Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 5 August 2023, Saturday (08-05-23). 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.
"Help!" or "SOS" : SONG
The answer to "Help!" or "SOS" is "SONG" because both "Help!" and "SOS" are commonly used distress signals, and "SONG" can be a way to call for help or express distress through music.
"Oh no!" : EEK
The answer to the clue "Oh no!" is "EEK" because "EEK" is an interjection commonly used to express surprise, fear, or alarm. It represents the sound someone might make when they are startled or scared.
"Right away!" : STAT
The answer "STAT" is the right solution because it is a common medical abbreviation meaning "immediately" or "right away". It is often used in urgent situations to convey the need for prompt action.
"Yo mama" jokes, often : ONELINERS
The answer "ONELINERS" is the right solution because "Yo mama" jokes are typically short and delivered in the form of a single line or sentence. Hence, "ONELINERS" accurately describes this type of joke.
"You can't tell me what to do!" : ITSAFREECOUNTRY
The phrase "It's a free country" is often used to assert one's independence and refusal to be controlled or told what to do. It fits perfectly with the clue "You can't tell me what to do!" as it conveys the same sentiment.
"___ Mubarak" (holiday greeting in Islam) : EID
The answer is "EID" because it is a common holiday greeting in Islam.
Actor Shepard of "Zathura : A Space Adventure"
Adoration of the Kardashians, e.g. : HAGIOLATRY
The answer "HAGIOLATRY" is the right solution because it means excessive adoration or worship of saints or holy figures. In this context, it implies that the adoration of the Kardashians is taken to an extreme level, similar to the veneration of saints.
Barnyard sound : BAA
The answer "BAA" is the right solution because it represents the sound that a sheep makes.
Belittling : DEROGATIVE
The answer "DEROGATIVE" is the right solution because it means to belittle or criticize someone or something. It is a synonym for "belittling" and fits the clue perfectly.
Big screens? : TAXAUDITS
Burn, in a way : SCALD
The answer "SCALD" is the right solution because it means to burn with hot liquid or steam.
Caffeine, for one : DRUG
The answer "DRUG" is the right solution because caffeine is classified as a drug. It is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and can have various effects on the body.
Challenge before entering a haunted house : IFYOUDARE
The answer "IFYOUDARE" fits the clue because it is a phrase commonly used as a challenge or dare to someone. In the context of entering a haunted house, it implies that the person must be brave or daring to proceed.
City near the confluence of the Colorado and Gila rivers : YUMA
The city of Yuma is located near the confluence of the Colorado and Gila rivers.
Con : SCAM
The answer "SCAM" is the right solution because "Con" is a slang term for a scam or a fraudulent scheme.
Defensive motions : PLEAS
The answer "PLEAS" is the right solution because in a legal context, "pleas" refer to the defensive motions made by a defendant in a court case. They are formal responses to the charges or allegations brought against them.
Didn't go all in, say : WADED
The answer "WADED" is the right solution because it means to enter water or a situation only partially, without going all the way in.
Disco ___ ("The Simpsons" character) : STU
The answer is "STU" because Disco Stu is a character from "The Simpsons" known for his love of disco music and fashion.
Early dial-up service provider : AOL
The answer "AOL" is the right solution because it was one of the earliest and most popular dial-up service providers in the early days of the internet.
Eatery with a 1950s vibe, say : RETRODINER
The answer "RETRODINER" is the right solution because it combines the words "retro" and "diner" to accurately describe an eatery with a 1950s vibe. The term "retro" refers to something that imitates or is reminiscent of styles from the past, while a "diner" is a casual restaurant often associated with the 1950s. Therefore, "RETRODINER" perfectly fits the clue.
Edgar winner Levin : IRA
The answer to "Edgar winner Levin" is "IRA" because Ira Levin was an American author who won the prestigious Edgar Award for his mystery novel "A Kiss Before Dying."
Everglades predator : EGRET
The answer to "Everglades predator" is "EGRET" because the egret is a type of bird commonly found in the Everglades that preys on fish and other small animals.
Expert with a temper? : SWORDSMITH
The answer "SWORDSMITH" is the right solution because an expert with a temper can be interpreted as someone skilled in the art of making swords, and a "smith" is a term commonly associated with skilled craftsmen.
Eyed rudely : OGLED
The word "OGLED" fits the clue "Eyed rudely" because it means to look at someone with strong and obvious interest or desire, often in an impolite or offensive manner.
Finale : CODA
The answer to "Finale" is "CODA" because a coda is a concluding section or passage in a musical composition. It signifies the end of a piece, making it a fitting answer for "Finale" in a crossword puzzle.
Flight unit : STEP
The answer to "Flight unit" is "STEP" because a step is a unit of measurement used to indicate the vertical distance between two levels or floors in a staircase.
Flying formations : VEES
The answer to "Flying formations" is "VEES" because V-shaped formations are commonly used by birds, geese, and certain aircraft when flying.
Follow relentlessly : DOG
The answer to "Follow relentlessly" is "DOG" because dogs are known to be loyal and persistent in following their owners.
Grooves : RUTS
The answer "RUTS" fits the clue "Grooves" because ruts are deep tracks or grooves formed on a surface, typically made by wheels or repetitive use.
Group members who are the most tech-savvy : ALPHANERDS
The answer "ALPHANERDS" fits the clue because it combines the words "alpha" meaning dominant or top-ranking, and "nerds" meaning people who are highly knowledgeable in technology. Therefore, "ALPHANERDS" refers to group members who are the most tech-savvy.
Iranian sage who inspired Nietzsche : ZOROASTER
Zoroaster is the right answer because he was an ancient Iranian sage and prophet who greatly influenced Friedrich Nietzsche, a famous German philosopher.
Jewish mourning period : SHIVA
The answer to "Jewish mourning period" is "SHIVA" because Shiva is a Hebrew word that refers to the seven-day mourning period observed by Jewish individuals after the death of a close family member.
Letter after I : KAPPA
The letter after "I" in the Greek alphabet is "Kappa".
Luxury vantage point : SKYBOXSEAT Down
The answer "SKYBOXSEAT" is the right solution because a skybox seat is a luxury vantage point in sports stadiums or arenas. It offers an elevated and exclusive view for spectators, providing a premium experience.
M.L.B.'s so-called "dead-ball ___" : ERA
The answer to "M.L.B.'s so-called "dead-ball ___"" is "ERA" because ERA stands for Earned Run Average, which is a statistic used in baseball to measure the average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings. The term "dead-ball" refers to an era in baseball history when the game was characterized by low-scoring and less offense.
Major bear? : URSA
The word "URSA" is the Latin word for "bear." In astronomy, there are two major constellations named after bears: Ursa Major (the Great Bear) and Ursa Minor (the Little Bear). Therefore, "Major bear?" is a clever clue that hints at the answer "URSA."
Maryland athlete, familiarly : TERP
The answer "TERP" is the right solution because it is a familiar nickname for athletes from the University of Maryland, whose mascot is the Terrapin.
Might : MAY
The word "might" can be synonymous with "force" in the sense of strength or power, which makes it the right solution.
Nation smaller than West Virginia with six active volcanoes : COSTARICA
The answer "COSTARICA" is the right solution because it is a nation that is smaller than West Virginia and has six active volcanoes.
One aboard the Tiangong space station : TAIKONAUT
The answer "TAIKONAUT" is the right solution because it refers to a Chinese astronaut specifically trained for space missions aboard the Tiangong space station.
One of the Allman Brothers : DUANE
The answer "DUANE" is the right solution because Duane Allman was a founding member and one of the guitarists of the Allman Brothers Band.
One slow on the pick-up? : SLOB
The answer "SLOB" fits the clue "One slow on the pick-up?" because a slob is someone who is generally messy, lazy, or slow in their actions. In this context, "pick-up" refers to being quick or efficient, so a slob would be the opposite of someone who is fast or efficient.
Oscar nominee for 1997's "Affliction" : NOLTE
The answer is "NOLTE" because Nick Nolte was nominated for an Oscar for his role in the movie "Affliction" in 1997.
Part of an eclipse : HALO
The answer "HALO" is the right solution because during a solar or lunar eclipse, a ring of light called a halo can be seen around the celestial body that is being eclipsed.
Peacock or eye, in broadcasting : LOGO
The answer "LOGO" is the right solution because both peacock and eye are commonly used symbols for a logo in the broadcasting industry.
Play group : ACTS
The answer "ACTS" is the right solution because in this context, "play" refers to theatrical performances, and a "group" of theatrical performances is commonly referred to as "acts".
Product of busybodies : IDLEGOSSIP
The answer "IDLEGOSSIP" fits the clue "Product of busybodies" because it refers to the idle or frivolous talk that busybodies often engage in. It implies that busybodies tend to spread gossip and rumors rather than being productive.
Professor in the Potterverse : SNAPE
The answer to "Professor in the Potterverse" is "SNAPE" because Severus Snape is a well-known character in the Harry Potter series who is a professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Pulse : THROB
The word "throb" is a suitable answer for the clue "pulse" because it accurately describes the rhythmic beating or pulsating sensation often felt in the body, especially in the arteries.
Putting out : EMITTING
The answer to "Putting out" is "EMITTING" because "emitting" means to release or give off something, like light or heat.
Quite stylish : TRESCHIC
The answer "TRESCHIC" is the right solution for the clue "Quite stylish" because "TRESCHIC" is a French phrase that translates to "very stylish" in English.
Recipe directive : CHOP
The answer "CHOP" is the right solution because it is a directive commonly found in recipes. It tells you to cut food into small, even pieces.
Relating to areas : ZONAL
The word "zonal" means relating to or characteristic of a zone or area. It fits perfectly with the clue "relating to areas" as it describes something that is specifically connected to a particular zone or region.
Rule, informally : REG
The answer "REG" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for the word "rule." In crossword puzzles, it is common to use abbreviations or informal terms to clue in the solver.
Senators' org. : NHL
The answer to "Senators' org." is "NHL" because the NHL (National Hockey League) is the organization that governs professional ice hockey teams, including the Ottawa Senators.
Send packing : OUST
The answer "OUST" fits the clue "Send packing" because it means to remove or expel someone or something from a position or place.
Singer with the 2014 #1 album "1000 Forms of Fear" : SIA
The answer is "SIA" because she is the singer who released the album "1000 Forms of Fear" in 2014, which reached #1 on the charts.
Some Rhine wines : RIESLINGS
The answer "RIESLINGS" is the right solution because Riesling is a type of wine that is commonly produced in the Rhine region.
Swimming/biking/running event, informally : TRI
The answer "TRI" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for the word "triathlon," which is a sporting event that involves swimming, biking, and running.
They make compelling suggestions : HYPNOTISTS
"HYPNOTISTS" is the right solution because hypnotists have the ability to make suggestions to individuals while they are under hypnosis.
They're there in the clutch : EGGS
The answer "EGGS" is the right solution because in the clutch or under pressure, eggs can provide a quick and easy meal.
True believers : ADHERENTS
The answer "ADHERENTS" is the right solution because it refers to people who strongly support or follow a particular belief or cause. They are true believers in that belief or cause.
___ giraffe, tallest land mammal on earth : MASAI
The answer "MASAI" is the right solution because the Masai giraffe is indeed the tallest land mammal on earth.