Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 8 July 2023, Saturday (07-08-23). 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.
"OK, try me" : ILLBITE
The phrase "OK, try me" is an expression used to show confidence or willingness to take on a challenge. The answer "ILLBITE" is a play on words, where "ILL" means "I will" and "BITE" means to accept or respond to the challenge. So, "ILLBITE" is the right solution because it captures the meaning of the clue in a clever way.
"That's beside the point!" : IRRELEVANT
The answer "IRRELEVANT" fits the clue "That's beside the point!" because it means not related or not important to the current topic or discussion.
"The Big Lebowski" protagonist, with "the" : DUDE
The answer is "DUDE" because "The Big Lebowski" is a famous movie, and the protagonist is known as "the Dude."
"This outfit looks ridiculous" : IFEELSILLY
"Who ___ and mends, to God himself commends" : Cervantes
Actress Amanda : PEET
The answer to "Actress Amanda" is "PEET" because Amanda Peet is a well-known actress in the entertainment industry.
Alma mater for Jackie Robinson, in brief : UCLA
The answer is "UCLA" because it is an abbreviation for the University of California, Los Angeles, which was Jackie Robinson's alma mater.
Apt laptop choice for a tennis pro? : ACER
The answer "ACER" is the right solution because it is a well-known brand of laptops, and it is also a play on words. "Acer" sounds similar to "ace," which is a term used in tennis to describe a powerful serve that is not returned by the opponent. Therefore, "ACER" is an apt laptop choice for a tennis pro.
Archenemy : NEMESIS
The term "archenemy" refers to a person or thing that is a chief enemy. "NEMESIS" is the right answer because it means a long-standing rival or adversary, making it a perfect fit for the clue.
B-worthy : GOOD
The word "B-worthy" implies something that is deserving of a grade of B. The word "GOOD" is often used as a generic term to indicate something of satisfactory quality, making it an appropriate answer.
Band whose debut album, "Murmur," was Rolling Stone's 1983 Album of the Year : REM
The answer is "REM" because "Murmur" was the debut album of this band and it was chosen as Rolling Stone's Album of the Year in 1983.
Base fig. : NCO
The answer to "Base fig." is "NCO" because "NCO" stands for Non-Commissioned Officer, which is a military rank often found at military bases.
Become apparent : ARISE
The word "ARISE" means to become apparent or to come into existence. It fits perfectly with the clue "Become apparent" because when something becomes apparent, it arises or comes to light.
Betting emotionally, in poker slang : ONTILT
The term "ONTILT" in poker slang refers to a player who is making emotional and irrational bets due to frustration or anger. It accurately describes the act of betting emotionally, making it the right solution for the clue.
Company acquired by G.E. in 1986 : RCA
The answer is "RCA" because it was indeed a company that was acquired by G.E. in 1986.
Consequently : THEN
The word "Consequently" means "as a result" or "therefore". The conjunction "and so" is often used to introduce a consequence or result. Therefore, "ANDSO" is the right solution for the crossword clue ""Consequently …"".
Crispy confection : WAFER
The answer to "Crispy confection" is "WAFER" because wafers are thin, crispy treats often used in desserts and snacks.
Daredevil's equipment, maybe : RAMP
The answer is "RAMP" because a daredevil may use a ramp as equipment to perform stunts or jumps.
Ding for a QB : INT
The answer "INT" stands for interception, which is when a quarterback's pass is caught by a player from the opposing team. It is commonly referred to as a "ding" because it is a negative outcome for the quarterback.
Escape room? : GARAGE
The answer to "Escape room?" is "GARAGE" because a garage is a space where you can escape from the outside world and work on projects or store your belongings.
Feel elation : FLOATONAIR
The answer "FLOATONAIR" is the right solution because it perfectly captures the feeling of elation. When we feel elated, we often describe it as if we are floating on air, experiencing a sense of lightness and joy.
Feuding big-time : ATWAR
The answer "ATWAR" fits the clue "Feuding big-time" because it is a common phrase used to describe a state of conflict or hostility between two parties.
Fictional group led by a Dark Lord : SITH
The answer is "SITH" because the Sith is a fictional group in the Star Wars universe that is led by a Dark Lord. They are known for embracing the dark side of the Force.
Film ineligible to get an Oscar : MADEFORTVMOVIE
The answer "MADEFORTVMOVIE" is the right solution because it refers to a film that is specifically produced for television and therefore ineligible for an Oscar, which is an award for theatrical films.
Go on and on : BLATHER
The word "rant" means to speak or shout at length in a wild, impassioned way. This fits with the clue "go on and on," as someone who is ranting is often speaking for an extended period of time.
Grand outlook : VISTA
The word "vista" is commonly used to describe a grand or expansive view. It signifies a wide and scenic outlook, making it the perfect answer to the clue "Grand outlook."
Grass-roots marketing group : STREETTEAM
The answer "STREETTEAM" is the right solution because a street team is a group of individuals who promote a product, event, or cause at the grassroots level by engaging with people in public spaces, such as on the street. They help spread awareness and generate buzz through face-to-face interactions.
Guitarist Carlos : SANTANA
The answer to "Guitarist Carlos" is "SANTANA" because Carlos Santana is a famous guitarist known for his unique style and influential career in rock and Latin music.
Hankerings : YENS
The answer to "Hankerings" is "YENS" because "yens" is a synonym for strong desires or cravings.
Holder of very small blueprints : GENE
The answer "GENE" is the right solution because genes are molecular blueprints that contain information for building and maintaining an organism. They are very small and play a crucial role in determining an organism's traits and characteristics.
Hunter gatherer? : GAMEWARDEN
The answer to "Hunter gatherer?" is "GAMEWARDEN" because a game warden is responsible for protecting wildlife and enforcing hunting regulations, making them a modern-day version of a hunter-gatherer.
Independent in Congress beginning in 1991 : SANDERS
The answer "SANDERS" is the right solution because Bernie Sanders, an independent politician, began serving in the United States Congress in 1991.
Italian football coach ___ Pioli : STEFANO
The answer is "STEFANO" because it is the first name of the Italian football coach Pioli.
J.J. or T.J. of the N.F.L. : WATT
The answer is "WATT" because both J.J. Watt and T.J. Watt are professional football players in the NFL.
Jazz singer Sylvia : SYMS
The answer to "Jazz singer Sylvia" is "SYMS" because Sylvia Syms was a well-known jazz singer.
Link warning : NSFW
The answer to "Link warning" is "NSFW" because it stands for "Not Safe for Work," indicating that the content of the link may be inappropriate or explicit for a professional or public setting.
Little surprises in computer games, e.g. : EASTEREGGS Down
The answer "EASTEREGGS" is the right solution because "Easter eggs" are hidden surprises or features in computer games. They are often unexpected and add an element of fun or surprise for the players.
Longtime celebrity gossip show : ENEWS
The answer "ENEWS" is the right solution because it is a well-known and long-running celebrity gossip show.
Man's name that becomes a popular toy brand if you move the first letter to the end : OLEG
The answer is "OLEG" because if you move the first letter "O" to the end, it becomes "LEGO", which is a popular toy brand.
Milk duds? : NURSINGBRA
More than a couple : TRIO
The word "couple" usually refers to two, so "more than a couple" means more than two, which is three.
Mount seen from Reggio Calabria : ETNA
The answer "ETNA" is the right solution because Mount Etna is a well-known active volcano located near Reggio Calabria.
Move quickly : HIE
The word "DART" means to move suddenly and quickly in a particular direction, which fits the clue "Move quickly."
Musical figure in Dungeons & Dragons : BARD
The answer is "BARD" because in Dungeons & Dragons, a bard is a character class that specializes in music and performance. They use their musical abilities to cast spells and inspire their allies.
Nomads : ROAMERS
The answer to "Nomads" is "ROAMERS" because nomads are people who wander or roam from place to place, and "ROAMERS" describes individuals who roam or wander.
One going out on a limb? : TIRESWING
The answer "TIRESWING" is the right solution because it refers to a swing made from a tire that is hung from a tree limb. In this context, "going out on a limb" is a play on words, as it can mean taking a risk or being adventurous, which is often associated with playing on a tire swing.
One taking a lode off? : ORECART
The clue "One taking a lode off?" is a play on words. "Lode" refers to a rich vein of ore, and an "ore cart" is a vehicle used to transport ore. So, an "ore cart" is the right solution because it is the object that takes a load of ore off from a mining site.
Orch. section : STR
The answer "STR" stands for "strings," which is a common abbreviation for the string section in an orchestra.
Pact replaced by the U.S.M.C.A. in 2020 : NAFTA
The answer is "NAFTA" because NAFTA, which stands for the North American Free Trade Agreement, was replaced by the U.S.M.C.A. (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) in 2020.
Party time, informally : BDAY
The answer "BDAY" is short for "birthday," which is a common term used to refer to a party celebrating someone's birth. Therefore, "BDAY" is a fitting answer for the clue "Party time, informally."
Precipitous? : RAINY
The word "precipitous" can mean steep or sudden. "Rainy" can be used to describe a sudden or steep increase in rainfall, making it an appropriate answer for the clue.
Ragù, e.g. : MEATSAUCE
The answer "MEATSAUCE" is the right solution because "Ragù" is a type of Italian meat-based sauce commonly used in dishes like pasta and lasagna.
Ranch alternative : CAESARDRESSING
The answer "CAESARDRESSING" is the right solution because it is a popular salad dressing that can be used as an alternative to ranch dressing.
Rear guard? : SEATPAD
The answer "SEATPAD" is the right solution to the clue "Rear guard?" because a seat pad is often used to protect the back of a seat, acting as a guard for the rear.
Service accessories : HYMNALS
The answer "HYMNALS" is the right solution because hymnals are commonly used in religious services as accessories to provide the lyrics for hymns and songs.
Setting for some high school experimentation : SCIENCELAB
The answer "SCIENCELAB" is the right solution because it is a common setting in high schools where students conduct experiments and scientific investigations.
Sign of a big hit? : POW
The word "POW" is a sound effect often used in comic books to represent a punch or a hit. In this crossword clue, "Sign of a big hit?" is a play on words, suggesting that "POW" is the sign or indication of a powerful punch or impact.
Smeltery waste : SLAG
The answer "SLAG" is the right solution because smeltery waste refers to the byproduct or residue that is left behind after the smelting process. This waste material is commonly known as slag.
Snack for a pangolin : ANT
The answer to "Snack for a pangolin" is "ANT" because ants are a primary food source for pangolins. They have long, sticky tongues to catch and eat ants, making them an ideal snack for a pangolin.
Syst. in which making an "L" with the thumb and index finger and raising the pinkie means "I love you" : ASL
The answer "ASL" stands for American Sign Language. In ASL, making an "L" shape with the thumb and index finger and raising the pinkie is a common hand gesture that represents the phrase "I love you."
Targets of reflexology : FEET
The answer to "Targets of reflexology" is "FEET" because reflexology is a practice that involves applying pressure to specific areas on the feet, which are believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body.
Top spot, in brief : CEO
The answer "CEO" stands for "Chief Executive Officer," which is the top position in a company. In this crossword clue, "Top spot, in brief," the term "brief" is a hint that we are looking for an abbreviated term. "CEO" fits perfectly as it is a commonly used abbreviation for the highest-ranking position in an organization.
Video game hurdle : BOSS
The term "boss" is commonly used in video games to refer to a challenging obstacle or enemy that players must defeat to progress to the next level or stage.
Whole bunch : HOST
"Slew" is a synonym for "a large amount" or "a whole bunch", making it the right solution for the clue.
Wrangler competitor : LEE
The answer "LEE" is the right solution because it is a brand that competes with "Wrangler" in the market for jeans.
___ Games, developer behind League of Legends : RIOT
The answer is "RIOT" because Riot Games is the developer behind the popular game League of Legends.
___ Lincoln Harris, early Black economist : ABRAM
{T, H, I, S}, in mathematics : SET
In mathematics, a "set" is a well-defined collection of distinct objects. The letters T, H, I, and S can be rearranged to form the word "SET," which is a common term used in mathematics.