Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 2 April 2024, Tuesday (04-02-24). 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.
A, in German : EINE
"Eine" is the German word for "a" in English. In German, nouns have different gender forms, and "eine" is the feminine form of "a."
Alluded to : GOT AT
Baby ___ (candy bar) : RUTH
The candy bar "Baby ___" is a smaller version of the "Ruth" candy bar, which is commonly known as Baby Ruth.
Barrage : FLOOD
The word "flood" can be a synonym for "barrage" as both can refer to a sudden and overwhelming amount of something, like water in a flood or criticism in a barrage.
Beverage with a seasonal pumpkin spice variety : LATTE
The answer "LATTE" fits because a latte is a popular coffee beverage that often comes in a seasonal pumpkin spice variety, making it a common choice for this clue.
Beyond chill : ICY
The term "chill" is often used to describe a relaxed or cool attitude. "Beyond chill" would mean even colder or more intense, which can be described as "ICY."
Black Friday offer, e.g. : DOORBUSTER (hold the door)
The answer "DOORBUSTER (hold the door)" fits the clue because on Black Friday, retailers often offer special deals known as "doorbusters" to attract customers, and the phrase "hold the door" is a playful addition hinting at the action of grabbing these deals before they're gone.
Boxer who defeated Superman in a 1978 DC Comics issue : ALI
Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer, defeated Superman in a 1978 DC Comics issue titled "Superman vs. Muhammad Ali." This crossover comic featured a boxing match between the two iconic figures, with Ali emerging as the victor.
British Isles inhabitant during the Iron Age : CELT
The Celts were a group of people who lived in the British Isles during the Iron Age, making "CELT" the correct answer.
CeeLo Green’s “Forget You,” notably : RADIO EDIT
The answer "RADIO EDIT" fits because it refers to a version of a song that has been modified to be suitable for radio play by removing explicit or offensive content. In this case, "Forget You" by CeeLo Green is a cleaned-up version of the original song "F**k You."
Checks out : EYES Down 1 Made over
The answer to "Checks out" is "EYES" because "EYES" can be used as a verb meaning to look at or examine closely, which is similar to checking something out.
Choices in a sleepover game : DARES
"DARES" are choices in a sleepover game because they are challenges or tasks that players can choose to take on as part of the game. Participants may dare each other to do something funny, daring, or silly during the sleepover, making it a common choice in such games.
Debriefed? : NAKED
Director Brooks : MEL
"Director Brooks" is a reference to Mel Brooks, a well-known filmmaker and comedian. The answer "MEL" is a common abbreviation for the name Mel, making it the right solution for this clue.
Director DuVernay : AVA
The clue is asking for the name of a director. "DuVernay" is the last name of the director in question. The name "Ava" matches the letters required by the crossword and is a commonly known first name of director Ava DuVernay.
Drone, e.g. : BEE
The answer "BEE" fits the clue "Drone, e.g." because a bee is a type of drone insect known for its buzzing sound and role in pollination.
End of the Greek alphabet : OMEGA
"Omega" is the last letter of the Greek alphabet, making it the end of the sequence of Greek letters.
Expansive medical center headquartered in Rochester, Minn. : MAYO CLINIC (hold the mayo)
The Mayo Clinic is a well-known medical center headquartered in Rochester, Minnesota. The answer "MAYO CLINIC" fits the clue because it is an expansive medical center located in Rochester. The additional phrase "hold the mayo" is a playful addition often found in crossword puzzles for a humorous touch.
Expression : IDIOM
"IDIOM" is the right answer because an idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from the literal meaning of its individual words. It is a common way people express ideas in a particular language or culture.
Facilities where racquetball and basketball were first played, for short : YMCAS
The answer "YMCAS" fits the clue because YMCA facilities are known for offering sports like racquetball and basketball.
Fam, formally : KIN
The word "kin" is a formal way to refer to family members, making it the right answer for "Fam, formally."
Field protector : TARP
"TARP" is the right solution because a tarp is commonly used to protect fields from elements such as rain, sun, or snow. It is a simple and effective way to cover and shield a field from potential damage.
Fish that can give a shock : EEL
The answer is "EEL" because electric eels are a type of fish that can produce electric shocks.
Former White House press secretary Psaki : JEN
Jen Psaki is the former White House press secretary, making "JEN" the right answer to the clue.
French river where two W.W. I battles took place : MARNE
The Marne is a river in France where two significant battles of World War I took place in 1914 and 1918.
Goofy assent that precedes “artichokie” : OKIE DOKIE, …
The answer "OKIE DOKIE" fits because it is a playful and informal expression that precedes "artichokie," creating a fun and whimsical phrase.
Grit : METTLE
"Mettle" is the right answer because it means a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or face a demanding situation with courage and resilience, which is synonymous with "grit."
Gymnastics sequence involving tumbling : FLOOR ROUTINE (hold the floor)
The answer "FLOOR ROUTINE (hold the floor)" fits the clue because a floor routine in gymnastics typically involves a sequence of tumbling passes performed on a floor exercise mat. The phrase "hold the floor" is a playful hint that the routine takes place on the floor exercise area.
Hawaii “bye” : ALOHA
ALOHA is a Hawaiian word commonly used as a greeting or farewell, making it a fitting answer for "Hawaii 'bye'."
Headwear for 14- : TIARA
The answer "TIARA" fits the clue "Headwear for 14-" because a tiara is a type of decorative headpiece often worn by royalty or for formal occasions, making it a suitable choice for the clue.
Highway no-nos, for short : UIES
The answer "UIES" is short for "U-turns," which are typically prohibited on highways.
In which you might talk through your problems? : ORAL EXAM
"ORAL EXAM" is the right answer because it is a situation where you talk through your problems with an examiner, typically in a formal setting like a school or university.
Lagoon-forming landform : ATOLL
An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets. It forms in a lagoon, which is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a barrier island or coral reef. Therefore, "atoll" is the correct answer for the clue "Lagoon-forming landform."
Legislative proposal : MOTION
The answer "MOTION" is the right solution because in a legislative context, a motion is a formal proposal put forward for consideration and decision by a deliberative body, such as a parliament or council.
Let the cat out of the bag : BLAB
The phrase "let the cat out of the bag" means to reveal a secret or confidential information. The word "TOLD" fits perfectly as it means to communicate or disclose something to someone.
Like stiff muscles : TENSE
"TENSE" is the right answer because stiff muscles are often described as feeling tense, tight, or rigid. The word "tense" accurately captures the feeling of stiffness in muscles.
Like tea that’s OK to have before bed : DECAF
The answer "DECAF" fits the clue because decaf tea is a type of tea that is suitable to drink before bed as it is caffeine-free.
Mammal whose scientific name is just its name repeated : BISON
unknown
Melting Face or Heart Hands : EMOJI
The answer "EMOJI" fits because "Melting Face" and "Heart Hands" are both types of emojis commonly used in digital communication.
Mesh with one’s peers : FIT IN
The phrase "fit in" means to mesh or blend well with one's peers, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Messed (with) : TOYED
The word "toyed" can mean to play with something in a mischievous way, which fits the definition of "messed (with)". Therefore, "toyed" is the right solution.
Noblewoman’s title : LADY
"Lady" is a noblewoman's title typically used before her first name or the name of her husband. It is a common title for women of high social rank or the wife of a knight or baronet.
Offshoot of punk : EMO
"Emo" is the right answer because it is a music genre that evolved from punk rock in the mid-1980s, characterized by emotional lyrics and introspective themes.
Old habit? : TUNIC
The answer "TUNIC" fits the clue "Old habit?" because a tunic is a type of old-fashioned garment or clothing item, resembling a habit worn by monks or nuns in the past.
Ominous words on a flunked test : SEE ME
The answer "SEE ME" is commonly written by a teacher on a test that a student has failed, indicating that they need to speak with the teacher about their performance.
One might be Horatian : ODE
"Horatian" refers to the Roman poet Horace, who was known for his odes. Therefore, the answer to "One might be Horatian" is "ODE."
One-up : OUTDO
"One-up" is a phrasal verb that means to surpass or outdo someone. "Top" is a synonym for surpass or outdo, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Oscar-winning actor Michael : CAINE
The answer is "CAINE" because Michael Caine is an Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in movies like "The Dark Knight" and "The Cider House Rules."
Pal, in Peru : AMIGO
The word "AMIGO" means "friend" in Spanish, which is a common term used in Peru. So, "Pal, in Peru" is a clue hinting at the Spanish word for friend, which is "AMIGO."
Partner of AFTRA : SAG
SAG stands for Screen Actors Guild, which is a labor union representing film and television actors. AFTRA stands for American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Both organizations merged in 2012 to form SAG-AFTRA, so the partner of AFTRA would be SAG.
Pass into law : ENACT
The word "enact" means to pass into law, making it the correct solution for the clue.
Passionately sings (out) : BELTS
The word "belts" is often used to describe singing loudly and passionately. In this context, "belts" is a common term in the music industry to describe singing with a powerful voice.
Peachy keen : SWELL
The phrase "Peachy keen!" is an expression used to convey enthusiasm or approval. Similarly, "NEATO!" is a slang term that also expresses excitement or approval. Therefore, "NEATO!" is the right solution because it is a suitable and equivalent phrase to "Peachy keen!"
Pig Latin turndown : IXNAY
"Ix-nay" is a common way to say "no" in Pig Latin, where the first letter of a word is moved to the end and "ay" is added. In this case, "nix" (meaning "no" in German) is turned into "ixnay," which fits the clue.
Plus these other authors : Abbr.
unknown
Profile features on dating apps : BIOS
The answer "BIOS" is the right solution because on dating apps, users create profiles with short descriptions about themselves, which are commonly referred to as bios.
Shirley Temple, for one : DRINK
The answer "DRINK" is the right solution because Shirley Temple is a non-alcoholic beverage named after the actress.
Something extended to a borrower : LINE OF CREDIT (hold the line)
The answer "LINE OF CREDIT" fits because it is a financial term referring to an amount of money that a lender extends to a borrower. The phrase "hold the line" is a hint indicating that the answer involves a line or credit line.
Stay-at-home ___ : DAD
"DAD" is the right solution because a stay-at-home dad is a father who stays at home to take care of the children and household duties.
The “12” of 12 : 34
unknown
Throw one’s support behind, as a candidate : ENDORSE
"ENDORSE" is the right answer because it means to publicly declare support for a candidate or cause. In this context, throwing one's support behind a candidate is essentially endorsing them.
TV drama about anarchist hackers : MR ROBOT
"MR ROBOT" is the right solution because it is a popular TV drama series that revolves around a group of anarchist hackers led by a mysterious figure known as Mr. Robot.
Unit of phone service : BAR
unknown
Vessel for whitewater rapids : RAFT
The answer "RAFT" fits because a raft is a type of vessel commonly used for navigating whitewater rapids due to its stability and buoyancy.
Woolly mammal : EWE
"EWE" is the right solution because a ewe is a female sheep, which is a woolly mammal commonly found on farms.
Words to live by : MOTTO
The answer "MOTTO" fits because a motto is a short phrase that expresses a guiding principle or belief to live by.
Yale for whom Yale University is named : ELIHU
Elihu Yale was a British merchant and philanthropist who made significant donations to the university, leading to it being named after him.
___ horizon (black hole boundary) : EVENT
The term "event horizon" refers to the boundary surrounding a black hole beyond which nothing can escape its gravitational pull, not even light. Therefore, the correct answer to the clue "___ horizon (black hole boundary)" is "EVENT".
“Atlantic” or “Pacific” fish : COD
The answer "COD" fits because cod is a type of fish that can be found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
“Beats me,” in brief : IDK
The answer "IDK" stands for "I Don't Know," which is a common phrase used to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge. In this case, "Beats me," in brief is a similar expression of not knowing, making "IDK" a fitting answer.
“Dramatic” literary device : IRONY
The answer "IRONY" fits the clue because irony is a literary device where the intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words used. This creates a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, adding a dramatic effect to the writing.
“God Only Knows,” vis-à-vis “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” : SIDE-B
The answer "SIDE-B" refers to the B-side of a vinyl record, where "God Only Knows" is typically found, making it the correct response to the clue.
“I think …,” online : IMO …
The answer "IMO" stands for "In My Opinion," which is a common phrase used online to preface personal viewpoints or thoughts. It fits the clue "I think …" well because it indicates a personal opinion or belief.
“Jesus, ___” (Wilco song) : ETC
unknown
“Peter Pan” dog : NANA
"NANA" is the name of the dog in the story "Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie.
“Stop right there!” … or a hint to the first words of 17-, 23-, 47- and 59- : HOLD IT!
The answer "HOLD IT!" is the right solution because it is a phrase that can be used to tell someone to stop or pause, which fits the clue "Stop right there!" Additionally, the first words of the other clues - 17-, 23-, 47-, and 59- across - are all things that can be held, like "PHONE," "YOUR," "HORSES," and "THE."
“That would stink!” : I HOPE NOT!
The answer "HOPE NOT" is the right solution because it is a phrase often used to express a strong desire or preference for something not to happen. In the context of the clue "That would stink," it implies that the speaker strongly hopes the described situation does not occur.
“___ Enchanted” (2004 comedy) : ELLA
The answer is "ELLA" because the 2004 comedy film is titled "Ella Enchanted," making "ELLA" the correct answer.
“___ you for real?” : ARE
The phrase "Are you for real?" uses the verb "are" to ask about the reality or truthfulness of something. So, the answer to the clue "___ you for real?" is "ARE" as it fits grammatically in the phrase.