Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 4 September 2023, Monday (09-04-23). 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.
Any one of four punk rock “brothers” : RAMONE
The answer is "RAMONE" because the Ramones, a famous punk rock band, were often referred to as "brothers" and there were four main members of the band.
Archipelago component : ISLE
The answer "ISLE" is the right solution for the clue "Archipelago component" because an archipelago is a group of islands, and an "ISLE" is a small island.
Baseball hit just over the infield : BLOOP
The term "bloop" is often used in baseball to describe a hit that is lightly hit and just clears the infield. It is a short and simple answer that accurately matches the clue.
Biodegraded : ROTTED
The word "biodegraded" refers to the process of breaking down organic matter. "ROTTED" is the correct answer because it means to decay or decompose, which is a form of biodegradation.
Biology lab gel : AGAR
The answer to "Biology lab gel" is "AGAR" because AGAR is a substance commonly used in biology labs as a gel medium for growing bacteria and other microorganisms.
Burkina ___ (African country) : FASO
The answer is "FASO" because it is the commonly used short form of Burkina Faso, an African country.
Captivate : ENAMOR
The answer to "Captivate" is "ENAMOR" because it means to charm or fascinate someone deeply, which perfectly matches the clue.
Cash dispenser, for short : ATM
The answer to "Cash dispenser, for short" is "ATM" because "ATM" stands for "Automated Teller Machine," which is a common term used to refer to machines that dispense cash and perform banking transactions.
Chaotic situation : MESS
The word "MESS" is the right solution because it is often used to describe a chaotic situation. It is a concise and commonly understood term that accurately conveys the idea of disorder or confusion.
Content of some private chats, for short : DMS
The answer "DMS" stands for "Direct Messages," which are a type of private chat feature commonly found on social media platforms. Therefore, "Content of some private chats, for short" refers to the messages exchanged through DMS.
Crumbly pastry topping : STREUSEL
The answer to "Crumbly pastry topping" is "STREUSEL" because streusel is a type of crumbly topping made from flour, butter, and sugar. It is often used to top pies, cakes, and pastries, adding a delicious texture and flavor.
Easter egg coloring : DYE
The answer "DYE" is the right solution because it is a common method used to color Easter eggs.
Electric violin hookup : AMP
The answer "AMP" is the right solution because an electric violin needs to be connected to an amplifier (AMP) in order to produce sound at a suitable volume.
Folk stories : LORE
The answer "LORE" is the right solution because "folk stories" are often referred to as folklore or folkloric tales, which can be shortened to "LORE."
Forever wandering : ROOTLESS
The word "rootless" means lacking a stable or permanent home or foundation. When someone is forever wandering, they do not have a fixed place or sense of belonging, making "rootless" an appropriate answer.
Game for an infant : PEEKABOO
The game "Peekaboo" involves hiding and revealing one's face, which is often entertaining for infants.
Go by jet, e.g. : FLY
The answer "FLY" is the right solution because when we go by jet, we are essentially flying.
Gradual, seemingly harmless course of action that ultimately results in bad consequences : SLIPPERY SLOPE
"SLIPPERY SLOPE" is the right solution because it accurately describes a gradual and seemingly harmless course of action that eventually leads to negative consequences. It implies that taking the first step on the slope makes it difficult to stop or turn back, leading to a downward progression towards an undesirable outcome.
Groups of first-stringers : A-TEAMS
The term "first-stringers" refers to the top or best players in a team or group. The phrase "A-Teams" is commonly used to describe highly skilled or elite groups. Therefore, "A-TEAMS" is the right answer because it accurately represents groups of first-stringers.
Higher-___ (superiors) : UPS
The answer "UPS" is the right solution because "Higher-___" is a clue indicating that we need a word that means "superiors" or those who are in a higher position. "UPS" is a common abbreviation for "United Parcel Service," which refers to the company's higher-level employees or superiors.
Holder of sneakers, athletic attire, etc. : GYM BAG
The clue mentions "sneakers" and "athletic attire," which are commonly associated with going to the gym. A "GYM BAG" is a container specifically designed to hold these items, making it the correct answer.
Hypotheticals : IFS
The word "IFS" is a common abbreviation for "hypotheticals" in crossword puzzles. It represents the various possibilities or conditions that could occur in a hypothetical situation.
Info, slangily : DOPE
The answer "DOPE" is the right solution because it is a slang term often used to refer to information or inside knowledge.
Inseparable buds, in brief : BFFS
The answer "BFFS" stands for "best friends forever," which is a common term used to describe inseparable buds. It is a popular acronym used in texting and informal communication.
Jane who won an Oscar for “Coming Home” : FONDA
The answer is "FONDA" because Jane Fonda is the actress who won an Oscar for her role in the movie "Coming Home".
John for Elton John : LOO
The answer "LOO" is a slang term for a bathroom or toilet. "John" is a common slang term for a bathroom, and "Elton John" is a famous musician known for his flamboyant style. So, "John for Elton John" is a playful way of indicating the slang term "LOO" as the answer.
Like Scotch whisky : AGED
The answer to "Like Scotch whisky" is "AGED" because Scotch whisky is known for being aged in oak barrels, which gives it a distinct flavor and character.
Loud door closings : SLAMS
The answer to "Loud door closings" is "SLAMS" because "SLAMS" is a verb that describes the action of forcefully closing a door, which typically produces a loud noise.
Medical device that infuses fluids into the body, in brief : IV PUMP
The answer "IV PUMP" is the right solution because an IV pump is a medical device specifically designed to infuse fluids into the body. It is commonly used in hospitals to deliver medications, blood products, or other fluids directly into a patient's bloodstream.
Mind reader’s ability, for short : ESP
The answer to "Mind reader's ability, for short" is "ESP" because ESP stands for "extrasensory perception," which is often associated with the ability to read minds or perceive information beyond the five senses.
Most unusual : ODDEST
The word "ODDEST" is the right solution because it means "most unusual" or "strangest." It is a comparative form of the word "odd," indicating that something is even more unusual than other things.
Muscles above the abs : PECS
The answer to "Muscles above the abs" is "PECS" because the pectoral muscles, commonly referred to as "pecs," are located above the abdominal muscles.
One who encounters the last parts of the answers to the starred clues on the way up : MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
The answer "MOUNTAIN CLIMBER" fits the clue because it refers to someone who encounters the last parts of the answers to the starred clues on the way up a mountain.
Oppressively burdensome : ONEROUS
The word "onerous" means burdensome or difficult to bear. It perfectly matches the clue "oppressively burdensome" as it conveys the idea of something that is excessively heavy or oppressive.
Org. with an April 15 deadline : IRS
The answer to "Org. with an April 15 deadline" is "IRS" because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the government agency responsible for collecting taxes in the United States, and the deadline for filing individual income tax returns in the U.S. is typically April 15th.
Per item : APIECE
The word "APIECE" means "for each item" or "individually." It fits the clue "Per item" perfectly because it signifies that something is priced or counted separately.
Place of warship? : NAVAL BASE
The answer "NAVAL BASE" fits the clue "Place of warship?" because a naval base is a location where warships are stationed and operated from.
Pull a fast one on : DUPE
The word "dupe" means to deceive or trick someone. When you pull a fast one on someone, you are essentially fooling or duping them. Therefore, "dupe" is the right solution for the clue "Pull a fast one on."
Remind, remind, remind! : NAG
The word "nag" is commonly used to describe someone who repeatedly reminds or pesters others about something. Therefore, "NAG" is the right solution for the clue "Remind, remind, remind!"
Result of a slip of the finger on a keyboard : TYPO
The word "TYPO" is the right solution because it refers to a mistake made while typing on a keyboard, often due to a slip of the finger.
Role for Keanu Reeves in “The Matrix” : NEO
The answer is "NEO" because Keanu Reeves played the character named Neo in the movie "The Matrix".
Saturated, as fries and onion rings : OILY
The answer is "OILY" because when fries and onion rings are saturated, they become greasy and oily.
Seeing romantic partners : DATING
The answer "DATING" fits the clue "Seeing romantic partners" because it refers to the act of going out or spending time with someone in a romantic or potential romantic relationship.
Seized wheels, informally : REPO
The answer "REPO" is short for "repossessed," which means seized or taken back. In this context, "seized wheels" refers to vehicles that have been repossessed.
Seizes : TAKES
The answer "TAKES" is the right solution because it means to seize or grab hold of something.
Separate by category : SORT
The word "sort" means to separate or arrange things by category. This makes it the perfect answer for the clue "Separate by category."
Snide comments : SNARK
The word "snark" is a slang term that refers to snide or sarcastic comments. Therefore, it is the perfect answer to the clue "Snide comments."
So last year : PASSE
The word "PASSE" means out of date or no longer fashionable. Therefore, when something is described as "So last year," it implies that it is no longer trendy or current, making "PASSE" the fitting answer.
Some frozen waffles : EGGOS
The answer "EGGOS" is the right solution because EGGOS is a well-known brand of frozen waffles.
Southernmost of the Great Lakes : ERIE
The answer is "ERIE" because it is the southernmost of the Great Lakes.
States with confidence : ASSERTS
The word "asserts" means to state something with confidence, making it the perfect fit for the clue "States with confidence."
Suffers humiliation : LOSES FACE
The phrase "loses face" is an idiom that means to suffer humiliation or embarrassment, especially in front of others. It is commonly used in English language and fits perfectly with the clue.
Suffix with Japan or Taiwan : -ESE
The suffix "-ESE" is the right solution because it is commonly used to denote the nationality or language associated with a particular country or region. In this case, it is used to describe the people or language of Japan or Taiwan.
Types : ILKS
The answer "ILKS" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "types." It is a concise and commonly used word in crossword puzzles to describe different categories or kinds.
U.N. conference seeking to eliminate hunger : WORLD FOOD SUMMIT
The answer "WORLD FOOD SUMMIT" is the right solution because it is a U.N. conference specifically focused on addressing and eliminating hunger worldwide.
Urban renewal targets : SLUMS
The answer "SLUMS" is the right solution for the clue "Urban renewal targets" because slums are often the areas that are targeted for improvement and redevelopment in urban renewal projects.
Wager : BET
The answer to "Wager" is "BET" because a bet is a form of wagering where you place money or something of value on the outcome of an event or a game.
Western treaty grp. : OAS Down 1 Sheepish “I’m to blame”
The answer to "Western treaty grp." is "OAS" because OAS stands for the Organization of American States, which is a regional organization that promotes cooperation and dialogue among countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Young ‘uns : TOTS
The term "young 'uns" is a colloquial way of referring to young children. "TOTS" is a commonly used word that means young children or toddlers, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
___-country music : ALT
The answer "ALT" is short for "alternative," which is a genre of music. Therefore, "ALT-country music" refers to alternative country music.
___-Magnon : CRO
The answer "CRO" is the right solution for the crossword clue "___-Magnon" because "Cro-Magnon" refers to a group of early modern humans.
“Egad!” : YIPE!
The answer "HORRORS" fits the clue ""Egad!"" because both expressions convey a sense of shock or surprise.
“I ___ know about that …” : DON’T
The answer "DON'T" fits the clue "I ___ know about that ..." because it completes the phrase "I don't know about that..." which expresses uncertainty or lack of knowledge.
“No time to chat!” : I’M LATE!
The answer "CAN'T TALK!" fits the clue "No time to chat!" because it is a common phrase used to politely decline a conversation or indicate that someone is too busy to talk.
“That’s more than I needed to know!” : TMI
The answer "TMI" stands for "Too Much Information." It is a common response when someone shares more details or personal information than necessary.
“This round’s ___” : ON ME
The phrase "This round's ___" is commonly used when someone offers to pay for everyone's drinks or a round of food. The answer "ON ME" implies that the person speaking is taking responsibility for the bill.
“when u getting here?” : ETA?
The answer "ETA" is the abbreviation for "Estimated Time of Arrival." It is commonly used in informal conversations to ask someone when they will be arriving at a specific location.
“Yada, yada, yada” : ET CETERA
The phrase "yada, yada, yada" is often used to indicate that something is being omitted or skipped over. Similarly, the abbreviation "etc." (short for et cetera) is used to represent a list of additional items that are not explicitly mentioned. Therefore, "ETC ETC" is the right solution because it captures the essence of the phrase "yada, yada, yada" by conveying the idea of something being left unsaid or left to be inferred.