Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 5 April 2024, Friday (04-05-24). 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.
Basilica sight : ICON
Bird that makes the longest migration in the animal kingdom : TERN
Blue skies, so to speak : EASE
The answer "EASE" is the right solution because "blue skies" is a phrase often used to describe a sense of calm or tranquility, which is synonymous with "ease."
Botanical stoma, e.g. : PORE
"Pore" is the right solution because a botanical stoma is a tiny opening in a plant's leaf for gas exchange, and "pore" is a synonym for this kind of opening.
Breeding spots for mayflies and dragonflies : PONDS
Ponds are commonly known as breeding spots for mayflies and dragonflies because these insects lay their eggs in water, and ponds provide a suitable environment for their larvae to develop.
Bugs, informally : CREEPY CRAWLIES
The answer "CREEPY CRAWLIES" fits the clue "Bugs, informally" because "creepy crawlies" is a colloquial term often used to refer to insects or other small creatures like spiders or worms.
Captain Rosbach of reality TV’s “Below Deck” : LEE
The answer is "LEE" because Captain Lee Rosbach is a well-known figure from the reality TV show "Below Deck," where he serves as the captain of the yacht. "LEE" is a common crossword answer for his last name.
Cardigan, e.g. : KNIT
The answer "KNIT" is the right solution because a cardigan is a type of sweater that is typically knitted.
Chaise alternative : BANC
Check : TEST
"Check" is a term used in chess when a player's king is under direct attack by an opponent's piece. In this context, "STEM" is a four-letter word that means "to stop or stanch (bleeding)". This word is often used in medical contexts, but it can also be used metaphorically to mean "to halt or prevent something from continuing". So, "STEM" is the right solution because it is a word that means to stop or prevent something, which is similar to the idea of checking in chess.
Cousin of a machete : BOLO
The answer "BOLO" is the right solution because a bolo is a type of large knife or machete commonly used in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.
Crash pad? : BED
"Crash pad" is a play on words that can refer to a place to sleep or rest, which is a bed.
Dance party where participants wear wireless headphones : SILENT DISCO
The answer "SILENT DISCO" fits the clue because it describes a dance party where participants listen to music through wireless headphones instead of a traditional speaker system, creating a silent environment for dancing.
Daring : MOXIE
The word "bold" is a suitable answer for the clue "daring" because it means showing a willingness to take risks or be adventurous. It aligns with the idea of being brave or courageous, which is often associated with daring actions.
Direct : POINT BLANK
Dog with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame : LASSIE
Lassie is a famous dog character in movies and TV shows, and she has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her the correct answer to the clue.
Drs. with good gut instincts? : GIS
The abbreviation "GIS" stands for "Gastrointestinal Specialists," which are doctors who specialize in treating issues related to the digestive system, showcasing their good gut instincts.
Dundee dismissal : NAE
The answer "NAE" is a Scottish term meaning "no" or "none," often used in Dundee as a dismissal or refusal. So, "Dundee dismissal" clues to the answer "NAE."
Fade from use : GO OBSOLETE
The phrase "go obsolete" means to fade from use or become outdated, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
First name in Russian literature : LEO
Leo Tolstoy is a famous Russian author known for works such as "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina." Therefore, "LEO" is the right answer for the clue "First name in Russian literature."
Go all in for a gag : COMMIT TO THE BIT
The answer "COMMIT TO THE BIT" fits the clue "Go all in for a gag" because in comedy, "committing to the bit" means fully engaging in a joke or comedic routine without holding back. It accurately describes going all in for a gag.
Go out for : APPLY TO
"Go out for" can be interpreted as applying to a position or opportunity, such as going out for a job or a team. Therefore, "APPLY TO" fits the clue.
Head of St. Paul’s Cathedral? : LOO
The head of St. Paul's Cathedral is the "LOO" because "LOO" is a slang term for a bathroom, and the head of a cathedral can refer to a bathroom.
Helter-skelter : IN DISARRAY
The phrase "in disarray" means in a state of disorder or confusion, which is synonymous with "helter-skelter."
High point? : NOON
"APEX" means the highest point or the topmost point of something, which makes it the correct solution for the clue "High point".
In reserve : ON ICE
"ON ICE" means to be held in reserve or postponed. It is commonly used in this context, making it the correct answer to the clue "In reserve."
Indian restaurant side : NAAN
"NAAN" is a type of Indian bread commonly served as a side dish in Indian restaurants. It is a popular accompaniment to curries and other dishes in Indian cuisine.
Island east of Bali : TIMOR
Timor is an island located east of Bali in Indonesia. It is the easternmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands.
It might make a cameo : ONYX
Liveliness : ESPRIT
The word "PEP" is a suitable answer for the clue "Liveliness" because "pep" is a colloquial term used to describe energy, enthusiasm, or liveliness.
Lurker in international waters : SPY SHIP
The answer "SPY SHIP" fits because a spy ship is a vessel that gathers intelligence in international waters without permission.
Maneuvers : PLOYS
"PLOYS" is the right answer because maneuvers and ploys both refer to strategic or cunning moves made to achieve a specific goal. They are often used interchangeably in this context.
Most, with “the” : … LION’S SHARE
The phrase "the lion's share" is an idiom that means the majority or the largest portion of something. So, "Most, with 'the'" is referring to the expression "the lion's share," making it the correct answer.
Motivational word : RAH!
"RAH!" is a common interjection used to express enthusiasm or encouragement, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Motivational word."
Neighborhood character : LOCAL COLOR
"Local color" refers to the distinctive characteristics and traits of a particular neighborhood or community that give it a unique identity or atmosphere. This phrase captures the essence of the neighborhood's character, making it the fitting answer to the clue.
Nickname alternative to Coby, perhaps : JAKE
The clue is hinting at a common nickname for the name Jacob, which is Jake. It suggests that Coby could be a nickname for Jacob, and Jake is another possible nickname for the same name.
Novel with the line “Reader, I married him” : JANE EYRE
The line "Reader, I married him" is a famous quote from the novel "Jane Eyre" written by Charlotte Brontë. This quote is significant because it marks the moment when the protagonist, Jane Eyre, reveals to the reader that she has married Mr. Rochester.
Online lecture franchise : TEDX
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. These events are licensed by TED, making TEDx an online lecture franchise.
Overly glib : PAT
"Pat" can mean overly glib or too slick in speech. It fits the clue well.
Period of sustained success : BANNER YEAR
The phrase "banner year" refers to a period of time in which someone or something experiences great success or achievement. It is commonly used to describe a particularly successful year, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Period of sustained success."
Pointless : INANE
The word "inane" means lacking significance or meaning, which can be considered synonymous with "pointless."
Policy in a restaurant that pays a living wage, perhaps : NO TIP
The answer "NO TIP" fits the clue because in a restaurant that pays a living wage, there is no need for customers to leave tips as the staff are already fairly compensated.
Question for the naysayers : ALL OPPOSED?
The answer "ALL OPPOSED" fits the clue "Question for the naysayers" because it directly addresses those who are against something, inviting them to speak up.
Quick chats? : IMS
The answer "IMS" stands for instant messages, which are quick chats.
Ramen topping : ENOKI
ENOKI is a type of mushroom commonly used as a topping for ramen noodles. Its long, thin shape and mild flavor make it a popular choice for adding texture and taste to the dish.
Resistance figure : OHM
The unit of electrical resistance is measured in ohms, symbolized by the Greek letter omega (Ω). So, "Resistance figure" refers to "OHM" as the correct answer.
Retail-focused channel : HSN
The answer is "HSN" because it stands for Home Shopping Network, which is a retail-focused channel where viewers can purchase products directly from their television.
Smart assistant : ALEXA
The answer to "Smart assistant" being "ALEXA" is correct because Alexa is a popular virtual assistant developed by Amazon that can respond to voice commands and perform various tasks like setting reminders, playing music, and providing information.
Snaps : GOES BANANAS
Some GIF reactions : LOLS
unknown
Songwriter Brickell : EDIE
Edie Brickell is a well-known songwriter and singer, making "EDIE" the correct answer to the clue "Songwriter Brickell."
Sounds of heartbreak : SOBS
The answer "SOBS" fits the clue "Sounds of heartbreak" because when someone is heartbroken, they often make sobbing sounds, which are typically associated with crying and emotional distress.
Telescope named for the second administrator of NASA : WEBB
The answer is "WEBB" because the telescope mentioned is the James Webb Space Telescope, named after James E. Webb, the second administrator of NASA.
They bring up the rear : CABOOSES
"Caboose" is a term used to refer to the last car of a train, so it literally brings up the rear of the train.
They’re about a foot : TOES
The answer "TOES" fits the clue "They're about a foot" because toes are body parts located at the end of the foot.
Turn on an axis : SLUE
The word "slue" means to turn or pivot on an axis, making it the correct answer for the clue "Turn on an axis."
Upscale : SWANKY
"Upscale" is a synonym for "swanky," which means stylish, elegant, or luxurious. Therefore, "SWANKY" is the right answer.
Volleyball doubles? : ELS
What “sends forth / His fiery breathings from the broken flues,” per Virgil : ETNA
The clue mentions "fiery breathings" and "broken flues," which are characteristics of a volcano. Etna is a well-known volcano in Italy, making it the correct answer.
Word shouted before “Feliz año nuevo!” : UNO
The word "uno" means "one" in Spanish, and it is shouted before wishing someone a "Feliz año nuevo," which means "Happy New Year."
___ Bear (folklore character) : BR’ER
"BR'ER" is the right solution because Br'er Bear is a character from African American folklore, specifically from the Uncle Remus stories by Joel Chandler Harris. The term "Br'er" is a colloquial Southern pronunciation of "Brother."
___ mundi : ANNO
The phrase "___ mundi" is Latin for "in the year of the world." The word "ANNO" fits in the blank to complete the phrase "Anno Mundi," which is used in the context of the Hebrew calendar to designate years since the creation of the world.
___ Stark, role on “Game of Thrones” : ARYA
The answer is "ARYA" because Arya Stark is a character on the TV show "Game of Thrones."
“Be that as it may …” : YES, BUT …
"EVENSO" is a transitional phrase that means "despite what has just been said" or "nevertheless." It is often used to introduce a contrasting point or to acknowledge a different perspective. Therefore, it fits the clue "Be that as it may …" which means "despite that."
“Das ___ der Deutschen” (Germany’s national anthem) : LIED
"LIED" is the correct answer because "Lied" is the German word for "song," and the phrase "Das ___ der Deutschen" translates to "The ___ of the Germans," indicating that the missing word is a type of song.
“Everything all right?” : ARE YOU OKAY?
The answer "ARE YOU OKAY?" fits the clue "Everything all right?" because it is a common phrase used to ask someone if they are doing fine or if they need help.
“Red ___” (Western comic) : RYDER
The answer "RYDER" fits the clue "Red ___" because the Western comic character being referred to is "Red Ryder," a popular cowboy hero in American comic strips and radio shows.
“___ have guessed?!” : WHO’D
The phrase "Who'd have guessed?!" is a common expression meaning "Who would have expected that?". In this context, "Who'd" is a contraction for "Who would", making "WHO'D" the correct answer.