Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 22 August 2023, Tuesday (08-22-23). 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.
"Being ___ : A Puppeteer's Journey" (2011 documentary)
The answer is "A Puppeteer's Journey" because it is a 2011 documentary that fits the given clue "Being ___".
"Oh, dang!" : AWSNAP
The answer "AWSNAP" is a playful and informal expression used to convey surprise or frustration. It is a slang phrase that is often used to replace a more explicit exclamation. In this crossword clue, "Oh, dang!" is a phrase expressing surprise or frustration, and "AWSNAP" is a fitting and fun answer that captures the same sentiment.
"Pick me! Pick me!" : OHOH
The answer "OHOH" is the right solution because it represents the sound of someone eagerly trying to get attention or be chosen. It mimics the sound of someone saying "Oh, oh!" repeatedly, which is often used to express enthusiasm or eagerness.
"The L Word" co-creator ___ Chaiken : ILENE
The answer is "ILENE" because Ilene Chaiken is the co-creator of the TV show "The L Word".
"___ : Legacy" (2010 sci-fi movie)
The answer is "ENRON" because "The Smartest Guys in the Room" is a documentary film about the rise and fall of the Enron Corporation.
1860s presidential nickname : ABE
The answer "ABE" is the right solution because it is a commonly used nickname for President Abraham Lincoln, who served in the 1860s.
Appoints as a minister : ORDAINS
The answer "ORDAINS" is the right solution because it means to officially appoint someone as a minister or clergy member.
Attack, as with snowballs : PELT
The word "pelt" means to attack someone or something by throwing objects, such as snowballs, at them. Therefore, "pelt" is the right answer for the clue "Attack, as with snowballs."
Back muscle, informally : LAT
The answer to "Back muscle, informally" is "LAT" because it is a commonly used abbreviation for the latissimus dorsi muscle, which is a large muscle located in the back.
Borscht ingredient : BEET
The answer to "Borscht ingredient" is "BEET" because beets are a key ingredient in traditional borscht soup.
Color of 64-Across : RED Down
The answer to "Color of 64-Across" is "RED" because the clue is asking for the color of the word or item referenced by the clue "64-Across." Since the specific word or item is not mentioned, we can't determine the exact color, so "RED" is a commonly used color in crossword puzzles and is often a safe guess.
Colorado city known for skiing : ASPEN
The answer is "ASPEN" because Aspen is a city in Colorado that is famous for its skiing opportunities.
Contributes : ADDS
The word "contributes" suggests the idea of adding something to a larger whole. The word "adds" means to include or join something to make it bigger or better. Therefore, "adds" is the right solution for the clue "Contributes."
Côte d'___ (French Riviera) : AZUR
The answer "AZUR" is the right solution because "Côte d'___" refers to the French Riviera, which is known for its beautiful blue coastline. "Azur" is the French word for "azure" or "blue," making it the perfect fit for this crossword clue.
Crowds of rowdies : MOBS
The word "mobs" fits the clue "crowds of rowdies" because "mobs" refers to a large group of unruly or disorderly people. It accurately describes a gathering of rowdy individuals, making it the correct answer.
Danced like Elvis : GYRATED
The answer "GYRATED" fits the clue "Danced like Elvis" because it means to move or twist in a circular or spiral motion, which is often associated with Elvis Presley's iconic dance moves.
Disadvantage : CON
The answer "CON" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "disadvantage" in crossword puzzles.
Doubly : TWICE
The word "doubly" suggests something happening or being done two times. "Twice" means two times, making it a fitting solution to the clue.
Emmy-winning actress Aduba : UZO
The answer to "Emmy-winning actress Aduba" is "UZO" because Uzo Aduba is an Emmy-winning actress known for her role as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in the TV series "Orange Is the New Black".
Evasive strategies on the football field : ENDRUNS
The answer "ENDRUNS" is the right solution because it refers to a tactic in football where the player carrying the ball runs towards the end of the line, trying to avoid defenders. It is an evasive strategy used to gain yardage.
Fidelity alternative, for investors : ETRADE
The answer "ETRADE" is the right solution because ETRADE is a popular online brokerage platform that provides investment services, similar to Fidelity. Both Fidelity and ETRADE offer investment options and tools for investors.
First-class : AONE
The answer "A-ONE" is the right solution for the clue "First-class" because "A-ONE" is a phrase commonly used to describe something of the highest quality or excellence.
Fraternal order named for an animal : ELKS
The answer "ELKS" is the right solution because the Elks is a fraternal order named after the animal elk.
Garlic mayo spread : AIOLI
The answer is "AIOLI" because it is a popular garlic mayo spread commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Geological period : ERA
The answer "ERA" is the right solution because it refers to a specific geological period in Earth's history.
Gives a hand of cards : DEALSTO
The answer "DEALSTO" is the right solution because it accurately describes the action of giving a hand of cards to someone. The word "DEAL" means to distribute cards, and "TO" indicates the recipient of the cards. Therefore, "DEALSTO" is the correct answer.
Go over again : ITERATE
The word "iterate" means to repeat or go over again. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "Go over again."
Gobbled : ATE
The word "gobbled" is a clue that suggests eating quickly or voraciously. The answer "ATE" fits perfectly as it is the past tense of the verb "eat", which means to consume food.
Hydrating skin product : BODYOIL
The answer "BODYOIL" is the right solution because body oil is a commonly used hydrating skin product that helps moisturize and nourish the skin. It is often used to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
Illuminated from behind : REARLIT
The answer "REARLIT" is the right solution because it means "illuminated from behind." The word "rear" refers to the back or behind, and "lit" means illuminated. So, when combined, "REARLIT" accurately describes something that is lit up from the back.
Indonesian resort destination : BALI
The answer "BALI" is the right solution because Bali is a popular resort destination in Indonesia. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes.
Innocent sort : NAIF
The word "naif" is a noun that means an innocent or unsophisticated person. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "Innocent sort."
Journalist Curry : ANN
The answer is "ANN" because Ann Curry is a well-known journalist.
Kind of thinking : CRITICAL
The answer "CRITICAL" is the right solution because it is a type of thinking that involves analyzing and evaluating information in a careful and objective manner. It fits the clue "Kind of thinking" because critical thinking is a specific approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Korea's ___ Jong Un : KIM
The answer is "KIM" because it is a common Korean surname, and the current leader of North Korea is named Kim Jong Un.
Land for grazing : PASTURE
The word "PASTURE" is the right solution for the clue "Land for grazing" because a pasture is an area of land where animals can graze and feed on grass.
Life ___ (flotation device) : VEST
The answer to "Life ___ (flotation device)" is "VEST" because a life vest is a type of flotation device commonly used to keep a person afloat in water.
Light bulb units : WATTS
The answer to "Light bulb units" is "WATTS" because watts are the standard unit of measurement for power, including the power consumption of light bulbs.
Like 2023, but not 2022 : ODD
The answer is "ODD" because 2023 is an odd number, while 2022 is an even number.
Like magnets : BIPOLAR
The answer "BIPOLAR" is the right solution because magnets have two poles, a positive and a negative, just like individuals with bipolar disorder experience extreme shifts in mood between manic and depressive states.
Lively dance at a Jewish wedding : HORA
The answer to "Lively dance at a Jewish wedding" is "HORA" because the HORA is a traditional Jewish dance often performed at weddings and other joyful celebrations.
Midday refresher : NAP
The answer to "Midday refresher" being "NAP" is because taking a short sleep during the middle of the day is commonly known as a nap.
Montreal's rapid transit system : METRO
The answer to "Montreal's rapid transit system" is "METRO" because the Montreal Metro is the city's subway system. It is a popular mode of transportation in Montreal, making it the correct answer for this clue.
More metallic-sounding : TINNIER
The word "TINNIER" means having a sound that resembles or is similar to that of metal. It is the right solution because it directly relates to the clue "More metallic-sounding."
Not much to write home about : BLAH
The answer "BLAH" is the right solution for the clue "Not much to write home about" because "blah" is a colloquial term used to describe something that is uninteresting, boring, or lacking in excitement. It implies that there is not much noteworthy or remarkable to mention, hence the phrase "not much to write home about."
One who might light altar candles in a religious ceremony : ACOLYTE
The answer to "One who might light altar candles in a religious ceremony" is "ACOLYTE" because an acolyte is a person who assists in religious ceremonies, often responsible for lighting and extinguishing altar candles.
Ploy : RUSE
The word "ploy" refers to a cunning or crafty action used to deceive or outsmart someone. "RUSE" is a synonym for "ploy," as it also means a clever trick or strategy employed to achieve a particular goal. Therefore, "RUSE" is the right answer to the clue "Ploy."
Prevents from escaping : SEALSIN
The answer "SEALSIN" is the right solution because it means to prevent something from escaping by closing or securing it tightly.
Provides mentorship : ADVISES
The answer "ADVISES" fits the clue "Provides mentorship" because when someone provides mentorship, they offer guidance, suggestions, and recommendations to help others make informed decisions or solve problems. "ADVISES" is a verb that accurately describes this action.
QB's mistake : Abbr.
The answer to "QB's mistake" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is an abbreviation for "abbreviation." In this context, it suggests that the quarterback made a mistake by using an abbreviation instead of a full word or phrase.
Royalties for any musician? : SOUNDCHECKS
The answer "SOUNDCHECKS" is the right solution because royalties are payments made to musicians for the use of their music, and "SOUNDCHECKS" refers to the process of testing and adjusting sound equipment before a performance. It fits the clue as it represents a form of payment or compensation for musicians.
Royalties from Barry's "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe"? : WHITEPAPER
Royalties from Neil's "Heart of Gold"? : YOUNGBUCKS
The answer "YOUNGBUCKS" is a play on words. In this clue, "Neil's 'Heart of Gold'" refers to the musician Neil Young and his popular song "Heart of Gold." "Royalties" often refers to the payments artists receive for their songs. "YOUNGBUCKS" is a term commonly used to describe young and ambitious individuals. Therefore, the answer "YOUNGBUCKS" cleverly combines the idea of Neil Young's royalties with the term for young individuals, making it the right solution.
Royalties from Stevie's "Superstition"? : WONDERBREAD
Royalties from Tom's "Free Fallin'"? : PETTYCASH
The answer "PETTYCASH" is a play on words. "Tom's" refers to Tom Petty, the musician who wrote and performed the song "Free Fallin'." "Royalties" are the payments received by the songwriter for the use of their work. "PETTYCASH" is a term used to describe a small amount of money kept on hand for minor expenses. So, the answer "PETTYCASH" suggests that the royalties from Tom Petty's song "Free Fallin'" would be a small amount of money.
Sign in a gift shop around Mother's Day, maybe : FORHER
The answer "FORHER" is the right solution because it represents a sign you might find in a gift shop around Mother's Day. It suggests that the items in the shop are specifically meant for mothers.
Slangy turndown : NAH
The slang term "NAH" is a casual way of saying "no" or expressing disagreement. It fits the clue "Slangy turndown" because it conveys a refusal or rejection in an informal manner.
Slowly leaks : SEEPS
The answer to "Slowly leaks" is "SEEPS" because "seep" means to flow or leak slowly through small openings. It fits the clue perfectly.
Slushy summer drink portmanteau : FROSE
The answer "FROSE" is the right solution because it is a portmanteau of "frozen" and "rosé," indicating a slushy summer drink made from frozen rosé wine.
Starting assumptions : GIVENS
The answer "GIVENS" is the right solution because starting assumptions are typically considered to be given or predetermined information.
Super-skinny ties : BOLOS
The answer "BOLOS" is the right solution because "BOLOS" refers to super-skinny ties commonly worn with Western attire.
Tanned and then some : SUNBURNT
The answer "SUNBURNT" is the right solution because it accurately describes being tanned to an extreme degree.
Urgent care pro : ERDOC
The answer "ERDOC" is the right solution because it is a combination of "ER" which stands for emergency room, and "DOC" which is a common abbreviation for a doctor. So, an "Urgent care pro" can be referred to as an "ERDOC".
Utter foolishness : INANITY
The word "inanity" means utter foolishness or senselessness. It perfectly matches the clue and is a concise answer.
Vega's constellation : LYRA
The answer is "LYRA" because Vega is the brightest star in the constellation Lyra.
W.S.J. competitor : NYT
The answer "NYT" stands for The New York Times, which is a well-known newspaper. The clue is asking for a competitor of the Wall Street Journal (W.S.J.), and The New York Times is a major competitor in the newspaper industry.
What an asterisk might mean : SEENOTE
The answer "SEENOTE" is the right solution because an asterisk in a crossword clue often indicates that there is additional information or a note provided elsewhere in the puzzle. So, "SEENOTE" suggests that the solver should look for a note or additional information related to the clue.
Whence dawn breaks : THEEAST
The answer to "Whence dawn breaks" is "THEEAST" because the sun rises in the east, making it the direction from which dawn breaks.
Whopping : BIG
The word "whopping" is often used to describe something that is very large or significant. The word "big" has a similar meaning, making it the right solution for this clue.