Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 2 October 2023, Monday (10-02-23). 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.
1971 hit from the Who that begins “No one knows what it’s like to be the bad man” : BEHIND BLUE EYES
The answer "BEHIND BLUE EYES" is the right solution because it is a 1971 hit song by the Who that starts with the lyrics "No one knows what it's like to be the bad man."
2017 Pixar hit : COCO
The answer to "2017 Pixar hit" is "COCO" because "Coco" is a Pixar animated film that was released in 2017.
Abandons plans unexpectedly : BAILS
The answer "BAILS" is the right solution because when someone "bails," they abandon plans suddenly and unexpectedly. It is a colloquial term meaning to back out or withdraw from a commitment or situation.
Amount owed at a bar : TAB
The answer "TAB" is the right solution because it is a common term used to refer to the amount of money owed for drinks or food at a bar or restaurant.
Auto : CAR
The answer to "Auto" is "CAR" because "auto" is a commonly used abbreviation for automobile, which is another word for a car.
Become too scared, with “out” : WUSS …
The answer "WUSS" is the right solution because it means to become too scared or fearful, especially when followed by "out." It is a slang term often used to describe someone who lacks courage or is easily frightened.
Bill or Hillary Clinton, scholastically : YALIE
The term "Yalie" is a colloquial term used to refer to a student or graduate of Yale University. Both Bill and Hillary Clinton attended Yale University for their education, making "YALIE" the correct answer.
Bit of inspiration : IDEA
The word "idea" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe a "bit of inspiration." An idea is a thought, concept, or notion that comes to mind, often providing inspiration or a solution to a problem.
By a very direct route, idiomatically : AS THE CROW FLIES
The phrase "as the crow flies" is an idiom that means the shortest distance between two points, without any detours or obstacles. It is used to describe a direct route. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "By a very direct route, idiomatically."
Collection of maps : ATLAS
The answer to "Collection of maps" is "ATLAS" because an atlas is a book or collection that contains maps of various places.
Commencement : ONSET
The word "onset" refers to the beginning or commencement of something. It is a concise and fitting answer to the clue "Commencement."
Cuisine with panang curry : THAI
The answer to "Cuisine with panang curry" is "THAI" because Thai cuisine is known for its flavorful and aromatic dishes, including the popular panang curry.
D, gradewise : POOR
The answer to "D, gradewise" is "POOR" because in the context of grading, "D" is a below-average or unsatisfactory grade, which can be described as "POOR."
Disney princess from Polynesia : MOANA
The answer is "MOANA" because Moana is a Disney princess who hails from Polynesia.
Distributes, with “out” : METES …
The word "metes" means to distribute or dole out, often with the phrase "out." Therefore, it is the correct answer to the clue "Distributes, with 'out.'"
Dog breed designated a “natural monument” by the Japanese government : AKITA
The Akita is the right answer because it is a dog breed that has been officially recognized and designated as a "natural monument" by the Japanese government.
E flat equivalent on a piano : D-SHARP
The answer "D-SHARP" is the right solution because on a piano, E flat and D sharp are enharmonic equivalents. This means that they sound the same but are written differently. In this case, "E flat equivalent" refers to the note that is the same pitch as E flat, which is D sharp.
Excited cheer : WHOOP!
The answer "WHOOP!" is the right solution because it is a word often used to express excitement and cheer.
Full of bubbles, as laundry : SUDSY
The word "sudsy" is the right solution because it describes something that is full of bubbles, just like laundry when it is being washed with soap or detergent.
Game ending in “mate” : CHESS
The game of chess often ends with the term "checkmate," which means the opponent's king is in a position where it cannot escape capture. Therefore, the answer "CHESS" fits the clue "Game ending in 'mate'."
Good, in Spanish : BUENO
The answer to "Good, in Spanish" is "BUENO" because "bueno" is the Spanish word for "good".
Goofs : ERRS
"Goofs" is a synonym for mistakes or errors. "Flubs" is a word that means to make a mistake or an error, so it fits the clue.
Has the rights to : OWNS
The answer to "Has the rights to" is "OWNS" because when someone owns something, they have the legal rights to it.
Hazardous winter weather : SLEET
The answer to "Hazardous winter weather" is "SLEET" because sleet refers to a form of precipitation that consists of small ice pellets. It is considered hazardous because it can create slippery conditions on roads and sidewalks, making it dangerous for travel.
Hot spot for relaxation : SPA
Identifies on Instagram, say : TAGS
The answer "TAGS" is the right solution because on Instagram, users can identify or label their posts with specific tags, which are keywords or phrases that help categorize and make their content searchable.
Japanese warriors who rose to power in the 12th century : SAMURAIS
The answer "SAMURAIS" fits the clue because they were Japanese warriors who indeed rose to power in the 12th century.
Lends a hand : AIDS
The word "helps" means to lend a hand or provide assistance. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "Lends a hand".
Letter between Juliett and Lima in the NATO alphabet : KILO
The answer is "KILO" because in the NATO alphabet, the letter "K" comes between "Juliett" and "Lima".
Long (for) : ACHE
The word "pine" can mean to yearn or long for something. Therefore, "Long (for)" is a clue that is hinting at the answer "PINE".
Lost traction : SLID
The answer "SLID" is the right solution because when something loses traction, it tends to slide or slip.
Make-up artist? : LIAR
The answer "LIAR" is a play on words. A make-up artist is someone who applies cosmetics to enhance or alter a person's appearance. Similarly, a "LIAR" is someone who alters or changes the truth. So, the clue is a clever way of hinting at someone who "makes up" stories or falsehoods.
Makes a long story short? : EDITS
The answer "EDITS" is the right solution because when you edit a story, you typically shorten it by removing unnecessary details or making it more concise. So, "Makes a long story short?" is a playful way of hinting at the action of editing.
Many a stage whisper : ASIDE
The answer to "Many a stage whisper" is "ASIDE" because an aside is a theatrical technique where a character speaks directly to the audience, revealing their thoughts or intentions while other characters on stage are unaware. It is often whispered or spoken softly to maintain secrecy.
Marathon, for one : RACE
The answer to "Marathon, for one" is "RACE" because a marathon is a type of race where participants run a long distance, usually 26.2 miles.
Maxim : OLD SAW
Mole … or a rat, maybe : SPY
The answer to "Mole ... or a rat, maybe" is "SPY" because a mole and a rat are both animals that can be used as metaphors for a secret informant or spy.
Mom on “Family Guy” : LOIS
The answer is "LOIS" because Lois is the name of the mom character on the TV show "Family Guy".
Mountains seen in the Swiss Miss logo : ALPS
The answer is "ALPS" because the Swiss Miss logo often features a depiction of mountains, and the Alps is a famous mountain range in Switzerland.
One not sitting up straight : SLOUCHER
The answer "SLOUCHER" is the right solution because a sloucher is someone who does not sit up straight.
Part of a dishwasher cycle : RINSE
The answer "RINSE" is the right solution for the clue "Part of a dishwasher cycle" because during a dishwasher cycle, there is usually a specific step where the dishes are rinsed with water to remove any remaining soap or detergent residue.
Pedal next to the brake : GAS
The answer "GAS" is the right solution because it refers to the pedal in a car that controls the acceleration, which is typically located next to the brake pedal.
Popular mixer for Scotch : SODA
The answer "SODA" is the right solution because it is a popular mixer that is commonly used with Scotch to enhance its flavor and dilute its strength.
Put on a pedestal : EXALT
The word "heroize" means to elevate or put someone on a pedestal, often for heroic qualities or actions. Therefore, it fits the clue "put on a pedestal."
Resting on : ATOP
The answer "ATOP" is the right solution because it means "resting on" or "on top of" something. It is a concise and common word used to describe the position of an object or person.
Second to none : FINEST
The phrase "second to none" means that something or someone is the best or superior to all others. The word "finest" also carries the same meaning of being of the highest quality or excellence. Therefore, "finest" is the right answer for the clue "Second to none."
Sneak attack : RAID
The answer "RAID" is the right solution because it refers to a surprise attack or assault, often carried out by a small group. It fits the clue "sneak attack" as it implies a sudden and unexpected strike.
Some online communications, for short : IMS
The answer to "Some online communications, for short" is "IMS" because IMS stands for "Instant Messaging Services," which are a common form of online communication.
Start to love? : ELL
The answer "ELL" is the right solution because it is the beginning or "start" of the word "love." Therefore, "ELL" is the correct answer for the clue "Start to love?"
Stately trees : ELMS Down 1 Poses a question
The word "stately" suggests that the answer is a type of tree that is tall and majestic. Elms are known for their height and grandeur, making them a fitting answer to this clue.
Stink : ODOR
The answer to "Stink" is "ODOR" because "ODOR" is a synonym for an unpleasant smell.
Sweetener found unspoiled in ancient Egyptian tombs : HONEY
The answer is "HONEY" because honey is a sweetener that has been found unspoiled in ancient Egyptian tombs.
Tiny canine pest : FLEA
The answer to "Tiny canine pest" is "FLEA" because fleas are small insects that commonly infest dogs and cause annoyance and discomfort.
Tool for nails : FILE
The answer to "Tool for nails" is "FILE" because a file is a tool used for shaping, smoothing, or removing material from nails.
Trail labeled with a black diamond or blue square, say : SKI SLOPE
The answer "SKI SLOPE" is the right solution because a trail labeled with a black diamond or blue square is typically found on a ski slope.
Transmitted by phone line : FAXED
The answer "FAXED" is the right solution because it refers to the act of sending documents or information electronically over a phone line using a fax machine.
Tree that bends in a hurricane : PALM
The answer to "Tree that bends in a hurricane" is "PALM" because palm trees are known for their flexibility and ability to withstand strong winds. They have a unique structure that allows them to bend without breaking, making them a suitable choice for hurricane-prone regions.
Try to take weight off : DIET
The answer to "Try to take weight off" is "DIET" because when someone is trying to lose weight, they often go on a diet to reduce their calorie intake and promote weight loss.
Van Gogh locale : ARLES
The answer to "Van Gogh locale" is "ARLES" because Arles is a city in France where Vincent van Gogh lived and created many of his famous paintings.
Warmest figures in weather forecasts : DAILY HIGHS
The answer "DAILY HIGHS" is the right solution because it refers to the warmest temperatures that are forecasted for each day.
Wearing a wig and sunglasses, say : IN DISGUISE
The answer "IN DISGUISE" fits the clue "Wearing a wig and sunglasses, say" because when someone is in disguise, they often wear items like wigs and sunglasses to alter their appearance and hide their true identity.
Web address, in brief : URL
The answer "URL" stands for "Uniform Resource Locator," which is a web address. It is commonly used in the digital world to identify the location of a webpage or resource on the internet.
What to do to a deal or an envelope : SEAL
The answer is "SEAL" because when you "seal" a deal or an envelope, you close it securely to keep its contents safe.
Where you might see the message “the meeting host will let you in soon” : ZOOM
The answer is "ZOOM" because it is a popular video conferencing platform where participants receive a message stating "the meeting host will let you in soon" before being admitted to the virtual meeting room.
Word etched on most Oscar statuettes : BEST
The word "BEST" is etched on most Oscar statuettes because it represents the highest achievement in a particular category, such as Best Picture or Best Actor. It signifies excellence and recognition of outstanding performance or achievement in the film industry.
Wrap up … or a phonetic description of 17-, 19-, 25-, 41- and 54- : FINALIZE or FINAL “-IZE”
The clue suggests that the answer is a phrase that can be phonetically described by the words "final" and "-ize." The answer "FINALIZE" fits this description, as it means to wrap up or complete something. Additionally, the word "finalize" contains the letters "-ize" at the end, further confirming its suitability for the clue.
Yahoo alternative : AOL
The answer "AOL" is the right solution because it is a well-known alternative to Yahoo, both being popular internet service providers in the past.
“I’ve ___!” (words of impatience) : HAD IT
The phrase "I've had it" is commonly used to express impatience or frustration, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
“Shucks!” : AW, DARN!
The answer "AW, DARN!" fits the clue "Shucks!" because it is a colloquial expression used to express disappointment or mild frustration.
“Star Wars” princess : LEIA
The answer is "LEIA" because Princess Leia is a well-known character from the "Star Wars" franchise.
“Survivor” immunity token : IDOL
The answer to "Survivor" immunity token is "IDOL" because in the TV show Survivor, contestants can find and use hidden immunity idols to protect themselves from being voted out at Tribal Council.