Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 12 April 2024, Friday (04-12-24). 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.
40- alternative, informally : ALFA
The answer "ALFA" is the right solution because it is a common informal way to refer to the letter "A" in the NATO phonetic alphabet, where "ALFA" represents the letter "A".
Accompaniment for roast lamb : MINT SAUCE
The answer "MINT SAUCE" is the right solution because mint sauce is a traditional condiment often served with roast lamb to enhance its flavor.
All-star group : ELITE
The term "elite" is often used to describe a select group of the best or most skilled individuals in a particular field. In the context of an "all-star group," an elite group would consist of top performers or stars.
Amass : RUN UP
"Amass" is a synonym for "run up," meaning to accumulate or gather a large quantity of something over time.
Athletes who wear mawashi : SUMOS
"Sumos" are athletes who wear mawashi, which is the traditional belt worn by sumo wrestlers during matches.
Biblical unit : CUBIT
A cubit is a unit of measurement mentioned in the Bible. It was commonly used in ancient times to measure length, typically from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
Bit of detritus from a Thanksgiving meal : COB
The answer "COB" fits the clue because a cob is a bit of detritus left over after eating corn on the cob at a Thanksgiving meal.
Block with a horn : ANVIL
The answer "ANVIL" fits the clue "Block with a horn" because an anvil is a heavy iron block used by blacksmiths, often with a horn-shaped extension for shaping metal.
Brand name for the steroid mometasone : NASONEX
"Nasonex" is a brand name for the steroid mometasone that is commonly used as a nasal spray to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It is a well-known brand in the pharmaceutical industry.
Buff relative : TAN
"TAN" is the right solution because a "Buff relative" refers to someone who is tan or has a tan complexion, indicating they have spent time in the sun.
Center : MIDST
"MIDST" means "in the middle of" or "surrounded by", which fits the definition of "Center".
Chinese restaurant freebie : HOT TEA
The answer "HOT TEA" is a common complimentary item served in Chinese restaurants, making it the correct solution for the clue "Chinese restaurant freebie."
Clearing : GLADE
The answer "OPENAREA" is the right solution because a clearing refers to an open space within a forest or wooded area. "OPENAREA" accurately describes this concept.
Considering retirement? : SLEEPY
The answer "SLEEPY" is the right solution to the clue "Considering retirement?" because when someone is considering retirement, they might be feeling tired or sleepy due to the idea of relaxing and resting more.
Country whose name is part of the NATO phonetic alphabet : INDIA
INDIA is the right solution because "India" is a country whose name is part of the NATO phonetic alphabet, where each letter is represented by a word to ensure clarity in communication. In this case, "India" represents the letter "I."
Denigrate : DISS
The word "DISS" is a slang term that means to denigrate or disrespect someone. It is commonly used in informal language to describe speaking negatively about someone or something.
Device that converts rotary motion into linear motion : CAM
A cam is a mechanical device that converts rotary motion into linear motion by the shape of its surface. As the cam rotates, the follower connected to it moves along the cam's surface in a linear direction.
Done for the day, say : SPENT
"Done for the day, say" is a clue hinting at a word that means being finished or exhausted after a day's work, which fits the word "SPENT."
European automaker : FIAT
FIAT is an Italian car manufacturer, making it a European automaker.
Expire : LAPSE
The word "expire" means to come to an end or to run out. "Lapse" also means to come to an end or to expire, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Feeling of tightness : KNOT
The word "knot" can refer to both a physical tightness, like a knot in a rope, and a feeling of tension or tightness, like a knot in your stomach when you're nervous.
Field you can feel, maybe : AURA
The answer "AURA" fits because an aura is a field of energy that some people believe can be felt around a person or object.
First name in late-night : SETH
The answer "SETH" is the right solution because Seth Meyers is a popular late-night talk show host, known for hosting "Late Night with Seth Meyers."
Give a greeting, in slang : HOLLA
The answer "HOLLA" is slang for "hello" or "greeting," making it a fitting response to the clue "Give a greeting, in slang."
Go down : EBB
The word "ebb" means to recede or decrease, which is synonymous with going down.
Goes down : SETS
"Sets" can mean the sun setting, which is when it goes down.
Hand-held device discontinued in 2011 : PALMPILOT
The PalmPilot was a popular hand-held device that was discontinued in 2011, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Hot topic in criminology? : ARSON
The answer "ARSON" fits the clue "Hot topic in criminology?" because arson is a crime involving deliberately setting fire to property, making it a significant focus within the field of criminology.
Huff : SNIT
The word "huff" can mean a sudden fit of anger or resentment. "Snit" is a slang term that means exactly that, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Irene and Frederic Joliot-___, co-winners of the 1935 Nobel Prize in Chemistry : CURIE
The answer is "CURIE" because Irene and Frederic Joliot-Curie were the children of Marie Curie, a renowned scientist who won multiple Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physics.
Jason of TV’s “Shrinking” : SEGEL
Jason Segel is an actor who starred in the TV show "Shrinking." Therefore, the answer to the clue "Jason of TV’s 'Shrinking'" is "SEGEL."
Jokester : WAG
The answer "CUTUP" fits the clue "Jokester" because a "cutup" is someone who is known for making jokes or being humorous.
Lavish display, as of color : RIOT
The word "riot" can mean a lavish or extravagant display, especially when referring to a riot of colors.
Letters in an empty slot : TBA
The answer "TBA" stands for "To Be Announced," indicating that the slot is currently empty but will be filled in the future.
Locale of the “angle point” on Nevada’s western border : TAHOE
The "angle point" on Nevada's western border refers to Lake Tahoe, which is situated at the intersection of Nevada and California. So, the answer "TAHOE" fits the clue.
Look for : AWAIT
"Look for" is a clue indicating that you are waiting or expecting something to happen, making "AWAIT" the appropriate answer.
Lose steam : TIRE
The word "tire" can mean to lose energy or momentum, which is synonymous with losing steam.
Makeup of some sleeves, informally : TATS
The answer "TATS" is the right solution because "TATS" is a slang term for tattoos, which are a form of body art often found on sleeves.
Misidentification in the DC Universe : IT’S A PLANE!
The answer "IT’S A PLANE!" is a play on the famous line "It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!" often used in the DC Universe to describe Superman flying overhead.
N.F.L. team that has sold out every home game since 1970 : BRONCOS
The Denver Broncos is the N.F.L. team that has sold out every home game since 1970, making "BRONCOS" the correct answer.
No angels : IMPS
IMPS are often depicted as mischievous or naughty supernatural beings, which contrasts with the idea of angels being pure and good. Therefore, "No angels" can be a clue for IMPS.
Partner who’s deep undercover? : BLANKET HOG
"Blanket hog" is a playful term for someone who takes up all the blankets in bed, leaving their partner without any cover. In this context, the partner is "deep undercover" under the blankets, hence the answer "blanket hog."
Paul who wrote “Puppy Love” : ANKA
Paul Anka is a Canadian singer and songwriter who wrote the song "Puppy Love." Therefore, the answer to the clue is "ANKA."
Pen : AUTHOR
Piercing site : LIP
"LIP" is a common piercing site, such as a lip ring or labret piercing. It fits the clue as a body part where one might get a piercing.
Prince, e.g. : SON
"Prince" is a synonym for "son of a king or queen." Therefore, "SON" is the right answer.
Promise of a future return? : I OWE YOU ONE
"I OWE YOU ONE" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to indicate a promise to repay a favor or debt in the future. In this context, it suggests a promise of a future return.
Reason for a fare alert : PRICE DROP
The answer "PRICE DROP" fits the clue "Reason for a fare alert" because a price drop would be a reason for an alert to inform someone that the fare has decreased, potentially allowing them to book at a lower cost.
Rentals for some weddings : TENTS
"TENTS" are often rented for outdoor weddings to provide shelter and protection from the elements for guests.
Ritual performed to break a spell : RAIN DANCE
"RAIN DANCE" is the right solution because it is a ritual performed by some cultures to bring rain, which can be seen as breaking a dry spell or drought.
Rob of “The West Wing” : LOWE
The answer is "LOWE" because Rob Lowe is an actor known for his role as Sam Seaborn on the TV show "The West Wing."
Room for creativity : ART LAB
The answer "ART LAB" fits the clue "Room for creativity" because an art lab is a space where artists can freely explore and create art. It is a designated area for artistic experimentation and expression.
Save on rent, say : COHABIT
"COHABIT" is the right answer because when you cohabit with someone, you share living expenses and save on rent.
Seafood delicacy : ROE
"Roe" is a seafood delicacy that refers to fish eggs, often served as a delicacy in dishes like sushi or caviar.
Squirt : TYKE
The answer "TOT" is the right solution for the clue "Squirt" because a "tot" refers to a small child or a young person, and "squirt" can be used as a colloquial term for a small or young individual.
Sturdy fabric : DENIM
"Denim" is a sturdy fabric commonly used in making jeans and other durable clothing items. It is known for its strength and durability, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Sturdy fabric."
Take a dim view of? : HATE-WATCH
"Hate-watch" means to watch something with the intention of criticizing or mocking it. So, "take a dim view of" can be interpreted as "hate-watch."
Takes a dim view of : PANS
The word "pans" can mean to criticize or give a negative review of something, which aligns with the clue "takes a dim view of."
The islands of Hawaii, effectively : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for "Abbreviation," indicating that the islands of Hawaii can be effectively referred to in a shortened form.
Toiletry holder in a carry-on : TRAVEL KIT
The answer "TRAVEL KIT" fits the clue because a travel kit is a small bag or case used to hold toiletries while traveling, making it a common item to have in a carry-on bag.
Traditional service : LATIN MASS
The term "Latin Mass" refers to the traditional liturgical service of the Roman Catholic Church, which is conducted in Latin. This answer fits the clue "Traditional service" as it specifically refers to a longstanding religious service that has been part of Catholic tradition for centuries.
Vidalia, for one : SWEET ONION
The answer "SWEET ONION" fits the clue "Vidalia, for one" because Vidalia is a type of sweet onion known for its mild and sweet flavor.
Wyoming city, river or mountain range : LARAMIE
LARAMIE is the right answer because it is a city in Wyoming, a river that flows through the state, and a mountain range located in the western United States.
___ Kirk Christiansen, founder of the Lego company : OLE
"OLE" is the right solution because it is a common Scandinavian name, and Ole Kirk Christiansen was the founder of the Lego company.
“It’s unclear” : DUNNO
The answer "DUNNO" is a casual way of saying "I don't know," which fits the clue "It's unclear." It conveys uncertainty or lack of knowledge.
“Just keep doing what you’re doing” : DON’T MIND ME
The phrase "Don't mind me" is often used to indicate that someone should continue what they are doing without worrying about or being bothered by the speaker's presence or actions. This fits the clue "Just keep doing what you're doing" as it conveys a similar sentiment.
“No surprise there” : THAT TRACKS
The phrase "That tracks" is often used to express agreement or acknowledgment of something that is not surprising. It fits the clue "No surprise there" as it conveys a similar sentiment.
“Whoa!” : EASY!
The answer "OMG!" is the right solution because it is a common expression used to convey surprise or astonishment, which is similar to the meaning of "WHOA!"
“___ : Hawaii” (2021 spinoff)
The answer is "ENRON" because "The Smartest Guys in the Room" is a documentary film about the rise and fall of the Enron Corporation.