Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 21 April 2024, Sunday (04-21-24). 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.
1916 battle site, with “the” : … SOMME
The 1916 battle site referred to in the clue is the Battle of the Somme, which took place during World War I. The answer "...SOMME" fits the clue as it refers to the specific battle site mentioned.
Advance : LOAN
The word "advance" can be a synonym for a loan, which is a sum of money borrowed with the expectation of repayment.
Afore : ERE
"ERE" is an archaic word that means "before" or "previously." In this context, "afore" is a synonym for "before," making "ERE" the correct answer.
Agent Deirdre Beaubeirdre’s org. in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” : IRS
The answer is "IRS" because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the organization that Agent Deirdre Beaubeirdre works for in the movie "Everything Everywhere All at Once."
Annoying bot : SPAMMER
The answer "SPAMMER" fits the clue "Annoying bot" because a spammer is a type of bot that sends unwanted or irrelevant messages in bulk, often for advertising purposes.
Appliance that may self-clean : OVEN
The answer is "OVEN" because an oven is an appliance that often includes a self-cleaning feature, allowing it to clean itself automatically.
Application fig. : GPA
"GPA" stands for Grade Point Average, which is a common figure used in college applications to represent a student's academic performance.
Area 51 sighting : SAUCER
The answer "SAUCER" fits the clue "Area 51 sighting" because the term "flying saucer" is often associated with UFO sightings, which are commonly rumored to be seen at Area 51.
Bearing : MIEN
"MIEN" is a synonym for bearing, which refers to a person's manner or demeanor. It fits the clue well in terms of meaning and length.
Bedridden : LAID UP
"Laid up" is a colloquial term meaning to be confined to bed due to illness or injury, which is synonymous with being bedridden.
Belief : NOTION
"NOTION" can be synonymous with "belief" as it refers to a general understanding or idea that someone holds to be true.
Ben who starred in Broadway’s “Dear Evan Hansen” : PLATT
The answer is "PLATT" because Ben Platt is the actor who starred in Broadway's "Dear Evan Hansen."
Bitter-tasting salad ingredient : ENDIVE
ENDIVE is a bitter-tasting leafy green often used in salads, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Bitter-tasting salad ingredient."
Blanks’ opposite : LIVE AMMO
The opposite of "blanks" is "live ammo" because blanks are cartridges without bullets, while live ammo refers to ammunition with bullets that can be fired.
Block (up) : DAM
The word "dam" can mean to block up a river or stream to create a barrier. In this context, "block (up)" is a clue for the word "DAM" as the answer.
Blubber : CRY
"Blubber" is a slang term for crying, and "SOB" is an abbreviation for "son of a bitch," which can be used to describe someone who is crying uncontrollably or to express frustration with someone who is crying. Therefore, "SOB" is a fitting answer for "Blubber" in a crossword puzzle.
Boast : CROW
The word "crow" can mean to boast or brag about something, making it the right solution for the clue "Boast."
Buds : CHUMS
The word "buds" is often used to refer to friends or companions. "Pals" is a synonym for friends or companions, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Cannes subject : CINE
The answer "CINE" refers to cinema or movies, which is a common subject at the Cannes Film Festival.
Carpentry vise : C-CLAMP
"C-CLAMP" is the right solution because a C-clamp is a type of carpentry vise that is shaped like the letter C and is used to hold wood or metal in place during cutting, drilling, or gluing.
Casio rival : SEIKO
SEIKO is a well-known Japanese watch brand that competes with Casio in the market, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Casio rival."
Celebration in late January or early February : TET
TET is the Vietnamese New Year, also known as the Tet Festival, which is celebrated in late January or early February. It is a major celebration in Vietnamese culture, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Champion boxer Errol ___ Jr. : SPENCE
The answer is "SPENCE" because Errol Spence Jr. is a well-known champion boxer in the welterweight division.
Channel with on-air fund-raising : PBS
PBS is a television channel known for its on-air fundraising drives to support its programming. It is a common practice for PBS to have special programs where they encourage viewers to donate to help fund their shows and operations.
Chinese ___ (bonsai choice) : ELM
The answer is "ELM" because the Chinese Elm is a popular choice for bonsai trees. It is known for its small leaves and elegant appearance when grown in bonsai form.
City on the Arno : PISA
Pisa is a city in Italy located on the Arno River.
Classroom surprise : POP QUIZ
The answer "POP QUIZ" fits because a pop quiz is an unexpected test given to students in a classroom setting.
Common field trip destinations : ZOOS
"ZOOS" is the right answer because zoos are popular places for school field trips where students can see and learn about a variety of animals up close.
Cooper’s tool : ADZ
An adz is a tool used by coopers to shape and smooth wooden barrels.
County that’s home to the White Cliffs of Dover : KENT
Kent is the county in southeast England that is home to the White Cliffs of Dover, a famous geological formation along the coast of the English Channel.
Creditor, in legalese : OBLIGEE
"OBLIGEE" is the right solution for "Creditor, in legalese" because in legal terms, an obligee is the person or entity to whom another person is obligated to pay a debt or fulfill an obligation. In other words, an obligee is a creditor who has the legal right to receive payment or performance from another party.
Didn’t save : SPENT
The answer "SPENT" fits the clue "Didn’t save" because when you spend money, you are not saving it.
Distracted Boyfriend, e.g. : MEME
The clue "Distracted Boyfriend, e.g." is referencing a popular internet meme featuring a stock photo of a man looking at another woman while his girlfriend looks on in disapproval. "MEME" is the right answer because the Distracted Boyfriend meme is a well-known example of a meme.
District attorney-turned-Batman foe : TWO-FACE
"TWO-FACE" is the right solution because Two-Face is a Batman villain who was originally a district attorney named Harvey Dent before becoming a criminal with a split personality, making him a fitting answer to the clue.
E.M.T.’s technique : CPR
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is a technique used by E.M.T.s to revive someone who is not breathing or has no heartbeat.
End of a sports movie, often : WIN
In a sports movie, the climax usually involves the team or protagonist winning a big game or competition. Therefore, "WIN" is the end result of a sports movie.
Escalade, e.g. : CADILLAC
The answer "CADILLAC" fits the clue "Escalade, e.g." because Escalade is a model of car made by the manufacturer Cadillac.
Ethylene gas, to tomatoes : RIPENER
The answer "RIPENER" is correct because ethylene gas acts as a ripening agent for tomatoes, causing them to ripen and become ready to eat.
Ewes’ guys : RAMS
The term "Ewes" refers to female sheep, so "Ewes' guys" would be male sheep, which are called "RAMS."
Farm machine : REAPER
The answer "REAPER" is a farm machine used for harvesting crops, typically grains like wheat or corn. It cuts the crops and gathers them in one process, making it an essential tool for farmers during harvest season.
First-rate : TOPS
Folder flap : TAB
The answer "TAB" is the right solution because a folder flap is often secured with a tab that can be used to open or close the folder.
Former name of the electron : NEGATRON
French form of “Stephen” : ETIENNE
The French form of the name "Stephen" is "Etienne" as it is a common French equivalent for the English name.
Fun facts : NUGGETS
"Fun facts" can be referred to as interesting or valuable pieces of information, which can be likened to small, valuable pieces like "nuggets" of gold.
Gift for an aspiring conductor : TRAIN SET
"Train set" is the right answer because a train set is a toy that includes a model train and tracks, which an aspiring conductor, someone who conducts a train, would enjoy playing with and learning from.
Gift on the seventh day of Christmas : SWAN
The answer "SWAN" is correct because on the seventh day of Christmas, according to the song, the gift is "seven swans a-swimming."
Ginormous : LARGE
The word "ginormous" is a playful combination of "gigantic" and "enormous," meaning extremely large. The answer "MEGA" is a fitting choice because it also means very large or huge in a more informal way.
Hair of the dog : FUR
Hypothesize : POSIT
"Posit" means to suggest or assume something as a fact or truth without necessarily having evidence. It is a synonym for "hypothesize."
Ice cream shop employee, e.g. : SCOOPER
The answer "SCOOPER" fits the clue because an ice cream shop employee typically uses a scooper to serve ice cream to customers.
Ignore, as a shortcoming : SEE PAST
"See past" means to overlook or ignore a shortcoming. In this context, the word "see" is used metaphorically to mean understand or consider, and "past" means beyond or without being affected by. So, "see past" is the right solution as it accurately conveys the idea of ignoring a shortcoming.
Items on the backs of some Jeeps : GAS CANS
The answer "GAS CANS" fits because gas cans are often found on the backs of some Jeeps for carrying extra fuel during off-road trips.
Key components : ANSWERS
The answer "ANSWERS" fits the clue "Key components" because answers are essential elements to solving a problem or puzzle, just like keys are essential components to unlocking something.
Kind of tradition : ORAL
The answer "ORAL" fits the clue "Kind of tradition" because an oral tradition involves passing down stories, histories, or cultural practices through spoken word rather than written records.
Last name in late-night : COLBERT
Stephen Colbert is a late-night talk show host known for "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," making "COLBERT" the right answer for the clue.
Letters on the Saturn V rocket : USA
The letters "USA" were printed on the Saturn V rocket to represent the United States of America, the country that launched the rocket.
Letters that sound out a sentence : IOU
The answer "IOU" sounds like the phrase "I owe you," which is a sentence.
Like beach towns in the winter : SLEEPY
"Sleepy" is the right solution because beach towns in the winter are often quiet and less lively, resembling a sleepy atmosphere.
Like Mary Shelley when she wrote “Frankenstein” : TEENAGE
Mary Shelley was a teenager when she wrote "Frankenstein," making the answer "TEENAGE" an accurate description of her age at the time of writing.
Like old audiobooks : ON TAPE
The answer "ON TAPE" fits the clue "Like old audiobooks" because audiobooks used to be recorded on cassette tapes before digital formats became popular.
Limited number : FEW
The answer "FEW" fits the clue "Limited number" because "few" means a small number or amount, indicating a limitation in quantity.
Link letters : HTTP
The term "URL" stands for "Uniform Resource Locator," which is a sequence of characters that provides information about the location of a web page or resource on the internet. In a crossword puzzle, the clue "link letters" is likely referring to the letters that make up a URL, which are used to link to a specific webpage. Therefore, "URL" is the correct answer to this clue.
Major vessel : AORTA
The "AORTA" is a major blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It is the largest artery in the body, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Major vessel."
Marketing expenditure : PAID AD
The answer "PAID AD" is a common shorthand for a paid advertisement, which is a form of marketing expenditure where a company pays to promote its products or services. It fits the clue well.
Minecraft material : ORE
The answer "ORE" is the right solution because in the game Minecraft, players mine various ores like iron ore, gold ore, and diamond ore to craft items and tools.
Mole, e.g. : SPY
The answer "SPY" fits the clue "Mole, e.g." because a mole is a type of spy that infiltrates an organization or country to gather information.
Mr. Burns supposedly received the second one ever on “The Simpsons” : Abbr.
unknown
Mystical Buddhist text : TANTRA
The answer "TANTRA" is correct because a Tantra is a type of mystical Buddhist text that contains teachings and practices related to meditation, ritual, and spiritual development.
N.Y.S.E. debut : IPO
"IPO" stands for Initial Public Offering, which is when a company first sells its stock to the public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Therefore, "N.Y.S.E. debut" refers to the first time a company's stock is traded on the NYSE, making "IPO" the correct answer.
Natural source of rubber : TREE SAP
The answer "TREE SAP" is the right solution because rubber is derived from the sap of rubber trees, making tree sap a natural source of rubber.
Nickname for a British relative : NAN
"NAN" is a common nickname for a grandmother in British English, making it a fitting answer for a British relative.
No. on a résumé : TEL
The abbreviation "TEL" is short for "telephone," which is commonly included on a résumé as a way for potential employers to contact the applicant.
Not normal : ABERRANT
"ABERRANT" means deviating from the normal or usual. So, it is a synonym for "not normal."
Noted export of Portugal : TILE
The answer "TILE" is the right solution because Portugal is known for its ceramic tiles, which are a notable export of the country.
Ol’ Blue Eyes, e.g. : CROONER
"CROONER" is the right solution because "Ol’ Blue Eyes" is a nickname for Frank Sinatra, who was a famous singer known for his smooth and sentimental singing style, which is characteristic of a crooner.
Once or twice : ADVERB
The answer "ADVERB" fits because "once" and "twice" are adverbs indicating frequency.
One of Eleven’s powers on “Stranger Things” : ESP
"ESP" stands for extrasensory perception, which is one of Eleven's powers on the TV show "Stranger Things." She has the ability to perceive things beyond the five senses, such as telekinesis and mind control.
One-named singer on 1998’s “Ghetto Supastar” : MYA
MYA is the one-named singer who was featured on the 1998 song "Ghetto Supastar" by Pras. This is a common fact that crossword solvers would know when given this clue.
Partner ship? : ARK
The answer "ARK" is the right solution because it plays on the word "ship," referring to Noah's Ark which famously carried pairs of animals, thus making it a "partner ship."
Passage of a planet across a star, e.g. : TRANSIT
"TRANSIT" is the right solution because a passage of a planet across a star is known as a transit. This term specifically refers to when a planet crosses in front of its host star as observed from Earth.
Percival of legend, for one : SIR
The answer "SIR" fits the clue because Percival is a knight in Arthurian legend, and "SIR" is a title given to a knight.
Pixy Stix containers : STRAWS
STRAWS are commonly used to consume Pixy Stix powder, making them the containers for the sugary treat.
Playful hit : BOP
"BOP" is the right solution because it is a slang term for a playful hit or a light punch. It fits the clue perfectly.
President during the Mexican-American War : POLK
James K. Polk was the President of the United States during the Mexican-American War, which took place from 1846 to 1848. Therefore, the answer "POLK" fits the clue.
Protester’s word : BUT
"BUT" is a common word used by protesters to express opposition or contradiction. It is a concise and strong word that fits the context of a protester's message.
Quadrennial occurrence : LEAP DAY
"LEAP DAY" is the right answer because it occurs every four years, making it a quadrennial (every four years) occurrence.
Quattro e quattro : OTTO
The Italian phrase "Quattro e quattro" translates to "four and four," which equals eight. "Otto" is the Italian word for "eight," making it the correct answer.
Renaissance instrument : LUTE
The Lute is a plucked string instrument that was popular during the Renaissance period. It has a pear-shaped body and frets on the neck, and was commonly used for solo performances and accompaniment. Therefore, "Renaissance instrument" is a fitting clue for the answer "LUTE".
Rhyme for “away” in “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” : GAY
The answer is "GAY" because it rhymes with "away" in the song lyric "and make the Yuletide gay."
Role for Michelle Williams in “The Fabelmans” : MITZI
unknown
Schmear topper : LOX
The answer "LOX" is a type of fish commonly used as a topping for bagels with cream cheese, known as a "schmear."
Several CBS dramas : CSIS
The answer "CSIS" stands for "CSI Shows," referring to several CBS dramas that are part of the CSI franchise, such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Shakespearean misanthrope : TIMON
Known for his play "Timon of Athens," Shakespeare portrays Timon as a bitter and cynical misanthrope who despises humanity. Therefore, the answer "TIMON" fits the clue "Shakespearean misanthrope."
Shangri-las : EDENS
The answer "EDENS" fits the clue "Shangri-las" because Shangri-la is a mythical paradise, and "Edens" is a plural form of "Eden," which is a biblical paradise.
Sharp pain : STAB
"STAB" is the right answer because a sharp pain can be described as a sudden, piercing sensation, which is similar to the action of stabbing something with a pointed object.
Sheet under a tent : TARP
"TARP" is the right answer because a tarp is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material used as a protective covering. It is commonly used as a sheet under a tent to provide additional protection from the ground.
Shore hazard : UNDERTOW
The answer "UNDERTOW" fits the clue "Shore hazard" because an undertow is a strong current flowing underwater in the opposite direction to the surface current, making it dangerous for swimmers near the shore.
Shout at an auction : SOLD!
"SOLD!" is the right solution because it is a common word shouted at an auction when an item is successfully purchased.
Small Southwestern birds of prey : ELF OWLS
ELF OWLS are small birds of prey found in the Southwestern United States. They are known for their small size and distinctive appearance, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
Some batteries : AAS
The answer "AAS" refers to AA batteries, a common type of battery used in many electronic devices.
Some four-year degs. : BAS
"BAS" stands for Bachelor of Applied Science, which is a type of four-year degree program offered by some universities. Therefore, "Some four-year degs." is a suitable clue for "BAS".
Sophisticated : URBANE
The word "suave" means charming, confident, and elegant, which are all qualities associated with sophistication. Therefore, "suave" is an appropriate answer to the clue "sophisticated".
Speculative fiction subgenre that envisions a sustainable energy future : SOLARPUNK
"SOLARPUNK" is the right solution because it is a specific subgenre of speculative fiction that focuses on optimistic visions of the future where sustainable energy plays a central role. It combines elements of sustainability, renewable energy, and community-building in a utopian setting.
Speeches with an 18-minute limit : TED TALKS
The answer "TED TALKS" fits because TED Talks are known for having a strict 18-minute time limit for each speech.
Staff symbol : C-CLEF
The staff symbol is a musical notation used to indicate the pitch of notes in sheet music. The most common staff symbol is the "clef," which tells us which line or space represents a specific note. Therefore, "CLEF" is the correct answer.
Stew tidbit : PEA
The answer "PEA" fits the clue "Stew tidbit" because peas are commonly used as an ingredient in stews.
Taking the place (of) : IN LIEU
The phrase "in lieu" means "instead of" or "in place of," making it a suitable answer for the clue "Taking the place (of)."
Tennis great known as “The Punisher” : AGASSI
Andre Agassi is a former professional tennis player who was known as "The Punisher" due to his powerful and aggressive playing style. This nickname makes "AGASSI" the correct answer to the clue.
Test pilot’s attire : GSUIT
The answer "GSUIT" is short for "G-suit," which is a special suit worn by test pilots to help prevent blackouts during high-G maneuvers.
They have the Guinness distinction of Longest Running Fan Club for a Group : QUEEN
The answer is "QUEEN" because Queen holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running fan club for a music group.
Throw in the towel : BAG IT
Title pig of kids’ TV : PEPPA
The answer "PEPPA" fits the clue because Peppa Pig is a popular children's TV show character, making her the title pig of kids' TV.
Tweaks : ALTERS Down 1 Ascends with one’s hands and feet
The answer "ALTERS" fits the clue "Tweaks" because to alter something means to make changes or adjustments to it, which is similar to tweaking. The answer "ALTERS" fits the clue "Ascends with one’s hands and feet" because when someone ascends with their hands and feet, they are altering their position by moving upwards, changing their location.
Unimpressed : BLASE
"BLASE" means unimpressed or indifferent in French, making it the correct answer to the clue "Unimpressed."
What Tom and Daisy embody in “The Great Gatsby” : OLD MONEY
In "The Great Gatsby," Tom and Daisy represent the concept of "OLD MONEY" because they come from wealthy, established families with long-standing social status and influence. Their wealth is inherited rather than self-made, distinguishing them from those who have recently acquired wealth.
Why some app users check their notifications constantly, for short : FOMO
"FOMO" stands for "fear of missing out," which is a common reason why some app users check their notifications constantly. They have a fear that they might miss out on something important or exciting if they don't stay updated.
Wordle player’s pride : STREAK
The word "STREAK" is a common term used in gaming to refer to a consecutive series of wins or successful guesses. In Wordle, players take pride in maintaining a long streak of correctly guessed words.
Work like the devil? : POSSESS
The answer "POSSESS" fits the clue "Work like the devil?" because it can mean to be controlled or influenced by something or someone, similar to being possessed by a devil.
___ choy : BOK
The answer "BOK" fits the clue "___ choy" because "BOK" completes the word "BOK choy," which is a type of Chinese cabbage.
___ milk : OAT
The answer to "___ milk" is "EWE’S" because "ewe" is a female sheep, and sheep produce milk. Therefore, "ewe's milk" refers to milk that comes from a female sheep.
___ Reader : UTNE
___ service : LIP
“And ___ …” : YET
The phrase "And ___" suggests that something else is expected or will happen in addition to what has already been mentioned. "Yet" is a word that indicates that something is expected to happen despite what has been said or done before.
“C’mon, you’ll love it!” : TRY ONE!
This answer fits the clue because "TRY ONE!" is an encouraging phrase often used to persuade someone to try something new or different.
“Here’s looking at you, kid”? : MAA!
“Invisible hand” subj. : ECON
The abbreviation "ECON" stands for economics, which is the subject that the concept of the "invisible hand" is often associated with. It refers to the idea that individuals pursuing their own self-interest can unintentionally benefit society as a whole.
“Need You Tonight” band, 1987 : INXS
The answer is "INXS" because INXS is the band that released the song "Need You Tonight" in 1987.
“See ya later” : GOTTA GO
The phrase "GOTTA GO" is a casual way of saying goodbye, similar to "See ya later."
“That much is obvious” : I CAN TELL
The phrase "I can tell" is commonly used to indicate that something is obvious or evident. It fits perfectly with the clue "That much is obvious" as it conveys the same meaning.
“The Harlequin’s Carnival” painter : MIRO
Joan Miró was a Spanish painter known for his surrealist artworks, including the painting "The Harlequin's Carnival." Therefore, the answer to the clue "The Harlequin’s Carnival painter" is "MIRO."
“Who, me?” response : YES, YOU!
The answer "YES, YOU!" is a common response to the question "Who, me?" as it directly answers the question by affirming that the person being addressed is indeed the one being referred to.
“___ magic!” : IT’S
The phrase "It's magic!" is a common expression, so the answer "IT'S" fits the clue "___ magic!" as a shortened version of the full phrase.