Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 19 April 2024, Friday (04-19-24). 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.
1999 comedy in which Alanis Morissette plays God : DOGMA
In the 1999 comedy film "Dogma," Alanis Morissette portrays the character of God. Therefore, the answer "DOGMA" fits the clue "1999 comedy in which Alanis Morissette plays God."
Absolute ___ (big and strong person, in modern slang) : UNIT
The term "unit" is modern slang for a big and strong person, often used to describe someone as powerful or impressive.
Acclaimed bandleader who grew up in Spanish Harlem : PUENTE
Tito Puente was an acclaimed bandleader known as "The King of Latin Music" who grew up in Spanish Harlem, making "PUENTE" the right answer to the clue.
Actress Kunis : MILA
The answer to "Actress Kunis" is "MILA" because Mila Kunis is a well-known actress in Hollywood.
Asian capital ENE of 47-Down : SEOUL
The answer "SEOUL" fits the clue because Seoul is an Asian capital city and it is located east-northeast of the answer to 47-Down, which is Beijing.
Asian capital WSW of 48-Down : LHASA
The answer "LHASA" fits the clue because Lhasa is the capital of Tibet, which is located in Asia and is west-southwest of 48-Down, which would be Nepal.
Bill with Ben Franklin on it, slangily : HUNDO
The answer "HUNDO" is slang for "hundred," referring to a one hundred dollar bill featuring Ben Franklin.
Bizet’s “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle,” for one : ARIA
"ARIA" is the right solution because "L’amour est un oiseau rebelle" is an aria from the opera Carmen by Georges Bizet. In crossword puzzles, "aria" is a common clue for a solo vocal piece in an opera.
Blow up : MAGNIFY
The answer "MAGNIFY" fits the clue "Blow up" because when you magnify something, you make it appear larger or more prominent, which is similar to the idea of blowing something up in size or importance.
Blowback : FLAK
The term "blowback" is often used to describe negative reactions or repercussions. "Flak" is a slang term for criticism or opposition, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Blue character in Pixar’s “Inside Out” : SADNESS
The blue character in Pixar's "Inside Out" is Sadness because Sadness is depicted as a blue-colored character in the movie.
Bound for the big stage? : JETE
The clue "Bound for the big stage?" is a play on words that suggests a ballet move that involves leaping into the air, which is called a "jete."
Cassava product : TAPIOCA
The answer "TAPIOCA" is a cassava product as it is a starchy substance extracted from the cassava root.
Challenging item for a mover : SOFA
The answer "SOFA" fits the clue "Challenging item for a mover" because sofas are typically large and heavy, making them difficult to move.
Choice : BEST
"Choice" can refer to selecting the best option among several alternatives, making "BEST" a fitting answer.
Concept in holistic medicine : AURA
The answer "AURA" is a concept in holistic medicine that refers to a supposed emanation surrounding the body and perceived by those with special sensibilities.
Concern for a library patron or expectant parent : DUE DATE
The answer "DUE DATE" fits the clue because both a library patron with an overdue book and an expectant parent have a specific "due date" to meet - either returning the book or giving birth.
Cooped-up feeling : CABIN FEVER
The term "cabin fever" refers to the feeling of irritability and restlessness that can arise from being confined indoors for an extended period of time, such as during a winter storm or a quarantine. It captures the sense of being cooped up and yearning for freedom or a change of scenery.
Cutting insult : BURN
"BURN" is the right answer because in slang, a "burn" is a cutting or insulting remark made towards someone. It is commonly used to describe a sharp and hurtful comment.
Dances for which girls do the asking, informally : SADIES
The answer "SADIES" is the right solution because Sadie Hawkins dances are events where girls ask boys to be their dates, which is the opposite of traditional dances where boys ask girls.
Deep-fried bite : TATER TOT
"TATER TOT" is a deep-fried bite because it is a small, cylindrical piece of grated and seasoned potatoes that is typically deep-fried until crispy.
Discountenanced : UPSET
The word "discountenanced" means to disapprove or be unsettled by something. A synonym for this would be "upset," as it conveys a sense of being disturbed or bothered by something.
Dodge : ELUDE
"Elude" means to avoid or escape from someone or something by being quick, skillful, or clever. This fits the clue "Dodge", which means to avoid someone or something by moving quickly out of the way. Therefore, "Elude" is the correct solution.
Dystopian sci-fi film of 1997 : GATTACA
The 1997 film "GATTACA" is a dystopian sci-fi film that explores themes of genetic engineering and discrimination based on DNA. It is a well-known and critically acclaimed movie from that year, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Estadio exclamations : OLES
"OLES" are exclamations commonly heard at a stadium, particularly during a bullfight or a soccer match. They are used to show enthusiasm and support for a performance or a team.
Explanation for a sudden change of plans : SOMETHING CAME UP
"SOMETHING CAME UP" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to explain a sudden change of plans due to unexpected circumstances or events. It succinctly conveys the idea that a new situation has arisen, prompting the change in plans.
Futuristic weapons : PHASERS
"PHASERS" is the right solution because they are energy weapons commonly used in science fiction, especially in the Star Trek series.
Gardner of “Saturday Night Live” : HEIDI
The clue is referring to a person who is a Gardner of "Saturday Night Live". The name of this Gardner is Heidi, hence the answer is "HEIDI".
Gist : IDEA
The word "nub" means the main point or essential part of something, which is synonymous with the word "gist."
Giving : GENEROUS
The word "generous" is synonymous with "giving," as it describes a person who is willing to give or share with others in a liberal or abundant way.
Gymnastics equipment : MATS
The answer "MATS" is the right solution because mats are commonly used in gymnastics for safety and cushioning during routines and exercises.
Hack (off) : LOP
The word "hack" means to cut roughly or chop. Therefore, the answer "CHOP" fits the clue "Hack (off)" perfectly.
Hard work, so to speak : SWEAT
"SWEAT" is the right solution because the phrase "hard work" is often associated with physical exertion and sweating is a common result of physical labor or effort.
Has a chinwag : CHATS
The word "chinwag" is a slang term for a chat or conversation. Therefore, the answer "CHATS" fits the clue "Has a chinwag" as it means engaging in a conversation.
Holiday celebrated with lion dancing : TET
Tet is the Vietnamese New Year, which is celebrated with lion dancing as part of the traditional festivities.
Intended : MEANT
The word "meant" is a synonym for "intended," making it a suitable answer to the clue.
Korea’s national drink : SOJU
Soju is a popular alcoholic beverage in Korea, often referred to as Korea's national drink. It is a clear, colorless distilled liquor typically made from rice, barley, or wheat. So, "Soju" is the right answer to the clue "Korea’s national drink" because of its significance and popularity in Korean culture.
Let off the gas, with “up” : EASE …
"EASE" is the right answer because the phrase "let off the gas" can be synonymous with easing off the gas pedal, reducing speed or pressure. Adding "up" to "ease" further emphasizes the gradual reduction or relaxation.
Locale in a Beatles song : USSR
The Beatles song "Back in the USSR" mentions the locale of the USSR, which stands for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Major rifts : FAULT LINES
The answer "FAULT LINES" is correct because major rifts in the Earth's crust are called fault lines, where tectonic plates meet and can cause earthquakes.
Marimba lookalike : VIBRAPHONE
The answer "VIBRAPHONE" fits the clue "Marimba lookalike" because both the marimba and the vibraphone are percussion instruments that have a similar appearance with wooden bars. The vibraphone, however, has metal bars and uses a motor-driven rotating disks to create a vibrato effect, distinguishing it from the marimba.
Moo follower : … SHU
The answer "… SHU" follows "Moo" to form the word "MooSHU," which is a region in China known for its spicy cuisine.
Name that anagrams to a shape : OLAV
The answer "OLAV" is an anagram of the shape "OVAL," making it the correct solution to the clue.
New face at the Academy : PLEBE
The term "plebe" is often used to refer to a new cadet or student at a military academy, such as the United States Naval Academy or the United States Military Academy at West Point. In this context, a plebe is indeed a new face at the academy.
Onetime magazine that covered science fiction : OMNI
"OMNI" is the right answer because it was a magazine that covered science fiction. It was a popular publication in the 1980s and 1990s known for its coverage of futuristic science and technology.
Pie choice : RHUBARB
The answer "RHUBARB" is a type of pie choice, as rhubarb pie is a popular dessert made with rhubarb stalks as the main ingredient.
Prep for a launch, in a way : DEBUG
The answer "DEBUG" is the right solution because debugging is a process of preparing and fixing issues in software before launching it.
Put together : SUM
The word "sum" can mean to put together or add numbers. In this case, "put together" is a clue hinting at the mathematical operation of addition, making "SUM" the correct answer.
Shell company? : CREW
Sister of Sol, in myth : LUNA
Luna is the sister of Sol in Roman mythology. Sol is the sun god, and Luna is the moon goddess, making "LUNA" the correct answer.
Springtime event, typically : PROM
The answer "PROM" fits the clue "Springtime event, typically" because proms are formal dances that are often held in the spring, typically at the end of the school year.
Stubb was his second mate : AHAB
The clue is referencing the character Stubb from the novel "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville. In the novel, Captain Ahab is the captain of the ship, and Stubb is his second mate. Therefore, the answer to the clue is "AHAB."
Superior sort? : ABBOT
The answer "ABBOT" fits the clue "Superior sort?" because an abbot is a superior in a monastery, making them a superior sort in that context.
Surprise, F.B.I.-style : BUST IN ON
The answer "BUST IN ON" fits the clue "Surprise, F.B.I.-style" because it suggests entering a place unexpectedly and forcefully, which is a common tactic used by the F.B.I. during raids or investigations.
Swedish city where Scandinavia’s first university was founded (1425) : LUND
LUND is the correct answer because Lund is a city in Sweden where Scandinavia's first university, Lund University, was founded in 1425.
taps watch anxiously : I DON’T HAVE ALL DAY!
unknown
The Alhambra in Spain, for one : PALACE
The Alhambra in Spain is a famous palace complex, making "PALACE" the right answer.
Things attached to spines : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for "Abbreviations," and in this case, it refers to things attached to spines like "ISBN" or "SSN," which are common abbreviations for identifying numbers or codes attached to spines of books or documents.
TV journalist ___ Tur : KATY
Katy Tur is a well-known TV journalist, so "TV journalist ___ Tur" is a clue pointing to the answer "KATY."
Unspecified amount : ANY
The answer "ANY" fits the clue "Unspecified amount" because "any" is used to refer to one or some of a thing or things, without limit or restriction. It conveys the idea of an unspecified or unrestricted quantity.
Was pleasurable : FELT GOOD
"FELT GOOD" is the right solution because it means experiencing pleasure or enjoyment, which fits the clue "Was pleasurable" perfectly.
When doubled, “Shame!” : TUT!
"Tut" is an expression of disapproval or annoyance. When doubled as "Tut tut," it is often used to convey a sense of shame or disappointment.
Zoetrope creations : ANIMATIONS
The answer "ANIMATIONS" fits because zoetropes are devices that create the illusion of motion by displaying a series of images in rapid succession, similar to animations.
___ Prairie, Minn. : EDEN
The answer "EDEN" fits the clue "___ Prairie, Minn." because Eden Prairie is a city in Minnesota, and "EDEN" is the missing word in the clue.
“Othello” character who laments “Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation!” : CASSIO
Cassio is the character in Shakespeare's play "Othello" who laments about losing his reputation. This quote is a key moment in the play and is associated with Cassio's character.
“Show me” : PROVE IT
"CAN I SEE?!" is a phrase that literally means "Show me!" in a more emphatic way. It is a common expression used to request visual confirmation or demonstration of something.