Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 6 May 2025, Tuesday (05-06-25). 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.
Actress Christina of “Yellowjackets” : RICCI
Christina Ricci is the actress known for her role in the TV show "Yellowjackets," making "RICCI" the correct answer.
Actress Cicely of “The Help” : TYSON
Cicely Tyson is a well-known actress who starred in the movie "The Help," making "TYSON" the correct answer for the clue.
Bacall of “How to Marry a Millionaire” : LAUREN
Lauren Bacall is the actress who starred in the movie "How to Marry a Millionaire," making "LAUREN" the correct answer to the clue.
Betting recklessly at the poker table : ON TILT
The term "ON TILT" in poker refers to a player who is frustrated or upset and starts making reckless bets. This often leads to poor decision-making and can result in significant losses.
Bring to 212° : BOIL
The clue "Bring to 212°" is a hint to boil water, as water boils at 212°F (100°C). Therefore, the answer "BOIL" fits perfectly.
Carnival confection … or, when re-parsed, a hint to what appears three times in this puzzle : COTTON CANDY … or COTT ON C AND Y
The answer "COTTON CANDY" can be re-parsed as "COTT ON C AND Y," which hints at the words "COTT," "ON," "C," and "Y" appearing three times in the puzzle.
Central Plains tribe : OTOE
The answer to "Central Plains tribe" is "OTOE" because the Otoe tribe is a Native American tribe that historically lived in the Central Plains region of the United States.
Chest-beating mammal : APE
An ape is a chest-beating mammal as some species of apes, like gorillas, beat their chests as a display of strength or dominance.
City that’s home to the Shitennoji temple : OSAKA
Osaka is the city in Japan that is home to the Shitennoji temple. The temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and is a famous landmark in Osaka, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Copa Mundial shout : OLE!
"OLE!" is a common exclamation used in Spanish-speaking countries to show excitement or admiration, often heard during soccer matches, like the Copa Mundial (World Cup).
Dad, in Korean : APPA
"Appa" is the Korean word for "Dad." In this crossword clue, the word "in Korean" indicates that the answer should be the Korean equivalent of "Dad," which is "Appa."
Dairy product with curds : COTTAGE CHEESE
The answer "COTTAGE CHEESE" fits the clue "Dairy product with curds" because cottage cheese is a type of cheese made from the curds of cow's milk.
Denny’s competitor : IHOP
The answer is "IHOP" because IHOP is a popular chain of restaurants that serves breakfast food, just like Denny's. They are competitors in the casual dining industry.
Design deet : SPEC
"Design deet" is a shortened form of "specification," and the abbreviation for specification is "SPEC."
Desired effect of a plumping gloss : POUTY LIPS
"Pouty lips" is the desired effect of a plumping gloss because such glosses are designed to make the lips appear fuller and more pouty. The answer fits the clue perfectly.
Disposable coaster at a bar : BEER MAT
The answer "BEER MAT" is the right solution because a disposable coaster at a bar is commonly referred to as a "beer mat" where patrons place their drinks on to protect the surface.
Doppler device : RADAR
RADAR is the right answer because a Doppler device is used to detect the speed of an object, and RADAR uses the Doppler effect to measure the speed of moving objects by bouncing radio waves off of them.
Downturn : DIP
The word "Downturn" suggests a decrease or decline, which can be represented by the word "DIP" as it implies a downward movement or decrease in something.
Easily duped person : CHUMP
"CHUMP" is the right solution because a chump is someone who is easily deceived or tricked. The word "chump" is often used to describe someone who is gullible or easily fooled.
Fashion sense : STYLE
"STYLE" is the right solution because fashion sense is often referred to as one's personal style or way of dressing and presenting oneself.
Finnish telecom giant : NOKIA
Nokia is a Finnish multinational telecommunications company that is well-known for its mobile phones and network equipment. Therefore, it fits the clue "Finnish telecom giant".
First Nations group : CREE
The answer to "First Nations group" is "CREE" because the Cree are one of the largest First Nations groups in North America, primarily residing in Canada. They have a rich cultural heritage and are recognized as an important indigenous community.
Flexible card in blackjack : ACE
The answer "ACE" is the right solution because in blackjack, an ACE can be counted as either 1 or 11, making it a flexible card.
Fruits often poached with cinnamon : PEARS
"Pears" are fruits that are commonly poached with cinnamon due to their natural sweetness and ability to absorb flavors well during the poaching process. This makes them a popular choice for this cooking method.
Garment with cups : BRA
The answer "BRA" fits the clue "Garment with cups" because a bra is a type of undergarment that typically has cups to provide support and shape to the breasts.
Group that votes together : BLOC
The term "bloc" refers to a group of people with a common interest or goal who vote together as a unified group, typically in a political context.
Harvest : REAP
The answer "REAP" is the right solution for the clue "Harvest" because "REAP" means to gather or collect a crop, which is exactly what happens during the process of harvesting.
Head-in-the-clouds : SPACY
"Head-in-the-clouds" is a common expression meaning someone who is dreamy or not paying attention. The word "spacy" is a synonym for this, as it means someone who is disconnected from reality or lost in thought.
It might be treated with a kiss and a Band-Aid : BOO-BOO
The term "boo-boo" is often used to refer to a minor injury or cut, which can be treated with a kiss (for comfort) and a Band-Aid (for protection).
Kudos at a poetry slam : SNAPS
"SNAPS" is the right answer because at a poetry slam, instead of clapping, the audience often shows appreciation by snapping their fingers.
Layered haircut : SHAG
"SHAG" is the right solution because it is a type of layered haircut that is characterized by choppy layers and a messy, textured look. It is a popular hairstyle choice for a relaxed and casual appearance.
Like some ales and health bars : OATY
The word "OATY" describes something that contains oats, which are commonly found in ales and health bars.
Listing of top tunes : HIT PARADE
The term "Hit Parade" refers to a list of the most popular songs at a given time, typically based on sales and radio airplay. It is a common term used to describe a listing of top tunes, making "HIT PARADE" the correct answer.
Literary postscripts : EPILOGS
The answer "EPILOGS" fits the clue "Literary postscripts" because an epilog is a section at the end of a book or play that provides further information or a conclusion to the story.
Living life openly, in a way : OUT
The word "out" can mean openly or publicly. So, living life openly can be described as living life "out".
Looks that might send a chill down one’s spine : ICY STARES
This answer fits the clue because an "ICY STARE" is a cold, intense gaze that can evoke a feeling of unease or fear, sending a chill down one's spine.
Member of the South Asian diaspora : DESI
"Desi" is a term used to refer to people of South Asian descent living abroad. It is commonly used to describe individuals who are part of the South Asian diaspora.
Michelangelo marble masterpiece : DAVID
The answer "DAVID" fits the clue because Michelangelo's famous marble sculpture is titled "David," depicting the biblical figure David before his battle with Goliath.
Mistake in logical reasoning : FALLACY
"FALLACY" is the right answer because a fallacy is a mistaken belief based on unsound reasoning. In the context of logical reasoning, a fallacy refers to a flaw or error in the logic of an argument.
Moe, Larry and Curly : STOOGES
The answer "STOOGES" fits because Moe, Larry, and Curly are commonly known as the Three Stooges, a famous comedy trio in the entertainment industry.
More, in Mexico City : MAS
The word "More" translates to "MAS" in Spanish, and Mexico City is a Spanish-speaking city. Therefore, "MAS" is the right answer for "More, in Mexico City."
Much ___ about nothing : ADO
In the phrase "Much ___ about nothing," the word "ado" means fuss or commotion. So, the correct answer is "ADO" to complete the phrase.
O.T. high point? : MT SINAI
The "O.T." in the clue stands for Old Testament. In the Old Testament, Mount Sinai is considered a high point both literally and figuratively, as it is where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.
Obama health law, for short : ACA
The ACA stands for the Affordable Care Act, which is commonly known as Obamacare. It is a healthcare reform law signed by President Obama in 2010.
Ocean, poetically : MAIN
"Main" is a poetic term for the ocean because it refers to the vast expanse of water that covers most of the Earth's surface. In poetry, "main" is often used to evoke the idea of the sea as a dominant and powerful force.
Opposite of ‘neath : O’ER
"OER" is a poetic contraction meaning "over". It is the opposite of "neath", which means "under".
Orange-colored fruit pastry : APRICOT TART
The crossword clue "Orange-colored fruit pastry" suggests that we are looking for a pastry that is both orange in color and contains fruit. The answer "APRICOTTART" fits this description perfectly, as apricots are orange-colored fruits commonly used in pastries, and a tart is a type of pastry. Therefore, "APRICOTTART" is the right solution.
Pre-DVD format : VHS
VHS is the pre-DVD format because it was the most popular home video format before DVDs became widespread. VHS tapes were used to watch movies and record television shows before the advent of DVDs.
Product of the Camellia sinensis plant : TEA
The Camellia sinensis plant is used to produce tea, making "TEA" the correct answer.
Raison d’__ : ETRE Down 1 Crossword construction, e.g.
The answer "ETRE" is the right solution for the clue "Raison d’__" because "ETRE" is the French verb meaning "to be." In the phrase "Raison d’être," it translates to "reason to be" in English.
Rhymes over a backing beat : RAPS
The clue "Rhymes over a backing beat" is a description of the action of rapping, which involves performing lyrics in sync with a musical accompaniment. Therefore, the answer "RAPS" fits perfectly as it refers to this specific activity.
Samosa tidbits : PEAS
The answer "PEAS" fits the clue "Samosa tidbits" because peas are a common filling found in samosas, which are a popular Indian snack typically filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
Sch. with the cheer “Geaux Tigers!” : LSU
LSU is the abbreviation for Louisiana State University, where the sports teams are known as the Tigers and the fans often cheer "Geaux Tigers!"
Settle, as a debt : REPAY
The answer "REPAY" fits the clue "Settle, as a debt" because repaying a debt means to settle or pay off what is owed.
Snack cakes with swirls : HO HOS
The answer "HO HOS" fits the clue "Snack cakes with swirls" because Ho Hos are a popular snack cake made by Hostess that are cylindrical in shape with a swirl pattern on the outside.
Soccer score : GOAL
The word "GOAL" is commonly used in soccer to refer to a point scored by putting the ball into the opposing team's net.
Spinner of silk : SPIDER
A spider is a creature that spins silk to create its web, making it the spinner of silk.
Still undecided, in brief : TBD
"TBD" stands for "To Be Determined," indicating that a decision has not yet been made. In the context of the clue "Still undecided, in brief," "TBD" is a common abbreviation used to convey the idea that a choice is pending or unresolved.
Sudden surge : SPATE
The term "spike" is often used to describe a sudden increase or surge in something, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Sudden surge."
Summer drink suffix : -ADE
The suffix "-ADE" is commonly added to fruit juices to create summer drinks like lemonade and limeade.
System of hereditary titles and noble ranks : PEERAGE
The term "PEERAGE" refers to a system of hereditary titles and noble ranks, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Tank top? : GAS CAP
The clue "Tank top?" is a play on words that refers to the top of a gas tank, which is the "GAS CAP."
They need a push to get started : PEDALS
The answer "PEDALS" fits because bicycles need a push on the pedals to get started moving.
They outrank viscounts : EARLS
Earls outrank viscounts in the British peerage system. In the hierarchy of noble titles, an earl is above a viscount.
Though : ALBEIT
"Though" is a conjunction that introduces a contrast or concession. "Albeit" is a synonym for "though," making it the right solution for this clue.
Totally hamper : STYMIE
"Stymie" means to hinder or prevent progress, which aligns with the clue "Totally hamper" as they both suggest blocking or obstructing something completely.
Towering Tolkien creatures : ENTS
ENT is a creature from J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth that are known for their tall and tree-like appearance. They are often referred to as "Towering Tolkien creatures," making "ENTS" the correct answer for the crossword clue.
Words before “believe” or “declare” : I DO …
This answer fits the clue because "I DO" is commonly used before the words "believe" or "declare" in wedding vows.
Worked up, say : MAD
The answer "MAD" fits the clue "Worked up, say" because being "mad" can mean being worked up or angry.
“A rising ___ lifts all boats” : TIDE
The phrase "A rising tide lifts all boats" means that when the economy or a situation improves, it benefits everyone involved. Therefore, the answer to the clue is "TIDE" because a rising tide is used metaphorically in this saying.
“Are too!” response : AM NOT!
The answer "AM NOT!" is a common retort to "Are too!" as it directly contradicts the statement, making it a suitable response.
“Fancy that!” : GEE!
"GEE!" is an expression used to show surprise or excitement, similar to "Fancy that!" in the clue. It is a colloquial term that fits the tone of the clue.
“Just do it” and others : AD SLOGANS
"AD SLOGANS" is the right solution because "Just do it" is an example of an advertising slogan, and the clue is looking for a term that encompasses similar phrases used in advertising campaigns.
“None of it’s true!” : LIES!
The answer "LIES!" fits because it is a common exclamation to express disbelief or denial when someone claims that something is not true.
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” poet : GIL SCOTT-HERON
Gil Scott-Heron is the poet who wrote the famous poem and song "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised." This connection makes "GIL SCOTT-HERON" the correct answer to the clue.
“What’s up, ___?” : DOC
The phrase "What's up, ___?" is a common greeting in which the blank is typically filled with "Doc" as a slang term for a doctor. This is a reference to the iconic character Dr. Emmett Brown from the movie "Back to the Future."
“Will you let me, please?” : CAN I?
The answer "CAN I?" fits the clue because it is a polite way to ask for permission, which is what the clue is hinting at.