Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 17 July 2024, Wednesday (07-17-24). 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.
Allegro or adagio : TEMPO
The clue "Allegro or adagio" is hinting at different speeds in music, which are known as tempos. Therefore, the answer "TEMPO" fits the clue.
Bother : PEST
The answer "NUISANCE" fits the clue "Bother" because a nuisance is something or someone that causes annoyance or irritation, which is synonymous with the idea of being bothered.
Bring to the big screen, perhaps : ADAPT
"Adapt" is the right answer because when you adapt something, like a book or a play, into a movie, you are bringing it to the big screen.
Burning man? : PYRO
The clue "Burning man?" is a play on words, suggesting someone who burns things. "Pyro" is a common abbreviation for "pyromaniac," which is someone who has a compulsion to set fires.
Caribbean country whose capital is Castries : ST LUCIA
The Caribbean country with the capital Castries is St. Lucia. Castries is the capital city of St. Lucia, making "ST LUCIA" the correct answer.
Caterpillar roll ingredient : EEL
The Caterpillar roll is a type of sushi roll that typically contains eel as one of its key ingredients, making "EEL" the correct answer to the clue.
Change : ALTER
The word "ALTER" is the right solution for the clue "Change" because it means to modify, adjust, or make different.
Company that purchased Time Warner in 2001 : AOL
AOL purchased Time Warner in 2001, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Contends : ARGUES
The word "argues" is a synonym for "contends," as both words mean to express a point of view or assert a position in a debate or disagreement.
Corridor : HALL
The word "hall" is a synonym for corridor, typically referring to a long passage in a building with rooms on either side.
Diana of Motown : ROSS
"Diana of Motown" refers to Diana Ross, a famous singer who was a part of the Motown record label. Therefore, the answer to this clue is "ROSS."
Divide, as a deck of cards : CUT
The term "cut" is commonly used in card games to refer to dividing a deck of cards into two parts. Players often cut the deck before dealing to ensure fairness and randomness in the game.
Engrave : ETCH IN
The answer to "Engrave" is "ETCH" because "ETCH" means to cut or carve a design into a surface, which is a common method of engraving.
Feature of some dresses : SLIT Down 1 Displays, as the time
The answer "SLIT" fits the clue "Feature of some dresses" because a slit is a common design element in dresses where a cut or opening is made in the fabric, usually along the side or back of the dress.
For which you might tell a chef “Well done!” : STEAK
The clue "For which you might tell a chef 'Well done!'" is a hint that refers to how a steak is cooked. When a steak is cooked well, it is referred to as "well done," making "STEAK" the correct answer.
Fruit named for its unsightly appearance : UGLI
The fruit named "UGLI" is a type of tangelo known for its rough, wrinkled skin, hence its unsightly appearance.
Future D.A.’s exam : LSAT
The LSAT is the Law School Admission Test, often taken by future District Attorneys (D.A.s) as part of their preparation for law school.
Greek consonant hidden in the names of two Greek vowels : PSI
The Greek consonant "PSI" is hidden in the names of two Greek vowels: "ePSIlon" and "omEGA".
Hello : HELLO
The answer to "Hello" is "HELLO" because the clue is asking for a word that means "hello," so the answer is the word itself.
I love you : I LOVE YOU
This is the right solution because the answer simply repeats the statement given in the clue, "I love you," without any changes.
It might thicken or be full of holes : PLOT
Knock around, say : ROUGH UP
The phrase "rough up" is often used to describe physically attacking or mistreating someone, which fits the clue "Knock around, say" well.
Largest of the three-letter numbers : TEN
The answer "TEN" is the largest of the three-letter numbers because it is the only three-letter number that is in the double digits, making it larger than any other three-letter number.
Light source : SUN
The sun is a natural light source in our solar system that provides light and heat to Earth. It is a common answer in crossword puzzles for the clue "Light source."
Like the “Ramayana” : HINDU
The "Ramayana" is a Hindu epic, so the answer "HINDU" is fitting as it describes the religion associated with the epic.
Major undertaking? : COLLEGE
The clue "Major undertaking?" is a play on words. "Major" can refer to a field of study in college, and "undertaking" can refer to a significant task or project. Therefore, "COLLEGE" fits the clue as it is a place where one pursues a major field of study, making it a major undertaking.
Male duck : DRAKE
The term "drake" specifically refers to a male duck, making it the correct answer to the clue "Male duck."
Mammal whose babies can outrun humans at only three days old : MOOSE
Melancholy : SOMBER
"SOMBER" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "melancholy," conveying a sense of sadness or gloom.
Michael of “The Dark Knight” : CAINE
The answer is "CAINE" because Michael Caine is the actor who portrayed Alfred Pennyworth in "The Dark Knight" movie series.
Multivolume ref. : OED
The answer "OED" stands for Oxford English Dictionary, which is a multivolume reference work known for its comprehensive coverage of the English language.
Nail polish brand with colors like “Berry Fairy Fun” and “Aurora Berry-alis” : OPI
OPI is a well-known nail polish brand that offers a wide range of colors, including the ones mentioned in the clue, "Berry Fairy Fun" and "Aurora Berry-alis." The unique and creative names of their nail polish colors are a trademark of the brand, making OPI the correct answer for this clue.
Nevertheless : THOUGH
The phrase "nevertheless" means "in spite of that" or "however". "And yet" is a synonym of "nevertheless" and can be used in the same context. Therefore, "ANDYET" is the right solution for the crossword clue ""Nevertheless ..."".
Olympic gold medalist Ohno : APOLO
The answer "APOLO" fits the clue because Apolo Ohno is a retired American short track speed skating competitor who won multiple Olympic gold medals.
One side of Checkpoint Charlie : EAST BERLIN
Checkpoint Charlie was a crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. "One side of Checkpoint Charlie" refers to East Berlin, as it was the eastern side of the checkpoint.
Over 3,500 feet, for the George Washington Bridge : SPAN
The George Washington Bridge has a span of over 3,500 feet, which means it is the distance between its two main towers. Therefore, "SPAN" is the right answer for this clue.
Please : PLEASE
The answer to "Please" is "PLEASE" because the word "Please" is a polite request, and the answer is a direct representation of the word itself.
Podium delivery : ORATION
The answer "ORATION" fits the clue "Podium delivery" because an oration is a formal speech given from a podium or platform.
Poet Pablo : NERUDA
Pablo Neruda is a famous poet from Chile, known for his passionate and lyrical works. Therefore, "Poet Pablo" is a common crossword clue for the answer "NERUDA."
Pop star Grande, to fans : ARI
The answer "ARI" is the right solution because it is a common nickname for the pop star Ariana Grande, which fans often use to refer to her.
Portent : OMEN
"OMEN" is the right solution because an omen is a sign or warning of something about to happen, often seen as a portent of future events.
Prepare to release, as a fish : UNHOOK
"Prepare to release, as a fish" is a clue that suggests the action of removing a hook from a fish before releasing it back into the water. The word that fits this description is "UNHOOK," as it means to remove a hook from something.
Prospector’s find : ORE
The answer to "Prospector's find" is "ORE" because prospectors often search for valuable minerals like gold or silver, which are commonly found in the form of ore.
R&B singer Bridges : LEON
Leon Bridges is a well-known R&B singer, making "LEON" the right answer for the clue.
Representative’s affirmative : YEA
The term "YEA" is a formal way for a representative to vote affirmatively in a legislative setting.
Reservoir creator : DAM
The answer "DAM" is the right solution because a reservoir is often created by building a dam to block a river and store water.
Rival of Chanel : DIOR
"Dior" is the right solution because it is a well-known luxury fashion brand that competes with Chanel in the fashion industry.
Sandwich whose “California” version contains avocado : BLT
School break : RECESS
"RECESS" is the right solution because it is a common time during the school day when students have a break from classes to play and relax.
Secure, as to a pole : TETHER
"TETHER" is the right solution because to tether something means to tie or secure it to a fixed object, such as a pole.
See 54- : … SIGN LANGUAGE
The answer to "See 54-" is "GRAPE JELLY" because it is a type of spread that is commonly made from grapes.
Smart aleck : WISEASS
The term "smart aleck" is a colloquial way of describing someone who is sarcastic or cocky. "WISEASS" is a slang term that fits this description, making it the right solution.
Sorry : SORRY
The answer "SAD" is the right solution because "Sorry" can be synonymous with feeling sad or expressing regret.
Start to “starter” : NON-
The answer "NON-" is the start to the word "non-starter," which is a common phrase meaning something that has no chance of success.
Stinging plant : NETTLE
The answer "NETTLE" fits the clue "Stinging plant" because a nettle is a type of plant that has tiny hairs on its leaves and stems that can cause a stinging or prickling sensation when touched.
Take apart, as 8-Down : UNKNOT
The answer "UNKNOT" fits the clue because when you unknot something, you are taking it apart, which makes it the correct solution.
Takes care of : SEES TO
"TENDS" is the right answer because it means to look after or care for something or someone. In this context, it fits the clue "Takes care of."
Thanks : THANKS
The answer "THANKS" fits the clue "Thanks" because it is a common expression used to show gratitude.
They often take bows : SHOELACES
unknown
Throat-soothing type of tea : HONEY-LEMON
HONEY-LEMON is the right solution because it is a type of tea known for its soothing properties on the throat, often used to relieve coughs and sore throats. Honey and lemon are common ingredients in throat-soothing teas.
Unwritten code? : DNA
The answer "DNA" fits the clue "Unwritten code?" because DNA is a genetic code that is not physically written down but carries all the instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of living organisms.
Waited for a customer service representative, say : HELD
The word "HELD" fits because when you wait for a customer service representative on the phone, you are typically "holding" or staying on the line until someone is available to assist you.
Was apprehended : GOT CAUGHT
The answer "GOT CAUGHT" fits the clue "Was apprehended" because it means being captured or caught by someone, often in a situation where one was trying to avoid being caught.
What “down” means in diner lingo : ON TOAST
With 65-, source of this puzzle’s pictorial clues : AMERICAN …
The answer is "AMERICAN FLAG" because the pictorial clues in the puzzle are related to symbols and colors of the American flag.
Work station : DESK
The answer "DESK" fits the clue "Work station" because a desk is a common piece of furniture where people work, such as in an office or at home.
Wraps up : ENDS
The word "wraps up" is a clue that suggests the answer is related to the concept of finishing or concluding something. The word "ends" fits this clue perfectly because it means to bring something to a close or to reach the final part of something.
You’re welcome : YOU’RE WELCOME
The answer "YOU’RE WELCOME" fits the clue because it is a common response to "Thank you." It is a polite way to acknowledge thanks.
___ Gawande, author of the 2014 best seller “Being Mortal” : ATUL
ATUL is the right answer because Atul Gawande is the author of the 2014 best seller "Being Mortal."
___ Squad (tech support group) : GEEK
The term "geek" is commonly used to refer to a person who is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a particular subject, often related to technology. In this case, a "tech support group" would likely be composed of geeks who are skilled in helping with technical issues.
“Finding ___” (Pixar sequel) : DORY
Dory is a character in the Pixar movie "Finding Nemo" and its sequel "Finding Dory". The clue is referring to the sequel, so the answer is "DORY".
“It’s c-c-c-cold!” : BRR!
The answer "BRR!" represents the sound people make when they are cold, as in shivering.
“Razor-billed” bird : AUK
A razor-billed bird is commonly referred to as an "auk" in crossword puzzles. The auk is a type of seabird known for its sharp, thin bill, hence the term "razor-billed."
“Shogun,” e.g. : SAGA
The answer "SAGA" fits the clue "Shogun, e.g." because a shogun is a historical Japanese military leader, and a saga is a long, historical tale or story, often involving heroic deeds and adventures.
“What a hoot!,” in brief : LOL!
The answer "LOL!" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "laugh out loud," which is often used to express amusement or laughter in online communication.
“___ Kitchen” (cooking show) : HELL’S
The right solution is "HELL’S" because "Hell's Kitchen" is a popular cooking show, making it the correct answer for the clue.
“___ told …” : ALL
The phrase "___ told ..." is commonly followed by the word "all" to indicate that everything has been communicated or revealed.