAI" because Li Mu Bai is the name of Chow Yun-fat's character in the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
Like Beth among the March sisters : SHYEST
"Like Beth among the March sisters" suggests that Beth is the least outgoing or timid among the sisters, making her the "SHYEST" sister.
Limerick group : IRISH
The answer "IRISH" is the right solution because Limerick is a city in Ireland, and the people from Ireland are commonly referred to as Irish.
Looked quickly : STOLE A PEEK
"STOLE A PEEK" means to look quickly or sneak a quick glance. The phrase fits the clue perfectly as it describes the action of looking swiftly and discreetly.
Lovey-dovey, in a way : KISSY
The word "kissy" is often used to describe behavior that is affectionate and loving, like giving kisses. So, "Lovey-dovey, in a way" can be appropriately clued as "KISSY."
Modern money kiosk : BITCOIN ATM
The answer "BITCOIN ATM" fits the clue "Modern money kiosk" because a Bitcoin ATM is a type of kiosk that allows users to buy or sell Bitcoin using cash or debit/credit cards in a physical location.
Picture of Pluto, perhaps : CEL
The answer "CEL" is short for "cel animation," which is a traditional animation technique that involves creating each frame of a film on a transparent celluloid sheet called a "cel." This is why a picture of Pluto, perhaps, could be referred to as a "cel."
Plates for nuts : WASHERS
The answer "WASHERS" fits the clue "Plates for nuts" because in a hardware context, washers are flat plates typically used with nuts to distribute the pressure of the nut and provide a smooth surface against which the nut can be tightened.
Prefix in some health product names : MEDI-
The prefix "MEDI-" is commonly used in health product names to indicate a relation to medicine or healthcare. It is a recognizable prefix that fits the clue well.
Print source : PAW
Resort that prohibits snowboarding : ALTA
ALTA is a ski resort in Utah that only allows skiing and prohibits snowboarding, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Response akin to “Says who?!” : WHY SHOULD I?
The answer "WHY SHOULD I?" fits the clue "Response akin to 'Says who?!'" because it is a dismissive and challenging response that questions the credibility or authority of the statement being challenged.
Rubs the wrong way : GALLS
The phrase "rubs the wrong way" is an idiom that means to irritate or bother someone. The word "annoys" is a synonym for this meaning, making it the correct answer.
Sizzling : SEXY
unknown
Slack : LIMP
"LIMP" is a synonym for "slack," meaning lacking in firmness or tautness. In this context, "slack" describes something loose or not tight, which can be synonymous with "limp."
Speaking volumes? : AUDIOBOOKS
The phrase "Speaking volumes" is a play on words, suggesting that something is communicating a lot of information. Audiobooks literally speak the contents of a book, making them the perfect answer to this clue.
Species named for its squarish shape : BOXFISH
The answer "BOXFISH" is the right solution because the boxfish is a species of fish that has a squarish shape, resembling a box.
Standards of purity : KARATS
"Standards of purity" refers to the measurement of purity in gold, which is done in karats. Karats indicate the ratio of pure gold in an alloy.
Take, as a pointer : DOGNAP
unknown
They may come with opinions : RULINGS
The answer "RULINGS" fits because opinions can be given as authoritative decisions or judgments, which are often referred to as rulings.
They’re seen around diners : BIBS
The answer "BIBS" fits the clue "They're seen around diners" because bibs are often worn around the neck by diners to protect their clothes from spills and stains while eating.
Trace of music : ADKINS
Troy setting, for short : NY STATE
The answer "NY STATE" is the right solution because Troy is a city in the state of New York, and "NY STATE" is a common abbreviation for New York State.
Turkey bacon? : LIRA
unknown
Venezuela landmark that’s the tallest of its kind in the world (3,212 feet) : ANGEL FALLS
The answer "ANGEL FALLS" fits the clue because it is a landmark in Venezuela that is known to be the tallest waterfall in the world at 3,212 feet.
Veteran N.F.L. quarterback whose name anagrams to SOMETHING : GENO SMITH
The answer "GENO SMITH" is correct because when you rearrange the letters in "GENO SMITH," it spells out "SOMETHING," as indicated in the clue.
Way up in the mountains : GONDOLA
The answer "GONDOLA" fits the clue "Way up in the mountains" because a gondola is a type of cable car that carries passengers up and down mountains.
Worrisome word from a barber : UH-OH
"UH-OH" is a worrisome expression often used when something unexpected or concerning happens, such as a mistake made by a barber. Therefore, "UH-OH" is the right answer to the clue "Worrisome word from a barber."
Yours, in Torino : TUO
"Tuo" is the Italian word for "yours," and "in Torino" indicates that the answer should be in Italian, making "TUO" the correct solution.
[Smacks forehead] : [GAH!]
The answer "[GAH!]" represents the sound someone might make when smacking their forehead in frustration or realization.
___ cat, holiday creature in Icelandic folklore : YULE
The answer "YULE" fits because in Icelandic folklore, the Yule Cat is a mythical creature associated with Christmas and the holiday season.
___ Street Music Festival (annual May event) : BEALE
The answer is "BEALE" because the Beale Street Music Festival is an annual event that takes place in May in Memphis, Tennessee. Beale Street is a historic street known for its music and entertainment venues, making it a fitting location for the music festival.
“Ambassador” cut : STRIP STEAK
The answer "STRIP STEAK" fits the clue "Ambassador cut" because a strip steak is a type of steak that is also known as a New York strip or a Kansas City strip, and it is often considered a high-quality cut of beef served in upscale restaurants.
“Easy now!” : BE GENTLE!
The answer "WHOA" is the right solution for the clue "Easy now" because "WHOA" is a common word used to command a horse to slow down or stop. It is often used to indicate caution or to calm someone down.
“End of discussion!” : PERIOD!
The phrase "End of discussion!" is often followed by "PERIOD!" to emphasize finality and closure, making "PERIOD!" the right answer.
“My goodness!” : LORD!
The answer to "My goodness!" is "MERCY" because "My goodness!" is an exclamation used to express surprise or astonishment, and "MERCY" is a common interjection used in similar contexts.
“Off the Court” memoirist, 1981 : ASHE
Arthur Ashe wrote a memoir called "Off the Court" in 1981, making "ASHE" the correct answer for this clue.
“Would you mind …?” : IS IT OK …?
The answer "IS IT OK …?" fits the clue "Would you mind …?" because it is a polite way to ask for permission or inquire if something is acceptable. It conveys a similar meaning to the original question.
“Yep, totally feel that” : I HEAR YA
"I HEAR YA" is a colloquial expression that means "I understand you" or "I feel the same way." It is a casual way to show empathy or agreement with someone's statement.
“___ Girl Isn’t Pretty” (“Funny Girl” song) : IF A
The answer "IF A" fits the clue because the phrase "If a Girl Isn't Pretty" is a line from the song "Funny Girl" from the musical of the same name.