Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 1 October 2024, Tuesday (10-01-24). 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.
1/16 of a gallon : CUP
The answer "CUP" is correct because a cup is a measurement unit that is equivalent to 1/16 of a gallon.
A.F.C. South team (“Look in the lake! It’s … ah, never mind”) : TENNESSEE TITANS (“NESSEE” sounds like “Nessie”)
The clue is hinting at the Loch Ness Monster ("Nessie") in a playful way. "NESSEE" in "TENNESSEE" sounds like "Nessie," making it a clever play on words that fits the clue.
Against the rules : NOT OK
The phrase "not OK" is a common way to describe something that is against the rules or unacceptable. It directly conveys the idea of going against established norms or regulations.
Alternative to a swipe, for a credit card : TAP
The answer "TAP" is correct because it refers to the action of making a payment by tapping a credit card on a card reader, which is an alternative to swiping the card.
Answer, as an email : REPLY TO
The answer "REPLY TO" fits the clue "Answer, as an email" because in email communication, you typically "REPLY TO" a message to respond to it.
Bare minimums : LEASTS
The answer "LEASTS" is the plural form of "least," which refers to the smallest amounts or quantities. In this context, "Bare minimums" indicates the smallest possible amounts required, making "LEASTS" the appropriate answer.
Bear hair : FUR
The answer "FUR" is the right solution because bears have fur covering their bodies, which helps to keep them warm and protected.
Bill ___, the Science Guy : NYE
The answer is "NYE" because "Bill ___" refers to Bill Nye, the Science Guy, a popular American science communicator and television host.
Born and ___ : BRED
"Bred" is the right solution because the phrase "Born and bred" is a common expression meaning someone is native or raised in a particular place.
Buffett or Cook, for short : CEO
The answer is "CEO" because both Warren Buffett and Tim Cook are Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of their respective companies.
Caramel-filled candy : ROLO
The answer "ROLO" fits the clue "caramel-filled candy" because ROLO is a popular brand of candy known for its chewy caramel filling covered in chocolate.
Company that merged with Heinz in 2015 : KRAFT
Kraft merged with Heinz in 2015 to form the Kraft Heinz Company, making "KRAFT" the correct answer.
Compass heading : ESE
The answer "ESE" stands for East-Southeast, a compass heading between East and Southeast. It is a common abbreviation used in navigation.
Corporate emblems : LOGOS
"Corporate emblems" are typically represented by symbols or designs that are unique to a specific company, which we commonly refer to as "logos".
Creates, as a goal : SETS
The word "sets" means to establish or create a goal, making it the correct answer to the clue "Creates, as a goal."
Declaration of determination : I CAN!
"I CAN!" is a phrase that reflects determination and a positive attitude, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Declaration of determination."
Exchanged for cash, in a way : PAWNED
The answer "PAWNED" fits the clue because when an item is pawned, it is exchanged for cash with the option to buy it back later by paying the borrowed amount plus interest.
Fe, to chemists : IRON
The chemical symbol for iron on the periodic table is Fe, making "Fe" a common abbreviation for iron among chemists.
Frankenstein’s assistant : IGOR
"Igor" is the name of Dr. Frankenstein's assistant in many adaptations of the Frankenstein story, including movies and books.
Garlicky sauce : AIOLI
AIOLI is a garlicky sauce made of garlic, olive oil, and often egg yolks. It is a popular condiment in Mediterranean cuisine.
Gehrig in Cooperstown : LOU
The answer "LOU" fits the clue "Gehrig in Cooperstown" because Lou Gehrig is a famous baseball player who is in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. "LOU" is a common abbreviation of the name "Lou" which refers to Lou Gehrig in this context.
Good old-fashioned butt-kicking : ROUT
"ROUT" can mean a decisive defeat or a good old-fashioned butt-kicking, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Greed : AVARICE
"Avarice" is another word for greed, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Ignited again : RELIT
The word "RELIT" means to light or ignite again, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Ignited again."
Imperial unit of volume (“There’s another one! I swear he just slipped into those trees …”) : CUBIC FOOT (“BIC FOOT” sounds like “Bigfoot”)
The answer "CUBIC FOOT" is a play on words where "BIC FOOT" sounds like "Bigfoot," which is a creature often associated with hiding in the woods. This connection makes it the correct solution to the clue provided.
Investigative journalism (“What was that in the sea?! I must be imagining things”) : MUCKRAKING (“KRAKIN” sounds like “Kraken”)
The answer "MUCKRAKING" fits the clue because it is a term for investigative journalism that uncovers scandalous information. The wordplay involves the sound-alike reference to "Kraken" in the clue, highlighting the investigative aspect of the answer.
Last section in a dictionary : ZEE
"ZEE" is the last letter of the alphabet, making it the last section in a dictionary.
Lecture tour : CIRCUIT
"Circuit" can refer to a series of stops or locations visited in sequence, which fits the idea of a lecture tour where a speaker travels to different places to give talks.
Life forms : BEINGS
"BEINGS" is the right answer because it refers to living organisms or creatures, which are commonly known as life forms.
Like Father Time : OLD
The phrase "Father Time" is often associated with old age, so the answer "OLD" fits the clue well.
Many website banners : ADS
The answer "ADS" fits the clue "Many website banners" because ads are commonly displayed on website banners for marketing purposes.
Money owed : DEBT
The clue "Money owed" indicates that we are looking for a word that describes a sum of money that is owed to someone else. "Debt" is the correct answer because it refers to an amount of money that is owed to another person or entity.
Napoleon Dynamite’s best friend : PEDRO
Pedro is Napoleon Dynamite's best friend in the movie "Napoleon Dynamite."
Navigation aid that works through satellites, in brief : GPS
GPS stands for Global Positioning System, which is a navigation aid that works through satellites to determine the exact location of a person or object on Earth. This fits the clue because GPS is a common abbreviation used to refer to this technology.
North America’s only marsupial : OPOSSUM
The opossum is the only marsupial native to North America, which makes it the correct answer to the clue "North America's only marsupial."
Numerical prefix that sounds like a verb : TRI-
"TRI-" is a numerical prefix that means three, and it sounds like the verb "try," making it a fitting answer to the clue "Numerical prefix that sounds like a verb."
Orchestra woodwinds : OBOES
OBOES are a type of woodwind instrument commonly found in orchestras.
Paid homage to : HONORED
"HONORED" is the right answer because paying homage to someone or something means showing them respect, admiration, or recognition, which is synonymous with being honored.
Pesto ingredient : PINE NUT
"Pine nut" is a common ingredient in pesto sauce, along with basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the sauce.
Place for ham-handed workers? : DELI
The clue "Place for ham-handed workers?" is a play on words. "Ham-handed" can mean clumsy, and in a deli, workers handle ham and other meats. So, the answer "DELI" fits the clue perfectly.
Pointillism mark : DOT
The term "Pointillism" refers to a painting technique where small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. A single dot is the basic unit of this technique, making "DOT" the correct answer.
Pretentious friend of Winnie-the-Pooh : OWL
Owl is the right answer because Owl is a character in A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories known for being wise and somewhat pretentious.
Professional proofreader (“Over there, in the snow! That had to be something, right?!”) : COPY EDITOR (“YEDI” sounds like “Yeti”)
The answer is "COPY EDITOR" because the phrase "Over there, in the snow! That had to be something, right?!" is a clue for "YEDI," which sounds like "Yeti," a mythical creature often associated with snow. A professional proofreader is someone who checks and corrects written material, which fits the clue.
Pseudoscientist investigating the “sightings” in this puzzle : CRYPTOZOOLOGIST
The answer "CRYPTOZOOLOGIST" fits because a cryptozoologist investigates and studies creatures that are considered mythical or legendary, such as Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster. The term "sightings" in the clue suggests a connection to investigating mysterious or unproven animals, making "CRYPTOZOOLOGIST" the correct answer.
Purchase for a white elephant exchange : GAG GIFT
"GAG GIFT" is the right solution because a white elephant exchange typically involves giving humorous or impractical gifts, known as gag gifts, rather than traditional or serious presents.
Rage : IRE
The word "ire" is a synonym for rage. In crossword puzzles, it's common for clues to be synonyms or closely related words to the correct answer.
Santa Monica tourist attraction : PIER
The Santa Monica Pier is a famous tourist attraction in Santa Monica, California, known for its amusement park, aquarium, and iconic Ferris wheel. Therefore, "PIER" is the right solution for the clue.
Saving for later : STORING
The answer "STORING" fits the clue "Saving for later" because storing something means keeping it in a safe place for future use or reference.
Sch. located in St. Louis, not Seattle : WASHU
The clue is hinting at a school located in St. Louis, not Seattle. "WASHU" refers to Washington University in St. Louis, differentiating it from the University of Washington in Seattle.
Silk-producing region of India : ASSAM
Assam is a region in India known for producing high-quality silk, particularly Muga silk. This makes it the correct answer for the clue "Silk-producing region of India."
Spot for abs or apple seeds : CORE
The word "core" can refer to the center or central part of something, such as the core of an apple where the seeds are found, or the core muscles in the abdomen area, commonly known as abs.
Staggering this way and that : AREEL
The word "areel" means to stagger or sway unsteadily from side to side, which matches the clue "Staggering this way and that."
Stuff in Santa’s footprints : ASH
The answer "ASH" is correct because Santa's footprints are typically associated with soot or ash from going down chimneys to deliver presents.
They’re not free of charge : IONS
The answer "IONS" fits the clue because ions are charged particles, so they are not free of charge.
Time spent in a seat : TERM
Triumphant shout : HOORAH!
"Hoorah!" is a common exclamation expressing triumph or celebration, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Triumphant shout."
Wally ___, “famous” cookie maker : AMOS
This is the right solution because Wally Amos is a famous cookie maker known for creating the "Famous Amos" cookie brand.
West Coast wine valley : NAPA
Napa is a famous wine valley located on the West Coast of the United States in California known for its high-quality wines and vineyards.
What the ruthless show : NO MERCY
The answer "NO MERCY" fits the clue "What the ruthless show" because showing "no mercy" means being cruel or unforgiving, which is often associated with ruthless behavior.
Window dressing : DRAPE
The term "window dressing" often refers to the decorative elements used to enhance the appearance of a window, such as curtains or drapes. Therefore, the answer "DRAPE" fits the clue as it is a type of window dressing.
Word repeated four times in the chorus of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” : HATE
Words after “Because” in a parent’s explanation : … I SAY SO
The phrase "Because I say so" is a common response from a parent when providing a reason for a decision or instruction to their child. It reflects the authority and finality of the parent's decision.
[not my mistake] : [SIC]
"[SIC]" is used in brackets after a quoted word that appears odd or incorrect to indicate that the mistake was in the original text, not made by the person quoting it. In this context, "[SIC]" acknowledges the mistake while distancing the quoter from it, making it the fitting answer to the clue "[not my mistake]".
“Get with the ___!” : PROGRAM
The phrase "Get with the program" means to start understanding and following what is happening or expected. So, the answer "PROGRAM" fits the clue as it completes the common saying.
“I didn’t need to hear all that!” : TMI Down 1 Play a part, or a play part
The answer "TMI" stands for "too much information," which fits the clue "I didn't need to hear all that!" because it expresses a feeling of being overwhelmed with unnecessary details. The answer "ACT" fits the clue "Play a part, or a play part" as it can refer to both participating in a performance (play a part) and a division in a play (play part).
“Now you listen to me …” : SEE HERE …
The phrase "Now you listen to me" is often followed by "SEE HERE..." as a way to grab someone's attention and emphasize what is about to be said.
“Sign us up!” : WE’RE IN!
The phrase "Sign us up!" is a request to be included in something, and "WE'RE IN!" is a common enthusiastic response indicating agreement or willingness to participate.
“Yowzers!” : YIPES!
The answer "YIPES!" fits the clue "Yowzers!" because "YIPES!" is an exclamation used to show surprise or alarm, similar to the feeling conveyed by "Yowzers!"
“___-ching!” : CHA
The phrase "ching" is often associated with the sound of a cash register, and the letters "CHA" can be interpreted as an onomatopoeic representation of that sound.
” … boy ___ girl?” : OR A
The phrase "boy or girl" is commonly used when referring to the gender of a baby before it is born. In this context, the answer "OR A" fits the question structure and completes the sentence.