Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 14 May 2025, Wednesday (05-14-25). 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.
Actor/director Howard : RON
Ron Howard is a well-known actor and director in Hollywood. "Ron" is a common short form of the name "Ronald," making "RON" the correct answer to the clue.
Actress Rapace of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” : NOOMI
Noomi Rapace is a Swedish actress known for her role in "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," making "NOOMI" the right answer for the clue.
Anticipatory events, collectively : RUN-UP
The answer "RUN-UP" fits the clue "Anticipatory events, collectively" because a run-up refers to the period leading up to a particular event or occurrence, where anticipation and preparation are heightened.
Assembly of experts : PANEL
"Panel" is the right solution because an assembly of experts often refers to a group of individuals with specialized knowledge or skills who come together to discuss or solve a specific issue. In this context, a panel is a common term used to describe such a group of experts.
Australian hoppers, for short : ROOS
"ROOS" is short for kangaroos, which are hopping marsupials commonly found in Australia. The clue "Australian hoppers" hints at kangaroos, making "ROOS" the correct answer.
Awkwardly lanky … or a description of this answer’s shaded letters? : ALL ELBOWS (Ls)
The shaded letters in the answer "ALL ELBOWS" spell out the word "Ls," which is a common abbreviation for "lengths." This fits the clue "Awkwardly lanky" as someone who is all elbows might be described as awkwardly lanky.
Barnard graduate, e.g. : ALUMNA
The term "ALUMNA" refers to a female graduate of Barnard College. In this context, "Barnard graduate, e.g." is a clue hinting at a specific term that describes a female individual who has graduated from Barnard College, making "ALUMNA" the correct answer.
Bit of equipment in a dentist’s office : X-RAY CAMERA
The answer "X-RAY CAMERA" fits because an X-ray camera is a piece of equipment commonly found in a dentist's office used to capture images of a patient's teeth and jaw.
Bloating relief brand : GAS-X
The answer "GAS-X" is the right solution because GAS-X is a well-known brand that provides relief from bloating and gas.
Breather : REST
"Breather" is a clue that indicates a short break or pause. "Rest" means to take a break or pause from activity, making it the correct answer.
Canine that bites : TOOTH
The answer "TOOTH" fits the clue "Canine that bites" because canines are a type of tooth found in mammals, including humans and dogs, that are used for biting and tearing food.
Certain blue note : SEXT
"SEXT" is the right solution because it is a type of chord that includes a certain blue note, which is the flat 5th note in a scale.
Cherubic archer : AMOR
"Cherubic" refers to a cherub, which is a type of angel often depicted as a child with wings. "Archer" refers to someone who shoots a bow and arrow. "Amor" is a Latin word meaning "love," and in classical mythology, Cupid (the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Eros) is often depicted as a cherubic archer who shoots arrows to make people fall in love. Therefore, "Amor" is a fitting answer to this clue.
Close-fitting part of a dress : BODICE
The term "bodice" refers to the close-fitting upper part of a dress that covers the chest and waist. It is a common term used in fashion and clothing design, making it the right answer for the clue "Close-fitting part of a dress."
Colombian cakes that have been around since pre-Columbian times : AREPAS
"AREPAS" are Colombian cakes that have been around since pre-Columbian times because they are a traditional staple in Colombian cuisine made from cornmeal or maize dough and are a significant part of the country's culinary history and culture.
Color-changing fad jewelry … or a description of this answer’s shaded letters? : MOOD RINGS (Os)
The shaded letters in "MOOD RINGS" spell out "Os," which are the chemical symbols for the element osmium. This relates to the clue about color-changing fad jewelry because mood rings change color based on the wearer's body temperature, just like how osmium can have different oxidation states and colors.
Country where potatoes originated : PERU
Potatoes originated in the Andes region of South America, specifically in modern-day Peru. The indigenous people of Peru were the first to cultivate and domesticate potatoes, making "PERU" the correct answer to the clue.
Creature that stampeded in “The Lion King” : GNU
The answer is "GNU" because a wildebeest, also known as a gnu, is the creature that stampeded in "The Lion King."
Dance during which newlyweds might be lifted in chairs : HORA
The HORA is a traditional Jewish dance where participants form a circle and may lift the newlyweds in chairs.
Debase oneself : STOOP
"Stoop" can mean to lower or degrade oneself morally or socially, which fits the clue "Debase oneself."
Do a spit take? : SWAB
Egyptian deity with a reduplicative name : ISIS
ISIS is an Egyptian deity with a reduplicative name because the name "Isis" is a reduplication of the Egyptian word for "throne," emphasizing her role as a powerful goddess associated with the throne and kingship.
Exam whose score can’t be argued, ironically : LSAT
The LSAT is a standardized test for law school admissions, and its score is not open to debate or argument, making it an exam whose score can’t be argued, ironically.
Exposed : AT RISK
The word "exposed" can mean to reveal or uncover something, which is synonymous with the word "bared."
Fleetwood Mac vocalist Stevie : NICKS
Stevie Nicks is a famous vocalist from the band Fleetwood Mac, making "NICKS" the correct answer.
Floors : AWES
The word "floors" is a clue to look for a word that means "knocks down" or "defeats". The word "awes" means to inspire a feeling of respect or admiration, which can figuratively knock someone down or defeat them emotionally.
Genuine : REAL
The word "real" means genuine or authentic. It is a suitable answer for the clue "Genuine" because it directly conveys the intended meaning.
Ghost writer? : ANON
The term "ANON" is short for anonymous, which means a ghost writer is someone who remains anonymous or uncredited for their work.
Give the finger? : POKE
The clue "Give the finger?" is a playful way of suggesting the action of poking someone with a finger. So, the answer "POKE" fits perfectly as it means to jab or prod with a finger.
Go wrong : ERR
The word "ERR" means to go wrong or make a mistake. It is a common crossword answer for this clue.
Greta of “Past Lives” : LEE
Greta of "Past Lives" is a character played by the actress Lee. Therefore, the answer to the clue is "LEE."
Hardly stringent : LAX
"LAX" means lacking strictness or severity, making it synonymous with "hardly stringent."
Heroes’ journeys, say … or a description of this answer’s shaded letters? : CHARACTER ARCS (Cs)
The shaded letters in the answer "CHARACTER ARCS" spell out the abbreviation "Cs," which is a common abbreviation for "characters." This fits the clue "Heroes' journeys, say... or a description of this answer's shaded letters."
Hit single from the 1983 “Flashdance” soundtrack : MANIAC
The song "Maniac" was a hit single from the 1983 "Flashdance" soundtrack, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Home to Los Glaciares National Park : Abbr.
The answer is "Arg." because it is the abbreviation for Argentina, which is the country where Los Glaciares National Park is located.
Long-running British record label : EMI
EMI is a well-known British record label that has been around for a long time, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Long-running British record label."
Lukewarm : TEPID
The word "tepid" means moderately warm or lukewarm, which perfectly matches the clue "lukewarm." Therefore, "tepid" is the right solution.
Manipulates : USES
The word "uses" can mean to manipulate or handle something in a skillful manner.
Man’s name that’s also a suffix : IAN
"IAN" is a common suffix added to male names to form a new name, such as "Sebastian" becoming "Sebastianian." In this case, "IAN" can also stand alone as a standalone male name, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Midwestern agricultural swath : CORN BELT
The term "Corn Belt" refers to a region in the Midwestern United States known for its high production of corn. This answer fits the clue "Midwestern agricultural swath" as it accurately describes an area known for its significant corn cultivation.
Nay sayers : ANTIS
"Antis" is the right answer because it is a common abbreviation for people who are against a particular thing or idea, often used in phrases like "pros and antis."
Nickname that omits -anna : ARI
The nickname "ARI" is formed by omitting "-anna" from the name "Arianna."
Not hot or cool : UNHIP
"UNHIP" means not trendy or fashionable, which can be interpreted as not hot or cool in a different context.
One-time connection : … AT A …
The answer "… AT A …" fits the clue "One-time connection" because it suggests a meeting or event happening at a specific point in time, emphasizing the singular occurrence of the connection.
Playful poetry : LIGHT VERSE
"Light verse" refers to poetry that is humorous, whimsical, or entertaining in nature. It is often characterized by its playful and lighthearted tone, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Playful poetry."
Pot leaves? : TEAS
The clue "Pot leaves?" is a play on words, suggesting that "leaves" can refer to both tea leaves and marijuana leaves. Therefore, the answer "TEAS" fits the clue.
Prey for an osprey : EEL
An osprey is a bird of prey known for hunting fish, and one of its favorite prey is the eel. Therefore, "EEL" is the right answer for "Prey for an osprey."
Quick chats? : IMS
The answer "IMS" stands for instant messages, which are quick chats.
Reduplicative nickname in pop music : RIRI
The answer "RIRI" is a reduplicative nickname for the pop music artist Rihanna. The clue is hinting at a nickname that repeats part of the artist's name twice, which fits with "RIRI" for Rihanna.
Sea creature whose name doesn’t rhyme with 1-, weirdly : CRAB
The clue is hinting that the sea creature's name does not rhyme with the word "1." When you rearrange the letters in "weirdly," you get "crab," which fits the description.
Settings on a bike : GEARS
The answer "GEARS" is correct because gears are adjustable settings on a bike that control the speed and effort required for pedaling. Changing gears allows the rider to adapt to different terrains and conditions.
Some Mexican Americans : CHICANOS
"Chicanos" is a term used to refer to Mexican Americans, particularly those who have a strong cultural connection to their Mexican heritage. It is a specific term that describes this particular group of people, making it the correct answer for the clue "Some Mexican Americans."
Some painting in a parking lot … or a description of this answer’s shaded letters? : DIVIDING LINES (Is)
The shaded letters in "DIVIDING LINES" spell out the word "IS," which is a description of the answer itself. Additionally, "DIVIDING LINES" can refer to the lines painted in a parking lot to separate parking spaces.
Sound from an annoyed samoyed : GRR!
This is the right solution because "GRR!" is an onomatopoeic representation of a growling sound that a dog, like a Samoyed, might make when annoyed.
Spin instructor? : PR GURU
"Spin instructor" is a play on words, where "spin" can refer to a fitness class or to putting a positive spin on something. A "PR guru" is someone skilled at putting a positive spin on things, making it the right solution.
Star sign? : CUE
Starbursts? : SUPERNOVAE
The clue "Starbursts?" is a wordplay clue where "Starbursts" refers to a sudden, intense increase in brightness of a star, which is also known as a supernova. Therefore, the correct answer is "SUPERNOVAE."
Starter starter? : NON-
The answer "NON-" to "Starter starter?" is correct because it refers to the prefix "non-", which is a starter or beginning of a word.
Stay there! : HOTEL
"Stay there!" is a command that might be said to someone looking for accommodation. A common place to stay is a hotel, making "HOTEL" the right solution.
Storm center : EYE
The "eye" of a storm refers to the calm center of a hurricane or cyclone, surrounded by strong winds and rain. This is why "eye" is the correct answer to the clue "Storm center."
Suffix with legal : -ESE
The suffix "-ESE" is commonly used to indicate a language or nationality, such as in words like "Japanese" or "Portuguese." In this case, when added to "legal," it forms the word "legalese," which refers to the specialized language used in legal documents and contracts.
Time of one’s life : AGE
The answer "AGE" is the right solution because it refers to the period or stage of someone's life. It fits the clue "Time of one's life" as it represents a specific duration or phase in a person's existence.
Visual aids on scatter plots … or a description of this answer’s shaded letters? : REGRESSION CURVES (Ss)
The shaded letters in the answer spell out "curves," which are used on scatter plots to show the trend in the data points. "Regression" refers to the statistical technique used to create these curves. So, "REGRESSION CURVES" fits the clue perfectly.
What might be used to connect evidence on a detective’s corkboard : STRING
The answer "STRING" fits because string is commonly used to connect pieces of evidence on a detective's corkboard, creating a visual link between different clues or information.
When doubled, zealous : RAH
"RAH" is the right solution because when you double the word "zealous," you get "zealous zealous," which sounds like someone cheering or expressing enthusiasm, which is represented by the word "RAH."
Where to get a shelf off the shelf : IKEA
The clue "Where to get a shelf off the shelf" is a play on words, suggesting a place where you can buy a shelf ready-made. IKEA is a well-known furniture store that sells shelves and other furniture items that often require assembly, hence making it the right answer.
Where to place personal items before walking through a scanner : TSA BIN
TSA bins are used at airport security checkpoints to hold personal items before they are scanned through the x-ray machine. This makes "TSA BIN" the correct answer to the clue.
Word with cable or training : BASIC …
The word "BASIC" can be paired with both "cable" and "training" to form common phrases like "basic cable" and "basic training."
___ in comparison : PALE
The phrase "pale in comparison" means to be less impressive or important when compared to something else. So, "PALE" is the right answer as it fits the expression correctly.
“Come on, help me out” : BE A PAL
The answer "BE A PAL" fits the clue "Come on, help me out" because it is a casual way of asking someone to be a friend and assist.
“Hold your horses!” : WHOA!
"Whoa" is an interjection used to command a horse to stop or slow down. The phrase "hold your horses" is a common idiom that means to wait or be patient. Therefore, "whoa" is the right solution for the clue "Hold your horses!" in a crossword puzzle.
“I Dreamed a Dream” musical, familiarly : LES MIS
The answer "LES MIS" is the right solution because "I Dreamed a Dream" is a famous song from the musical "Les Misérables," often abbreviated as "LES MIS."
“If you can’t say something good about someone, ___ right here by me” : Alice Roosevelt Longworth
unknown
“I’ve made a huge mistake!” : OH NO!
The answer "OH NO!" fits the clue "I've made a huge mistake!" because it is a common exclamation used to express regret or realization of an error.
“Preach!” : AMEN, SISTER!
The answer "EVANGELIZE" is the right solution because it means to preach or spread religious teachings to others. It fits perfectly with the clue "Preach."
“You’re on!” : DEAL!
The phrase "You're on!" is often used to accept a challenge or bet. "ITSABET" sounds like "it's a bet," which is a common response to the phrase "You're on!" in a betting context.