Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 31 August 2023, Thursday (08-31-23). 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.
"Caught ya!" : OHO
The answer "OHO" is the right solution because it is an exclamation used to express surprise or realization when catching someone in the act.
"Haven't the foggiest!" … or, when the first two letters are put at the end, an essential part of seven answers in this puzzle : NOCLUE
The clue "Haven't the foggiest!" suggests that the answer is a phrase meaning "no idea" or "no clue." When the first two letters of this answer, "NO," are put at the end, they become the essential part of seven other answers in the puzzle. Therefore, the correct answer is "NOCLUE."
"I" problems? : EGOS
The answer to ""I" problems?" is "EGOS" because "EGOS" refers to a person's sense of self-importance or self-esteem, which can often lead to problems or conflicts.
"Need a hand here!" : HELP
The answer "HELP" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used when someone is in need of assistance or support. It directly relates to the clue "Need a hand here!" which is a plea for help.
"Understood" : TENFOUR
The answer "I SEE" is the right solution to the clue "Understood" because it is a common phrase used to indicate comprehension or understanding.
"What ___ missing?" : AMI
The answer to "What ___ missing?" is "AMI" because it completes the question to form "What am I missing?" which is a common phrase used when someone is unsure of what they are lacking or not understanding.
"___ all mad here" : Cheshire cat
The phrase "___ all mad here" is a famous quote from Lewis Carroll's book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." The Cheshire Cat is the character who says this line in the story, making "Cheshire cat" the correct answer.
1935 Hitchcock thriller, with "The" : STEPS
2002 film that earned Eminem two MTV Movie Awards : MILE
The answer is "MILE" because the 2002 film referred to in the clue is "8 Mile," which starred Eminem and earned him two MTV Movie Awards.
2008 rom-com starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden : DRESSES
2009 fantasy rom-com starring Zac Efron : AGAIN
Actress Lena of "Chocolat" : OLIN
The actress Lena of "Chocolat" is Lena Olin.
Antiquity : YORE
The word "YORE" refers to a time long ago, which is synonymous with "antiquity".
Any of three major-league brothers : ALOU
The answer "ALOU" is the right solution because Felipe, Matty, and Jesus Alou were three brothers who all played in Major League Baseball.
Authorize : OKAY
The word "OKAY" can be used as a verb to mean "authorize" or "approve." It is a commonly used term to give permission or consent.
Balneotherapy locale : SPA
The answer to "Balneotherapy locale" is "SPA" because a spa is a place where people go to receive various therapeutic treatments, including balneotherapy, which involves bathing in mineral-rich waters for health benefits.
Base of an encipherment : MESSAGE
The word "encipherment" suggests a process of encoding or encrypting a message. The "base" of this process refers to the foundation or starting point. Therefore, "MESSAGE" is the right answer as it represents the content or information that is being encoded or encrypted.
Casual negatives : NOPES
The answer "NOPES" is the right solution because it is a casual way of saying "no" or expressing a negative response.
Chips in England : CRISPS
The answer "CRISPS" is the right solution because in England, they commonly refer to what Americans call "chips" as "crisps".
Corrodes : EATSAWAY
The answer "EATSAWAY" is the right solution because it accurately describes the action of something slowly being worn down or deteriorated through a process of corrosion.
Covered with condensate : DEWY
The answer is "DEWY" because condensate refers to moisture that has collected on a surface, often in the form of tiny droplets. "Dew" is a specific type of condensate that forms on objects outdoors during the early morning or evening due to a drop in temperature. Therefore, "DEWY" accurately describes something that is covered with condensate.
Cultural values : ETHOS
The word "ethos" refers to the fundamental beliefs and values of a particular culture or society. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "Cultural values."
Dark brown shade : MOCHA
The answer to "Dark brown shade" is "MOCHA" because mocha is a type of coffee that has a dark brown color.
Desert feline : SANDCAT
The answer "SANDCAT" is the right solution because sandcats are small wild cats that are native to desert regions. Their name reflects their habitat, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Desert feline."
Ewe got this! : WOOL
The answer to "Ewe got this!" is "WOOL" because "ewe" refers to a female sheep, and "wool" is the material that comes from sheep.
Fall in the winter : SNOW
The answer to "Fall in the winter" is "SNOW" because snow is a type of precipitation that commonly occurs during the winter season.
Follower of November : OSCAR
The answer "OSCAR" is the right solution because it is a common name that follows the month "November" alphabetically.
Food item that may be candied : YAM
The answer "YAM" is the right solution because yams are a type of food item that can be candied.
Former N.B.A. star who has unofficially served as a peace ambassador with North Korea : RODMAN
The answer "RODMAN" is the right solution because Dennis Rodman, a former N.B.A. star, has unofficially served as a peace ambassador with North Korea.
Fundamental math assumption : AXIOM
The answer "AXIOM" is the right solution because an axiom is a basic and self-evident math assumption that is accepted without proof.
Guarded : WARY
The word "wary" means to be cautious or careful, which can be synonymous with being guarded. Therefore, "wary" is the right solution for the clue "guarded."
Holds on to : RETAINS
The word "retains" means to hold on to or keep something. It fits perfectly with the clue "Holds on to" as it directly conveys the idea of keeping or holding onto something.
Hypes : TOUTS
The word "hypes" is a verb that means to promote or advertise something excessively. "Talks up" is a phrasal verb that means to promote or advertise something enthusiastically, which is a synonym of "hypes".
Inherent nature, figuratively : DNA
The answer "DNA" is the right solution because it refers to the genetic material that determines an individual's inherent nature or characteristics.
Instant ___ : KARMA
The answer to "Instant ___" is "KARMA" because it is a word that fits the clue and completes the phrase "Instant ___." It is a common term referring to the concept of cause and effect in which one's actions have consequences.
Juvenile stage of a newt : EFT
The answer to the clue "Juvenile stage of a newt" is "EFT" because an eft is the name given to a young newt before it reaches its adult stage.
Kind of session for a procrastinator : CRAM
The answer "CRAM" is the right solution because a procrastinator often waits until the last minute to study or prepare for something, leading to a session where they "cram" all the information into a short period of time.
Land where the concept of zero was developed : INDIA
The concept of zero was indeed developed in India. Indian mathematicians made significant contributions to the understanding and use of zero as a numerical placeholder and as a fundamental concept in mathematics.
Like many colors in 1980s fashion : NEON
The answer is "NEON" because during the 1980s, neon colors were popular and commonly used in fashion.
Like some cats and plumbing : INDOOR
The answer to "Like some cats and plumbing" is "INDOOR" because indoor cats are kept inside a house, and indoor plumbing refers to the plumbing system within a building. Both are associated with being inside, hence the term "indoor."
Long, long yarn : SAGA
The word "saga" is a suitable answer to the clue "Long, long yarn" because a "saga" is a traditional Scandinavian epic story that often spans generations and is known for its length and complexity. Therefore, it fits the description of a long yarn.
Made cuts to : INCISED
The answer "INCISED" is the right solution because it means "made cuts to." It is a verb that specifically refers to making small cuts or gashes, which fits the clue perfectly.
Made cuts to, maybe : ALTERED
The word "made cuts to" is a clue indicating that something has been changed or modified. The answer "ALTERED" fits perfectly as it means to make changes or adjustments.
Main character in a Verne novel : NEMO
The main character in Jules Verne's novel "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" is Captain Nemo. Therefore, "NEMO" is the correct answer to the clue.
Members of the Flat Earth Society, e.g. : DENIERS
The answer "DENIERS" is the right solution because members of the Flat Earth Society deny the scientific consensus that the Earth is a sphere.
NBC comedy series starring Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin : ROCK
The answer is "ROCK" because the NBC comedy series starring Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin is called "30 Rock."
Neural conductor : AXON
The answer to "Neural conductor" is "AXON" because an axon is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body. It is responsible for transmitting signals between neurons in the nervous system.
Noted head turner : OWL
The answer "OWL" is the right solution for the clue "Noted head turner" because owls are known for their ability to rotate their heads up to 270 degrees, which is quite remarkable and distinctive.
Oodles : ATON
"Heaps" is a synonym for "oodles," meaning a large amount or quantity.
Out of jail early, perhaps : ONPAROLE
The answer "ONPAROLE" is the right solution because when someone is "out of jail early, perhaps," it means they have been granted parole. Parole allows individuals to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community under supervision.
Peeps : FAM
The answer "FAM" is short for "family" and is often used as slang to refer to close friends or loved ones. "Peeps" is another slang term for people or friends, so "FAM" is a fitting and concise answer to the clue.
Popular store chain with a green, red and orange logo : ELEVEN
The answer to the clue "Popular store chain with a green, red and orange logo" is "ELEVEN" because the convenience store chain 7-Eleven has a logo with green, red, and orange colors.
Preserves preserver : JAR
The answer to "Preserves preserver" is "JAR" because a jar is commonly used to store and preserve various types of food, including preserves such as jams and jellies.
Preserves, maybe : JAM
The answer "JAM" is the right solution because "preserves" is a clue that suggests a type of food that is made by boiling fruit with sugar, and "jam" fits this description perfectly.
Rapper Curtis Jackson, more familiarly : CENT
The answer to "Rapper Curtis Jackson, more familiarly" is "CENT" because Curtis Jackson is the real name of the rapper known as 50 Cent. "Cent" is a shortened version of his stage name.
Scumlike : SLIMY Down
The word "slimy" is a synonym for "scumlike," as it describes something that is slippery, viscous, or unpleasant. Therefore, "SLIMY" is the right answer to the clue "Scumlike."
Seeming eternity : EON
The word "eon" refers to an extremely long period of time, often considered to be an eternity. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "seeming eternity."
Shade that might be made in the shade? : FAKETAN
The answer "FAKETAN" is the right solution because it plays on the double meaning of the word "shade." In this clue, "shade" can refer to both a color shade and a sheltered area. "Made in the shade" is an idiom meaning to have an easy or successful time. "FAKETAN" fits this clue because it refers to a shade of tan that is not natural but artificially created, hence the term "fake."
Singer Mitchell : JONI
The answer is "JONI" because Joni Mitchell is a well-known singer.
Site for artisans : ETSY
The answer to "Site for artisans" is "ETSY" because Etsy is an online marketplace specifically designed for artisans to sell their handmade or vintage products.
Something mad people do : RANT
The answer "RANT" fits the clue "Something mad people do" because when people are mad, they often express their anger or frustration by going on a rant.
Strongly implied : DROVEAT
Templeton of "Charlotte's Web," for one : RAT
The answer is "RAT" because Templeton is a character in the book "Charlotte's Web," and he is a rat.
The first "O" of O/O : OWNER
The first "O" of O/O stands for "Owner" because "O/O" is a common abbreviation for "Owner/Operator" in various industries, indicating that someone is both the owner and operator of a business or entity.
The monster Typhon was said to be trapped under it, in Greek myth : ETNA
The monster Typhon was said to be trapped under Mount Etna in Greek myth.
Undergarment shade : NUDE
The answer to "Undergarment shade" is "NUDE" because "NUDE" refers to a color that closely matches the natural skin tone, making it a common choice for undergarments.
Unrefined : ROUGH
The word "rough" means lacking refinement or polish. It is a suitable answer for the clue "unrefined" because it conveys the idea of something being in a raw or unfinished state.
Vacation time, informally : RANDR
The answer to "Vacation time, informally" is "RANDR" because "R&R" is a common abbreviation for "rest and relaxation," which is often associated with taking a break or going on vacation. The "and" is replaced with "n" in this case, resulting in "RANDR."
What the dish congee is made from : RICE
The dish congee is traditionally made from rice. It is a type of rice porridge commonly eaten in many Asian countries.
Where to find canines : JAW
The answer to "Where to find canines" is "JAW" because canines are teeth, and teeth are found in the jaw.
Word with rack or trick : HAT
The word "hat" can be combined with "rack" to form the word "hatrack" and with "trick" to form the word "hat trick". Therefore, "hat" is the correct answer that fits both clues.
Worker's cry of relief : TGIF
The answer "TGIF" stands for "Thank God It's Friday," which is a common expression used by workers to express their relief and excitement that the workweek is ending.
Zero chance of a good result : NOHOPE
The answer "NOHOPE" is the right solution because it represents the idea of having zero chance or little possibility of achieving a positive outcome. The phrase "no hope" directly matches the clue's description of a "zero chance of a good result."
[Cough cough] : AHEM
The answer to "[Cough cough]" is "AHEM" because "ahem" is an onomatopoeic word that represents the sound made when someone clears their throat, often used as a polite way to get someone's attention.