Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 30 May 2025, Friday (05-30-25). 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.
A Bottleful at a barbecue : HOT SAUCE
The answer "HOT SAUCE" fits the clue "A Bottleful at a barbecue" because hot sauce is a common condiment often used to add flavor and spice to barbecue dishes.
A Cabaret performer, e.g. : ARTISTE
"Artiste" is a term commonly used to refer to a performer, especially in a cabaret setting. It is a French word that conveys a sense of sophistication and talent, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
A Common final score in the Champions League : ONE-ONE
The score "ONE-ONE" is a common final score in the Champions League because it represents a tie game where both teams have scored one goal each.
A Creature with “Underwater eyes, an eel’s / Oil of water body,” per the poet Ted Hughes : OTTER
The answer "OTTER" fits because otters have "underwater eyes" and their bodies are sleek like "eel's oil of water," as described by the poet Ted Hughes in his poem "Otter."
A Descendants of aristocratic families, e.g. : SCIONS
"Scions" are descendants of aristocratic families. The word "scions" specifically refers to the offspring or descendants of a notable or wealthy family.
A Dish often served on a skillet : FAJITA
The answer "FAJITA" fits because fajitas are commonly served on a skillet, making it a popular dish cooked and presented in this way.
A Establishment that might host a drag brunch : GAY BAR
This answer fits because a gay bar is a type of establishment known for hosting events like drag brunches, which often feature drag queens performing while patrons enjoy brunch.
A Go pffft : DIE
The word "pffft" is often used to represent the sound of something deflating or ceasing to exist suddenly, like a balloon popping. "Die" can be a synonym for ceasing to exist or coming to an end, making it a fitting answer to the clue "A Go pffft".
A Hip (to) : WISE
"Wise" can mean having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment. In this context, "A Hip (to)" is a phrase meaning knowledgeable or aware, which is synonymous with "wise."
A Is serious : MEANS IT
The answer "MEANS IT" is derived from the phrase "A" which is used as a synonym for "means" and "Is serious" indicates that something is done sincerely or with intention, hence "IT". Therefore, "A Is serious" can be interpreted as "MEANS IT".
A Know someone who knows someone, say : HAVE AN IN
"Know someone who knows someone" is a reference to having a connection or "in" with someone. So, "HAVE AN IN" fits the clue as it means having a connection.
A Leavened loaf made sans yeast : SODA BREAD
Soda bread is a leavened loaf made without yeast because it uses baking soda as the leavening agent. This makes it the correct answer to the clue provided.
A Nail polish brand with a Raisin Your Voice shade : OPI
OPI is a well-known nail polish brand, and "Raisin Your Voice" is one of their popular nail polish shades.
A Oscar-winning Saldaña : ZOE
Zoe Saldana is an Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in popular movies such as "Avatar" and "Guardians of the Galaxy." The clue indicates that the answer is a three-letter name, which fits "ZOE."
A Pops : DAD
"DAD" is a common term used to refer to a father, who is often called "pops" informally. Therefore, "A Pops" is a clue for "DAD" in this context.
A Prefix with car or hotel : ECO-
The prefix "ECO-" is commonly used with words like car or hotel to indicate environmentally friendly practices or design.
A Some nostalgic throwbacks : OLD SONGS
The answer "OLD SONGS" fits the clue "Some nostalgic throwbacks" because old songs are often associated with nostalgia and can bring back memories from the past.
A Something that’s filled with bad words : SWEAR JAR
The answer "SWEAR JAR" fits because a swear jar is a container where people put money as a penalty for using bad language. It is filled with bad words in the sense that each bad word spoken results in a contribution to the jar.
A South Asian wrap : SARI
"SARI" is the right solution because a sari is a traditional South Asian garment that is draped around the body, often worn by women in countries like India and Sri Lanka. It fits the clue "A South Asian wrap" as it is a type of clothing that is wrapped around the body.
A Sure thing : SLAM DUNK
The term "slam dunk" is commonly used to describe something that is a sure thing or a guaranteed success, especially in sports. In basketball, a slam dunk is a high-percentage shot where the player forcefully puts the ball through the basket, making it an almost certain score. This makes "SLAM DUNK" a fitting answer for the clue "A Sure thing."
A Tennis’s U.S. Open is played on it : EDT
The U.S. Open is played in New York, which is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). During the summer months, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) is used, which is why the answer is "EDT."
A The White Stripes or Deep Purple : ROCK BAND
The White Stripes and Deep Purple are both examples of rock bands, so "ROCK BAND" is the right answer as it fits the clue.
A Things checked at checkpoints : DRIVER’S LICENSES
The answer "DRIVER’S LICENSES" fits the clue because it is a common item that is checked at checkpoints to verify a person's identity and eligibility to drive.
A Thrift store transaction : RESALE
The answer "RESALE" fits the clue "A Thrift store transaction" because in a thrift store, items are typically sold for a second time, making them resale items.
A Turpentine sources : PINES
"PINES" are a common source of turpentine, which is a resin extracted from pine trees. Therefore, "PINES" is the correct answer to the clue "A Turpentine sources."
A XXX : TENS
The clue "A XXX" is asking for a letter that comes after "A" in the alphabet. The letter that comes after "A" is "B", and the Roman numeral for "B" is "X", so "XXX" represents "TENS" in Roman numerals.
A ___ green : PEA
The phrase "A ___ green" is commonly completed with the word "PEA" to form the word "PEA green," which refers to a shade of green similar to that of a pea.
A “Don’t worry about me” : I’M OKAY
The answer "I'M OKAY" fits the clue "A 'Don’t worry about me'" because it is a common phrase used to reassure others that one is fine or not in need of help.
A “Hell, yeah!” : LETS GO!
"LETS GO!" is a phrase often used to show excitement or enthusiasm, similar to saying "Hell, yeah!" in response to something exciting or positive. That's why it fits the clue "A 'Hell, yeah!'" in the crossword puzzle.
A “I am an idiot!” : DUH!
The answer "DUH!" is a sarcastic response often used to imply that the statement being made is obvious or foolish. In this case, the clue "A 'I am an idiot!'" suggests self-awareness of a foolish action or statement, making "DUH!" a fitting and humorous response.
A “The Good Dinosaur” protagonist : ARLO
ARLO is the protagonist in the animated movie "The Good Dinosaur" produced by Pixar. Therefore, the answer to the clue "A “The Good Dinosaur” protagonist" is ARLO.
A “We’re leaving soon!” : ALL ABOARD!
"ALL ABOARD!" is a common phrase used to signal that a train or bus is about to depart. It is often announced to let passengers know that it is time to get on board before the vehicle leaves.
D 4 is a good one, in brief : AP SCORE
The answer "AP SCORE" fits the clue because "AP" is a common abbreviation for "Advanced Placement" and "SCORE" means a good result. So, "AP SCORE" means a good result in an Advanced Placement test, which makes it a good one in brief.
D Alternative to an ellipsis : ETC.
The answer "ETC." is a common abbreviation for "et cetera," which is used to indicate that there are more items in a list without specifying them all. In this case, it is an alternative to an ellipsis (...) to show that there are more things to be included.
D Apparently is : SEEMS
The word "apparently" indicates that something seems to be true, making "SEEMS" the right answer.
D Brazilian genre that’s an offshoot of samba : BOSSA NOVA
BOSSA NOVA is a Brazilian music genre that evolved from samba, characterized by its distinctive syncopated rhythm and smooth melodies. It is a popular genre known for its unique style and influence in music.
D Brown ___ : ALE
The clue "D Brown ___" is a common crossword clue for the word "ALE" as it refers to the color of ale, which is often a shade of brown.
D Christmas centerpiece : FIR
The answer "FIR" is the right solution because a fir tree is commonly used as a Christmas centerpiece due to its evergreen branches and pleasant aroma.
D Company named for a goddess : NIKE
The answer "NIKE" fits the clue because Nike is the name of a company named after the Greek goddess of victory.
D Conspiracy theory trope : INSIDE JOB
The answer "INSIDE JOB" fits the clue "Conspiracy theory trope" because it refers to a common theory that suggests an event was orchestrated by individuals within an organization or system, rather than an external force.
D Early investors, in lingo : ANGELS
The term "angels" is often used in the world of investing to refer to early investors who provide capital to start-up companies in exchange for ownership equity.
D Elusive hirsute creature : YETI
The elusive hirsute creature referred to in the clue is commonly associated with the Himalayas and is often called the Yeti. The answer "YETI" fits the description provided in the clue.
D Evan : Welsh
unknown
D From the top : ANEW
The clue is asking for a synonym for "from the top," which can mean starting over or beginning again. The answer "ANEW" fits this definition as it means starting fresh or from a new starting point.
D Like some orders : TALL
The answer "TALL" fits because it is a size option for coffee orders at Starbucks, which are often referred to by letter codes. In this case, "D" stands for "decaf," making a decaf coffee order "TALL."
D Merlot and Shiraz : REDS
The answer "REDS" fits the clue because Merlot and Shiraz are types of red wine.
D Mother, in Milan : MADRE
The clue "D Mother, in Milan" is a wordplay clue where "D" is the abbreviation for "Mother" and "in Milan" indicates that we need to translate "Mother" into Italian, which is "Madre." Therefore, the answer is "MADRE."
D Mythical land of untold riches : EL DORADO
The answer "EL DORADO" is the right solution because El Dorado is a mythical city or land believed to be rich in gold and treasures, making it a fitting match for the clue "Mythical land of untold riches."
D Nail polish brand with a Gossip N’ Spill shade : ESSIE
ESSIE is a popular nail polish brand known for its wide range of colors and shades. One of its shades is called "Gossip N' Spill," which matches the description given in the clue. Therefore, ESSIE is the correct answer.
D Onetime manufacturer of the Flying Cloud : REO
REO was a onetime manufacturer of the Flying Cloud, a model of car they produced in the early 20th century.
D Overzealous : RABID
The word "rabid" means extremely overzealous or fanatical. In this context, "D" is an abbreviation for "overzealous," making "RABID" the right solution for the clue.
D Possible side effect of corticosteroids : ACNE
Corticosteroids can cause an increase in oil production in the skin, leading to acne as a possible side effect.
D See what someone is saying? : LIP-READ
"LIP-READ" is the right solution because it involves watching someone's lip movements to understand what they are saying, especially for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. This fits the clue "See what someone is saying" perfectly.
D She’s a believer : NUN
The answer "NUN" fits the clue "She's a believer" because nuns are typically associated with religion and are known for their strong faith and belief in their religious practices.
D Slipped : ERRED
The answer "ERRED" fits the clue "D Slipped" because "erred" means to make a mistake or slip up.
D Some outcomes from Match.com : DATES
The answer "DATES" fits the clue "Some outcomes from Match.com" because on Match.com, people go on dates to meet potential romantic partners.
D Something said repeatedly at sea : AYE
"AYE" is a nautical term commonly used as a way to say "yes" or to show agreement, especially on ships. It is often repeated for emphasis, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Something said repeatedly at sea."
D South Asian wraps : DOSAS
"DOSAS" are South Asian wraps made from fermented batter of rice and lentils. They are a popular dish in South India and are often served with various fillings and chutneys.
D Star cluster? : A-LIST
D Stock seller’s stipulation : ASK PRICE
The term "ASK PRICE" refers to the price at which a seller is willing to sell a stock. In this context, a "D Stock seller's stipulation" would likely refer to the price at which a seller is willing to sell their stock, making "ASK PRICE" the correct answer.
D Strikes on the noggin : BONKS
"BONKS" is the right solution because the word "strikes" indicates a forceful hit or blow, and "on the noggin" suggests the head. "Bonks" is a slang term often used to describe hitting someone on the head.
D Stunning : DAZING
The answer "DAZING" fits the clue "D Stunning" because "DAZING" means to stun or overwhelm with a bright light or strong emotion, making it a suitable synonym for "stunning."
D Super Bowl highlight : TV AD
TV AD is the right solution because Super Bowl commercials are a well-known highlight of the event, often featuring big-budget advertisements that are highly anticipated by viewers.
D Super-duper : OH SO
"OH SO" is a phrase that means "very" or "extremely," which can be used to emphasize something as being super-duper.
D Topiarist’s “canvas” : SHRUB
The answer "SHRUB" fits the clue because a topiarist shapes shrubs into artistic designs, using them as their "canvas" for their work.
D Typical floor covering in a washitsu : TATAMI
TATAMI is a traditional Japanese floor covering commonly used in washitsu rooms, which are traditional Japanese-style rooms. The clue mentions a washitsu, indicating that the answer should be a type of floor covering commonly found in that setting.
D Unlikely to react : INERT
The word "inert" means lacking the ability or strength to move or react. In the context of the clue "D Unlikely to react," "inert" fits perfectly as it describes something that is not likely to react or respond.
D “All You Had to Do Was ___” (Taylor Swift song) : STAY
The answer "STAY" fits the clue because the missing word in the Taylor Swift song title is "STAY," making the full title "All You Had to Do Was STAY."
D “Hell, yeah!” : WOOHOO!
"WOOHOO!" is a common expression of excitement or enthusiasm, which fits the clue "D 'Hell, yeah!'" well. It conveys a similar sentiment of enthusiasm and agreement.
D “It matters to me” : I CARE
The answer "I CARE" fits the clue "It matters to me" because the phrase "I CARE" expresses concern or interest in something, indicating that it holds importance to the speaker.