Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 25 August 2023, Friday (08-25-23). 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.
"Easy!" : NOPROB
"GOSLOW" is the right solution because it is a phrase that means to take things at a leisurely pace, which is the opposite of "Easy" in terms of speed or difficulty.
"Gotta run!" : IMLATE
The answer "IMLATE" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to express the need to leave quickly or urgently. It directly relates to the clue "Gotta run!" as it conveys the idea of being late and needing to hurry.
"It's on me!" : ILLTREAT
"That ___ funny!" : WASNT
The answer "WASNT" is the right solution because it fills in the blank in the clue "That ___ funny!" with a contraction that means "was not." This phrase indicates that something was not humorous.
A large one might have more sides : MEAL
The answer to "A large one might have more sides" is "MEAL" because a meal can refer to a large portion of food that can have multiple dishes or components, each representing a different side.
Acquiesce : ACCEDE
The answer "ACCEDE" is the right solution because it means to agree or give in to a request or demand, which is synonymous with "acquiesce".
Actor Nick : NOLTE
The answer to "Actor Nick" is "NOLTE" because Nick Nolte is a well-known actor in the film industry.
Adage for getting through tough times : NOPAINNOGAIN
The phrase "No pain, no gain" is a well-known adage that means you have to work hard and endure difficulties in order to achieve success or make progress. It suggests that overcoming challenges and pushing through tough times is necessary for personal growth and achieving desired outcomes. Therefore, "NOPAINNOGAIN" is the right answer because it directly represents this adage.
Backs out suddenly : BAILS
The answer "BAILS" is the right solution because it means to back out or withdraw suddenly, which matches the clue "backs out suddenly."
Bad mood : SNIT
The answer "SNIT" is the right solution for "Bad mood" because a snit refers to a state of being irritable, angry, or in a temperamental mood.
Band whose fans are known as "ARMY" : BTS
The answer is "BTS" because they are a popular band whose fans are known as "ARMY".
Big name in wine : ROSSI
The answer "ROSSI" is the right solution because it is a big name in the wine industry. It refers to Carlo Rossi, a popular brand of wine known for its affordable and widely available products.
Binary, e.g. : CODE
The answer to "Binary, e.g." is "CODE" because binary refers to a system of representing information using only two digits, 0 and 1. In computer programming, binary code is used to represent instructions and data. Therefore, "CODE" is the appropriate answer for this clue.
Bolt : LAM
The answer "LAM" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "bolt" as in a sudden and quick movement.
Certain business adviser, in brief : CPA
The answer "CPA" is the right solution because it is an abbreviation for "Certified Public Accountant," which is a type of business adviser.
Certain page with blanks : MADLIB
The answer to "Certain page with blanks" is "MADLIB" because a Mad Lib is a type of word game where a story is created by filling in the blanks with different words. It fits the clue because it refers to a specific type of page or activity that involves blanks to be filled in.
Classic shout-out : HIMOM
The answer "HIMOM" is a classic shout-out because it is a common phrase used to get someone's attention, particularly a mother. It is a simple and concise way to greet or acknowledge someone in a crossword puzzle.
Converse parts : SOLES
The answer "SOLES" is the right solution because the word "Converse" can refer to the bottom part of a shoe, which is commonly known as the sole.
Crème de la crème : ELITES
The phrase "Crème de la crème" is a French expression that means the very best or the top of the line. The word "ELITES" fits this clue because it refers to a select group of people who are considered superior or the highest in their class or category.
Didn't cover for : TATTLEDON
The answer "TATTLEDON" fits the clue "Didn't cover for" because when someone tattles, they reveal information or secrets that they were supposed to keep hidden. Therefore, they didn't cover for someone.
Dish flavored with tamarind paste and fish sauce : PADTHAI
The dish flavored with tamarind paste and fish sauce is commonly known as "Pad Thai." It is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish that includes these ingredients, making "PADTHAI" the correct answer.
Embrace something embarrassing : OWNIT
The answer "OWNIT" is the right solution because it means to take ownership of something embarrassing. It suggests embracing and accepting the embarrassing situation instead of trying to hide or deny it.
En ___ : MASSE
The answer to "En ___" is "MASSE" because "masse" is a term used in billiards to describe a shot where the cue ball is struck below its center. It is a commonly used term in the game, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Event with no cover charge, perhaps : OPENMIC
The answer "OPENMIC" is the right solution because an open mic event is typically a performance or entertainment event where anyone can participate without having to pay a cover charge.
Extremely close to home : TOOREAL
The answer "TOOREAL" fits the clue "Extremely close to home" because it suggests that something is so close to home that it feels almost too close or uncomfortably real.
First African-born naturalized citizen in Congress : ILHANOMAR
Flag : TIRE
Gas used in semiconductor chip manufacturing : NEON
NEON is the right solution because it is commonly used in semiconductor chip manufacturing as a gas. It is known for its ability to emit a bright and vibrant light, making it ideal for producing illuminated signs and displays, as well as in the creation of plasma displays and lasers.
Give credit to, in a way : CITE
The word "CITE" means to give credit or acknowledge a source, often by quoting or referring to it. It fits the clue "Give credit to, in a way" perfectly because it implies recognizing or referencing someone or something.
Headlines : STARSIN
Heads outside? : PORTAPOTTIES
The answer "PORTAPOTTIES" is the right solution because "Heads" is a slang term for bathrooms, and "outside" indicates that these bathrooms are not indoors but portable, which are commonly referred to as "portapotties."
House channel : CSPAN
The answer to "House channel" is "CSPAN" because CSPAN is a television network that primarily covers the United States House of Representatives, making it the channel associated with the House.
Insomniac's accrual : SLEEPDEBT Down
The answer "SLEEPDEBT" fits the clue "Insomniac's accrual" because it refers to the accumulation of sleep that an insomniac misses out on. When someone has trouble sleeping, they build up a debt of sleep that needs to be repaid. Therefore, "SLEEPDEBT" is the appropriate answer.
It's passable : TEST
The answer "TEST" is the right solution because something that is "passable" can be tested to determine its quality or suitability.
King or queen, e.g. : BED
Like some regions that experience midnight sun : POLAR
The answer is "POLAR" because regions near the North or South Pole experience the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun remains visible for 24 hours during certain times of the year.
Like something wicked and dark? : UNLIT
The answer "UNLIT" fits the clue because something that is "unlit" is not illuminated or lacking light, which can be associated with being wicked and dark.
Like Tibet's Potala Palace : LHASAN
The answer "LHASAN" is the right solution because it is an anagram of "LHASA," which is the capital city of Tibet where the Potala Palace is located.
Literally, "tables" : MESAS
The word "MESAS" is the right solution because it literally means "tables" in Spanish.
Little ___ : ROCK
The answer to "Little ___" is "ROCK" because "Little" is a clue indicating that we are looking for a word that means small. "Rock" fits this description as it can be used to refer to a small stone or pebble.
Maker of the world's best-selling flip phone : MOTOROLA
MOTOROLA is the right solution because it is a well-known brand that has produced some of the most popular flip phones in the world.
Most common last name in Brazil : SILVA
The answer is "SILVA" because it is the most common last name in Brazil.
Most populous majority-Hispanic county in the U.S. : MIAMIDADE
The answer "MIAMIDADE" is the right solution because it refers to Miami-Dade County, which is the most populous majority-Hispanic county in the U.S.
Mulligan : REDO
The term "Mulligan" is often used in golf to refer to a do-over or second chance. Similarly, "REDO" means to do something again or start over. Therefore, "REDO" is the right answer as it aligns with the concept of a "Mulligan."
Nickname that drops -an : NORM
The nickname "Norm" drops the letters "an" from the word "Norman."
Note-taking spot? : ATM
The answer "ATM" is the right solution because an ATM is a place where people often make notes of their financial transactions, such as withdrawals or deposits.
Opposite of plain : BUSY
The answer to "Opposite of plain" is "BUSY" because plain refers to something simple or unadorned, while busy implies a lot of activity or decoration. Therefore, busy is the opposite of plain.
Palindromic adverb : ERE
The answer to "Palindromic adverb" is "ERE" because it is a word that reads the same forwards and backwards.
Places to rub elbows? : ARMRESTS
The answer "ARMRESTS" is the right solution because armrests are the parts of furniture, like chairs or sofas, where people can rest their arms and potentially rub elbows with others sitting nearby.
Portmanteau in 2010s fandom : BELIEBERS
The answer "BELIEBERS" is the right solution because it is a portmanteau of the words "believers" and "Justin Bieber," referring to fans of Justin Bieber during the 2010s.
Pretend to be someone else : LIVEALIE
The answer "LIVEALIE" is the right solution because it is a phrase that means to pretend to be someone else. "Live" refers to acting or pretending, and "a lie" indicates that it is not the truth. Therefore, "LIVEALIE" accurately represents the clue "Pretend to be someone else."
Providers of some allergy shots : EPIPENS
The answer "EPIPENS" is the right solution because EpiPens are commonly used to administer allergy shots.
Reacts to shocking news : GASPS
The answer "GASPS" is the right solution because when people hear shocking news, they often react by taking in a sudden, sharp breath, which is commonly known as gasping.
Really impresses : AWES
The answer "AWES" is the right solution because it is a short form of the word "awes" which means to really impress or amaze someone.
Rulers' divisions? : ERAS
The word "rulers" in the clue refers to leaders or people in power. "Divisions" suggests breaking things into different time periods. "Eras" are commonly used to divide history into distinct time periods, making it the appropriate answer.
Shuck it! : OYSTER
The phrase "Shuck it!" is a play on words, as "shuck" can mean to remove the outer shell or husk of something. In this case, "OYSTER" is the right answer because shucking an oyster involves opening its shell to access the edible part inside.
Small grouse : SNIPE
The answer to "Small grouse" is "SNIPE" because a snipe is a type of small bird that is often hunted or grouse about in crossword puzzles.
Spelling Bee feature : PANGRAM
The answer "PANGRAM" is the right solution because a pangram is a sentence that uses every letter of the alphabet at least once. In a Spelling Bee game, players are usually tasked with creating as many words as possible using a specific set of letters. A pangram is a feature of the game because it challenges players to find a word that includes all the given letters, showcasing their mastery of the alphabet.
Spice used as a breath freshener : ANISE
The spice "anise" is commonly used as a breath freshener due to its strong, sweet aroma and flavor. It helps to mask bad breath and leave a refreshing taste in the mouth.
Stockpile : AMASS
The word "amass" means to gather or accumulate a large quantity of something, which aligns with the clue "stockpile."
Structure in an apse : ALTAR
The answer to "Structure in an apse" is "ALTAR" because an altar is a common structure found in the apse of a church or religious building. It is where religious ceremonies and rituals are performed.
Swiss chocolatier : LINDT
The answer is "LINDT" because Lindt is a well-known Swiss chocolatier famous for their high-quality chocolates.
Welcomes : GREETS
The answer "GREETS" is the right solution because it means to welcome or acknowledge someone in a friendly manner.
What ties can get you into, for short : OTS
The answer "OTS" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "over the shoulder" which refers to ties that can be worn in a specific style.
Worst place imaginable : HELLSCAPE
The answer "HELLSCAPE" fits the clue "Worst place imaginable" because it combines the word "HELL," which is commonly associated with a terrible and unpleasant environment, with "SCAPE," which implies a landscape or setting. Therefore, "HELLSCAPE" conveys the idea of the worst possible location or situation.
___ fries (Krusty Krab menu item) : KELP
The answer is "KELP" because kelp is a type of seaweed commonly used in the Krusty Krab to make their fries.