Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 23 September 2023, Saturday (09-23-23). 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.
All at once : IN ONE GO
The phrase "in one go" means doing something all at once, without any breaks or interruptions. It directly matches the clue "All at once," making it the correct solution.
Arraignment, e.g. : COURT APPEARANCE
The answer "COURT APPEARANCE" fits the clue "Arraignment, e.g." because during an arraignment, a defendant is required to appear in court to answer the charges against them. Therefore, a court appearance is a suitable term to describe this situation.
Author Calvino : ITALO
The answer to "Author Calvino" is "ITALO" because Italo Calvino is an Italian author known for his imaginative and experimental writing style.
Banal : TRITE
The word "trite" means lacking originality or freshness, which aligns with the meaning of "banal" - something that is unoriginal or commonplace. Therefore, "trite" is the right solution for the clue "banal."
BBQ specialty : RIBS
The answer to "BBQ specialty" is "RIBS" because ribs are a popular and well-known dish commonly prepared and enjoyed at barbecues.
Beat the buzzer? : SWAT
The answer "SWAT" is the right solution because in basketball, players often try to "beat the buzzer" by making a quick shot before the game clock runs out. Similarly, the term "SWAT" is commonly used to describe a defensive move where a player forcefully blocks or deflects an opponent's shot, preventing them from scoring.
Bill collectors : TILLS
The answer "TILLS" is the right solution because "bill collectors" refers to the machines or registers where money, or bills, are collected and stored in a business or store.
Blind things : SLATS
The answer "SLATS" fits the clue "Blind things" because slats are the individual horizontal pieces that make up a blind, allowing for light control and privacy.
Bone breakers, perhaps : STICKS AND STONES Down 1 Kick starter?
The answer to "Bone breakers, perhaps" is "STICKS AND STONES" because the phrase "sticks and stones may break my bones" is a common saying that implies that physical objects like sticks and stones can cause harm or injury, including breaking bones. This phrase is often used to convey the idea that words or insults cannot cause as much harm as physical actions.
Calliope and Urania, among others : MUSES
The clue mentions "Calliope and Urania" as examples, which are both names of Greek muses. Therefore, the answer "MUSES" is the right solution.
Certain drink mixer : CARBONATED WATER
The answer "CARBONATED WATER" is the right solution because it refers to a type of drink mixer that is often used in cocktails. Carbonated water, also known as soda water or sparkling water, adds bubbles and fizz to mixed drinks, making it a common ingredient in many cocktails.
Classic song with the lyric “Girl, you made me love you / And now, now, now your lovin’ man has gone” : CC RIDER
The answer is "CC RIDER" because it is a classic song with the mentioned lyric.
Cretaceous critters : DINOS
The answer "DINOS" is short for dinosaurs, which were the dominant creatures during the Cretaceous period.
Declines to participate : OPTS OUT
"OPTS OUT" is the right solution because "declines" means to refuse or say no, and "to participate" means to take part in something. So, "OPTS OUT" means choosing not to be involved or declining to participate.
Decluttering method featured on Netflix : KONMARI
The answer "KONMARI" is the right solution because it refers to the decluttering method popularized by Marie Kondo, which is featured in the Netflix series "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo."
Deodorant brand : BAN
The answer to "Deodorant brand" being "BAN" is correct because BAN is a well-known brand that produces deodorants.
Designation on old U.S. maps : INDIAN TERRITORY
The answer "INDIAN TERRITORY" is the right solution because it accurately describes the designation that was used on old U.S. maps to represent the area set aside for Native American tribes.
Dutch city with a palindromic name : EDE
The answer "EDE" is the right solution because it is a Dutch city that has a palindromic name, meaning it reads the same forwards and backwards.
Equal at the start? : ISO-
The answer "ISO-" is the right solution for the clue "Equal at the start?" because "ISO-" is a prefix that means "equal" or "same." In this case, the clue is hinting at the word "equal," and "ISO-" fits perfectly as it means the same.
Father of William the Conqueror : ROBERT I
The answer "ROBERT I" is the right solution because Robert I, also known as Robert the Magnificent, was the father of William the Conqueror.
Final Fantasy figures : MAGES
The answer "MAGES" is the right solution because in the Final Fantasy video game series, mages are characters who possess magical abilities and are known for casting spells.
First name of Russia’s leader, 1991-99, and of Britain’s leader, 2019-22 : BORIS
The answer "BORIS" fits the clue because it is the first name of both Russia's leader from 1991 to 1999 (Boris Yeltsin) and Britain's leader from 2019 to 2022 (Boris Johnson).
Fruit punch : ADE
The answer "ADE" is the right solution because "ade" is a common abbreviation for a fruit-flavored drink, such as lemonade or limeade. It is often used as a suffix to indicate a fruit punch drink, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Fruit punch."
Given a hand : DEALT IN
The phrase "given a hand" is often used in card games, where players are dealt cards. "Dealt in" is a common expression that means to become involved or participate in something, which fits the clue "given a hand" perfectly.
GPS guesses : ETAS
The answer "ETAS" is the right solution for the clue "GPS guesses" because "ETAS" refers to estimated times of arrival, which are commonly provided by GPS devices.
Jimmy of “NYPD Blue” : SMITS
The answer "SMITS" is the right solution because Jimmy Smits is an actor who played a character named Bobby Simone on the TV show "NYPD Blue."
Like some classes : AUDITED
The answer "AUDITED" is the right solution because it describes classes that are taken for personal interest or enrichment, without receiving formal credit.
Like some ignition systems : KEYLESS
The answer "KEYLESS" is the right solution because some modern ignition systems no longer require a physical key to start the vehicle. Instead, they use keyless technology, allowing the driver to start the car with a push-button or proximity sensor.
Like the writing of Chinua Achebe and Mahatma Gandhi : ANTI-COLONIALIST
The answer "ANTI-COLONIALIST" is the right solution because both Chinua Achebe and Mahatma Gandhi were known for their opposition to colonialism. They expressed their beliefs through their writings, advocating for the independence and liberation of their respective countries from colonial rule.
Lout : BRUTE
The answer "BRUTE" is the right solution for the clue "Lout" because a "lout" is defined as a rude, uncivilized, or brutish person. So, "BRUTE" fits perfectly with the given clue.
Love, by another name : NIL
The answer "NIL" is the right solution because "NIL" is another word for "zero," and zero can be interpreted as having no love or no affection.
Makes : EARNS
The word "makes" in the clue suggests a verb that means to earn or acquire something. The answer "earns" fits this description perfectly, as it means to obtain or receive something in exchange for work or effort.
McTwist, for one : SKATEBOARD TRICK
The answer "SKATEBOARD TRICK" fits the clue "McTwist, for one" because a McTwist is a specific trick performed on a skateboard.
Merlin was one, some say : DRUID
The answer "DRUID" is the right solution because Merlin is often associated with the ancient Celtic druids, who were known for their mystical knowledge and magical abilities.
Most hotels in Las Vegas : RESORTS
The answer "RESORTS" is the right solution because Las Vegas is known for its numerous large hotels that offer a variety of amenities and entertainment options, making them more like resorts than traditional hotels.
N.L. West team : ARI
The answer "ARI" is the right solution because it is the abbreviation for the Arizona Diamondbacks, which is a team in the National League West division.
National park in southwest Texas : BIG BEND
The answer "BIG BEND" is the right solution because it is the name of a national park located in southwest Texas.
Neural transmitters : AXONS
The answer to "Neural transmitters" is "AXONS" because axons are the long, slender projections of nerve cells that transmit electrical impulses, including neural signals, to other cells in the body. They play a crucial role in the transmission of information within the nervous system.
Paul who founded a pet food company : IAMS
The answer to "Paul who founded a pet food company" is "IAMS" because Paul Iams is the founder of the IAMS pet food company.
Pen name : BIC
The answer "BIC" is the right solution for the clue "Pen name" because BIC is a well-known brand that produces pens.
Queen of Naboo, in “Star Wars” : AMIDALA
The answer "AMIDALA" is the right solution because Queen Amidala is a character in the "Star Wars" franchise, specifically in the prequel trilogy. She is the queen of the planet Naboo, making "Queen of Naboo" a fitting clue for her.
Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” originally : SIDE B
The answer "SIDE B" is the right solution because it refers to the B-side of a vinyl record, where "We Will Rock You" was originally released by Queen.
Races that require a swimsuit and bike, for short : TRIS
The answer "TRIS" is the right solution because it is a short form of the word "triathlons." Triathlons are races that typically involve swimming, biking, and running. In this context, "races that require a swimsuit and bike" refers to triathlons, and "TRIS" is a common abbreviation for them.
Reagan attorney general : ED MEESE
The answer is "ED MEESE" because Ed Meese served as the Attorney General under President Ronald Reagan.
Rooster for roasting : CAPON
The answer to "Rooster for roasting" is "CAPON" because a capon is a castrated rooster that is commonly used for roasting due to its tender and flavorful meat.
Rust producer : OXIDANT
The answer "OXIDANT" is the right solution because it refers to a substance that causes oxidation, which is the process that leads to rust formation.
Simón Bolívar’s birthplace : CARACAS
The right answer to "Simón Bolívar’s birthplace" is "CARACAS" because Caracas is the capital city of Venezuela, which is where Simón Bolívar was born.
Slaves away, old-style : MOILS
The answer "MOILS" is the right solution because it means to work hard or labor, which fits the clue "slaves away, old-style."
Small simian … that’s one letter away from a small computer program : APELET
The answer "APELET" fits the clue because it refers to a small simian (ape) that is one letter away from a small computer program (applet).
Sole mate? : SOCK
The answer "SOCK" is the right solution because a sock is typically worn on the foot, making it a "sole mate" as it goes with the sole of the foot.
Sounds of success : DINGS
The answer "DINGS" is the right solution because the sound of a bell or a small metal object hitting against something can be described as a "ding," and success is often associated with positive sounds like bells ringing.
Sporting event that started as a religious ritual : CORRIDA
Teller, perhaps : RAT
The answer "RAT" fits the clue "Teller, perhaps" because a rat is a type of small mammal that is known for its ability to steal and hide things, making it akin to a sneaky or secretive "teller."
Trash-talk : DIS
The answer "DIS" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "disrespect" or "disparage," which are actions often associated with trash-talking.
Upgrades or downgrades : RERATES
The answer "RERATES" fits the clue "Upgrades or downgrades" because it refers to the act of reevaluating or adjusting something, such as a rating or score, to a higher or lower level.
Wasted states : STUPORS
The answer "STUPORS" is the right solution because it accurately describes the state of being wasted, which refers to being extremely intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. A "stupor" is a condition of mental dullness or lack of awareness, which aligns with the clue "wasted states."
Weather : RIDE OUT
What a pickup might pick up? : ONE TON
The answer "ONE TON" is the right solution because it refers to the weight capacity of a pickup truck. A pickup truck is commonly classified by its weight capacity, and "ONE TON" indicates that it can carry a load of one ton, or 2,000 pounds.
What might be found in a bed : ORE
Whirred processor? : BLENDER
The answer "BLENDER" is the right solution because a blender is a kitchen appliance that whirrs or spins to process food and make smoothies or purees. It fits the clue "Whirred processor?" as it describes both the sound and function of a blender.
Yield : CEDE
The answer "CEDE" for the clue "Yield" is correct because "cede" means to give up or surrender, which aligns with the concept of yielding.
“Great” pope who negotiated with Attila the Hun : ST LEO
The answer is "ST LEO" because Pope Leo I, also known as Pope Leo the Great, was the pope who successfully negotiated with Attila the Hun in 452 AD, persuading him not to attack Rome.
“Star Wars” title : DARTH
The answer to "Star Wars" title is "DARTH" because Darth is a title given to powerful Sith Lords in the Star Wars franchise, such as Darth Vader and Darth Sidious.
“The merciful man ___ good to his own soul” : Proverbs
The answer is "Proverbs" because it is a book in the Bible that contains wise sayings and teachings, including the verse "The merciful man ___ good to his own soul."