Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 30 September 2024, Monday (09-30-24). 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.
2023’s “Fatal Attraction” and “The Little Mermaid” : REMAKES
The answer "REMAKES" fits because both "Fatal Attraction" and "The Little Mermaid" are movies that are being remade in 2023.
A panda’s is 99% bamboo : DIET
The answer "DIET" fits because the clue is referring to what a panda primarily eats, which is bamboo. "DIET" is a term commonly used to describe the food that an animal or person consumes regularly.
Activist Parks : ROSA
The clue is referring to an activist with the last name Parks, who is famously known for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955, which sparked the Montgomery bus boycott and became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Therefore, the answer is ROSA.
Actress Watson : EMMA
Emma Watson is a well-known actress, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series. "Actress Watson" in the clue is a reference to her, making "EMMA" the correct answer.
Animal in “Happy hump day!” memes : CAMEL
The answer is "CAMEL" because camels are often associated with Wednesdays in the popular phrase "Happy hump day!" due to their distinctive humps.
Baby cow : CALF
"CALF" is the right answer because a baby cow is commonly referred to as a calf.
Balkan native : SLAV
The Balkans are a region in southeastern Europe, and "Slav" refers to a member of the Slavic ethnic group that is native to this region. Therefore, "Slav" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Balkan native".
Button to press when stepping away from a Zoom meeting : MUTE
"MUTE" is the right answer because pressing the mute button on Zoom will prevent others from hearing any background noise or conversations while you are away from the meeting.
Cable channel that first showed “Beavis and Butt-head” : MTV
MTV is the right answer because it is a cable channel known for airing "Beavis and Butt-head" when the show first premiered.
Carry (around) : LUG
"TOTE" is the right solution because "tote" means to carry or haul something around. It is a common word used to describe carrying items in a bag or container.
Ceases : HALTS
The word "halts" is a synonym for "ceases," meaning to come to a stop or end.
Classic ice cream order : VANILLA
The answer "VANILLA" fits the clue "Classic ice cream order" because vanilla is a popular and timeless flavor of ice cream that many people commonly choose.
Cry from someone seeking revenge … or a hint to the ends of 16-, 22-, 37- and 49- : YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS
The answer "YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS" fits the clue because it is a common phrase someone seeking revenge might say, and the ends of the other four theme answers - "YOU," "LL," "PAY," and "THIS" - spell out the complete phrase.
Defamed in print : LIBELED
The answer "LIBELED" fits the clue "Defamed in print" because libel refers to making false statements that harm someone's reputation, typically in written form.
Dose for an LSD trip : ACID TAB
The answer "ACID TAB" fits the clue because LSD is commonly referred to as "acid" and it is often taken in the form of a small tablet, which is also known as a tab.
Doughnut shapes : TORI
The word "tori" is a plural form of "torus" which refers to a doughnut-shaped object in geometry.
Drop in the ocean? : SINK
The phrase "drop in the ocean" is a metaphor for something insignificant or small. A sink is a place where things drop or go down, making it a clever play on words for this clue.
Early computer scientist Lovelace : ADA
Ada Lovelace is considered the world's first computer programmer for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. "ADA" is the correct answer because it refers to Ada Lovelace.
Elder Obama daughter : MALIA
Malia is the name of one of Barack and Michelle Obama's daughters, who was born in 1998 and became the elder daughter when her sister Sasha was born in 2001. Therefore, "Elder Obama daughter" refers to Malia.
Empire whose capital city was Tenochtitlán : AZTEC
The Aztec empire's capital city was Tenochtitlán, making "AZTEC" the correct answer to the clue.
Fleur-de-___ : LIS
The answer "LIS" completes the phrase "Fleur-de-___" which refers to the stylized lily symbol. "Lis" is the French word for lily, making it the correct answer.
Football player in upstate New York : BUFFALO BILL
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York, so a football player in upstate New York could be referred to as a "Buffalo Bill."
iPhone assistant : SIRI
SIRI is the name of the virtual assistant that is built into the iPhone. It is activated by voice commands and can perform various tasks such as setting reminders, sending messages, and answering questions.
Irksome : PESKY
The word "pesky" means annoying or troublesome, which is synonymous with "irksome."
It beats a high card but nothing else : PAIR
The answer "PAIR" is correct because in a standard poker game, a pair beats a high card but loses to any other hand ranking.
It’s almost 80% nitrogen : AIR
The Earth's atmosphere is composed of about 78% nitrogen, making "AIR" the correct answer for a clue referring to a substance that is almost 80% nitrogen.
Jerry’s foe in old cartoons : TOM
In old cartoons, Jerry the mouse is often chased by Tom the cat, making "TOM" the right answer for Jerry's foe.
Jokes around : KIDS
The answer "KIDS" fits the clue "Jokes around" because kids are known for their playful and joking behavior. They often joke around and have a good sense of humor.
Key point : MAIN IDEA
The phrase "key point" refers to the most important or central idea in a discussion or argument. "Main idea" is a synonym for this concept, making it the right solution for the clue.
Kinda : SEMI
The answer "ISH" is the right solution for the clue "Kinda" because "ISH" is a suffix that can be added to words to indicate a vague or approximate quality. It implies that something is somewhat or slightly like the word it is attached to.
Kissing on the street, e.g., for short : PDA
The answer "PDA" stands for "Public Display of Affection," which includes actions like kissing on the street. So, "Kissing on the street, e.g., for short" is a clue hinting at the abbreviation "PDA."
Laws passed by Congress : ACTS
"ACTS" are laws passed by Congress. In this context, "ACTS" refers to formal written decisions or statutes enacted by a legislative body, such as the United States Congress.
Little drinks : SIPS Down 1 Laughing sounds
The answer to "Little drinks" is "SIPS" because "sips" are small amounts of liquid consumed at a time.
Loses on purpose, as an N.B.A. team : TANKS
"TANKS" is the right solution because in the context of the N.B.A., a team that "tanks" intentionally loses games in order to secure a higher draft pick or for strategic reasons.
Loud and unhappy sports fans, in slang : BOOBIRDS
"Boobirds" is a term used to describe sports fans who boo their own team when they are performing poorly. It is a slang term that fits the clue "Loud and unhappy sports fans" perfectly.
Massachusetts college town : AMHERST
The answer "AMHERST" fits the clue "Massachusetts college town" because Amherst is a town in Massachusetts that is home to Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Mom-and-pop store, e.g. : RETAIL SHOP
The term "Mom-and-pop store" refers to a small, independent retail shop typically run by a family or couple. Therefore, "RETAIL SHOP" is the right answer as it fits the description of a small, family-owned store.
Mover’s vehicle : VAN
The answer "VAN" fits the clue "Mover's vehicle" because vans are commonly used by movers to transport furniture and belongings from one place to another.
Must have : NEED
The answer "INEEDIT" fits the clue "Must have!" because it directly translates to the phrase "I need it," which conveys a strong desire or necessity for something.
New York Times opinion writer Klein : EZRA
Ezra Klein is a well-known opinion writer for The New York Times, making "EZRA" the correct answer to the clue.
Not worth a ___ : SOU
The term "sou" refers to a small coin, especially in old French currency. In the phrase "Not worth a ___," "sou" is used to imply that something has little to no value.
NPR host Glass : IRA
The answer to "NPR host Glass" is "IRA" because Ira Glass is a well-known radio personality and the host of the popular NPR show "This American Life."
Overused and uncreative : STALE
The word "STALE" fits the clue "Overused and uncreative" because it describes something that has lost its freshness and originality due to being used too frequently. It implies a lack of innovation or new ideas, making it a suitable answer for the given clue.
Part of the hand : PALM
The answer "PALM" is the right solution because the palm is the inner part of the hand where the fingers are connected, making it a clear and fitting response to the clue "Part of the hand."
Plops oneself down : SITS
"SITS" is the right answer because it is a common term used to describe the action of lowering oneself onto a seat or surface.
Poker buy-in : ANTE
In poker, an "ante" is a small amount of money that each player is required to put into the pot before the start of a hand. Therefore, "Poker buy-in" is referring to the initial amount of money required to participate in a game of poker, which is the "ante".
Pollution that can change the colors of a sunset : SMOG
"Smog" is the right answer because it refers to a type of pollution caused by a mixture of smoke and fog, which can alter the colors of a sunset by scattering light and creating a hazy appearance in the sky.
Pumps iron at the gym : LIFTS
The term "lifts" is often used as slang for weightlifting or pumping iron at the gym. It fits perfectly with the clue "Pumps iron at the gym" as it directly refers to the activity of lifting weights.
Quadri- minus one : TRI-
The clue is asking for a word that means "four" with one taken away. "Quadri-" means four, and if we take away one, we are left with "Tri-", which means three.
Quick confirmation of feasibility : SANITY CHECK
"Sanity check" is a term used to describe a quick evaluation to confirm that a decision or action is reasonable and feasible. In this context, the phrase fits the clue as it refers to a quick confirmation of feasibility.
Remote-controlled flier : DRONE
The answer "DRONE" fits the clue "Remote-controlled flier" because a drone is a type of aircraft that can be controlled from a distance using a remote control or a computer.
Rice dish : PILAF
"PILAF" is a rice dish that is typically cooked in broth or stock and often includes vegetables, meat, or spices. It is a popular dish in many cultures and fits the clue "Rice dish" perfectly.
Sat. preceder : FRI
The answer "FRI" is the right solution because it is the day of the week that comes before Saturday.
Sentence that often appears in the first paragraph of an essay : THESIS STATEMENT
The "thesis statement" is a sentence that presents the main point or argument of an essay. It is typically found in the first paragraph to provide a clear direction for the rest of the essay.
Shoe brand named for a Greek goddess : NIKE
Nike is the correct answer because it is a shoe brand named after the Greek goddess of victory, which fits the clue given.
Some cuts of pork : LOINS
The answer "LOINS" fits the clue "Some cuts of pork" because loins are a common cut of meat from a pig that is often used in cooking.
Spanish bull : TORO
The word "toro" is Spanish for bull. It is a common term used to refer to a bull in Spanish-speaking countries.
Stat of interest to a competitive crossword solver : TIME
The answer "TIME" is the right solution because a competitive crossword solver is concerned with how quickly they can complete a puzzle, making time an important stat for them.
Supreme Court justice appointed by Barack Obama : ELENA KAGAN
Elena Kagan was appointed as a Supreme Court justice by Barack Obama in 2010.
Tattle (on) : RAT
"RAT" is the right solution because "tattle on" is a colloquial phrase meaning to inform on someone's wrongdoings, which is something a "rat" would do. In this context, "rat" is used as a verb meaning to betray or inform on someone.
Temporarily calm period : LULL
"LULL" is the right solution because a lull refers to a temporary period of calm or quiet, often following a period of activity or noise.
The “A” of M.F.A. : ARTS
M.F.A. stands for Master of Fine Arts, and the "A" in M.F.A. stands for "Arts." Therefore, the answer to the clue "The 'A' of M.F.A." is "ARTS."
The “C” of a printer’s CMYK : CYAN
"Cyan" is the correct answer because in the CMYK color model used in printing, "C" stands for cyan, "M" for magenta, "Y" for yellow, and "K" for black.
The “Iliad,” for one : EPIC
The "Iliad" is a famous ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, making "EPIC" the right answer as it is a type of long narrative poem that typically tells the story of a heroic figure or event.
Wheel’s place on a ship : HELM
The wheel on a ship is called the helm because it is used by the helmsman to steer the ship.
Word before ended, handed or minded : OPEN
The word "OPEN" can be followed by "ended," "handed," or "minded" to form common phrases like "open-ended," "open-handed," and "open-minded."
Yellowfin or bluefin : TUNA
TUNA is the right answer because Yellowfin and Bluefin are both types of tuna fish.
Zilch : NIL
"Zilch" is a slang term that means "nothing" or "zero". "NIL" is a synonym for "nothing" or "zero", making it a suitable answer for the clue.
___ A Sketch (classic toy) : ETCH
The answer "ETCH" fits the clue "___ A Sketch (classic toy)" because it completes the name of the classic toy "Etch A Sketch".