Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 29 September 2023, Friday (09-29-23). 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.
About 20 million people in India : SIKHS
The answer "SIKHS" is the right solution because Sikhs are a religious group in India, and there are approximately 20 million Sikhs in the country.
Approximately : OR SO
"ORSO" is an Italian word that translates to "about" or "approximately" in English. Therefore, "ORSO" is the right solution for the clue "Approximately".
Author who wrote “Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance” : AUSTEN
The answer is "AUSTEN" because Jane Austen is the author who wrote the quote "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance."
Baked, in Italian : COTTA
The Italian word for "baked" is "cotta," which is the correct answer for the clue.
Be wide open : GAPE Down 1 Cut
Birthplace of the world’s major religions : ASIA
The answer to "Birthplace of the world’s major religions" is "ASIA" because many of the major religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, originated in different parts of Asia.
Blueprint : PLAN
The answer "FLOOR MAP" is the right solution for the clue "Blueprint" because a floor map is a visual representation or plan of a building, typically showing the layout of rooms and spaces. It fits perfectly with the idea of a blueprint, which is a detailed architectural plan or design.
Blunt salespeople : POT DEALERS
Brand of ranch dressing? : STETSON
Bum : ARSE
The answer "ARSE" is the right solution for the clue "Bum" because "arse" is a colloquial term for the posterior or buttocks.
Checkout choices : LANES
The answer to "Checkout choices" is "LANES" because when you go to a checkout counter at a store, there are typically multiple lanes where you can pay for your items.
Claim in a squabble : DID SO!
The answer "DID SO!" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to assert or support a claim during a squabble or argument.
Close associates to be wary of : FRENEMIES
The term "FRENEMIES" refers to people who are both friends and enemies at the same time. They are close associates that we need to be wary of because they may have hidden motives or conflicting interests.
Clouds : SWARMS
The answer to "Clouds" is "SWARMS" because swarms can refer to a large group of things, like a swarm of insects. Clouds can also be seen as a large group or mass, making "SWARMS" a fitting answer.
Contacts data : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for "abbreviation," which is a shortened form of a word or phrase. In the context of the clue "Contacts data," "Abbr." indicates that the crossword is looking for an abbreviated term related to contacts data.
Creepy-crawly : WORM
The answer "WORM" is the right solution for the clue "Creepy-crawly" because worms are commonly known as creatures that crawl on the ground and can be considered creepy due to their appearance and behavior.
Cube, e.g. : SOLID
The answer "SOLID" is the right solution because a cube is a three-dimensional shape that has six equal square faces, making it a solid shape.
Does a better job than at making points : OUTSCORES
The clue "Does a better job than at making points" indicates that we are looking for a word that means surpassing or exceeding someone else in scoring. The answer "OUTSCORES" fits this description perfectly, as it means to score more points than someone else.
El ___ : PASO
The answer to "El ___" is "PASO" because "El" is the Spanish word for "the" and "PASO" means "step" in Spanish. So, "El PASO" translates to "The Step" in English.
Far from home, say : ABROAD
The clue "Far from home, say" suggests that we are looking for a word that means being in a different country or location. The word "ABROAD" fits this description perfectly as it means being away from one's home country or usual location. Therefore, "ABROAD" is the right answer to this clue.
Feeling of dread before the start of the workweek, in slang : SUNDAY SCARIES
The answer "SUNDAY SCARIES" is the right solution because it accurately describes the feeling of dread or anxiety that some people experience on Sunday evenings, knowing that the workweek is about to begin.
Finish with : END IN
The answer "END IN" is the right solution because it means to finish or conclude with something. In this context, it implies that something ends with a specific word or phrase.
Form of protest for tenants : RENT STRIKE
The answer "RENT STRIKE" is the right solution because it refers to a form of protest where tenants collectively refuse to pay their rent in order to demand changes or improvements from their landlords.
Gives up : CEDES
The answer "CEDES" is the right solution because it means to give up or surrender something, making it a suitable match for the clue "Gives up."
Go into one’s “phone voice,” say : CODE-SWITCH
The term "phone voice" refers to the way someone's voice changes when they are speaking on the phone, usually becoming more polite or professional. "Code-switch" means to change the way one speaks or behaves depending on the situation or audience. In this context, "go into one's 'phone voice'" means to switch to a more formal or professional manner of speaking. Therefore, "code-switch" is the correct answer because it accurately describes the action of adopting a "phone voice."
God who rides the eight-legged horse Sleipnir : ODIN
The answer is "ODIN" because in Norse mythology, Odin is the god who rides the eight-legged horse Sleipnir.
Growth that may be treated with salicylic acid : WART
The growth referred to in the clue is a common skin condition called a wart. Warts can be treated with salicylic acid, making "WART" the correct answer.
Having rhythm : CADENT
The word "cadent" means having rhythm or a rhythmic quality. It is a suitable answer to the clue "Having rhythm" because it directly aligns with the definition.
Illegal product that’s still made? : MOONSHINE
The answer "MOONSHINE" fits the clue because it refers to an illegal product, specifically homemade or illicitly produced alcohol. It is still made despite being illegal in many places.
Italian time unit : ORA
The answer to "Italian time unit" is "ORA" because "ora" is the Italian word for "hour".
Light touch : CARESS
"Pat" is a synonym for a gentle, light touch or tap.
Like AB- vis-à-vis other blood types : RARER
The answer is "RARER" because AB- is a less common blood type compared to other types, making it rarer.
Lodge : INN
The answer "INN" is the right solution for the clue "Lodge" because an inn is a type of lodging establishment where people can stay overnight.
May to November, in Central America : WET SEASON
The answer "WET SEASON" is the right solution because May to November is the time period in Central America when the region experiences heavy rainfall and increased humidity. This period is commonly known as the wet season, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Model Holliday : TESS
The answer to "Model Holliday" is "TESS" because "Holliday" is a clue that suggests the name of a person, and "TESS" is a commonly known model named Tess Holliday.
Moves a little : STIRS
The word "stirs" means to move a little or to agitate. It fits the clue perfectly because it describes the action of moving, albeit in a small or gentle way. Therefore, "stirs" is the correct answer.
N.B.A. team originally based in New Jersey : NETS
The answer is "NETS" because the N.B.A. team that was originally based in New Jersey is the Brooklyn Nets.
Need to pay : OWE
The answer "OWE" is the right solution because it means to be in debt or have an obligation to pay someone.
Obsolescent kind of drive : CD-ROM
The answer "CD-ROM" is the right solution because it refers to a type of drive that was commonly used in the past but is now becoming obsolete. CD-ROM drives were used to read compact discs (CDs) and were popular for storing and accessing data or multimedia content.
Office warning letters : NSFW
The answer "NSFW" stands for "Not Safe For Work," which is a common warning used in office settings to indicate content that may be inappropriate or offensive. It alerts employees to exercise caution when viewing or sharing certain materials.
One pill, perhaps : DOSE
The answer "DOSE" is the right solution because a pill is typically taken in a specific quantity or amount, which is referred to as a dose.
Person who might sweep a board game off a table : SORE LOSER
The answer "SORE LOSER" is the right solution because a sore loser is someone who becomes upset or frustrated when they lose a game, to the point where they might sweep the board game off the table in anger.
Piece of the pie : PORTION
The answer to "Piece of the pie" is "PORTION" because a portion refers to a part or share of something, and in this case, it is referring to a part of a pie.
Protagonist in a long-running Phyllis Reynolds Naylor book series : ALICE
The answer "ALICE" is the right solution because Alice is the protagonist in the long-running book series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
Put on : ADD
The clue "Put on" is referring to the act of wearing something, and "wore" is the past tense of "wear". Therefore, "wore" is the correct solution.
QB rushers, collectively : D-LINE
The answer "D-LINE" is short for "defensive line," which refers to a group of players in American football who specialize in rushing the quarterback. Therefore, "QB rushers, collectively" is a clue that suggests the answer "D-LINE."
Second-in-command, informally : VEEP
The answer to "Second-in-command, informally" is "VEEP" because "VEEP" is a common abbreviation for "Vice President," who is the second-in-command in many political contexts.
Seeks shelter : GETS INSIDE
The answer "GETS INSIDE" is the right solution because when someone seeks shelter, they typically aim to get inside a building or a safe place.
Singles : ONES
The word "singles" is a clue for a term that means one or individual. The answer "ONES" fits this clue perfectly as it represents the concept of being single or individual.
Source of a burning odor? : SCENTED CANDLE
The answer "SCENTED CANDLE" is the right solution because a scented candle can emit a burning odor when it is lit.
Spreads concern? : ODDS
The answer "ODDS" is the right solution because when you spread concern, you are creating doubt or uncertainty about a situation or outcome. In crossword context, "ODDS" refers to the probabilities or chances of something happening, which aligns with the idea of spreading concern.
Suitor : BEAU
The answer "BEAU" is the right solution for the clue "Suitor" because "beau" is a term used to refer to a male admirer or boyfriend.
Thin : REEDY
The word "REEDY" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "thin". A reed is a thin and slender plant, so "REEDY" is a fitting answer for the clue "Thin".
Tube feature, with “the” : … GAP
The answer to "Tube feature, with 'the'" is "...GAP" because the word "gap" is often used to refer to a break or opening in something, and in this context, it is referring to a break or opening in the tube.
Who said “Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before” : MAE WEST
The answer is "MAE WEST" because she is the famous American actress and sex symbol known for her witty and provocative quotes. This quote reflects her bold and unconventional personality.
Word with bubble or high : … TEA
The answer is "TEA" because it is a word that can be combined with "bubble" to form the word "bubble tea" and with "high" to form the word "high tea".
World capital whose Museum of Islamic Art was designed by I. M. Pei : DOHA
The answer is "DOHA" because it is the capital city of Qatar, and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha was indeed designed by the renowned architect I. M. Pei.
Write some letters : SPELL
The answer "SPELL" is the right solution because when we write letters, we are essentially spelling out words by arranging the correct sequence of letters.
[!!!] : OMG!
In crossword puzzles, "/" is often used to indicate division or separation. The word "per" is commonly used to signify "for each" or "by the means of," which fits the context of the clue. Therefore, "PER" is the right solution for the clue represented by "/".
___ B. Parker, Democratic candidate for president in 1904 : ALTON
The answer is "ALTON" because Alton B. Parker was indeed a Democratic candidate for president in 1904.
___ Balls : SNO
The answer "SNO" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "snow," which fits the clue "___ Balls" as a reference to snowballs.
___ Coleman, principal on “Abbott Elementary” : AVA
The answer is "AVA" because Ava Coleman is the principal character on the TV show "Abbott Elementary".
___ Day of Visibility (March 31 observance) : TRANS
The answer is "TRANS" because "Trans Day of Visibility" is an observance on March 31 that celebrates and raises awareness for transgender people.
“Goodness …” : OH LORD …
"MERCY" is an exclamation used to express surprise or shock. It is often used as a substitute for "Goodness!" or "Oh my!" in informal situations.
“Queer Eye” co-star Jonathan Van ___ : NESS
The answer is "NESS" because the missing word in the clue is "BASS." Jonathan Van Ness is known for his role as a co-star on the show "Queer Eye," and "BASS" is a type of fish. Therefore, the correct answer is "NESS," which is a partial wordplay on "BASS."
“Seems like a bad idea …” : I SHOULDN’T
The phrase "Seems like a bad idea ..." implies hesitation or doubt. The answer "I SHOULDN'T" suggests that the speaker recognizes the potential negative consequences and is advising against taking that course of action.
“___ and Janis” (comic strip) : ARLO
The answer to "___ and Janis" (comic strip) is "ARLO" because "Arlo" is the name of the main character in the comic strip "Arlo and Janis."