Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 30 September 2023, Saturday (09-30-23). 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 word before we forget? : LEST
The phrase "A word before we forget" is a clue that suggests the need to remember something. The word "LEST" is often used in the context of remembering or preventing something from happening. Therefore, "LEST" is the right solution as it fits the clue and conveys the idea of not forgetting.
Basketball legend Thomas : ISIAH
The answer to "Basketball legend Thomas" is "ISIAH" because Isiah Thomas is a well-known basketball player who played in the NBA and is considered a legend in the sport.
Be ripe : SMELL
The answer to "Be ripe" is "SMELL" because when something is ripe, it often emits a distinct odor or smell.
Bit of farm food : OAT
The answer "OAT" is the right solution because it is a common type of farm food that is often fed to animals like horses and cows.
Bit of fish food : PELLET
The answer to "Bit of fish food" is "PELLET" because pellets are small, compressed pieces of food commonly given to fish as a dietary supplement.
Butts (in) : NOSES
The answer to "Butts (in)" is "NOSES" because "butts in" is a phrase that means interfering or intruding, and "noses" is a word that can be used to describe someone who interferes or intrudes into other people's business.
Certain religious ruling : FATWA
The answer to "Certain religious ruling" is "FATWA" because a fatwa is a legal opinion or ruling issued by an Islamic scholar on a specific issue or question.
Christmas carol title starter : O COME …
The answer "O COME..." is the right solution because many Christmas carols start with these words, such as "O Come, All Ye Faithful" or "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."
Contemporary artist Carrie ___ Weems : MAE
The answer "MAE" is the right solution because it completes the name of the contemporary artist "Carrie Mae Weems".
Dessert with layers : SPUMONI
The answer "SPUMONI" fits the clue "Dessert with layers" because Spumoni is a type of Italian dessert that is traditionally made with layers of different flavored ice creams, nuts, and fruits.
Detective story? : ALIBI
The answer "ALIBI" fits the clue "Detective story?" because in a detective story, the detective often needs to investigate and verify the alibi of a suspect to solve the case.
Esther of “Good Times” : ROLLE
The answer is "ROLLE" because Esther Rolle is the actress who portrayed the character Florida Evans on the TV show "Good Times."
Fail under pressure : CHOKE
"Choke" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe the act of failing or performing poorly under pressure or in a high-stress situation.
Feudal superiors : LIEGES
The term "lieges" refers to feudal superiors in the context of the crossword clue. In feudal systems, lieges were the lords or rulers who held authority over their vassals or subjects. Therefore, "lieges" is the correct answer.
Find ___ (Nintendo minigame) : MII
The answer is "MII" because it is a Nintendo minigame where players can create their own personalized avatars called "Miis".
Fleece “wearer” : EWE
The answer to "Fleece 'wearer'" is "EWE" because an EWE is a female sheep, and sheep are known for their woolly fleece.
French word in vineyards : CRU
The French word "cru" is commonly used in the context of vineyards to refer to a specific quality or classification of wine. It is a concise and appropriate answer to the clue.
Gives, but not for good : LENDS
The answer "LENDS" fits the clue "Gives, but not for good" because lending implies giving something temporarily, with the expectation of it being returned.
Good thing to have on the record : WIN
The answer "WIN" is the right solution because having a win on your record is considered a positive and desirable thing. It implies success and achievement.
Grams : NANAS
The answer "NANAS" is the right solution for the clue "Grams" because "NANAS" is a colloquial term for grandmothers, and grandmothers are often referred to as "Grams" or "Nanas" by their grandchildren.
Great fall : DIVE
The answer "DIVE" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Great fall" perfectly. A dive can refer to a sudden and significant downward movement, which matches the idea of a great fall.
Hammer home? : EAR
The answer "EAR" fits the clue "Hammer home?" because when we hammer a nail, we use our ear to listen for the sound of the hammer hitting the nail.
Having down pat : ADEPT AT
The phrase "having down pat" means being skilled or proficient at something. The answer "ADEPT AT" fits perfectly as it means being skilled or proficient in a particular area or activity.
Honeydew producer : APHID
The answer to "Honeydew producer" is "APHID" because aphids are small insects that feed on plants and produce a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew as a byproduct.
Hot bed? : RICE
The answer to "Hot bed?" is "RICE" because rice is often served hot and is commonly referred to as a bed for other foods, such as stir-fries or curries.
In the Red, say : ASEA
The phrase "in the red" is commonly used to describe being in debt or having financial losses. "Asea" is a phrase that means "at sea" or "on the ocean." In this context, it is used figuratively to indicate being in a difficult or challenging situation. Therefore, "asea" fits the clue "In the Red, say" because it conveys the idea of being in a tough financial situation.
Inits. before Queen Elizabeth : HMS
The answer "HMS" stands for "Her Majesty's Ship" and is used as the initials before the name of a British ship. In this case, it refers to the ships associated with Queen Elizabeth.
Inventor of the steel plow : DEERE
The answer "DEERE" is the right solution because John Deere is widely recognized as the inventor of the steel plow. He revolutionized farming equipment with his invention, making it easier for farmers to till the soil.
James Clavell best seller “___-Pan” : TAI
The answer is "TAI" because "Tai-Pan" is a famous novel written by James Clavell.
Key to understanding ancient history? : THE ROSETTA STONE
The Rosetta Stone is the right solution because it was a key discovery in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, which unlocked the understanding of ancient history.
Kind of rescue search : AIR-SEA
The answer "AIR-SEA" is the right solution because it refers to a type of rescue search that involves both air and sea operations.
Like roughly one-eighth of the U.S. population : AFRICAN AMERICAN
The answer "AFRICAN AMERICAN" is the right solution because approximately one-eighth of the U.S. population identifies as African American.
Like some drinks and injuries : ICED
The answer to "Like some drinks and injuries" is "ICED" because it can describe both a cold drink that is served with ice and an injury that is treated with ice.
Like water in a stream : AFLOW
The answer "AFLOW" is the right solution because it describes the movement of water in a stream. It is a concise and fitting word that matches the clue.
Lug : APE
The answer to "Lug" is "APE" because "lug" can mean to carry or haul something heavy, and an ape is known for its strength and ability to carry or lug heavy objects.
Make ___ of : A NOTE
The answer "A NOTE" fits the clue "Make ___ of" because when you make a note of something, you write it down to remember or keep track of it.
Map of Hawaii, often : INSET
The answer to "Map of Hawaii, often" is "INSET" because an inset is a smaller map that is placed within a larger map to provide more detailed information about a specific area, such as Hawaii in this case.
Modern coinage for someone turned successful through their celebrity parents : NEPO BABY
The answer "NEPO BABY" is the right solution because it combines two modern terms: "nepotism" and "baby." "Nepotism" refers to someone benefiting from their family connections, often in the entertainment industry, and "baby" is a slang term for someone who is young or inexperienced. Therefore, "NEPO BABY" represents someone who becomes successful due to their celebrity parents.
Music score abbr. : CRESC
One who’s left holding the bag? : CADDIE
The term "left holding the bag" means being left with the responsibility or blame for something. In golf, a caddie is responsible for carrying the player's bag and assisting them during the game. Therefore, a caddie is the one who is left holding the bag, making it the right answer to the clue.
Org. associated with interceptions : NSA
The NSA, or National Security Agency, is an organization that is associated with interceptions, particularly in the context of electronic communications. They are known for their surveillance and intelligence gathering activities, making them the correct answer for this clue.
Place : STEAD
"Place" can be used as a verb meaning to put something in a particular position, which is synonymous with the word "put."
Post-op persona, perhaps : NEW ME
The answer "NEW ME" is the right solution because after undergoing a surgical procedure, a person may have a transformed or altered appearance, hence adopting a "new me" persona.
Rapper Aubrey Graham, who’s known professionally by his middle name : DRAKE
The rapper Aubrey Graham is commonly known by his middle name, which is "DRAKE".
Relative of a filly : COLT
The answer "COLT" is the right solution because a colt is a male horse that is younger than four years old, which makes it a relative of a filly.
Remittance recipients : PAYEES Down 1 ___ system
The answer is "PAYEES" because the clue "Remittance recipients" is asking for the people who receive a payment or money transfer. The term "PAYEES" specifically refers to individuals or organizations who are the recipients of such payments.
Republicans in the 1850s, typically : ABOLITIONISTS
The term "Republicans in the 1850s, typically" refers to a specific group of Republicans during that time period. These Republicans were known as "abolitionists" because they advocated for the abolition of slavery. This answer is correct because it accurately describes the political stance of Republicans in the 1850s.
Rock band with the 2023 album “This Stupid World” : YO LA TENGO
The answer is "Yo La Tengo" because they are a rock band and they are releasing an album called "This Stupid World" in 2023.
See 57-Down : … USERS
The answer to "See 57-Down" is "… USERS" because it refers to the answer of another clue located at 57-Down. The specific answer is not provided, so we use "… USERS" as a placeholder to indicate that it is related to the answer at 57-Down.
Sherpas, e.g. : ASIANS
The answer "ASIANS" is the right solution because Sherpas are a group of people from the Himalayan region, and they are primarily of Asian descent.
Sort who might be testing the waters : MARINE BIOLOGIST
The answer "MARINE BIOLOGIST" fits the clue because a marine biologist is a type of scientist who studies and conducts research on marine life. They often "test the waters" by collecting samples, studying habitats, and observing marine organisms.
Stand-up comedians, typically : SOLO ACTS
The answer "SOLO ACTS" is the right solution because stand-up comedians typically perform alone, without any other performers or acts.
Suffix with press : -URE
The suffix "-URE" is the right solution because it is commonly used to form nouns from verbs. In this case, when added to the word "press," it creates the noun "pressure," which is a valid answer to the clue.
Tabbies, e.g. : HOUSECAT
The answer "HOUSECAT" is the right solution because tabbies are a type of domestic cat, and "HOUSECAT" is a term commonly used to refer to cats that live indoors in people's homes.
The Haitian Revolution and the Aponte Conspiracy of 1812, e.g. : SLAVE REBELLIONS
The Haitian Revolution and the Aponte Conspiracy of 1812 were both instances of slave rebellions. Therefore, the answer "SLAVE REBELLIONS" accurately describes these historical events.
Things typically copied-and-pasted — rather than typed manually — in messages : URLS
The answer "URLS" is the right solution because URLs, also known as web addresses, are commonly copied and pasted in messages instead of being manually typed. This is because URLs can be long and complex, making it easier and more convenient to copy and paste them rather than typing them out manually.
Title in D.C. : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is the right solution for the clue "Title in D.C." because "Abbr." is an abbreviation for "abbreviation," and "Title" is often abbreviated as "Title" in D.C.
Took a hit : TOKED
The answer "TOKED" is slang for inhaling smoke from a marijuana cigarette, which can be interpreted as "taking a hit."
Umami enhancer : MSG
The answer to "Umami enhancer" is "MSG" because MSG, which stands for monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer commonly used in cooking to enhance the savory taste known as umami.
Verbally lose it, with “out” : LASH …
The answer "LASH" fits the clue because it means to verbally lose control or express anger, often followed by "out."
W.W. II combat inits. : ETO
The answer to "W.W. II combat inits." is "ETO" because it stands for European Theater of Operations, which was a major area of combat during World War II.
What you might use to play music on a beach : WIRELESS SPEAKER
The answer "WIRELESS SPEAKER" is the right solution because it is a portable device that can play music without the need for any physical connections or wires. It is commonly used on beaches or other outdoor settings to enjoy music without the hassle of cables.
Where to make one’s voice heard, with “the” : … POLLS
The answer to "Where to make one’s voice heard, with 'the'" is "POLLS" because it refers to the voting location where individuals can cast their votes and have their voices heard during an election.
With 50-Down, many people making downloads : APP …
The answer to "With 50-Down, many people making downloads" is "APP STORE". Explanation: The clue mentions "many people making downloads," which suggests that we are looking for a place where people can download applications. The term "With 50-Down" indicates that there is another clue related to this one. When we combine the two clues, we get "APP STORE," which is a digital platform where users can download various applications for their devices.
Woman’s name with an accent on its fourth letter : RENEE
The clue indicates that the woman's name has an accent on its fourth letter. The name "RENEE" fits this description because it has an accent mark on the fourth letter "E".
Word on either side of “to” : ASHES
The word "ashes" can be found on either side of the word "to" in the phrase "ashes to ashes."
Wordle and others : FADS
The answer "FADS" is the right solution because "Wordle and others" refers to popular trends or crazes that come and go quickly, which are commonly known as fads.
“This is dear mercy, and thou ___ it not” : “Romeo and Juliet”
“___ alert” : STAY
The answer "STAY" is the right solution for the clue "___ alert" because when someone says "stay alert," they are telling you to remain attentive and aware of your surroundings.