Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 5 September 2023, Tuesday (09-05-23). 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.
A-lister : CELEB
The answer "CELEB" is the right solution for the clue "A-lister" because "CELEB" is a commonly used abbreviation for "celebrity," which refers to a famous or well-known person.
Apple tool : PARER
The answer "PARER" is the right solution for the clue "Apple tool" because a parer is a small knife specifically designed for peeling or paring fruits and vegetables, including apples.
Arm wrestler’s bone of contention? : ULNA
The ulna is one of the two bones in the forearm, and it is located on the inner side. During arm wrestling, the ulna is commonly used as a point of leverage and strength, making it a bone of contention in the sport. Therefore, "ULNA" is the right solution for the clue.
Audio device that’s tap-tap-tapped : MIC
The answer to "Audio device that's tap-tap-tapped" is "MIC" because a microphone is an audio device that can be tapped to check if it's working properly.
Barely there : FAINT
The answer "FAINT" fits the clue "Barely there" because it means something that is very weak or barely perceptible.
Barn hooter : OWL
The answer to "Barn hooter" is "OWL" because an owl is a bird that is commonly found in barns and is known for its distinct hooting sound.
Big beer buy : CASE
The answer to "Big beer buy" is "CASE" because a case typically refers to a large quantity of beer that is packaged together for purchase.
Big name in applesauce : MOTT
The answer to "Big name in applesauce" is "MOTT" because Mott's is a well-known brand that produces applesauce.
Brazilian named “Athlete of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee : PELE
The answer is "PELE" because Pele is a famous Brazilian soccer player who was named "Athlete of the Century" by the International Olympic Committee.
Cat’s-___ : EYE
The answer to "Cat's-___" is "EYE" because cats are known for their sharp and focused eyesight.
Certain soda pop : COLA
The answer to "Certain soda pop" is "COLA" because cola is a type of carbonated soft drink that is widely consumed. It is a popular and well-known variety of soda pop.
Coal carrier : ORE CART
The answer "ORE CART" is the right solution because it is a type of cart specifically designed for carrying coal.
College sr.’s next hurdle, perhaps : GRE
The answer "GRE" is the right solution because the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test that many college seniors take as a next hurdle in their academic journey.
Disney’s futuristic theme park : EPCOT
The answer is "EPCOT" because it stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, which is the name of Disney's futuristic theme park.
Dos x cuatro : OCHO
The clue "Dos x cuatro" translates to "Two times four" in English. The answer "OCHO" is the Spanish word for "eight," which is the result of multiplying two by four.
Dove’s call : COO!
The answer "COO!" is the right solution because it accurately represents the sound that a dove makes.
Drilling deals : OIL LEASES
The answer to "Drilling deals" is "OIL LEASES" because the clue suggests that we are looking for a term related to drilling, and "OIL LEASES" refers to agreements to drill for oil on a particular piece of land.
Encloses with bricks, e.g. : WALLS IN
The answer "WALLS IN" is the right solution because it accurately describes the action of enclosing something with bricks, which creates walls.
End piece? : CODA
The word "CODA" is a musical term that refers to the concluding section of a musical composition. In this context, "End piece" is a clever clue indicating that we are looking for a word related to the end of something. Therefore, "CODA" fits perfectly as the right answer.
Exchanged rings, say : WED
The answer "WED" is the right solution because when two people get married, they typically exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment.
Feasted : ATE
The word "feasted" indicates the act of eating a large and enjoyable meal. The answer "ATE" is the past tense of the verb "eat," which means to consume food. Therefore, "ATE" accurately represents the action of feasting.
Ficus that produces sweets favored by a 44- : FIG TREE
The answer to "Ficus that produces sweets favored by a 44-" is "FIG TREE" because a fig tree is a type of tree that produces sweet fruits called figs, which are enjoyed by many people, including someone who is referred to as a "44-".
Figures advised by consiglieres : DONS
The term "consigliere" is commonly associated with the Mafia, and "DONS" refers to the leaders or bosses of Mafia families. Therefore, "Figures advised by consiglieres" refers to the DONS, making it the correct answer.
Foundry receptacle : MOLD
The answer to "Foundry receptacle" is "MOLD" because a mold is a container used in a foundry to shape and form molten metal.
Future atty.’s hurdle : LSAT
The "Future atty.’s hurdle" refers to the obstacle that aspiring attorneys need to overcome, which is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). It is a standardized test required for admission to law schools. Therefore, "LSAT" is the correct answer.
Grand in scale : EPIC
The word "epic" is commonly used to describe something that is grand in scale or size. It is often associated with extraordinary or monumental events, making it a fitting answer for the given clue.
Had the ability : COULD
The answer is "COULD" because it is the past tense of "can," which means to have the ability or capacity to do something.
Hell : HADES
The answer to "Hell" is "HADES" because Hades is the Greek god of the underworld, which is often equated with the concept of Hell in Greek mythology.
Horned grazer that provides mite meals to a 28- : RHINO
The answer to "Horned grazer that provides mite meals to a 28-" is "RHINO" because a rhinoceros is a horned animal that feeds on grass and other vegetation. The term "mite meals" refers to the fact that rhinos unintentionally ingest mites while grazing.
Host of an annual N.Y.C. gala, with “the” : … MET
The answer is "MET" because the annual gala referred to in the clue is the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala, commonly known as the Met Gala.
Houston sch. : RICE U
The answer to "Houston sch." is "RICE U" because Rice University is located in Houston, Texas.
Inactive pill, maybe : PLACEBO
The answer "PLACEBO" is the right solution because an inactive pill, often used in medical trials, is called a placebo. It does not contain any active ingredients but is given to the control group for comparison purposes.
Informal “Shall we …?” : WANNA …?
The answer "WANNA ...?" is the right solution because it is a common and informal way of suggesting or asking if someone wants to do something. It is a contraction of "want to" and is often used in casual conversation.
Inhale, as dinner : SCARE
Island group that straddles the International Date Line : SAMOA
The island group that straddles the International Date Line is Samoa because it is located in the Pacific Ocean and spans both sides of the date line, making it the correct answer.
It’s done in the short run : SPRINT
The answer to "It's done in the short run" is "SPRINT" because a sprint is a short, fast run.
King beater : ACE
The term "king" in this clue refers to the highest-ranking card in a deck of playing cards. The word "beater" suggests that we are looking for a card that can defeat or surpass the king. In a standard deck, the ace is the highest-ranking card, making it the correct answer.
Knighted actor Michael : CAINE
The answer to "Knighted actor Michael" is "CAINE" because Michael Caine is a British actor who has been knighted, making him Sir Michael Caine.
Laser pointer or yarn ball, maybe : CAT TOY
The answer "CAT TOY" is the right solution because both a laser pointer and a yarn ball are common toys that are often used to entertain and engage cats.
Lifeline locales : PALMS
The answer "PALMS" is the right solution because lifelines are often found in tropical or beach locations, and palm trees are commonly associated with such places.
Midterm, e.g. : TEST
The answer to "Midterm, e.g." is "TEST" because a midterm is a type of test that is taken during the middle of a school term or semester.
Milk sugar : LACTOSE
The answer to "Milk sugar" is "LACTOSE" because lactose is the natural sugar found in milk.
Moray’s habitat : REEF
The answer "REEF" is the right solution because morays, which are a type of eel, typically inhabit coral reefs.
Mutually beneficial … or a hint to three pairs of crossing answers in this puzzle : SYMBIOTIC
The answer "SYMBIOTIC" is the right solution because it means mutually beneficial, which is exactly what the clue is asking for. Additionally, it relates to three pairs of crossing answers in the puzzle, hinting at the interconnectedness and mutual dependence between them.
Nocturnal flier that disperses seeds of a 40-Down : FRUIT BAT
The answer to "Nocturnal flier that disperses seeds of a 40-Down" is "FRUIT BAT" because fruit bats are known to eat fruits and then disperse the seeds as they fly, aiding in the plant's reproduction.
Noisy clattering : DIN
The word "DIN" is the right solution because it means a loud, continuous noise or clattering. It fits perfectly with the clue "Noisy clattering."
On ___ fours : ALL
The phrase "on all fours" means to be on hands and knees, which is often used to describe the posture of animals. Therefore, the answer "ALL" fits the clue as it represents the phrase accurately.
One of many in a dictionary’s thumb index : NOTCH Down 1 Trash-hauling boat
unknown
Optical device with segmented mirrors : TELESCOPE
A telescope is an optical device that uses segmented mirrors to gather and focus light, allowing us to see distant objects in space more clearly. The segmented mirrors help to increase the telescope's resolution and improve image quality.
Orange-and-white-striped swimmers that lure prey to 5-Downs : CLOWNFISH
The answer is "CLOWNFISH" because clownfish are known for their orange-and-white stripes and they are known to live in symbiotic relationships with anemones, which are the answer to "5-Downs".
Path of a meteor in the sky : ARC
The answer to "Path of a meteor in the sky" is "ARC" because an arc is a curved trajectory that a meteor takes as it travels through the atmosphere.
Payment sans ink and paper : E-CHECK
The answer "E-CHECK" is the right solution because it refers to an electronic form of payment that does not require the use of ink and paper, unlike traditional paper checks.
PC crash fixer : TECH
The answer "TECH" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "technician" or "technical support." Technicians are often called upon to fix PC crashes, making "TECH" an appropriate answer for the clue.
Performing pair : DUO
The word "duo" refers to a pair or two people performing together, making it the perfect answer for the clue "Performing pair."
Poke fun at : TAUNT
The word "tease" means to make fun of or mock someone or something in a playful or unkind way. Therefore, "poke fun at" is a synonym for "tease."
Problem for a motorist or stylist : SNARL
The word "snarl" can be used to describe both a traffic situation and tangled hair, making it a suitable answer for both a problem for a motorist and a stylist.
Put into practice : USE
The word "use" means to put something into practice or to employ something for a specific purpose. In the context of the clue, "put into practice," the word "use" perfectly fits the definition and implies the act of utilizing something.
Rubik’s toys : CUBES
The answer "CUBES" is the right solution because Rubik's toys are typically in the form of cubes, such as the famous Rubik's Cube puzzle.
Some of these are compact : DISCS
The answer "DISCS" is the right solution because some compact objects or items can be in the form of discs, such as compact discs (CDs) or DVDs.
Spice in pumpkin spice : CLOVE
The answer is "CLOVE" because it is a commonly used spice in pumpkin spice blends. It adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the mix.
Stinging sea creature that offers protection to 14- : ANEMONE
The stinging sea creature that offers protection to 14- is an ANEMONE because anemones are known for their stinging tentacles that deter predators and provide a safe habitat for other marine species.
Tenerife, por ejemplo : ISLA
The answer "ISLA" is the right solution because it means "island" in Spanish, and Tenerife is indeed an island.
Toll collectors of folklore : TROLLS
The answer "TROLLS" is the right solution because in folklore, trolls are often portrayed as creatures who collect tolls or demand payment from those who pass through their territory.
Toss out a line and lure : CAST
The word "cast" can mean to throw or toss something, like a line. In this context, it refers to throwing out a fishing line to lure fish. Therefore, "cast" is the right answer for "Toss out a line and lure."
Very, very : OH SO
The answer to "Very, very" is "OH SO" because "OH SO" is a common phrase used to emphasize something, indicating a high degree or intensity. For example, "oh so beautiful" means extremely beautiful.
Was in a rush : RACED
The answer "RACED" fits the clue "Was in a rush" because it suggests the action of moving quickly or hurrying, which is commonly associated with being in a rush.
___ easy : OVER
The answer "OVER" is the right solution for the clue "___ easy" because it completes the phrase "over easy," which refers to a way of cooking eggs.
“Absolutely!,” in slang : TOTES!
The answer "TOTES!" is the right solution because it is a slang term that means "totally" or "completely." It is commonly used to express enthusiasm or agreement.
“Absolutely!” : YES!
The answer "YES!" is the right solution because it is a common and emphatic way to express agreement or affirmation, making it a fitting response to the clue "Absolutely!"
“Hitchhiker” whose warning cries help a 31-Down avoid poachers : TICKBIRD
The "Hitchhiker" refers to a bird called the "tickbird" that often hitches a ride on large mammals, such as a rhinoceros. The "warning cries" of the tickbird help the rhinoceros, referred to as the "31-Down," to avoid poachers. Therefore, "TICKBIRD" is the right answer.
“Keep commerce human” website : ETSY
The answer to the clue "Keep commerce human" website is "ETSY" because Etsy is an online marketplace that focuses on handmade and unique products, emphasizing the personal touch and connection between buyers and sellers.
“Ooh, tell us everything!” : DO SAY!
The phrase "Ooh, tell us everything!" is an expression of curiosity and eagerness to hear all the details. The answer "DO SAY!" is a playful response that means "Yes, please share all the information!" It fits the clue perfectly as it captures the enthusiastic tone of the question.
“Sorry, too busy” : I CAN’T
The answer "I CAN'T" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to politely decline or indicate that one is too busy to do something.
“That’s ___!” (“Not so!”) : A LIE
The phrase "That's ___!" is often followed by "Not so!" which implies that the statement is false or a lie. Therefore, the answer to the clue "That's ___! ('Not so!')" is "A LIE".
“___ for apple” : A IS
The answer "A IS" is the right solution for the clue "___ for apple" because it completes the phrase "A is for apple," which is a common phrase used in alphabet learning or teaching.