Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 20 May 2025, Tuesday (05-20-25). 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.
4G ___ (letters on a cellphone screen) : LTE
LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution, which is a type of 4G technology used in mobile networks. When you see "LTE" on a cellphone screen, it indicates that the device is connected to a 4G network.
Action film climax one might “cut to,” in a saying : THE CHASE
The answer "THE CHASE" fits because in action films, the climax often involves an intense chase scene. The saying "cut to the chase" means to get to the most important or exciting part quickly, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Apple all-in-one : IMAC
The answer "IMAC" is the right solution because an iMac is a type of Apple computer that integrates the monitor and computer into one unit.
Auctioned off, e.g. : SOLD
"SOLD" is the right answer because when something is auctioned off, it is typically sold to the highest bidder.
Bed supports : SLATS
"SLATS" are commonly used as bed supports to provide a stable base for the mattress to rest on. They are typically made of wood or metal and help distribute the weight evenly to ensure a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface.
Bird whose name sounds like a hip-hop dance move : NENE
The bird "NENE" sounds like the hip-hop dance move "Nae Nae."
Bit or byte : UNIT
The answer "UNIT" works because both "bit" and "byte" are units of digital information in computing.
Brainstorm : IDEA
The word "ideate" means to generate ideas or engage in a brainstorming session. It is a concise and accurate answer that aligns perfectly with the clue "Brainstorm."
Call repeated in an aerobics class : STEP!
The answer "STEP!" is a call often repeated in an aerobics class to instruct participants to take a step in a certain direction. It fits the clue perfectly as it is a common command used in this type of exercise routine.
Chalk accompanier : ERASER
The answer "ERASER" is the right solution because an eraser is commonly used alongside chalk to correct mistakes or erase markings on a chalkboard.
Cherubic Greek god : EROS
EROS is the right answer because in Greek mythology, Eros is the god of love and desire, often depicted as a cherubic figure.
Chutzpah : GALL
"Gall" is a synonym for "chutzpah," which means audacity or nerve, making it the correct answer.
Circle at the top of a stick figure : HEAD
The circle at the top of a stick figure represents the head of the figure, making "HEAD" the correct answer.
Closest confidant : BEST PAL
"Best pal" is a common term for someone who is your closest and most trusted friend, making them your closest confidant.
College V.I.P.s : DEANS
"DEANS" are College V.I.P.s because they are high-ranking officials in charge of overseeing specific departments or functions within a college or university.
Comedian Trevor with the memoir “Born a Crime” : NOAH
Trevor Noah is a comedian known for his memoir "Born a Crime," making "NOAH" the correct answer.
Consistent with party policy : ON MESSAGE
"ON MESSAGE" means sticking to the party's official stance or viewpoint. It is a common phrase in politics to describe someone who is consistent with their party's policies or beliefs.
Consumers of hogwash : SWINE
The term "hogwash" is often used to describe something that is nonsense or worthless. "Swine" is another word for pigs, which are known to consume a variety of things including food scraps and leftovers, sometimes considered as "hogwash."
Court colleague of Kagan and Kavanaugh : ALITO
ALITO is the right solution because Samuel Alito is a current Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, making him a colleague of Justices Kagan and Kavanaugh.
CPR pro : EMT
The answer to "CPR pro" is "EMT" because EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician, and they are trained professionals who are skilled in providing emergency medical care, including performing CPR.
Crafters’ knives : X-ACTOS
X-ACTO is a well-known brand of craft knives often used by crafters and hobbyists for precision cutting and detailing. The clue "Crafters' knives" is a direct reference to X-ACTO knives, making it the correct answer.
Crazy (about) : GAGA
The phrase "crazy about" is a common expression that means to be extremely enthusiastic or passionate about something. The term "mad for" is a synonym that conveys the same meaning. Therefore, "MAD FOR" is the right answer to the clue "Crazy about."
Cryptanalyst Turing : ALAN
Alan Turing was a famous cryptanalyst known for his work during World War II to decrypt German codes. Therefore, the answer to "Cryptanalyst Turing" is "ALAN" as it refers to Alan Turing.
Dessert served with the query “Cono o coppetta?” in Italy : GELATO
Gelato is the right solution because "Cono o coppetta?" in Italy refers to asking whether you want your gelato in a cone or a cup, making gelato the fitting dessert for this clue.
Detroit dud of the 1950s : EDSEL
The Edsel was a car model produced by Ford in the 1950s that was a commercial failure, hence being known as a "dud". "Detroit" refers to the city where Ford is headquartered. Therefore, "Detroit dud of the 1950s" is a fitting description for the Edsel.
Employ : USE
The word "employ" means to use or make use of something or someone. Therefore, the answer "USE" is the right solution for the crossword clue.
Fey figure of folklore : ELF
"ELF" is the right solution because elves are a type of fey figure in folklore known for their magical and mischievous nature.
Flinches in response to : WINCES AT
The answer "WINCES AT" fits the clue "Flinches in response to" because "winces" means to flinch slightly in response to something unpleasant, and "at" indicates the trigger or reason for the flinching.
Freighter : CARGO SHIP
"CARGO SHIP" is the right answer because a freighter is a type of ship that is specifically designed to carry goods or cargo from one place to another.
Good thing to bring to a competition : A-GAME
"A-GAME" is a common expression meaning to bring your best effort or performance to a competition or task. It fits the clue because bringing your "A-Game" increases your chances of success.
Hybridize : CROSS
The word "hybridize" means to crossbreed two different species or varieties. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "cross" is a synonym for hybridize, making it the right answer.
Indiana or Independence, in D.C. : AVE
The abbreviation for Avenue is "AVE," which is commonly used in addresses for streets like Indiana Avenue or Independence Avenue in Washington D.C.
Khan who founded Khan Academy : SAL
The answer "SAL" is the right solution because Salman Khan is the founder of Khan Academy, and "Sal" is a commonly used short form or nickname for the name Salman.
Laundry collectors : BINS
The answer "BINS" fits the clue "Laundry collectors" because bins are containers used to collect and store dirty laundry before it is washed.
Like pound cake : DENSE
The answer "DENSE" is the right solution because pound cake is known for its heavy and solid texture, making it dense in comparison to other types of cake.
Like some ground balls : ONE-HOP
The term "one-hop" is used in baseball to describe a ground ball that bounces once before reaching the fielder. This makes "ONE-HOP" the correct answer for the clue "Like some ground balls."
Mink, ferret, stoat, etc. : WEASEL WORDS
The answer "WEASEL WORDS" fits because mink, ferret, and stoat are all types of weasels, and the phrase "weasel words" refers to vague or ambiguous language used to evade or mislead.
Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan : OMAR
The answer "OMAR" fits the clue "Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan" because Ilhan Omar is a congresswoman from Minnesota.
Moisturizer brand : AVEENO
The answer to "Moisturizer brand" being "OLAY" is correct because Olay is a well-known brand that specializes in skincare products, including moisturizers.
Must : NEED TO
The answer "HAS TO" fits the clue "Must" because it means being obligated or required to do something.
On the up and up : LEGIT
The phrase "on the up and up" means something that is honest, legitimate, or above board. "Kosher" is a term commonly used to describe food that is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws, which emphasizes cleanliness, purity, and honesty. Therefore, "kosher" fits the clue as it signifies something that is honest and legitimate.
Oui’s opposite : NON
"Oui" is the French word for "yes," so its opposite would be "non," which is the French word for "no."
Pet rescue grp. : ASPCA
The answer "ASPCA" stands for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which is a well-known pet rescue organization.
Poet Byron, for one : LORD
Lord Byron was a famous poet, so the clue is referring to him specifically. "Lord" is a title that precedes his name, making "LORD" the correct answer.
Public radio host Glass : IRA
The answer "IRA" fits the clue because Ira Glass is a well-known public radio host, making "IRA" the correct answer.
Queen of Olympus : HERA
Hera is the Queen of Olympus in Greek mythology, as she is the wife of Zeus, the king of the gods.
Response to “Who’s going?” : I AM
The answer "I AM" is the right solution because it is a common response when someone asks "Who's going?" It directly answers the question with the pronoun "I" followed by the verb "AM" indicating the person's presence.
Ring-tailed primate : LEMUR
The ring-tailed primate is a type of animal commonly known as a lemur. Lemurs are a specific group of primates found in Madagascar, known for their distinctive ringed tails.
Silence on Zoom : MUTE
The answer "MUTE" fits the clue "Silence on Zoom" because on Zoom, you can mute your microphone to stop transmitting audio.
Somme friends : AMIS
"Amis" is the French word for "friends," and the clue "Somme friends" is a play on words where "Somme" sounds like "some" in English. Therefore, the answer "AMIS" fits the clue by providing the French translation for "some friends."
Souvenir for a refrigerator : MAGNET
The answer "MAGNET" is the right solution because magnets are commonly used as souvenirs and are often placed on refrigerators to hold notes or photos.
Stop by : POP IN
"Stop by" can be interpreted as coming to an end at a certain place, which is why "END AT" is the right solution.
Tennis champ Naomi : OSAKA
Naomi Osaka is a professional tennis player who has won multiple Grand Slam singles titles, making her a well-known tennis champ. The answer "OSAKA" fits the clue "Tennis champ Naomi" perfectly.
Utah, geometrically speaking : HEXAGON
The answer "HEXAGON" fits the clue "Utah, geometrically speaking" because Utah is a state in the United States that is roughly shaped like a hexagon when viewed on a map.
Vibe : AURA
The word "vibe" is often used to describe a feeling or atmosphere. "Feel" is a synonym of vibe, making it the correct answer to the crossword clue.
Wake-up call : ALARM
The answer "ALARM" is the right solution because a wake-up call is typically made by an alarm clock to wake someone up in the morning.
Wall St. debut : IPO
"IPO" stands for "Initial Public Offering", which is the first time a company's stock is offered to the public on the stock market. Wall Street is a common metonym for the financial markets, so an IPO can be considered a company's "debut" on Wall Street.
Walt Whitman’s “As the Time Draws ___” : NIGH
The phrase "As the time draws nigh" is a common expression meaning "as the time approaches or gets closer." In this context, "nigh" is a synonym for "near" or "close."
What spring may bring : THAW Down 1 Card game shout
The answer to "Card game shout" is "THAW" because in the card game Uno, players often shout "UNO" when they have one card left in their hand. "UNO" is a homophone of "THAW", making it the correct answer.
What “America runs on,” in a franchise slogan : DUNKIN’
The answer "DUNKIN'" fits because Dunkin' Donuts uses the slogan "America runs on Dunkin'."
Where to find a kitten’s “toe beans” : PAW
The term "toe beans" refers to the paw pads of a cat, where their "beans" or paw pads are located. Therefore, the correct answer to the clue "Where to find a kitten’s 'toe beans'" is "PAW."
Yield, Stop, Dead End, etc. : SIGN LANGUAGE
The answer "SIGN LANGUAGE" fits because "Yield," "Stop," and "Dead End" are all types of traffic signs, making "SIGN LANGUAGE" a clever play on words for the clue.
___ Paulo, Brazil : SAO
The answer is "SAO" because it is the common abbreviation for "Sao Paulo," a city in Brazil.
___ Pieces : REESE’S
The answer "REESE'S" fits the clue "___ Pieces" because Reese's is a popular brand known for its peanut butter cups, which come in pieces.
“Eye on the ball,” “Get under it!,” “I got it!,” etc. : CATCHPHRASES
The answer "CATCHPHRASES" fits the clue because phrases like "Eye on the ball," "Get under it!," and "I got it!" are commonly used expressions in the context of catching a ball in sports.
“Give it ___” : A GO
The phrase "Give it a go" means to try something. In this context, "a go" is a common idiom that fits the clue.
“Oh, OK” : I SEE
"I SEE" is a common expression used to indicate understanding or acknowledgment, similar to saying "Oh, OK."
“Such is life!” : OH WELL!
The phrase "OH WELL!" is often used to express resignation or acceptance of a situation, similar to the sentiment of "Such is life!" Therefore, "OH WELL!" is the right solution for the clue.
“Ta-da,” “All done,” “There you have it,” etc. : FINISH LINES
The answer "FINISH LINES" is the right solution because it refers to common phrases used to signify completion or conclusion, such as "Ta-da," "All done," and "There you have it." "Finish lines" is a play on words that captures the essence of these phrases indicating the end of a task or performance.
“What’d you say?” : HUH?
The answer "HUH?" fits the clue "What'd you say?" because "HUH?" is a common informal way of asking someone to repeat themselves when they didn't hear or understand what was said.
“You’re just too complimentary!” : AW, GEE!
The phrase "AW, GEE!" is often used to express humility or downplay compliments, making it a suitable response to the statement "You're just too complimentary!".