Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 21 July 2023, Friday (07-21-23). Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
We're not affiliated with New York Times in any way.
Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" character : PUCK
The character "Puck" is from William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Puck is a mischievous fairy who plays pranks on the other characters, making "PUCK" the correct answer.
"Aren't I somethin'?!" : TADA
The clue is a boastful statement meaning "I am impressive, aren't I?". The answer "YAYME" is a playful and informal way of saying "Yes, me!" or "I am something!".
"Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!" : YOUGUESSEDIT
"Don't be ___" : SILLY
The answer to "Don't be ___!" is "SHY" because when someone tells you not to be "shy," it means they want you to be more confident and outgoing.
"Nothing ___" : DOING
The phrase "Nothing ___" is commonly followed by "doing" to mean not doing anything.
A good deal : MUCH
The answer to "A good deal" is "MUCH" because "much" is a common phrase used to describe a large or significant amount of something. It fits the clue by suggesting a substantial quantity or degree.
Account : TALE
The word "account" can refer to a narrative or story, which is synonymous with "tale." Therefore, "tale" is the correct answer.
Actress Lanchester : ELSA
The actress Lanchester is known as Elsa Lanchester, so the answer "ELSA" fits the clue.
Amazed reactions : GASPS
The answer "GASPS" fits the clue "Amazed reactions" because gasps are often spontaneous, involuntary reactions that people make when they are surprised or astonished.
Barbershop fixture? : TENOR
The answer "TENOR" is the right solution to the clue "Barbershop fixture?" because in a barbershop quartet, the tenor is one of the four vocal parts.
Big part of California? : SUR
The answer "SUR" is the right solution because "SUR" is the Spanish word for "south," and a big part of California is located in the southern region.
Billboard number, maybe : EXIT
The answer "EXIT" fits the clue "Billboard number, maybe" because billboards often display exit numbers to indicate upcoming highway exits.
Boundary for "first and goal" plays : TENYARDLINE
The "first and goal" plays in football typically occur within ten yards of the end zone. Therefore, the boundary for these plays is the "TENYARDLINE".
Buckets : ALOT
The answer to "Buckets" is "ALOT" because "ALOT" is a common slang term meaning a large amount or quantity. It can be used to describe buckets filled with something.
Business abbr. : LTD
The abbreviation "INC" stands for "Incorporated," which is a legal term used to describe a type of business structure. It is often used in a company's name to indicate that it is a corporation.
Calamity : DOOM
The word "calamity" refers to a disastrous event or a great misfortune. "Doom" is a synonym for calamity, as it represents a sense of impending disaster or an unavoidable fate. Therefore, "doom" is the right answer for the clue "calamity."
Call upon arriving home, maybe : SAFE
The answer is "SAFE" because when you arrive home, you might call someone to let them know you are safe.
Canceled, to a philatelist : USED
The term "canceled" in philately refers to a stamp that has been used and no longer has its full value or validity. Therefore, the answer "USED" fits the clue.
Class some people are dying to get into? : ANATOMYLAB
The clue "Class some people are dying to get into?" is a play on words. "Dying" is a clue that points to the subject of anatomy, which involves studying the human body and its internal organs. "Class" suggests that it is a course or a subject. Therefore, "ANATOMYLAB" is the right solution as it refers to a class where students study anatomy by working in a laboratory setting.
Cobs, e.g. : SWANS
Creatures that can regrow a lost tooth up to 50 times : ALLIGATORS
The answer is "ALLIGATORS" because they are reptiles that have the ability to regrow a lost tooth multiple times, up to 50 times.
Cross shape : TAU
The answer to "Cross shape" is "TAU" because the letter TAU is a Greek letter that is shaped like a cross.
Dating preference : TYPE
The answer to "Dating preference" is "TYPE" because when it comes to dating, people often have a specific "type" of person they are attracted to or interested in.
Defeater of Jörmungandr : THOR
The answer "THOR" is the right solution because in Norse mythology, Thor is the god of thunder and one of the most powerful gods. He is known for his strength and is famous for defeating the serpent Jörmungandr during the events of Ragnarok.
Example of exemplary service : ACE
The word "ace" is often used to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled or excellent at something, like providing exemplary service. Therefore, "ace" is the right answer for the clue "Example of exemplary service."
Exchange rings? : PLAYPHONETAG
The answer "PLAYPHONETAG" is the right solution because it refers to the act of repeatedly calling or contacting someone by phone in an attempt to have a conversation but constantly missing each other's calls, just like exchanging rings back and forth.
Fancy wheels : LIMO
The answer to "Fancy wheels" is "LIMO" because a limousine is often associated with luxury and elegance, making it a fancy mode of transportation.
Features of some cheesy dinner parties? : FONDUEPOTS
The answer "FONDUEPOTS" is the right solution because fondue pots are commonly used at cheesy dinner parties. Fondue is a popular dish where cheese is melted in a pot and served with various dippable foods. Therefore, fondue pots are a fitting feature for such parties.
First national magazine to feature Steve Jobs on the cover : INC
The answer is "INC" because it is a national magazine that focuses on business and entrepreneurship, making it likely to feature Steve Jobs on the cover as he was a prominent figure in the business world.
Get metal from, in a way : SMELT
The answer "SMELT" is the right solution because it is a verb that means to extract metal from its ore by heating and melting it.
Group cultivated by a recruiter : TALENTPOOL
Grp. that might get a talking-to by the principal : PTA
The PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) is a group that typically works closely with schools and can be called in for a meeting with the principal if necessary. Therefore, they are the group that might get a talking-to by the principal.
Heroine of novels set at Lilac Inn, Shadow Ranch and Red Gate Farm : NANCYDREW
The answer is "NANCYDREW" because she is the main character in the novels set at Lilac Inn, Shadow Ranch, and Red Gate Farm.
Highly trained body : NAVYSEALS
The answer "NAVYSEALS" is the right solution because Navy SEALs are highly trained individuals who undergo rigorous training to become elite members of the United States Navy. They possess exceptional physical abilities and specialized skills, making them a fitting answer for the clue "Highly trained body."
How theremin music sounds : EERIE
The word "eerie" is the right solution because the theremin is an electronic musical instrument known for producing haunting and otherworldly sounds. These sounds are often described as eerie due to their ethereal and unsettling nature.
Kind of drawing : LOTTO
The answer "LOTTO" is the right solution because it is a type of drawing where numbers are randomly selected to determine the winners.
Kitchen variety : GALLEY
The answer "GALLEY" is the right solution to the clue "Kitchen variety" because a galley is a type of kitchen commonly found on ships or airplanes. It is a small, compact kitchen space typically used in confined areas.
Knight clubs : MACES
The answer to "Knight clubs" is "MACES" because a mace is a medieval weapon often associated with knights. It is a short, heavy club with a spiked or flanged metal head.
Like electromagnetic radiation with the shortest wavelength : GAMMA Down
Little buggers : PETPEEVES
The answer "PETPEEVES" is the right solution because "little buggers" is a colloquial phrase often used to describe things that annoy or irritate us. "PETPEEVES" refers to those specific annoyances or irritations that are personal to each individual, like small bugs that can be bothersome. So, it fits the clue perfectly.
Magazine that debuted in France in 1945 and the U.S. in 1985 : ELLE
The answer is "ELLE" because it is a magazine that was first introduced in France in 1945 and later made its debut in the United States in 1985.
Meaning of the Persian suffix "-stan" : LAND
The Persian suffix "-stan" means "land" in English. Therefore, the answer "LAND" is the correct solution to the clue.
More than a twinge : ACHE
The word "ache" is the right solution because it means more than a twinge. It refers to a continuous, dull pain that is more intense than a slight twinge.
Muse of lyric poetry : ERATO
The answer "ERATO" fits the clue "Muse of lyric poetry" because in Greek mythology, Erato was one of the nine Muses, specifically associated with love and lyric poetry.
Name that means "no one" in Latin : NEMO
The Latin word "Nemo" translates to "no one" in English. Therefore, "NEMO" is the correct answer to the clue.
One who's out and about? : SLEEPWALKER
The answer "SLEEPWALKER" fits the clue because someone who sleepwalks is indeed "out and about" while they are asleep, moving around without being fully conscious.
Opening gambit of sorts : PLANA
Oscar-nominated director Gerwig : GRETA
The answer to "Oscar-nominated director Gerwig" is "GRETA" because Greta Gerwig is a director who has been nominated for an Oscar.
Place to find a hammer and anvil : EAR
The answer "EAR" is the right solution because the hammer and anvil are parts of the human ear.
Possible result of a major fall : SNOWDAYS
The answer "SNOWDAYS" is the right solution because a major fall can often lead to heavy snowfall, resulting in school closures and days off known as "snow days."
Preceder of Christmas : MERRY
The word "MERRY" is the right solution because it comes before the word "Christmas" in the phrase "Merry Christmas." It is commonly used as a greeting during the holiday season.
Pulls and analyzes online information, e.g. : DATAMINES
The term "datamines" refers to the process of extracting and analyzing large amounts of data from various online sources. It fits the clue because it involves pulling and analyzing online information.
Quad ___ (2022 record jump achieved by Ilia Malinin) : AXEL
The answer is "AXEL" because it is a type of jump commonly performed in figure skating, and Ilia Malinin achieved a record jump of this kind in 2022.
Row : SPAT
The word "Row" can refer to a row of seats or a line of objects, but in this context, it is a verb meaning to propel a boat forward using oars. "OAR" is a long pole with a flat blade at one end, used to row a boat through the water. Therefore, "OAR" is the correct answer to the clue "Row".
Runs : AIRS
The answer "AIRS" is the right solution because it can mean "runs" in the sense of broadcasting or transmitting something, like a TV show or a radio program.
Say again : ECHO
The word "echo" means to repeat or say again, making it the perfect answer for the clue "Say again."
Some names on buildings : DONORS
The answer "DONORS" is the right solution because many buildings, especially in educational or cultural institutions, are often named after individuals or organizations who have made significant financial contributions or donations. These individuals or organizations are commonly referred to as "donors."
Suddenly think of : HITON
The answer "HITON" is the right solution because when we suddenly think of something, it often feels like an idea or thought has "hit" us. So "HITON" accurately captures the concept of suddenly thinking of something.
Temple building : DORM
Thames town : ETON
The answer to "Thames town" is "ETON" because Eton is a town located on the banks of the River Thames in England.
Towers from which muezzins announce calls to prayer : MINARETS
The answer "MINARETS" is the right solution because minarets are tall towers typically found in mosques, from which muezzins announce calls to prayer.
Traffic director : PYLON
The answer "PYLON" is the right solution because traffic directors often use pylons to direct or redirect traffic flow.
UNESCO World Heritage listings : SITES
The answer "SITES" is the right solution because UNESCO World Heritage listings refer to specific locations or places around the world that are recognized for their outstanding cultural or natural significance. These locations are commonly referred to as "sites."
W.W. II hero who retired from the mil. to run for president : DDE
The answer "DDE" stands for Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was a hero in World War II and later retired from the military to run for president.
What follows both the living and dead? : END
The word "END" can follow both the living and dead because it signifies the conclusion or the final stage of something.
What I might be : ONE
The answer "ONE" fits the clue "What I might be" because it refers to the idea of being an individual or a single person.
Woman's name that becomes a country when its vowels are swapped : MILA
The answer is "MILA" because when you swap the vowels, it becomes "MALI," which is the name of a country.
Xeriscape garden plants : ALOES
ALOES are the right answer to the clue "Xeriscape garden plants" because ALOES are a type of succulent plant that are known for their ability to thrive in arid and dry conditions. They require very little water and are commonly used in xeriscape gardens, which are designed to conserve water.
Zaphod Beeblebrox in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," for one : ALIEN
The answer "ALIEN" is the right solution because Zaphod Beeblebrox is a character in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" who is described as an extraterrestrial or an alien.