Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 4 April 2025, Friday (04-04-25). 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.
1960s chimp in space : ENOS
ENOS is the answer because Enos was a chimpanzee that orbited the Earth in 1961 as part of the Mercury-Atlas 5 mission.
2021 book subtitled “Workers of the World” : ANTS Down 1 Doesn’t wonder, say
Alpaca group : HERD
The answer "HERD" is the right solution because alpacas typically travel and live in groups known as herds.
Anti-jaywalking directive : CROSS AT THE GREEN
The answer "CROSS AT THE GREEN" is the right solution because it is a directive that instructs pedestrians to cross the street only when the traffic light is green, promoting safety and following traffic rules.
Athlete posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom : ASHE
Arthur Ashe was an athlete who was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to society both on and off the tennis court. "ASHE" fits the clue because he is the only athlete fitting this description who has the last name "Ashe."
Bit of sliding glass door maintenance : OILING
The answer "OILING" is correct because applying oil is a common maintenance task for sliding glass doors to keep them operating smoothly. Lubricating the tracks with oil helps prevent sticking and ensures the door slides easily.
Blue-blooded : NOBLE
The term "blue-blooded" is often used to describe someone of noble or aristocratic birth. Therefore, the most fitting answer to the clue "Blue-blooded" is "NOBLE."
Boorish sorts : SWINE
The term "swine" is often used to describe boorish or uncouth individuals, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Boorish sorts."
Buddhist scripture : SUTRA
In Buddhism, a Sutra refers to a collection of teachings or aphorisms. Therefore, "Buddhist scripture" is a fitting clue for the answer "SUTRA".
Closes : ENDS
The answer "SHUTTERS" fits the clue "Closes" because shutters are a type of window covering that can be closed to block out light or provide privacy.
Crest : ACME
"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.
Duke Ellington’s “___ Doll” : SATIN
"Satin Doll" is a famous jazz standard composed by Duke Ellington. The answer "SATIN" fits the clue as it directly refers to the title of the song.
Emporium : MART
The word "MART" is often used to refer to a large retail store or marketplace, making it synonymous with "emporium."
Ending with real or social : -ISM
The word "ism" can be added to the end of words like "real" or "social" to form new words that represent a belief, practice, or movement. This makes "-ISM" the correct answer for "Ending with real or social" in the crossword puzzle.
Endorse virtually : E-SIGN
"E-SIGN" is the right solution because it means to endorse virtually by electronically signing a document, often using a digital signature.
First responder, to many : HERO
The answer "HERO" fits the clue "First responder, to many" because a hero is often seen as a first responder in times of crisis or danger, such as firefighters, police officers, or paramedics.
Fits cozily : NESTS
"NESTS" is the right answer because when something "nests," it fits snugly and comfortably in a particular place, just like a bird nests in a tree.
Fume : SEETHE
The word "SEETHE" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "fume." When someone is seething, they are extremely angry or upset, which is the same idea conveyed by the clue "fume."
Grad. student fellowship funder : NSF
The answer "NSF" fits because the National Science Foundation (NSF) often provides funding for graduate student fellowships.
Greek goddess who is the equivalent of the Roman Pax : IRENE
IRENE is the Greek goddess of peace, equivalent to the Roman goddess Pax. Both goddesses represent peace and harmony, making IRENE the correct answer for this clue.
Hair color blending technique : OMBRE
"Ombre" is a hair color blending technique where the hair transitions from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter shade towards the ends. This term is commonly used in the beauty industry to describe this specific hair coloring method.
Hawaiian party settings : LANAIS
The answer "LANAIS" fits the clue "Hawaiian party settings" because lanais are open-sided verandas or porches that are commonly found in Hawaiian homes and are often used for hosting parties or gatherings.
Hesitant sounds : ERS
The answer to "Hesitant sounds" is "ERS" because "ERS" is a common sound people make when they are unsure or hesitant.
High ___ : JINKS
The word "seas" can be used to describe large bodies of saltwater, which are often considered to be at a high altitude relative to other bodies of water. Therefore, "High ___" can be appropriately filled with "SEAS".
Home health risk : RADON
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into homes from the ground, posing a health risk as it is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
It may lead to a second opinion : ALSO
ALSO can introduce a second opinion or point in addition to the first one mentioned in the conversation or text.
Itinerant one : NOMAD
"NOMAD" is the right solution because an itinerant person is someone who travels from place to place with no permanent home, which is characteristic of a nomad.
Its flag was solid red with a white elephant : SIAM
SIAM is the former name of Thailand. The flag of Siam featured a solid red background with a white elephant in the center, making it a fitting answer to the clue provided.
Like some relations : STRAINED
The answer "STRAINED" fits the clue "Like some relations" because strained relations refer to relationships that are tense or difficult.
Made a fast break? : ATE
The clue "Made a fast break?" is a play on words. In this case, "fast break" refers to quickly eating a meal, which is why the answer is "ATE."
Many a short-term rental : VAN
The answer "VAN" fits the clue "Many a short-term rental" because vans are commonly rented for short periods of time for various purposes like moving or transportation.
Messy things to eat in a car : TACOS
Tacos are messy to eat in a car because they often have fillings that can fall out, such as meat, cheese, and salsa, leading to crumbs and drips that can make a mess.
Modern-day locale of the ancient Parthian Empire : IRAN
The modern-day country of Iran is where the ancient Parthian Empire was located, making it the correct answer to the clue.
One getting in online debates, colloquially : KEYBOARD WARRIOR
The term "KEYBOARD WARRIOR" refers to someone who is aggressive or confrontational in online debates while hiding behind the anonymity of a keyboard. It is a colloquial term often used to describe individuals who are brave and outspoken online but may not act the same way in person.
One of 32 in the N.F.L. : OWNER
The answer "OWNER" is correct because there are 32 teams in the NFL, and each team has an owner.
Ones most likely to pay out : ODDS-ON FAVORITES
"Odds-on favorites" refers to the competitors or options in a contest that are most likely to win, hence they are the ones most likely to pay out in terms of betting.
Onetime iPod model : NANO
The iPod model known as "NANO" was a popular model released by Apple. It is a common crossword answer for a one-time iPod model due to its distinct name and recognition in popular culture.
Ottomans, e.g. : LEG RESTS
The Ottomans were a Turkish empire, so Ottomans are synonymous with Turks. Therefore, the answer to "Ottomans, e.g." is "TURKS".
Pinched pasta shape : BOW TIE
The answer "BOW TIE" fits the clue "Pinched pasta shape" because bow tie pasta is a type of pasta that is pinched in the middle to create a bow tie shape.
Pioneering agriculturist Tull : JETHRO
Jethro Tull was a pioneering agriculturist who invented the seed drill, a key innovation in agriculture. The clue is referring to him by his full name, Jethro Tull, making "JETHRO" the correct answer.
Place : LIEU
"Place" can be used as a verb meaning to put something in a particular position, which is synonymous with the word "put."
Puma or pump : SHOE
The word "SHOE" can follow "Puma" to create the brand "Puma shoe" or follow "pump" to create "pump shoe," making it a fitting answer for the clue "Puma or pump."
Roman guardian spirit : LAR
"LAR" is the right solution because in Roman mythology, a "Lar" is a guardian spirit or deity associated with household and family.
Rows : OARS
The word "rows" can be a verb meaning to propel a boat with oars. "Oars" are the correct answer because they are used for rowing a boat.
Sensitive workplace matters : RAISES
The answer "RAISES" fits the clue "Sensitive workplace matters" because raises are often a sensitive topic in a workplace, as they involve discussions about salary increases and can impact employees' feelings and morale.
Shape-shifters? : BLOBS
"Shape-shifters" is a clue that suggests the answer is something that can change its form. A blob is a shapeless, flexible object that can easily change its shape, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Shapeless stuff : MUSH
The answer "MUSH" fits the clue "Shapeless stuff" because mush is a soft, shapeless mass or mixture of ingredients. It is commonly used to describe a formless or pulpy substance.
Sign above some real estate signs : SOLD
"SOLD" is the right solution because it is a common sign that is placed above real estate signs to indicate that the property has been purchased.
Stand : ABIDE
"RISE" is the right solution because when you "stand," you typically go from a sitting or lying position to a standing position, which involves rising up.
Steered : LED
The word "steered" is a past tense verb, indicating that someone guided or directed something. The past tense of "lead" is "led," making it the correct answer to the clue.
Step before “bake” in certain recipes : MARINATE
Marinating is a common step before baking in certain recipes to enhance flavor and tenderness by soaking the food in a seasoned liquid.
The Clintons’ White House cat, so named because of its white feet : SOCKS
"Socks" is the right answer because Socks was the name of the Clintons' White House cat, and the clue mentions the cat's distinctive feature of having white feet.
The moon’s South Pole-Aitken basin, e.g. : CRATER
The South Pole-Aitken basin on the moon is a large crater, making "CRATER" the right answer.
Thinking hard, informally : USING THE OLD BEAN
"Using the old bean" is a colloquial phrase that means thinking hard or using one's brain. It fits the clue "Thinking hard, informally" because it is a playful way to describe the act of using one's brain to think deeply.
Traffic problem : SNARL
"SNARL" is the right answer because it refers to a tangled or congested mass, which accurately describes a traffic problem where vehicles are stuck or moving slowly due to congestion or an accident.
Training ___ : BRA
The answer "BRA" fits the clue "Training ___" because it completes the phrase as "Training bra," which is a type of brassiere worn by young girls who are beginning to develop breasts.
Turndown? : DOG-EAR
The term "turndown" can refer to folding down the corner of a page in a book, which is also known as a "dog-ear."
When Holy Week falls : LENT
The answer "LENT" is the right solution because Holy Week falls during the season of Lent in the Christian calendar. Lent is the period of 40 days leading up to Easter, which includes Holy Week.
Word with hard or high : … HAT
The answer to "Word with hard or high" being "HAT" is because it forms common phrases like "hard hat" and "high hat," where "hat" completes the expression.
[Just like that!] : [BAM!]
The phrase "just like that" is often used to indicate something happening suddenly or quickly, and "snap" is a word that can be used to convey the same meaning. Therefore, "snap" is an appropriate answer to the clue.
___ fly : SAC
The term "SAC fly" is short for "sacrifice fly," which is a baseball statistic where a batter hits a fly ball that allows a runner to score a run. "SAC" is the common abbreviation for "sacrifice" in baseball scoring, making "SAC" the correct answer for the clue "___ fly."
___ power trip : ON A
"___ power trip" is a common phrase where the missing word is "ON A," which completes the expression as "ON A power trip."
“According to reports …” : I HEAR …
The answer "I HEAR ..." fits the clue "According to reports ..." because "I hear" is a common way to introduce information that was heard or reported.
“Every bad situation is a blues ___ waiting to happen” : Amy Winehouse
“Lemme be straight with you” : I CALL ‘EM AS I SEE ‘EM
The phrase "I CALL ‘EM AS I SEE ‘EM" means being honest and straightforward, which is what someone might say when they want to be straight with you.
“Life on the Mississippi” memoirist : TWAIN
Mark Twain is the author of the memoir "Life on the Mississippi," making "TWAIN" the correct answer for the clue.
“Map of China” artist : AI WEIWEI
AI WEIWEI is a well-known Chinese artist who is famous for his contemporary art and activism. He is recognized for creating the "Map of China" artwork, making him the correct answer to the clue "Map of China artist."
“Please?” prompt : SAY THE MAGIC WORD
The answer "SAY THE MAGIC WORD" fits the clue "Please? prompt" because it is a playful way of reminding someone to say "please" when asking for something. It captures the essence of the situation where someone is being polite by asking for the magic word "please."
“___ Doone,” R.D. Blackmore romance : LORNA
"LORNA" is the right answer because "Lorna Doone" is a romance novel written by R.D. Blackmore. The clue is asking for the name of the novel's title character.