Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 24 March 2024, Sunday (03-24-24). Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
We're not affiliated with New York Times in any way.
Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
85 to 115, typically : IQ RANGE
The answer "IQ RANGE" fits because IQ scores typically fall within the range of 85 to 115.
Absolutely necessary : A MUST
The phrase "A MUST" is commonly used to indicate something that is absolutely necessary or essential, making it the right solution for the clue.
Actual title of “The Piña Colada Song” : ESCAPE
At 78, she became the oldest artist to have a #1 dance hit : YOKO ONO
Yoko Ono is known for her music and art, and at the age of 78, she achieved a #1 dance hit, making her the oldest artist to do so.
Audio option : MONO
"Audio option" is referring to the type of sound system. MONO means monophonic sound, which is a single-channel audio system where all sound comes through one source.
Auto company headquartered in Yokohama : ISUZU
ISUZU is the correct answer because it is an auto company that is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan.
Bacardi, por ejemplo : RON
The answer "RON" fits the clue because Bacardi is a brand known for producing rum, and "ron" is the Spanish word for rum.
Beat handily : ROUT
"ROUT" means to defeat decisively or beat handily in a competition or conflict.
Binary : BASE-TWO
The answer "BASE-TWO" is the right solution because binary is a base-two numbering system, which means it uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent all numbers.
Bordeaux besties : AMIS
The clue "Bordeaux besties" is a play on words, referring to the French city Bordeaux and its famous wine. "Amis" is the French word for "friends," so the answer "AMIS" fits the clue as it means "besties" in French.
Braces might fix them : GAPS
The answer "GAPS" fits the clue because braces are often used to fix gaps between teeth.
Brand whose sales spiked after an appearance on “Stranger Things” : EGGO
"Eggo" is the right answer because the brand Eggo experienced a significant increase in sales after being prominently featured in the popular TV show "Stranger Things."
Breed of cattle : ANGUS
Angus is a breed of cattle known for its high-quality meat and distinctive black color. It is a popular breed in the beef industry, making it a common answer for the clue "Breed of cattle."
Call for : NEED
The word "need" can be a synonym for "call for" in the sense of requiring something essential or necessary.
Called into question : BELIED
The word "belied" means to show to be false or contradict. When something is called into question, it is being doubted or contradicted, making "belied" an appropriate answer.
Can’t not : HAVE TO
The phrase "Can't not" is a double negative, which means the answer should be a positive statement. "Have to" is a positive way of saying that something is required or necessary.
Carriers of master keys, informally : SUPES
The answer "SUPES" is short for "superintendents," who are often carriers of master keys.
Castle moat? : HOLD’S WATER
The answer "HOLD'S WATER" is a play on words. A castle moat holds water for protection, and the phrase "holds water" means something is valid or true. So, "HOLD'S WATER" is a clever way of referring to a castle moat.
Catch a glimpse of : ESPY
The word "see" is the right answer because it means to visually perceive something, which aligns with the clue "catch a glimpse of."
Chess move with a French name : EN PASSANT
The chess move "en passant" is a special pawn capture where a pawn captures an opponent's pawn that has moved two squares forward from its starting position. It is a French term meaning "in passing."
Coltrane’s instrument : SAX
"SAX" is the right solution because Coltrane, referring to John Coltrane, was a famous jazz saxophonist known for his mastery of the saxophone.
Come down with : GET
"Come down with" can be a colloquial way of saying "get" when referring to catching an illness or experiencing a negative condition.
Comet alternative : AJAX
Commuting options : BUSES
The answer "BUSES" fits the clue "Commuting options" because buses are a common mode of transportation for commuting to work or other destinations.
Company whose misconduct helped spawn the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002) : ENRON
ENRON is the right answer because the company's financial scandal and misconduct led to the passing of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002, which aimed to improve corporate governance and financial reporting standards.
Crest : APEX
"Apex" can mean the highest point or peak of something, which is similar to the meaning of "crest" as the highest part of a hill or wave.
Cut : HEWED
"Cut" is a verb often associated with using an axe to chop or sever something, making "AXE" the fitting answer.
Drunken state : STUPOR
The answer "STUPOR" fits the clue "Drunken state" because a stupor is a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility, often caused by excessive drinking.
Ed of “Up” : ASNER
The answer "ASNER" is correct because Ed Asner is the actor who voiced the character Carl Fredricksen in the animated movie "Up."
Encouragement at karaoke night : SING IT!
The answer "SING IT!" fits the clue "Encouragement at karaoke night" because it is a common phrase used to urge someone to sing enthusiastically or confidently during a karaoke performance.
Entitled guys? : SIRS
The answer "SIRS" is the right solution because "Entitled guys" is a play on words where "guys" refers to men, and "SIRS" is a term used to address or refer to men in a polite or respectful way.
Europeans who speak a non-Indo-European language : BASQUES
Basques are Europeans who speak a non-Indo-European language because the Basque language, also known as Euskara, is unrelated to any other language in Europe. It is considered a language isolate, meaning it has no known living relatives.
Fed. statute that took down the Gambino crime family : RICO
RICO stands for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal statute used to prosecute organized crime groups like the Gambino family.
Finish behind : LOSE TO
The phrase "Finish behind" suggests coming in second place, which means you "LOSE TO" the person who finished first.
Garden variety? : ZEN
The answer "NORMAL" is the right solution to the clue "Garden-variety" because it refers to something that is typical, common, or ordinary. In a garden, you would expect to find a variety of plants, and "NORMAL" fits the description of being the standard or usual type.
Go after : SUE
"SUE" is the right answer because in legal terms, "to go after" can mean to take legal action against someone, which is often done by suing them.
God’s first word on the first day : LET
The answer "LET" fits the clue because in the Bible, in the Book of Genesis, it is written that on the first day of creation, God said, "Let there be light." This makes "LET" the first word spoken by God on the first day of creation.
He literally jumped the shark on “Happy Days” : FONZ
The character who literally jumped the shark on "Happy Days" is Fonzie, often referred to as "The Fonz." Therefore, the answer to this clue is "FONZ."
Hinged fastener : HASP
A hasp is a hinged fastener used to secure a door or lid by fitting over a staple or a peg. It is a common term for this type of fastening device.
Homebodies? : UMPS
UMPS is the right answer because "Homebodies" is a play on words referring to baseball umpires who make calls at home plate.
Hub : NEXUS
"NEXUS" is a synonym for hub, meaning a central or focal point. It is often used to describe a connection or link between different things or people, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Hub."
Humble home : HUT
The word "humble" suggests simplicity and modesty, which aligns with the definition of a "hut." A hut is a small, basic dwelling typically made of simple materials, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Humble home."
Indian spice mixture : MASALA
"MASALA" is the right solution because it is a popular Indian spice mixture used in cooking, known for its blend of various spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
Inits. on a “Choice” label : USDA
The initials "USDA" stand for United States Department of Agriculture, which is often found on food labels to indicate that the product has been certified by the government agency.
International date line? : TE AMO
James Bond studio : MGM
MGM is the abbreviation for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the studio that produced the James Bond films.
Kind of rating system in chess : ELO
The answer is "ELO" because it is a common rating system used in chess to calculate the relative skill levels of players.
Late-night host John : OLIVER
John Oliver is a late-night host known for his show "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver."
Lead-in to cure or cab : PEDI-
The answer "PEDI-" is the correct solution because it is a common prefix that can be added to "cure" to form "pedicure" and to "cab" to form "pedicab."
Leaf fossils? : PLANT’S EVIDENCE
Lions or Tigers, on a scoreboard : DET
The abbreviation for the sports teams Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers is "DET".
Machine learning model that mimics the human brain : NEURAL NET
"NEURAL NET" is the right solution because a neural network is a machine learning model inspired by the human brain's neural network structure, with interconnected nodes that process information similar to how neurons work in the brain.
Mama’s boy : SON
"SON" is the right answer because a son is a male child in relation to their mother, often referred to as a mama's boy if they are particularly close or attached to their mother.
Many an I.R.S. employee : CPA
The answer "CPA" stands for Certified Public Accountant, which is a professional designation for accountants who have passed the CPA exam and met other state requirements. Many I.R.S. employees, especially those involved in tax auditing and accounting, are CPAs.
Memorable time : ERA
"ERA" is a period of time that is significant or memorable in history, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Memorable time."
Midas’ downfall : GREED
The answer "GREED" fits the clue "Midas' downfall" because King Midas from Greek mythology was known for his insatiable greed, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Monthly utility bill : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for abbreviation, which indicates that the answer to the clue is an abbreviated term. In this case, the monthly utility bill is commonly referred to as "PGE" or "PG&E" in some regions.
Mortarboard tosser : GRAD
The answer "GRAD" is short for "graduate," and graduates often wear mortarboards and toss them in celebration.
Muse with a lyre : ERATO
ERATO is the Greek muse of lyric and love poetry, often depicted with a lyre. So, the answer "ERATO" fits the clue "Muse with a lyre" as she is associated with this musical instrument.
N.B.A. analyst Burke : DORIS
"DORIS" is the right solution because Doris Burke is a well-known N.B.A. analyst, making her the most likely answer to the clue.
Necessities for retiring? : SPARES
The answer "SPARES" fits the clue "Necessities for retiring?" because in this context, "SPARES" refers to extra items that can be used to replace any that are worn out or broken, which are indeed necessities for retiring.
Noodles and floaties? : POOL’S RESOURCES
"POOL’S RESOURCES" is the right solution because the word "noodles" can refer to pool noodles used in swimming pools, and "floaties" can refer to floatation devices used in pools. Therefore, the answer "POOL’S RESOURCES" cleverly combines both items typically found in a pool.
Not authorized : ILLICIT
The word "ILLICIT" means not authorized or forbidden by law, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Not authorized."
Not working, say : ON LEAVE
"ON LEAVE" is the right solution because when someone is on leave, they are not working. The clue "Not working, say" suggests a situation where someone is not actively working, which fits the answer "ON LEAVE."
Novelist Cather : WILLA
"WILLA" is the right answer because the clue "Novelist Cather" refers to Willa Cather, an American novelist known for works such as "My Ántonia" and "O Pioneers!".
Oil futures? : FUEL’S SPECULATION
The answer "FUEL'S SPECULATION" is a play on words, where "oil futures" refers to the trading of contracts for the future delivery of oil, and "fuel's speculation" suggests guessing or predicting the future price of fuel. This answer cleverly combines both meanings of the clue.
Org. with the tagline “No More Victims” : MADD
MADD stands for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an organization with the tagline "No More Victims" that works to prevent drunk driving and support victims of drunk driving incidents.
Over there : YON
"YON" is a poetic or old-fashioned way to refer to a location that is some distance away, similar to saying "over there."
Pale purple : MAUVE
The color lilac is a pale purple color, making it the correct answer for the clue "pale purple".
Parade sight : FLOAT
The answer "FLOAT" fits the clue "Parade sight" because floats are a common sight in parades, often elaborately decorated vehicles or platforms that carry performers or displays.
Parent’s exhortation : EAT!
"EAT!" is a common exhortation from a parent encouraging their child to consume their food. In this context, the answer fits the clue "Parent’s exhortation" well.
Part of a clock : FACE
The "face" of a clock refers to the front part of the clock that displays the time. It includes the numbers, hands, and any other markings or features on the front of the clock.
Pays (up) : PONIES
The word "Pays" is a clue indicating that the answer involves giving money. "Up" is a signal that the answer should be a phrasal verb. "Ponies up" is a colloquial term meaning to pay money, making "PONIES" the correct answer.
Peace symbol : DOVE
The dove is a well-known symbol of peace in many cultures and religions, making it the correct answer for "Peace symbol."
People who might answer “What’s up?” with “The sky” : WISEASSES
The answer "WISEASSES" fits the clue because people who respond with "The sky" to the question "What's up?" are often seen as being cheeky or sarcastic, which is another way to describe a wiseass.
Persona : IMAGE
The word "IMAGE" can refer to the way someone presents themselves to the world, which is similar to the concept of a persona.
Personal theory that isn’t in the source material : HEADCANON
The term "headcanon" refers to a fan's personal interpretation or theory about a work of fiction that is not supported by the source material. In this case, the answer fits the clue because it directly describes the concept of a personal theory that is not present in the original source material.
Peter the Great and Ivan the Terrible : TSARS
"TSARS" is the right answer because Peter the Great and Ivan the Terrible were both historical Russian rulers known as tsars.
Playwright William : INGE
"Playwright William" refers to the American playwright William Inge, known for works such as "Picnic" and "Bus Stop." The answer "INGE" is a common crossword clue for this playwright's last name.
Police alerts, for short : APBS
unknown
Pool side : STRIPES
Portrayer of Bob Newby on “Stranger Things” : SEAN ASTIN
Sean Astin is the actor who portrayed Bob Newby on the TV show "Stranger Things."
Pours poorly : SLOPS
"SLOPS" is the right solution because it means to spill or splash liquid clumsily, which fits the clue "Pours poorly."
Practices mise en place : PREPS
The term "mise en place" refers to the preparation and organization of ingredients and tools before cooking. "Practices mise en place" is a clue that hints at the word "PREPS," which is a shortened form of "preparations" and fits the context of getting things ready before cooking.
Preposterous : RICH
Put up with : STOOD
The word "abide" means to tolerate or endure, which is synonymous with "put up with."
Quantum ___ : LEAP
The term "Quantum Leap" refers to a significant change or advance. In this context, "LEAP" fits the clue as it directly relates to the phrase "Quantum Leap."
Rapper with seven posthumous albums : TUPAC
TUPAC is the right answer because Tupac Shakur, also known as 2Pac, released seven posthumous albums after his death in 1996.
Real bind : SPOT
The answer "SPOT" fits the clue "Real bind" because being in a tight spot is a common phrase meaning to be in a difficult situation or bind.
Record label that famously turned down the Beatles : DECCA
DECCA is the correct answer because the record label Decca famously turned down the Beatles after an audition in 1962, a decision they later regretted.
Render more youthful, as with C.G.I. : DE-AGE
"De-age" means to make someone appear younger, often done with CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) in movies. So, "Render more youthful, as with C.G.I." is a clue hinting at the answer "DE-AGE."
Reprimand to a rubbernecker : DON’T STARE
The answer "DON'T STARE" fits the clue because a rubbernecker is someone who stares or looks curiously at something, often causing a disturbance. Therefore, "DON'T STARE" is a fitting reprimand for someone who is rubbernecking.
River swirl : EDDY Down 1 Some email attachments
The answer to "River swirl" is "EDDY" because an eddy is a circular current of water. The answer to "Some email attachments" is "EDDY" because EDDY can also refer to attachments in email, such as an email signature or a file attached to an email.
Sack : PILLAGE
Sales prospects : LEADS
"LEADS" is the right answer because in sales, a lead refers to a potential customer or client who has shown interest in a product or service. Sales prospects are individuals or businesses that may turn into actual customers, making "LEADS" a fitting answer.
Scoop, so to speak : DETAILS
"Details" can be considered a type of scoop because it refers to specific and often exclusive information or facts about a particular situation or event. It is a common phrase to say "I have the details" when someone wants to share specific information.
See 30-Down : ALI
The answer to "See 30-Down" is "GRASS" because it refers to another clue in the crossword puzzle. To find the full answer, you need to look at the clue given for 30-Down. Unfortunately, I don't have access to the crossword grid, so I am unable to provide the specific answer for 30-Down.
Shoves, to a poker player : GOES ALL IN
The term "goes all in" in poker means a player pushes all their chips into the pot, showing a strong commitment to the hand. "Shoves" is a synonym for pushing, making "GOES ALL IN" the correct answer.
Simoleons : ONES
"Simoleons" is a slang term for money, and "ones" is a common term for one-dollar bills.
Skier Lindsey : VONN
Known for her successful skiing career, Lindsey Vonn is a well-known American former World Cup alpine ski racer. The answer "VONN" fits the clue "Skier Lindsey" as it refers to her last name.
Skin condition : ECZEMA
Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by itchy and inflamed patches of skin, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Skin condition."
Slangy greeting : HOLLA
"HOLLA" is a slang term commonly used as a greeting, similar to saying "hello" in a more informal way. It fits the clue "Slangy greeting" perfectly.
Smoky tendrils : WISPS
"WISPS" are thin, delicate strands or threads, which can be used to describe smoky tendrils.
Snack brand with a hyphen in its name : JELL-O
Something furry on a fir : MOSS
"Moss" is something furry that can grow on a fir tree, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Stock prices? : EXCHANGE’S NUMBERS
Sudden contractions : SPASMS
The answer "SPASMS" fits the clue "Sudden contractions" because spasms are involuntary muscle contractions that happen suddenly and often cause pain or discomfort.
Sugar and cocoa content? : FUDGE’S FACTS
unknown
Supercell, e.g., for short : T-STORM
The answer "T-STORM" is short for "thunderstorm," and a supercell is a type of severe thunderstorm. So, "Supercell, e.g., for short" is a clue hinting at the abbreviation "T-STORM."
Sweden has more than 200,000 of them (of which only 1,000 are inhabited) : ISLES
The answer is "ISLES" because an isle is another word for an island, and Sweden has more than 200,000 islands, of which only 1,000 are inhabited.
Swinger’s attire : GOLF SHIRT
"GOLF SHIRT" is the right solution because golfers often wear this type of shirt while playing golf, which involves swinging clubs to hit the ball.
The Australia-shaped “Pride of Australia,” for one : OPAL
OPAL is the right answer because Australia is known for its opal mines and is often referred to as the "Pride of Australia" due to the country's significant opal production.
The “en” in “enby” : NON-
The term "enby" is used as a gender-neutral alternative to terms like "boy" or "girl." The "en" in "enby" comes from the word "non-binary," which is a gender identity that does not fit within the traditional binary of male and female. Therefore, the answer "NON-" is the right solution for the clue.
Theater sign : SRO
"SRO" stands for "Standing Room Only," which is a common sign found at theaters indicating that all seats are sold out and only standing room is available.
They prevent accidental scribbles : PEN CAPS
Pen caps are used to cover the tip of a pen, preventing accidental scribbles when the pen is not in use.
Thunderstruck : AGASP
The word "awed" means to be filled with a sense of wonder or amazement. When someone is thunderstruck, they are often left in awe due to a sudden and unexpected event. Therefore, "awed" is the right answer to the clue "Thunderstruck."
Turn on : ENABLE
"Turn on" can mean to enable or activate something, making "ENABLE" the right solution.
Utility figure : RATE
The term "rate" is often used in the context of utilities to refer to the cost or charge for a particular service, such as electricity or water. So, "Utility figure" can refer to the rate at which the utility is charged.
Veg-O-Matic maker : RONCO
"RONCO" is the right solution because Ronco is a well-known brand that produces the Veg-O-Matic kitchen appliance.
Wavy dos : PERMS
"Perms" refers to a hairstyle treatment where the hair is chemically curled or waved, creating a wavy look.
Wears on : TAXES
"Tax" is a synonym for "wears on" in this context, as taxes can be a burden or wear down individuals financially.
What drones and anxious parents do : HOVER
The word "hover" can be used to describe both what drones do in the air and what anxious parents do when they are worried or watching closely over someone or something. The answer "hover" fits both interpretations of the clue.
What goes around the head at Diamond Head : LEI
A lei is a traditional Hawaiian garland that is commonly worn around the head or neck as a symbol of affection or celebration. Diamond Head is a famous volcanic tuff cone located in Hawaii, where leis are often worn by visitors and locals alike.
Witch : HAG
The word "CRONE" is a suitable answer to the clue "Witch" because it is a term often used to describe an old and ugly woman, typically associated with witchcraft and magic.
With 12-Down, world champion boxer who retired an undefeated 24-0 : LAILA
The answer "LAILA" fits the clue because Laila Ali is a former professional boxer who retired with a perfect 24-0 record. "With 12-Down" refers to the clue associated with the number 12 in the crossword puzzle.
___ blue : ICE
This is a wordplay clue. "___ Blue" refers to the TV show "NYPD Blue", where "NYPD" stands for "New York City Police Department".
___ Gay : ENOLA
"___ Gay" refers to the Enola Gay, the American bomber plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945.
___ room : MEN’S
The answer "REC" is short for "recreation," which is often used to refer to a room where people can engage in leisure activities.
___ Scott-Heron, writer of “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” : GIL
The answer is "GIL" because Gil Scott-Heron is the writer of the famous poem and song "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised."
___ the Orange (Syracuse mascot) : OTTO
OTTO is the Syracuse mascot, commonly known as Otto the Orange.
“And … cut!”? : SET’S AT EASE
"SET'S AT EASE" is a phrase used on a film set to signal the end of a scene or take. In this context, "cut" refers to stopping the filming. The answer fits the clue as it directly relates to the action of ending a scene.
“I’m done talking” : OVER
The phrase "I'm done talking" can be synonymous with "over it", making "OVER" the correct answer.
“Killers of the Flower Moon” tribe : OSAGE
The Osage tribe is featured in the book "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann, which is about the murders of wealthy Osage people in the 1920s.
“Lights! Camera! Action!”? : TAKE’S ORDERS
“No ___, Bob” : PROB
"“No ___ Bob” is a phrase indicating uncertainty or doubt, with 'prob' being short for 'probably', so the answer 'PROB' fits the clue."