Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 17 April 2024, Wednesday (04-17-24). 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.
20-, by another name : THE CYCLOPS
The answer "THE CYCLOPS" fits the clue "20-, by another name" because the Cyclops is a mythological creature with one eye, making it a reference to the number 20 (XX in Roman numerals).
Banded gemstones : AGATES
The answer "AGATES" is correct because agates are a type of gemstone that often have distinctive bands of color or texture.
Bash for laughs : ROAST
The answer "ROAST" is the right solution because a "roast" is a type of event where a person is humorously mocked or teased in a good-natured way.
Beth preceder : ALEPH
Bottom floor of a 46-, perhaps : LEVEL A
LEVEL A is the right solution because it refers to the bottom floor of a building, which is often labeled as "Level A" in a 46-story building.
Cave dweller of Greek myth : POLYPHEMUS
"Polyphemus" is the right answer because in Greek mythology, Polyphemus is a cyclops who lived in a cave and is known for his encounter with Odysseus in Homer's epic poem, the Odyssey.
Chess “castle” : ROOK
The chess move known as "castle" involves moving the king and a rook together. The rook is the chess piece involved in this move, so the answer to the clue "Chess 'castle'" is "ROOK."
Coda, e.g. : END
The term "coda" refers to a concluding section of a piece of music. In this context, "end" is synonymous with "coda," as both signify the conclusion or final part of something.
Cool, ’90s-style : PHAT
"PHAT" is a slang term from the 1990s meaning "cool" or "excellent", making it a fitting answer for the clue "Cool, '90s-style".
Copy : APE
The word "MIMIC" is the right answer because it means to imitate or copy someone or something's actions, speech, or behavior.
Corrects, as keystrokes : RETYPES
The answer "RETYPES" fits the clue "Corrects, as keystrokes" because it means to type something again, fixing any mistakes made in the original typing.
Course that’s a breeze : EASY A
The answer "EASY A" is the right solution because it refers to a course in school that is very easy to pass, often without much effort.
Cry after a poke : I CAN’T SEE!
The answer "I CAN’T SEE!" fits the clue because it suggests that the person is crying due to being poked in the eye, which would impair their vision.
D.C.’s B and A : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, and in this case, it stands for "District of Columbia's B and A," referring to the abbreviation for Washington, D.C.
Doesn’t have enough : OWES
The word "OWES" means to be in debt or to not have enough of something, making it the correct answer to the clue "Doesn’t have enough."
Dreyer’s, on the East Coast : EDY’S
The answer "EDY’S" is correct because Dreyer's ice cream is known as Edy's on the East Coast due to a trademark issue.
Egg producer : HEN
"HEN" is the right answer because hens are female birds that lay eggs. They are commonly known as egg producers in farming and agriculture.
Egg ___ : SAC
The answer "SAC" fits the clue "Egg ___" because a sac is a structure that contains or protects an egg.
Enter a busy freeway : MERGE
The answer is "MERGE" because when entering a busy freeway, you need to merge into the flow of traffic to enter safely.
Escape vessel : POD
The answer "POD" fits the clue "Escape vessel" because a pod can refer to a small, enclosed space or compartment that can serve as an escape vessel in certain situations, such as a space pod in science fiction for escaping a spacecraft.
Eschew the pews, say : ELOPE
The phrase "eschew the pews" suggests avoiding a traditional wedding ceremony in a church. "Elope" means to run away secretly in order to get married, often without a formal ceremony. So, "Elope" fits the clue as it involves avoiding the typical church setting for a wedding.
Face-to-face, as an exam : ORAL
The answer "ORAL" fits the clue "Face-to-face, as an exam" because an oral exam is one conducted verbally, with the student speaking directly to the examiner, face-to-face.
Farmland measure : ACRE
An acre is a common unit of measurement for farmland, making it the right answer for the clue "Farmland measure."
Feature of 20- … and, when sounded out, a feature of today’s puzzle (clues and all!) : ONE EYE Down 1 Try to fly
The answer "ONE EYE" fits the clue because it refers to the phrase "20-20" vision, which means having perfect eyesight. When sounded out, "ONE EYE" sounds like "1 I," which is a feature of today's puzzle - the use of the letter "I" in the clues.
Flotsam and jetsam : TRASH
The term "flotsam and jetsam" refers to floating debris or wreckage found in the sea. This debris is often considered as trash. Therefore, the answer "TRASH" is a fitting solution for this clue.
Follow, as a lead : ACT ON
"Follow, as a lead" is a clue asking for a phrase that means to take action based on a clue or information given. The answer "ACT ON" fits this clue perfectly as it means to take action or follow through with a lead or information provided.
Food products wholesaler : SYSCO
"SYSCO" is a well-known company that specializes in distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and other businesses. They are a major player in the foodservice industry, making them a fitting answer for the clue "Food products wholesaler."
Go on and on : RANT
The word "rant" means to speak or shout at length in a wild, impassioned way. This fits with the clue "go on and on," as someone who is ranting is often speaking for an extended period of time.
Groups of plants : FLORAS
"Groups of plants" refers to the collective plant life in a specific region or habitat. The term for this is "floras," which is the plural form of "flora," meaning the plant life characteristic of a particular area.
H, to Homer : ETA
"ETA" is the Greek letter that corresponds to the letter "H" in the Greek alphabet, making it the correct answer to the clue "H, to Homer."
Had a meal : ATE
The word "ate" is the past tense of the verb "eat." It means to consume food, which is what "had a meal" implies. Therefore, "ate" is the correct answer for this crossword clue.
How Jenga blocks are placed, hopefully : STABLY
The answer "STABLY" fits the clue because when Jenga blocks are placed stably, they are stacked securely and not likely to fall over easily.
Hurt badly : MAIM
"Maim" means to injure someone severely, causing permanent damage. This fits the clue "Hurt badly" as it implies a serious and lasting injury.
Journey such as the one where 20- appears : ODYSSEY
The clue mentions "20-" which is a prefix meaning "two" or "twentieth". The most famous journey involving the number twenty is the "Odyssey" by Homer, making "ODYSSEY" the correct answer.
Keep ___ on (watch closely) : TABS
The answer "TABS" is the right solution because the phrase "keep tabs on" means to monitor or watch closely. In this context, "tabs" refers to keeping a record or keeping track of something.
Land separated at the 38th parallel : KOREA
The land separated at the 38th parallel is Korea because after World War II, Korea was divided into North Korea and South Korea along the 38th parallel.
Lead regulator, for short : EPA
The answer "EPA" is the right solution because EPA stands for Environmental Protection Agency, which is a lead regulator in the United States for environmental issues.
Mastodon features : TUSKS
"Tusks" are long, curved teeth that are a distinctive feature of mastodons and are often used for defense, digging, and as a display during mating rituals.
Mental ___ : MATH
The answer to "Mental ___" is "MATH" because "MATH" completes the phrase as "Mental Math," which refers to performing calculations in the mind without the use of external aids like pen and paper.
Mournful poem : ELEGY
An elegy is a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead. It is often mournful in tone, making it the right answer for the clue "Mournful poem."
Navy vessel letters : USS
"USS" stands for "United States Ship" and is commonly used as a prefix for the names of ships in the United States Navy.
Noted brand from Denmark : LEGO
LEGO is a well-known brand of construction toys that originated in Denmark. The clue "Noted brand from Denmark" is a direct reference to LEGO, making it the correct answer.
Oft-contracted address : MADAM
The answer "MADAM" fits the clue "Oft-contracted address" because "MADAM" is a common contracted form of address for a woman, often used in a formal or respectful manner.
OK place to be naked, once : EDEN
The answer "EDEN" fits because in the biblical story, Adam and Eve were naked in the Garden of Eden before they ate the forbidden fruit and became aware of their nakedness.
Old Testament queendom : SHEBA
The Old Testament queendom referred to in the clue is Sheba, a kingdom ruled by the Queen of Sheba who visited King Solomon. The answer "SHEBA" fits the clue perfectly.
Orchestra part : OBOE
The oboe is a woodwind instrument commonly found in orchestras.
Over : ATOP
"Over" can mean "once more" or "again". Therefore, "AGAIN" is a suitable answer to the clue.
Performed some weekend tasks : RAN ERRANDS
The answer "RAN ERRANDS" fits because it means completing various tasks or chores during the weekend. "RAN" implies doing something quickly, and "ERRANDS" are small tasks or jobs that need to be done.
Play, as a ukulele : STRUM
"STRUM" is the right answer because it means to play the ukulele by sweeping or brushing the fingers across the strings.
Potluck staple : PASTA SALAD
The answer "PASTA SALAD" fits the clue "Potluck staple" because pasta salad is a popular dish often brought to potluck gatherings as it is easy to make in large quantities and can be served cold or at room temperature.
Pro wrestler ___ Luger : LEX
LEX is the right solution because Lex Luger is a well-known professional wrestler, and the clue is asking for his first name.
Profound : DEEP
The word "profound" means having great depth or intensity, which can be synonymous with the word "deep." So, "deep" is the right answer for the clue "Profound."
Prospector’s locale of the late 1800s : ALASKA
The late 1800s saw the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska, making it a popular locale for prospectors during that time.
Quest for some athletes : GOLD
The answer "GOLD" fits the clue "Quest for some athletes" because athletes often strive to win a gold medal in competitions like the Olympics.
Relay race part : LEG
The answer "LEG" is the right solution because in a relay race, each team member runs a portion of the race called a "leg."
Skater Cohen : SASHA
Sasha Cohen is a well-known figure skater, so the answer "SASHA" fits the clue "Skater Cohen" as it refers to her first name.
Sneaky maneuver : PLOY
The word "ploy" means a cunning plan or maneuver, often used to deceive or outwit someone, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Sneaky maneuver."
Some Google search results : URLS
The answer "URLS" fits the clue "Some Google search results" because URLs are the web addresses that appear in search results when you look something up on Google.
Spot to park : GARAGE
The answer "GARAGE" fits the clue "Spot to park" because a garage is a designated area where vehicles can be parked and stored.
Stackable snack : OREO
The answer "OREO" fits the clue "Stackable snack" because Oreo cookies are made up of two chocolate wafers with a sweet cream filling in between, allowing them to be easily stacked on top of each other.
Swap out : REPLACE
The answer "REPLACE" fits the clue "Swap out" because to replace something means to take out the original and put in something new in its place.
Takes a toll on : TAXES
The word "taxes" can mean to take a toll on something by burdening or straining it, making it the right answer for the clue "Takes a toll on."
They may take the stand : ACCUSERS
The answer "ACCUSERS" fits the clue "They may take the stand" because in a legal setting, accusers are people who make formal charges against someone, often by testifying in court.
Took the long way home, say : WANDERED
The answer "WANDERED" fits the clue because when someone takes the long way home, they are likely not walking directly and instead moving aimlessly or without a specific route, which can be described as wandering.
Trouble : ADO
"Woe" is a synonym for "trouble" and can be used to describe a state of deep distress or misery. Therefore, "woe" is the right solution for the crossword clue "trouble."
Unadulterated : PURE
"PURE" means not mixed or diluted with any different or extra elements, making it unadulterated.
Valuable property : ASSET
The answer "PRIME REAL ESTATE" fits the clue "Valuable property" because prime real estate refers to highly desirable and valuable land or property in a sought-after location.
Watermelon-shaped : OVAL
"OVAL" is the right solution because watermelons are typically elongated and rounded, resembling an oval shape rather than a perfect circle or square.
Wrap for a monarch? : COCOON
"Cocoon" is the right solution because a cocoon is a protective covering that a monarch caterpillar spins around itself before transforming into a butterfly.
“Auld Lang ___” : SYNE
The phrase "Auld Lang Syne" is a traditional Scottish song typically sung on New Year's Eve. In this context, "Syne" means "since" in Scottish dialect, making it the correct completion of the clue.
“Pronto!” : ASAP!
"Pronto" is an Italian word that means "quickly" or "at once." "ASAP" is an acronym that stands for "as soon as possible," which is a common English equivalent to "pronto." Therefore, "ASAP" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Pronto."
“Psst, hey!” : YOU THERE!
This is the right solution because "Psst, hey!" is a way to get someone's attention, and "YOU THERE!" is a common way to address someone to get their attention.
“We ___ arrant knaves, all” : Hamlet
The phrase "We ___ arrant knaves, all" is a quote from William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." The missing word is "are," so the answer is "Hamlet."
“Well put!” : AMEN!
The term "Amen" is often used to express agreement or approval, making it a fitting response to something that is well put or well said.