Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 30 August 2024, Friday (08-30-24). 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.
Actor/activist Davis : OSSIE
Ossie Davis was an actor and activist, making "OSSIE" the correct answer for the clue "Actor/activist Davis."
Advise against : DETER
"Deter" means to advise or discourage someone from doing something. In this case, "Advise against" is a clue hinting at the word "deter" as the correct answer.
Alternative to hanging out? : DRYER
The clue "Alternative to hanging out?" suggests looking for a word that is related to hanging clothes out to dry. The answer "DRYER" fits this clue as it is a machine used to dry clothes instead of hanging them out to dry.
Animal found on either end of a scale : DOE
The word "DOE" is a female deer, which can be found on either end of the word "balancing scale." This makes it the correct answer to the clue.
Babe in the woods? : OWLET
A "babe in the woods" is an idiom that refers to someone who is innocent and naive. A fawn is a young deer that is also innocent and naive, making it a fitting answer for this clue.
Back, at sea : AFT
The term "aft" is used in nautical terminology to refer to the back or rear of a ship or boat. In this context, "back, at sea" is a clue hinting at the nautical term for the back of a vessel, which is "aft".
Camper’s cover : TARP
The answer is "TARP" because campers often use a tarp to cover their tents or gear to protect them from rain or sun.
Chicago W.N.B.A. team : SKY
The Chicago W.N.B.A. team is called the Chicago Sky, making "SKY" the right answer for this clue.
Common browser extension : AD BLOCKER
The answer "AD BLOCKER" fits the clue "Common browser extension" because an ad blocker is a popular type of browser extension that helps users block advertisements while browsing the internet.
Component of the Tower of Hanoi puzzle : DISK
The Tower of Hanoi puzzle involves moving disks from one peg to another. "Disk" is the correct answer because disks are the components that are moved in this puzzle.
Connoisseur of the finer things : ESTHETE
"Esthete" is the right solution because an esthete is a person who has a keen appreciation for beauty, art, and culture, making them a connoisseur of the finer things in life.
Consideration when donning an off-the-shoulder dress : BRA STRAPS
The answer "BRA STRAPS" fits the clue because when wearing an off-the-shoulder dress, one would need to consider how to conceal or adjust their bra straps for a seamless look.
Defiant protester : REFUSENIK
The term "refusenik" refers to a person, typically in the former Soviet Union, who refuses to cooperate with authorities, often for political reasons. This fits the clue "defiant protester" as a refusenik is someone who actively resists or protests against the government or other authority figures.
Deluxe accommodations : SUITES
"SUITES" are considered deluxe accommodations because they typically consist of multiple rooms, providing more space and luxury compared to a standard hotel room.
Did a jeté : LEAPT
"Did a jeté" is a clue that is hinting at a ballet move, where the correct answer would be "LEAPT" as it is a past tense verb that describes the action of performing a jeté, which is a type of leap in ballet.
Disappear into thin air : GO POOF
The phrase "go poof" is often used to describe something disappearing suddenly or mysteriously, as if by magic. This makes it a fitting answer to the clue "Disappear into thin air."
Disgusting, slangily : GRODY
"GRODY" is slang for disgusting. It is a common term used informally to describe something unpleasant or repulsive.
Dove, e.g. : SOAP
The answer "SOAP" fits the clue "Dove, e.g." because Dove is a brand of soap, making "SOAP" a suitable answer.
Fellow : PEER
The word "guy" is a synonym for "fellow" or "man," often used in casual conversation.
Film character with an iconic gold bikini : LEIA
Princess Leia is the film character from "Star Wars" who famously wore a gold bikini in "Return of the Jedi." This iconic outfit has become a well-known symbol of the character and the franchise.
Genre for Wizkid and Burna Boy : AFROPOP
"AFROPOP" is the right solution because Wizkid and Burna Boy are both popular Nigerian musicians known for their contributions to the Afropop genre, which combines traditional African rhythms with contemporary pop music styles.
Glaring oversight by a writer : PLOT HOLE
The answer "PLOT HOLE" fits because a plot hole is a gap or inconsistency in a story's plot that contradicts the logic or flow of the narrative, which can be seen as a glaring oversight by the writer.
Gold Bond ingredient, once : TALC
The answer "TALC" is correct because Talc used to be an ingredient in Gold Bond products.
Green-screen tech. : CGI
The answer "CGI" stands for computer-generated imagery, a technology commonly used with green screens to create visual effects in movies and TV shows.
Handles differently? : RENAMES
"Handles differently?" is a play on words where "handles" can mean how something is dealt with or managed. In this case, "RENAMES" suggests handling something (a name) in a different way by changing or renaming it.
Illusory quality : UNREALITY
The answer "UNREALITY" fits the clue "Illusory quality" because "unreality" means the state of being unreal or lacking in reality, which perfectly captures the idea of something illusory or not based in actuality.
Increase dramatically : SOAR
The word "soar" means to increase dramatically, especially in a rapid and impressive way. It fits the clue perfectly.
Inner selves : ANIMAS
The term "egos" refers to one's sense of self or identity, which can be considered as one's inner self. In psychology, the ego is one of the three parts of the psyche, along with the id and the superego.
Lead-in to stakes : VEEP-
"Lead-in to stakes" is a wordplay clue where "stakes" refers to a competition or a bet. The answer "VEEP-" is the abbreviation for "Vice President," which is a political position that is a step below the President, hence it is a lead-in to the "stakes" of becoming the President.
Makes fast : TIES
The word "TIES" can mean to secure or fasten something in place, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Makes fast."
Many John le Carré characters : SPIES
The answer "SPIES" fits the clue "Many John le Carré characters" because John le Carré is a well-known author of spy novels, and the characters in his books are often involved in espionage activities.
Marked Twain? : DOG-EARED
The clue "Marked Twain?" is a play on words suggesting that "Twain" is a reference to the author Mark Twain. "Dog-eared" means a page in a book that has been folded down to mark a place, which is a way of physically marking a book, hence the answer "DOG-EARED."
Mittens might fiddle with one : CAT TOY
The answer "CAT TOY" fits because mittens often refer to a cat's paws, and cats enjoy playing with toys designed for them.
Neat arrangements : ROWS
"Neat arrangements" is a clue hinting at a word that describes things being organized in a straight line or order. "Rows" fit this description as it refers to objects or items placed side by side in a linear fashion, making it the correct solution.
Nursery purchase : TOPSOIL
The answer "PLANT" is the right solution because nurseries typically sell a variety of plants, making it a common purchase from a nursery.
Obnoxiously loud : GARISH
Garish means obnoxiously bright or showy in a way that is considered tasteless. It fits the clue "Obnoxiously loud" because something that is garish can be visually loud and attention-grabbing in a negative way.
Occasion for retirement? : PIT STOP
unknown
Ones used to working from home? : UMPS
UMPS is the right solution because "UMPS" is a slang term for umpires, who are used to working from home plate in baseball games.
Opening words of a prayer : DEAR GOD …
The phrase "DEAR GOD" is commonly used as the opening words of a prayer to address a higher power. It is a respectful and common way to begin a prayer, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Portmanteau garments : SKORTS
"SKORTS" is the right solution because it is a portmanteau of "skirt" and "shorts," combining elements of both garments into one.
Psyche’s lover, in Greek myth : EROS
EROS is the right answer because in Greek mythology, Eros is the god of love and the son of Aphrodite. He is often associated with Psyche as her lover.
Quite blue : OBSCENE
Robert in “Heat” : DE NIRO
The answer is "DE NIRO" because Robert is a reference to the actor Robert De Niro, who starred in the movie "Heat."
Scrammed : GOT LOST
The word "scrammed" is a slang term meaning "left quickly." "Got lost" fits the definition of leaving quickly, making it the right solution.
Seek reparations : SUE
"SUE" is the right solution because when someone seeks reparations, they often take legal action against the responsible party by filing a lawsuit, which is commonly referred to as "suing" them.
Snatched, colloquially : YOINKED
The word "yoinked" is a colloquial term meaning "snatched" or "grabbed suddenly". It is often used humorously or playfully to describe taking something quickly or unexpectedly.
Spread out : SPLAY
"SPLAY" means to spread out or expand in different directions, making it the correct answer to the clue "Spread out."
Summer snack with a swirl : FROYO
"FROYO" is short for frozen yogurt, which is a popular summer snack. The swirl refers to the way frozen yogurt is often served with different flavors swirled together.
Symbol of industry : ANT
The answer "ANT" is a symbol of industry because ants are known for their hard work and diligence in building and maintaining their colonies. They are often used as a metaphor for industriousness and hard work.
They may surround spectacles : RIMS
RIMS are the circular outer edges that surround the lenses in a pair of spectacles, making them the correct answer to the clue "They may surround spectacles."
They’re made to measure : RULERS
RULERS are tools used to measure length or distance, making them "made to measure" in a literal sense.
Thing of the past : RELIC
"RELIC" is the right solution because a relic is an object surviving from an earlier time, making it a thing of the past.
Title first used by Ivan the Great : TSAR
The title "TSAR" was first used by Ivan the Great in Russia, signifying the ruler's supreme authority.
Traditional Scottish New Year’s gift, representing warmth for the year to come : COAL
In Scotland, it is a tradition to give the gift of coal on New Year's Day as a symbol of bringing warmth and good fortune for the year ahead. This practice dates back to a time when coal was a valuable and practical gift for heating homes during the winter.
Tragic heroine of Irish mythology : DEIRDRE
Deirdre is the tragic heroine of Irish mythology known for her beauty and tragic love story with Naoise. She is a well-known figure in Irish folklore, making her the correct answer for this clue.
U.S.M.C. bigwig : NCO
"U.S.M.C. bigwig" is a clue for the abbreviation "NCO," which stands for Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps. NCOs hold leadership positions and are responsible for the welfare and discipline of junior enlisted members.
Uncommitted sort : FREE AGENT
"FREE AGENT" is the right solution because a free agent is someone who is not committed to a particular team or organization, especially in sports.
Uruguayan cash : PESOS
"PESOS" is the right answer because it is the currency used in Uruguay.
Vindictiveness : SPITE
"Spite" is the right answer because it is a synonym for vindictiveness, which means having a strong desire to hurt or upset someone.
Vital hosp. worker : OR NURSE
The answer "OR NURSE" fits the clue "Vital hosp. worker" because an OR nurse works in the operating room of a hospital and plays a crucial role in assisting during surgeries.
Voyagers, e.g. : PROBES
The answer "PROBES" fits the clue "Voyagers, e.g." because probes are spacecraft designed to explore outer space, including planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
Waits on : SERVES
The clue "waits on" is a synonym for "serves" in the sense of providing food or drink to customers.
“Don’t ask me again!” : I SAID NO!
The answer "I SAID NO!" fits the clue "Don’t ask me again!" because it conveys a firm and clear refusal, indicating that the speaker has already given their answer.
“Good heavens!” : OH LORD!
"Egad" is an exclamation of surprise or shock, similar in meaning to "Good heavens!" It is a suitable answer to the clue as it is a common expression used to convey astonishment.
“I think so,” in modern shorthand : PROBS
"PROBS" is a modern shorthand for "probably," which is a casual way of saying "I think so." This makes it the right answer for the clue.
“Job’s getting done as we speak!” : ON IT!
The phrase "on it" is commonly used to indicate that someone is actively working on a task or problem. In this context, it conveys the idea that the job is currently being taken care of.
“Parasite” setting : SEOUL
"Parasite" is a South Korean film that is set in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea.
“The Watercourse Way,” per an Alan Watts title : TAO
The answer "TAO" is correct because "The Watercourse Way" is a book written by Alan Watts that explores the concept of Taoism, and "Tao" refers to the fundamental principle of this philosophy.