Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 14 September 2023, Thursday (09-14-23). 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.
2012 film centered around a hostage crisis : ARGO
The 2012 film "ARGO" is the right answer because it is a movie that revolves around a hostage crisis.
60 minutes, for one : TIME SPAN
The answer to "60 minutes, for one" is "TIME SPAN" because a time span refers to a specific duration or period of time, and 60 minutes is an example of a time span.
Actress Mirren : HELEN
The answer to "Actress Mirren" is "HELEN" because Helen Mirren is a well-known actress in the entertainment industry.
Actress Thompson : TESSA
The answer to "Actress Thompson" is "TESSA" because Tessa Thompson is a well-known actress in the entertainment industry.
Affectionate gesture that might get some blowback? : AIR KISS
The answer "AIR KISS" is the right solution because it refers to a gesture where people blow a kiss towards someone instead of actually kissing them. This gesture is often seen as affectionate, but in some situations, it might receive criticism or blowback due to its perceived insincerity or lack of genuine physical contact.
Alpine athlete : SKIER
The answer "SKIER" is the right solution for the clue "Alpine athlete" because skiers are individuals who participate in the sport of skiing, which is commonly associated with mountainous or alpine regions.
Anyone who’s “in” this is out : EXILE
The clue is hinting at someone who is excluded or removed from a particular group or place. The word "exile" fits this description perfectly, as it means being forced to live away from one's home or country. Therefore, "exile" is the right answer.
Aux innocents ___ mains pleines (“Fortune favors fools”) : LES
The answer "LES" is the right solution because it is the French word for "the" in this context.
Bad-tempered expression : SCOWL
The word "scowl" is the right answer because it means a bad-tempered expression. It is a facial expression that shows anger or displeasure, making it a fitting solution for the clue.
Bat mitzvah figure : RABBI
The answer "RABBI" is the right solution because a bat mitzvah is a coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish girls, and a rabbi is the religious leader who typically officiates and guides them through this important milestone in their lives.
Blackthorn : SLOE
The answer to "Blackthorn" is "SLOE" because a blackthorn is a shrub that produces small, dark purple fruits called sloes.
Body image focus group? : TSA
The answer "TSA" is the right solution because the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a government agency that conducts body image screenings at airports as part of their security measures.
Body shop fig. : EST
The answer "EST" is short for "estimate," which is a common term used in a body shop to refer to the estimated cost of repairs.
Comes (from) : DERIVES
The word "STEMS" can mean "comes (from)" as in the phrase "stems from." Therefore, it fits the clue "Comes (from)" and is the correct answer.
Common directive in 17- … or what to do with five squares in this puzzle : SOLVE FOR X
The answer "SOLVE FOR X" is the right solution because it is a common directive in mathematics, specifically algebra, where X represents an unknown value that needs to be solved for. In this puzzle, there are five squares that need to be filled with letters to complete the answer, which is why "SOLVE FOR X" fits perfectly.
Congratulations : BRAVOS
The answer to "Congratulations" is "BRAVOS" because "bravos" is a common term used to express applause and admiration for a job well done.
County in New York, Ohio or Pennsylvania : ERIE
The answer to "County in New York, Ohio or Pennsylvania" is "ERIE" because Erie is a county that exists in all three of these states.
Creator of the nine circles of Hell : DANTE
The answer is "DANTE" because Dante Alighieri, an Italian poet, wrote the epic poem "Divine Comedy" which describes the nine circles of Hell.
Customer service state? : ON HOLD
The answer "ON HOLD" is the right solution because when you call customer service, you often have to wait on hold before speaking to a representative.
Decline : WANE
The phrase "Say no" means to decline an offer or request, which makes it the appropriate answer for the clue "Decline."
Divided by, in fractions : OVER
The word "over" is commonly used in fractions to indicate division. For example, in the fraction 3/4, the number 3 is divided over the number 4. Therefore, "over" is the appropriate answer to the clue "Divided by, in fractions."
Dr. based out of Compton, Calif. : DRE
The answer "DRE" is the abbreviation for Dr. Dre, a famous rapper, producer, and entrepreneur who is based out of Compton, California.
Early voting site : IOWA
The answer "IOWA" fits the clue "Early voting site" because Iowa is known for being the first state in the United States to hold caucuses and primaries during the presidential election season. This makes it an early voting site in the political process.
Enter on tiptoe : SNEAK IN
The answer "SNEAK IN" is the right solution because it accurately describes the action of entering on tiptoe, implying a sense of stealth and secrecy.
Expert service provider? : ACER
The answer "ACER" is the right solution because it is a brand of computer known for providing expert and reliable service.
Film character who takes “the red pill” : NEO
The film character who takes "the red pill" is NEO because he is the protagonist of the movie "The Matrix" and chooses to reject the illusion of the simulated reality.
Focal point of ancient Athens : AGORA
The answer "AGORA" is the right solution because the Agora was the central marketplace and gathering place in ancient Athens. It served as the focal point of the city, where people would come together for commerce, socializing, and political discussions.
Fossil fuel alternative : SOLAR
The answer "SOLAR" is the right solution because it refers to energy obtained from the sun, which is a renewable source of power and an alternative to fossil fuels.
Get a little punchy? : SPAR
The answer "SPAR" is the right solution because "getting a little punchy" is a phrase often used to describe someone who is engaging in light boxing practice, which is known as sparring.
Giant in chemicals manufacturing : OLIN
OLIN is the right answer because it is a well-known giant in the chemicals manufacturing industry.
Good thing to be in : LUCK
The answer "LUCK" fits the clue "Good thing to be in" because being in luck means you are experiencing a fortunate or favorable situation.
Govt. workplace overseer : OSHA
The answer to "Govt. workplace overseer" is "OSHA" because OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is a government agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions in the United States.
Great salt lake : DEAD SEA
The answer to "Great salt lake" is "DEAD SEA" because the Dead Sea is a saltwater lake located between Jordan and Israel, known for its extremely high salt concentration.
Hidden : CLOAKED
"Hidden" means not visible or concealed. "Unseen" means not seen or observed, which is a synonym of hidden. Therefore, "Unseen" is the right solution for the clue "Hidden".
Honeybun : SWEETIE
The answer "SWEETIE" is the right solution for the clue "Honeybun" because "SWEETIE" is a term of endearment often used to refer to a loved one or someone dear. It is a sweet and affectionate term, similar to how a honeybun is sweet and enjoyable.
Impede : DETER
The answer "DETER" is the right solution for the clue "Impede" because it means to discourage or prevent someone from proceeding or taking action.
Kindergarten series : ABCS
The answer "ABCS" is the right solution because learning the alphabet is a fundamental part of kindergarten education.
Low-pitched woodwind : BASS SAX
The answer "BASS SAX" is the right solution because the clue "Low-pitched woodwind" refers to a musical instrument that produces deep sounds. The bass saxophone is a large woodwind instrument known for its low range, making it the correct answer.
L’Oréal competitor : CLAIROL
The answer "CLAIROL" is the right solution because it is a well-known competitor of L'Oréal in the beauty and cosmetics industry. They offer a range of hair care and coloring products, making them a suitable answer for the clue.
Middle-earth menace : ORC
The answer to "Middle-earth menace" is "ORC" because in J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy world of Middle-earth, orcs are a species of menacing creatures.
Motion to strike? : STAB
The answer "STAB" is the right solution because "Motion to strike" is a wordplay clue. In this case, "motion" refers to a physical movement, and "to strike" means to make a sudden thrust or blow. Therefore, "STAB" fits the clue as it is a sudden, striking motion.
Noted figure in genetic research : HELIX
The answer "HELIX" is the right solution because a helix is a common shape found in genetic research, specifically referring to the structure of DNA.
Numeral on some sundials : IIII
The answer "IIII" is the right solution because it represents the Roman numeral for the number four. On some sundials, Roman numerals are used to mark the hours, and traditionally, the number four is represented by "IIII" instead of "IV".
Off-roader, in brief : ATV
The answer "ATV" stands for "All-Terrain Vehicle," which is commonly used for off-roading. Therefore, "ATV" is the right solution for the clue "Off-roader, in brief."
Phrase that’s a real game-changer? : I WIN
The phrase "I WIN" is a game-changer because it signifies that the person saying it has emerged as the victor in a game or competition. It suggests a shift in the outcome and establishes the person's success.
Power tool used for mosaics : TILE SAW
The answer "TILE SAW" is the right solution because it is a power tool specifically designed for cutting tiles, making it ideal for mosaic projects.
Preceder of the Chen dynasty : LIANG
The answer "LIANG" is the right solution because it is the name of a Chinese dynasty that preceded the Chen dynasty.
Prefix meaning “correct” : ORTHO-
The prefix "ortho-" is derived from the Greek word "orthos," which means correct or straight. In the context of the clue, "prefix meaning 'correct'," "ortho-" is the appropriate answer because it signifies correctness or accuracy.
Problem that may have several factors : EQUATION
The answer "EQUATION" is the right solution because a problem that may have several factors can often be solved by setting up and solving an equation, which is a mathematical statement that shows the relationship between different variables.
Provide things for : EQUIP
The word "EQUIP" means to provide things or supplies for a particular purpose. In the context of the clue, it suggests that the answer is a verb that describes the action of supplying or furnishing something. Therefore, "EQUIP" is the correct solution.
Published remembrance, for short : OBIT
The answer to "Published remembrance, for short" is "OBIT" because "OBIT" is a commonly used abbreviation for "obituary," which is a published notice or announcement of a person's death.
Rabbit ears, e.g. : ANTENNA
The answer to "Rabbit ears, e.g." is "ANTENNA" because rabbit ears are a type of antenna commonly used for receiving television signals.
Reef builder : CORAL
The answer "CORAL" is the right solution because coral reefs are built by tiny coral animals called polyps. These polyps secrete calcium carbonate to form hard structures, which eventually build up and create coral reefs.
Saint ____ (West Indies nation) : LUCIA
Sidewalk shader : AWNING
The answer to "Sidewalk shader" is "AWNING" because awnings are commonly used to provide shade on sidewalks.
Site of the Wailing Wall : ISRAEL
The Wailing Wall, also known as the Western Wall, is located in Jerusalem, which is in Israel. Therefore, "ISRAEL" is the correct answer.
Snap with a stick, maybe : SELFIE
The answer to "Snap with a stick, maybe" is "SELFIE" because it refers to the act of taking a photograph of oneself using a smartphone or camera, often with an extended arm or a selfie stick.
Sounds of realization : AHS
The answer "AHS" is the right solution because it represents the sounds people make when they suddenly understand or realize something. It is a common expression of realization or surprise.
Sport with a stick : LACROSSE
The answer to "Sport with a stick" is "LACROSSE" because it is a sport that is played with a stick, specifically a long-handled stick with a netted pouch on one end.
Standing on the street : CRED
The answer "CRED" is short for "credibility," which refers to a person's reputation or standing in society. When someone has "street cred," it means they have respect and influence within a particular community or subculture. Therefore, "Standing on the street" is a clue that suggests the answer "CRED."
Strongly urge : EXHORT
The word "exhort" means to strongly urge or encourage someone to do something. It fits perfectly with the clue "strongly urge" as it conveys the idea of pushing or urging someone strongly.
Successfully pitched : SOLD
The answer "SOLD" is the right solution because when something is successfully pitched, it means it has been sold to someone.
Take exception to : RESENT
The word "resent" means to feel or show displeasure or anger towards something. When we "take exception to" something, we are essentially expressing our disagreement or dissatisfaction with it. Therefore, "resent" is the right answer as it fits the clue and conveys the intended meaning.
Tenants’ collective protest : RENT STRIKE
The answer "RENT STRIKE" is the right solution because it refers to a situation where tenants collectively refuse to pay rent as a form of protest against unfair housing conditions or high rent prices.
The Wizard of Oz prop : OIL CAN
The "OIL CAN" is the right solution because it is a well-known prop used by the character of the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz" to lubricate his joints.
They’re often “baked in” to podcasts : ADS
The answer to "They're often 'baked in' to podcasts" is "ADS" because advertisements are frequently included within podcast episodes.
Toon with the catchphrase “You eediot!” : REN
The answer is "REN" because Ren is a cartoon character known for his catchphrase "You eediot!"
Unfamiliar : NEW
The word "new" is the right solution for the clue "unfamiliar" because something that is new is not yet known or experienced.
Unknown quantity in a 10-Down : VARIABLE
The answer "VARIABLE" is the right solution because in mathematics, a variable is a symbol that represents an unknown quantity. In this case, the clue is referring to an unknown quantity in a specific crossword answer, which makes "VARIABLE" the correct answer.
What an impostor tries to sell : LIE
The answer "LIE" fits the clue because an impostor is someone who pretends to be someone else or deceives others, and a lie is a false statement or deception.
Where students may be plotting : MATH CLASS
The answer "MATH CLASS" is the right solution because students often plot or calculate mathematical equations and formulas in a math class.
Wraparound garments : SARIS
The answer to "Wraparound garments" is "SARIS" because saris are traditional garments worn by women in South Asia that are wrapped around the body.
Zero : NIL
The answer to "Zero" is "NONE" because "none" means "not any" or "zero" in numerical terms.