Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 5 September 2024, Thursday (09-05-24). 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.
Aetna alternative : HUMANA
The clue "Aetna alternative" is asking for another health insurance company, and "HUMANA" is a well-known health insurance provider that is a competitor to Aetna.
Annoy over time : WEAR ON
The phrase "wear on" means to annoy or irritate over time, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Approaching empty : LOW
The word "LOW" can mean nearing empty when referring to things like fuel, battery, or supplies.
Aptly named novelist Charles : READE
Charles Reade is a novelist known for his works such as "The Cloister and the Hearth" and "It Is Never Too Late to Mend." The clue "Aptly named novelist Charles" is referring to Charles Reade because his last name sounds like "read," which is fitting for a novelist.
Arranged temporarily : AD HOC
"AD HOC" means arranged or done for a particular purpose. In this case, it refers to something being arranged temporarily for a specific situation or task.
Attacked imaginary enemies, in an idiom : (TILTED) AT WINDMILLS
The phrase "tilted at windmills" comes from the classic novel Don Quixote, where the main character attacks windmills, thinking they are giants. This action symbolizes attacking imaginary enemies.
Big name in bubbly : MOET
The answer "MOET" is the right solution because Moët is a well-known brand of champagne, often associated with celebrations and special occasions.
Brink : CUSP
The answer "CUSP" is the right solution for the clue "Brink" because a cusp refers to a point or edge where something is about to happen or change. It signifies being on the verge or close to a particular state or event.
Corral : PEN
The word "pen" can be used to refer to a small enclosed area for animals, such as a corral for livestock.
Dinner with minimal cleanup : ONE-POT MEAL
This answer fits because a one-pot meal involves cooking all the ingredients in a single pot or pan, making cleanup easier and minimizing the number of dishes used.
Domains : AREAS
"Domains" and "realms" are synonymous terms that refer to areas or fields of activity, influence, or knowledge controlled or defined by someone or something. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "realms" fits the clue as it is a word often used interchangeably with "domains."
Enjoyed some cozy reading : (CURLED) UP WITH A BOOK
The phrase "curled up with a book" is a common expression that means to enjoy reading in a comfortable and cozy position.
Equine hybrid with striped legs : ZEDONK
Zedonk is a hybrid animal created by crossing a zebra with a donkey. It is known for having striped legs, which fits the description in the clue.
Excites : AMPS UP
"KEYS UP" is the right solution for the clue "Excites" because it is a phrasal verb that means to make someone or something more excited or enthusiastic.
Famous ’50s flop : EDSEL Down 1 Museum of Bad ___ (Boston attraction)
The answer is "EDSEL" because the Edsel car, introduced by Ford in the 1950s, was a famous commercial failure. It is often cited as one of the biggest flops in automotive history.
Fannies : KEISTERS
The word "keisters" is a slang term for "buttocks" or "bottoms", which can be referred to as "fannies" in British English.
Fund, as a 401(k) : PAY INTO
"Pay into" is the right solution because when you fund a 401(k), you are contributing money into the account on a regular basis to save for retirement.
Hershey candy wrapped in gold foil : ROLO
The Hershey candy wrapped in gold foil is a 4-letter word. "ROLO" fits this description and is a popular Hershey candy brand, making it the correct answer.
High-fat diet : KETO
The answer "KETO" is short for ketogenic, which is a high-fat, low-carb diet that helps the body burn fat for energy.
Hollywood, with “the” : … BIZ
The answer "… BIZ" is the right solution because "Hollywood" is often referred to as "Tinseltown" or "the biz" in the entertainment industry.
Horse-drawn carriage : SHAY
The answer "SHAY" is a type of horse-drawn carriage popular in the 19th century, named after its inventor.
Ill will : ENMITY
"Enmity" is the right answer because it means a deep-seated, often mutual hatred or ill will between enemies. It fits the clue "ill will" perfectly.
Interdict : BAN
The word "interdict" means to prohibit or forbid something, which is synonymous with the word "ban."
Inverse trig function : ARCCOS
The inverse trig function for cosine is called arccosine, often abbreviated as "arccos" or "cos^-1". So, "ARCCOS" is the correct answer.
Island that’s home to most of the world’s wild orangutans : BORNEO
Borneo is the correct answer because it is the third-largest island in the world and home to the largest population of wild orangutans, making it the island that’s home to most of the world’s wild orangutans.
Kids’ toy that comes in a can : PLAY-DOH
The answer "PLAY-DOH" fits the clue because Play-Doh is a popular kids' toy that is often sold in cans for storage and easy access.
Letters on some lotion bottles : SPF
"SPF" stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is commonly found on lotion bottles to indicate the level of protection against the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Like home devices with advanced capabilities : SMART
The answer "SMART" fits the clue because it describes devices that are equipped with advanced capabilities and can connect to the internet or other devices, making them "smart" devices.
Like the Rockefellers, Roosevelts and Rothschilds : OLD MONEY
"OLD MONEY" refers to families who have been wealthy for several generations, as opposed to "new money" families who have recently acquired wealth. The Rockefellers, Roosevelts, and Rothschilds are all examples of families with long-standing wealth and status, making "OLD MONEY" the correct answer.
Like the secretary of commerce, in the U.S. presidential line of succession : TENTH
The U.S. Secretary of Commerce is tenth in the presidential line of succession, making the answer "TENTH" correct for this clue.
Looney Tunes nickname : TAZ
The answer is "TAZ" because it is a common nickname for the Looney Tunes character "Tasmanian Devil."
Loud, in a way : NEON
Made money dishonestly : LINED ONE’S POCKETS
"LINED ONE'S POCKETS" is a common phrase meaning to make money dishonestly by taking advantage of a situation for personal gain. It fits the clue because it describes the act of gaining wealth through deceit or corruption.
Member of the fam : SIS
The abbreviation "SIS" stands for sister, which is a member of the family. Therefore, "Member of the fam" is a fitting clue for the answer "SIS".
Moon lander acronym : LEM
The answer "LEM" stands for Lunar Excursion Module, which was the spacecraft used by NASA during the Apollo program to land astronauts on the moon.
Nail holder : TOE
National spirit of England : GIN
The national spirit of England refers to a type of alcoholic beverage that is commonly associated with the country. Gin is a popular spirit that has historical ties to England, making it the correct answer for this clue.
Natural treatment for insect bites : ALOE
Aloe is a natural plant known for its soothing properties, making it a common remedy for insect bites due to its anti-inflammatory and cooling effects on the skin.
Noted facial feature of Einstein, informally : STACHE
"STACHE" is a shortened form of "mustache," which is a noted facial feature of Albert Einstein. It fits the clue "Noted facial feature of Einstein, informally" as it is a common informal term for his distinctive mustache.
Paperless means of entry : E-TICKET
The answer "E-TICKET" is the right solution because it refers to an electronic ticket, which allows entry without the need for a physical paper ticket.
Peer group? : EYES
The answer "EYES" for "Peer group?" is a play on words. In this case, "peer" is referring to someone who is equal in social status or age, and "group" can refer to a set of things that are similar or related - in this case, a set of body parts. So, "EYES" are a group of body parts that are equal or similar to each other.
Polite address : SIR
The answer "MA'AM" is a polite and respectful way to address a woman, especially in formal settings. It is a contraction of the word "madam" and is commonly used to show courtesy and deference.
Really put off : IRKED
The word "irked" means to be really put off or annoyed, making it the correct answer to the clue "Really put off."
Result of a bad investment : LOSS
"LOSS" is the right solution because a bad investment typically leads to a financial loss, which is a negative outcome or result.
Scarecrow topper, perhaps : STRAW HAT
The answer "STRAW HAT" fits because scarecrows are often depicted wearing hats made of straw.
Show commemorating its 50th season in 2024, in brief : SNL
"SNL" stands for "Saturday Night Live," a popular TV show that first aired in 1975. The clue mentions the show's 50th season in 2024, which aligns with "SNL" being the correct answer.
Spacecraft name since the 1960s : SOYUZ
The answer "SOYUZ" is correct because the Soyuz spacecraft has been in use by the Soviet Union and Russia since the 1960s for manned space missions.
Spanish city on the Costa del Sol : MALAGA
Malaga is a city located on the Costa del Sol in Spain, making it the correct answer to the clue "Spanish city on the Costa del Sol."
Swallows one’s pride : EATS CROW
"EATS CROW" is a phrase that means to admit that one was wrong or to accept humiliation. Swallowing one's pride involves admitting a mistake or accepting a difficult situation, which is similar in meaning to "EATS CROW."
The long way there? : LIMO
The clue "The long way there?" is a play on words, suggesting that "The long way" refers to a limousine, often called a "limo," which is a luxurious and elongated vehicle used for transportation.
The Raptors, on scoreboards : TOR
The Toronto Raptors are often abbreviated as "TOR" on scoreboards.
Tried getting on a Jumbotron, say : (WAVED) TO THE CAMERA
This answer fits the clue because when someone tries to get on a Jumbotron, they often wave to the camera to get attention.
Trumpet : TOUT
Unit equivalent to 16.5 feet : ROD
A rod is a unit of length equal to 16.5 feet. It is a common measurement used in surveying and land measurement.
Vaccine shot, e.g. : DOSE
"Dose" is the right answer because a vaccine shot is typically measured and administered in a specific amount, which is referred to as a dose.
Vintage car inits. : REO
REO is the right solution because it stands for the car manufacturer Ransom E. Olds, who produced vintage cars in the early 20th century.
What a high-altitude balloon might be mistaken for : UFO
The answer "UFO" is correct because high-altitude balloons can sometimes be mistaken for unidentified flying objects due to their appearance and movement in the sky.
What Comic Sans is “sans” : SERIF
The term "sans" in French means "without." In typography, "sans-serif" refers to fonts that do not have the small decorative lines at the ends of characters, which are called serifs. Therefore, the answer "SERIF" fits the clue "What Comic Sans is 'sans'" because Comic Sans is a font without serifs.
Where overflow stock might be kept : IN BACK
The answer "IN BACK" is the right solution because overflow stock is typically kept in the back of a store or warehouse. This is a common practice to keep the retail space organized and tidy.
___ mess (English dessert) : ETON
The term "Eton mess" refers to a traditional English dessert that consists of a mixture of strawberries, meringue, and whipped cream. Eton is a reference to Eton College, a prestigious English boarding school, where this dessert is said to have originated.
“1” for the set {1, 2, 3}, in brief : MIN
The answer "MIN" stands for minimum, which is the smallest number in the set {1, 2, 3}.
“Au contraire!” : IT ISN’T!
"BUT NO!" is the right solution because it is an informal way to contradict or disagree with someone, which is the meaning of "Au contraire!" in French.
“Ditto!” : I DO TOO!
The answer "I AGREE" is the right solution for the clue "Ditto" because "I AGREE" is a common phrase used to express agreement or to say that you feel the same way as someone else. It is often used to indicate that you have the same opinion, sentiment, or position as another person.
“Easy there, Fido!” : DOWN, BOY!
The answer "DOWN, BOY!" is a common phrase used to command a dog to calm down or stop jumping. It fits the clue "“Easy there, Fido!”" as it directly relates to controlling a dog's behavior.
“L’chaim!” : TO LIFE!
The phrase "L'chaim" is a Hebrew toast meaning "to life." Therefore, the answer "TO LIFE!" fits the clue.
“Peace” : SEE YOU
“The Three-Body Problem” author ___ Cixin : LIU
The answer is "LIU" because the author of "The Three-Body Problem" is Liu Cixin, with Liu being the last name.
“To” words : ODE
“What do you even need me for?” : WHY AM I HERE?
The answer "WHY AM I HERE?" is the right solution because it directly corresponds to the question being asked in the clue, which is a common expression of confusion or frustration about one's purpose or reason for being present in a situation.