Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 2 August 2024, Friday (08-02-24). 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.
0% : NOT ONE BIT
The answer "NONE" fits the clue "0%" because "NONE" is a synonym for "zero" or "no amount," indicating that there is nothing present or available.
10-digit no. : TEL
Absorb : EAT
The word "absorb" means to take in or soak up. "Assimilate" also means to take in or absorb something, making it the correct answer.
Acted like a maverick : WENT ROGUE
"WENT ROGUE" is the right solution because "going rogue" means acting independently or contrary to the expected norms, just like a maverick would.
Add to : AUGMENT
The word "augment" means to add to or increase something, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Add to."
Adornment for a kimono : OBI
An obi is a sash or belt worn with a kimono to secure it at the waist, making it a fitting adornment for a kimono.
Alt tab? : LSD
Bracketed qualification : SIC
"SIC" is a Latin term that means "thus" or "so." In brackets, it is used to indicate that a quoted passage appears exactly as in the original source, including any errors or unconventional spelling. So, "SIC" is the correct answer for "Bracketed qualification" in a crossword puzzle.
Cancels out : NEGATES
"Negates" means to cancel out or make ineffective, which directly matches the clue "Cancels out."
Card letters : STL
The abbreviation "STL" stands for "Saint Louis," which is commonly used on playing cards to represent the city of St. Louis.
Carrier letters : USS
The answer "USS" is the right solution because it stands for United States Ship and is commonly used as a prefix for the names of US Navy ships.
Classic poem whose subject is “a black ocean, leaping and wide” : … STILL I RISE
The answer "... STILL I RISE" is from the classic poem by Maya Angelou titled "Still I Rise," which includes the line "a black ocean, leaping and wide." The answer fits the clue because it directly references the subject described in the clue.
Color for un campeón : ORO
The clue "Color for un campeón" translates to "Color for a champion" in Spanish. The color associated with champions or winners is gold, which is "ORO" in Spanish.
Constellation named for an instrument : LYRA
Lyra is a constellation named after the lyre, a musical instrument from ancient Greece. Its shape is said to resemble a lyre, making it the correct answer for the clue "Constellation named for an instrument."
Contends : ALLEGES
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.
Decides to leave : STETS
"STETS" is a term used in editing to indicate that something should remain unchanged. In this case, "Decides to leave" can be interpreted as deciding not to make a change, hence "STETS" is the right solution.
Develop through experimentation : ITERATE
The word "iterate" means to repeat a process in order to achieve a desired outcome, often through experimentation and refinement. So, "develop through experimentation" can be succinctly described as "iterate."
Dismissal, informally : HEAVE-HO
The term "heave-ho" is informally used to mean dismissal or being let go from a job or position. It fits the clue "Dismissal, informally" as it is a colloquial expression for being fired or removed from a position.
Dress down : YELL AT
Drum machine creation : LOOP
The answer "LOOP" fits because a drum machine often plays pre-recorded drum patterns in a repeating sequence, known as a loop.
First name in cosmetics : ESTEE
The clue is looking for a first name related to cosmetics. "Estee" is a common first name for women and also the first name of Estée Lauder, the founder of the cosmetics company that bears her name.
Flag : TIRE
Flattest state in the U.S. : Abbr.
The answer is "Fla." which is the abbreviation for Florida. Florida is considered the flattest state in the U.S. because it has the lowest average elevation compared to other states.
Forty winks : CATNAP
The phrase "Forty winks" is a common idiom that means a short nap or sleep. "AFEWZS" is an abbreviation of "a few Z's," which represents sleeping or napping. Therefore, "AFEWZS" is a fitting answer for the crossword clue.
Gradual diminutions : EROSIONS
The term "erosions" refers to gradual diminutions, especially in the context of erosion of land or material over time. It fits the clue well in terms of the gradual nature of the process.
Half of a train? : CHOO
The answer "CHOO" represents the sound of a train, specifically the "choo-choo" sound often associated with trains.
Initiate, as a campaign : MOUNT
The word "mount" can mean to initiate or start something, like a campaign. In this context, "mount" fits the clue well.
Islam’s Jibril, for one : ANGEL
The answer is "ANGEL" because Jibril is an angel in Islam, known as the angel Gabriel in Christianity.
John Steinbeck’s hometown : SALINAS
Salinas is the hometown of John Steinbeck, the famous American author. He was born in Salinas, California in 1902, and many of his novels are set in the Salinas Valley.
Language group of Southeast Asia : TAI
The answer "TAI" is correct because the Tai language group is a prominent language family in Southeast Asia, including languages like Thai, Lao, and Shan.
Lead-in to “ops” : SYS-
The answer "SYS-" is the lead-in to "ops" as it is a common abbreviation for "systems," often seen in computer-related contexts.
Letters on a first responder vehicle : EMS
The answer "EMS" stands for Emergency Medical Services, which are often found on first responder vehicles such as ambulances.
Like some curries and currants : RED
The answer "RED" fits the clue because both curries and currants can be red in color.
Like some fridges and doughnuts : MINI
The answer "MINI" is the right solution because both fridges and doughnuts can be small in size, and "MINI" is a common term used to describe small versions of various objects.
Long break between classes : GAP YEAR
Look upon with disdain : SNEER AT
"SNEER AT" is the right solution because "sneer" means to look down on someone or something with contempt or scorn, which perfectly matches the clue "Look upon with disdain."
Lots and lots : SCADS
The word "aton" is a contraction of "a ton", which means a large amount or quantity. Therefore, "lots and lots" can be represented by "aton".
Make out : SEE
Nathan ___, physicist who collaborated with Einstein on a theory of wormholes : ROSEN
The physicist Nathan Rosen collaborated with Einstein on the theory of wormholes, making "ROSEN" the right answer.
Novel idea? : STORYLINE
The clue "Novel idea?" is a play on words. In this case, "novel" refers to a book, and "idea" refers to a storyline, which is a key element in a novel. Therefore, the answer "STORYLINE" fits the clue perfectly.
Once around : LAP
The word "LAP" refers to completing one circuit around a track or course, making it synonymous with "Once around."
Page layout option : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for "abbreviation," which is a common layout option used in documents or publications to save space or for stylistic reasons.
Part of a violin quartet? : PEG
The answer "PEG" is correct because a peg is a part of a violin used to tune the strings.
Perfect romantic evening : DREAM DATE
"DREAM DATE" is the right solution because it refers to an ideal or perfect romantic evening that one might fantasize about. It encapsulates the idea of a romantic outing with someone special, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Phrase in a round of bidding : I PASS
The phrase "I PASS" is commonly used in a round of bidding in card games like bridge or poker to indicate that a player does not want to make a bid.
Plant with bugs, maybe : SPY
Preference for long-legged types, maybe : AISLE SEAT
"Preference for long-legged types, maybe" is a cryptic clue indicating a preference for more legroom on a plane. An "AISLE SEAT" is often preferred by tall people because it offers more legroom compared to a middle or window seat.
Rae of “American Fiction” : ISSA
"ISSA" is the answer because "Rae" is a reference to the character Issa Rae from the TV show "Insecure," which is a part of American fiction.
Really : SUPER
The answer "ITIS" is a slang expression that means "that's it" or "really?" and is often used to express surprise or disbelief. It fits the clue "Really?" as it is a common response to express disbelief or surprise.
Ring true : RESONATE
The phrase "ring true" means to evoke a feeling of truth or significance. The word "resonate" has a similar meaning, as it refers to something that strikes a chord or has a deep impact. Therefore, "resonate" is the right answer as it captures the essence of "ring true."
Run-down : RATTY
"RATTY" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "run-down," meaning something in poor or shabby condition.
Server’s question after a drink order : IS PEPSI OK?
The answer "IS PEPSI OK?" fits the clue because it is a common question servers ask when a customer orders a drink, suggesting an alternative option if the requested drink is not available.
Something made for a dinner, for short : RES Down 1 Take off, as a cap
The answer to "Take off, as a cap" is "RES" because "res" is a short form of the word "remove" which means to take off.
Stanley Tucci’s character in “The Devil Wears Prada” : NIGEL
Nigel is the name of the character played by Stanley Tucci in the movie "The Devil Wears Prada."
Start of a football drive : FIRST AND TEN
The phrase "FIRST AND TEN" is used in football to indicate that it is the first down and the offense has ten yards to gain for another first down. This is typically the start of a new offensive drive.
Starting line : LET’S BEGIN
"LET'S BEGIN" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to indicate the start of something, like a race or a project. In the context of a crossword clue asking for a "Starting line," "LET'S BEGIN" is a fitting answer.
Stuff of substance? : ATOMS
"Stuff of substance" is a play on words that hints at the basic building blocks of matter. Atoms are the smallest units of a chemical element, making them the fundamental "stuff" that substances are made of.
Testament to human nature? : I’M NOT A ROBOT
The answer "I’M NOT A ROBOT" is a playful way of saying that the person is demonstrating their human nature by declaring that they are not a robot, but a real human being. It fits the clue "Testament to human nature" because it affirms the speaker's humanity.
They might be booked for getaways : SITTERS
The answer "SITTERS" fits the clue because they are often booked to take care of children or pets while the parents are away on a getaway.
This and that : THESE
The clue "This and that" is asking for a word that means "both of these things" or "various things." "Those" is a pronoun that refers to multiple things that are not nearby, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Trickles : SEEPS
The word "seeps" means to flow slowly and steadily, similar to how something trickles. Therefore, "seeps" is the right answer for the clue "Trickles."
Used for support : STOOD ON
Vague amount : ANY
The word "any" can refer to an unspecified or vague amount, making it the right solution for the clue "Vague amount."
“Fair enough” : POINT TAKEN
"Point taken" is a common phrase used to acknowledge that someone's argument or opinion is valid or acceptable. It is often used in response to someone making a fair point or argument, making it a suitable answer to the clue "Fair enough."
“In your face!” : SO THERE!
"Booyah" is an exclamation of triumph or satisfaction, often used in a confrontational or competitive situation. It can be seen as a way of "getting in someone's face" with a boastful or celebratory statement. Therefore, it fits the clue "In your face!" quite well.
“I’ll take the blame” : IT’S ON ME
The phrase "It's on me" is a colloquial way of saying "I'll take the blame" or "I'll take responsibility."
“Six days ___ thou labor …” : Exodus
unknown
“What’s the ___?” : VERDICT
The phrase "What's the harm?" means "What's the damage?" or "What's the risk?" so the answer is "HARM".