Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 2 October 2024, Wednesday (10-02-24). 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.
A public speaking coach might tell you to avoid these : UHS
Airhead : DODO
The term "airhead" can be used to describe someone who is silly or foolish. The dodo bird is often portrayed as a foolish or dim-witted creature in popular culture, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Airhead."
Anno ___ : DOMINI
The clue "Anno ___" is asking for the Latin phrase meaning "in the year of our Lord," which is commonly abbreviated as "A.D." The answer "DOMINI" is the Latin word for "of the Lord" and is often used in conjunction with "Anno" to indicate a specific year in the Christian calendar.
Aspiring Jedi from the planet Jakku : REY
Rey is the aspiring Jedi from the planet Jakku in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. She is the central character in the trilogy, making her the correct answer to this clue.
Best of the best : FINEST
The phrase "best of the best" refers to people or things that are the most exceptional or outstanding in their category. "ALLTIMEGREATS" is a term used to describe individuals who are considered the greatest in their field or category throughout history. Therefore, "ALLTIMEGREATS" is an appropriate answer for the clue "Best of the best."
Beverage brewed outdoors : SUN TEA
"SUN TEA" is the right solution because it is a beverage that is brewed using the heat of the sun, typically by steeping tea bags in water placed outdoors in direct sunlight.
Bonnie and Clyde, e.g. : BANK ROBBERS
The answer "BANK ROBBERS" fits the clue "Bonnie and Clyde, e.g." because Bonnie and Clyde were infamous criminals known for robbing banks during the Great Depression.
Brooklyn ballers : NETS
The Brooklyn Nets is a professional basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York. Therefore, "Brooklyn ballers" refers to the team, making "NETS" the correct answer.
Bucko : SPORT
The word "sport" is often used informally to address someone as "bucko" or "pal," making it a suitable answer for the clue "Bucko."
Chinese noodle dish : LO MEIN
The answer "LO MEIN" fits the clue "Chinese noodle dish" because lo mein is a popular Chinese dish made with wheat flour noodles that are usually stir-fried with vegetables and sometimes meat.
Close tightly : SEAL
The word "seal" can mean to close tightly to prevent air, water, or other substances from entering or escaping.
Comic actor Chris : REDD
"Redd" is the last name of the comic actor Chris Redd.
Complain (about) : CARP
"Complain (about)" is a clue for the word "CARP" because "carp" can mean to complain or find fault in a nagging or petty way.
Confidentiality contract, familiarly : NDA
"NDA" stands for Non-Disclosure Agreement, which is a confidentiality contract often used in business to protect sensitive information. The abbreviation "NDA" is commonly used to refer to these types of agreements informally.
Cupid, e.g. : REINDEER
Deal with, as a problem : TACKLE
"TACKLE" is the right answer because it means to deal with or handle a problem or situation directly and effectively, often with determination and effort.
Dollar, informally : CLAM
The answer "CLAM" is a slang term for a dollar. Just like how a clam can be a shell, in slang terms, a clam can also refer to a dollar.
Experiment subject : GUINEA PIG
"Guinea pig" is a common term for a person or animal used in an experiment, making it the right answer for "Experiment subject."
Feline lines : MEOWS
The word "MEOWS" is a sound that a feline, such as a cat, makes. The clue "Feline lines" is a playful way of hinting at the vocalization of a cat, making "MEOWS" the correct answer.
Ferndean ___, Mr. Rochester’s residence at the end of “Jane Eyre” : MANOR
The word "Manor" is the right solution because a manor is a large country house with lands and is often the residence of a wealthy person, which accurately describes Ferndean in "Jane Eyre."
Fivers : ABES
"Fivers" is a slang term for five-dollar bills in the US. "ABES" is a common nickname for the portrait of Abraham Lincoln, who appears on the US five-dollar bill. Therefore, "ABES" is a fitting answer for the clue "Fivers."
George Orwell’s alma mater : ETON
ETON is the right solution because George Orwell attended Eton College for his education.
Goes on foot, with “it” : HOOFS …
The answer "HOOFS" means to go on foot, with "it" referring to the person's feet.
Has no more : IS OUT
"Has no more" can be interpreted as "is out," meaning there is no more of something left.
ID created in 1936 : SSN
The Social Security Number (SSN) was created in 1936 as a way to track individual earnings and benefits.
Image-cultivating group, informally : PR TEAM
The answer "PR TEAM" fits because PR stands for Public Relations, which is a group that cultivates and manages the image of a person or organization.
Interprets, as a defense does a quarterback : READS
In football, a defense "reads" or analyzes the quarterback's movements and plays in order to anticipate and counteract them. This is why "READS" is the correct answer to the clue.
Iroquois nation : SENECA
The Iroquois nation consists of six tribes, one of which is the Seneca tribe. Therefore, the answer to "Iroquois nation" is "SENECA."
It might need to be recapped : PEN
The answer "PEN" fits the clue because a pen might need to be recapped to prevent the ink from drying out.
It often has “Card” and “Receipt” slots : ATM
The answer "ATM" fits because an ATM machine typically has slots for cards and receipts.
Jungle peeper : TREE FROG
The answer "TREE FROG" fits the clue "Jungle peeper" because tree frogs are known for living in trees and making loud calls, making them a common sight and sound in jungles.
Kind of acid that forms proteins : AMINO
The answer "AMINO" is the right solution because amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
LeShan who wrote “When Your Child Drives You Crazy” : EDA
Literary ___ : LION
unknown
Loan shark : USURER
The answer to "Loan shark" is "USURER" because a loan shark is a person who lends money at extremely high interest rates, which is a characteristic of an "USURER".
Member of a historically privileged U.S. group : WASP
The answer "WASP" stands for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, which historically refers to a privileged social group in the United States.
More on edge : TENSER Down 1 “Phooey!”
The answer "TENSER" fits the clue "More on edge" because it means feeling more nervous or anxious, which is a synonym for being on edge.
Narrow inlet : RIA
A RIA is a coastal inlet formed by the partial submergence of an unglaciated river valley. It is typically narrow and has steep sides, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Narrow inlet".
Natty dresser : DANDY
"DANDY" is a term for a person who is very concerned with their clothing and appearance, often in a stylish or flamboyant way. This fits the clue "Natty dresser" perfectly as it describes someone who dresses well and stylishly.
News anchor Burnett : ERIN
"Erin" is the right answer because Erin Burnett is a well-known news anchor, journalist, and television personality.
Niche : ALCOVE
The word "niche" refers to a small, specialized area or space. An "alcove" is a recessed area in a room or wall, which fits the definition of a niche. Therefore, "alcove" is the right solution for the crossword clue "niche".
Nickel-and-dimer? : NUMISMATIST
"Nickel-and-dimer" is a play on words referring to someone who deals with coins, which is a numismatist's area of expertise.
Nintendo video game series suggested by every answer running through this one? : ANIMAL CROSSING
The answer "ANIMAL CROSSING" is the right solution because the phrase "every answer running through this one" suggests that the answers to the intersecting clues form the words "ANIMAL" and "CROSSING" when combined.
Protector against stains : APRON
An apron is worn to protect clothing from stains while cooking or working with messy materials. Therefore, it fits the clue "Protector against stains."
Rare blood type, for short : B-NEG
The answer "B-NEG" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for the rare blood type B-negative, which is a specific blood type that lacks the B antigen but has the Rh factor.
Religious figure in red : CARDINAL
A "cardinal" is a high-ranking religious figure in the Catholic Church who wears red robes, making them the "religious figure in red."
Samurai sword : KATANA
The answer "KATANA" fits the clue "Samurai sword" because a katana is a type of Japanese sword traditionally used by samurai warriors.
Section of The New York Times : ARTS
"ARTS" is the right answer because it refers to the section in The New York Times that covers topics related to culture, entertainment, and the arts.
Shopper’s stop : MART
The term "mart" is commonly used to refer to a store or shop where goods are sold, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Shopper's stop."
Show advertiser : BARKER
The term "BARKER" is often used to refer to someone who promotes or advertises a show or event, especially by calling out to attract attention.
Small shoelace sheath : AGLET
An aglet is the small plastic or metal covering at the end of a shoelace that makes it easier to thread through the eyelets of a shoe.
Some foreigners who have yet to make contact, for short : ETS
The answer "ETS" stands for extraterrestrials, which are foreigners who have yet to make contact with humans.
Special ___ : OPS
OPS stands for On-base Plus Slugging, which is a baseball statistic used to evaluate a player's overall offensive performance. In this crossword clue, "Special ___" is referring to a specific baseball statistic, making OPS the correct answer.
Spiny plant : TEASEL
The answer "TEASEL" fits the clue "Spiny plant" because the teasel plant is known for its spiny flower heads and leaves.
State fossil of Indiana : MASTODON
The Mastodon is the state fossil of Indiana because numerous mastodon fossils have been found in the state, making it a significant part of Indiana's paleontological history.
Sudden loud noise : BAM!
The answer "BAM!" fits the clue "Sudden loud noise" because "BAM!" is an onomatopoeic word often used to represent a loud and sudden noise, like a bang or a crash.
Sum thing to do? : ADD
The clue is a play on words, suggesting that "sum" refers to a mathematical operation rather than a total. Therefore, the answer "ADD" fits the clue as it is a mathematical operation used to find the sum of numbers.
Tax-exempt campaign org. : PAC
The answer is "PAC" because PAC stands for Political Action Committee, which is a tax-exempt organization that can raise and spend money to elect or defeat political candidates.
Tennis star Monica : SELES
Monica Seles is a former professional tennis player who was a dominant force in the sport in the 1990s, winning multiple Grand Slam titles. Therefore, the answer "SELES" fits the clue "Tennis star Monica."
Thin, crimped fabric : CREPE
The answer "CREPE" fits because crepe is a thin, crimped fabric commonly used in clothing and textiles.
U.C. Irvine athlete : ANTEATER
The U.C. Irvine sports teams are known as the Anteaters, so "ANTEATER" is the correct answer for the clue "U.C. Irvine athlete."
Very, very : EVER SO
The answer to "Very, very" is "OH SO" because "OH SO" is a common phrase used to emphasize something, indicating a high degree or intensity. For example, "oh so beautiful" means extremely beautiful.
Wharton deg. : MBA
The abbreviation "MBA" stands for Master of Business Administration, which is a degree often pursued at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. So, "Wharton deg." is referring to the degree one might earn at Wharton, making "MBA" the correct answer.
Word with lawyer or balloon : TRIAL …
The word "trial" can be paired with both "lawyer" (trial lawyer) and "balloon" (trial balloon) to form common phrases or expressions.
Words from a volunteer : I CAN
"I CAN" is the right answer because it reflects a positive and willing attitude typically associated with volunteers, who are known for their readiness to help and contribute.
World’s largest venomous snake : KING COBRA
The King Cobra is the world's largest venomous snake, making it the right answer to the clue. It can grow up to 18 feet in length and delivers a potent neurotoxic venom when it bites.
Worm found in every ecosystem on Earth, even the deepest oceans : NEMATODE
Nematodes are a type of worm that are found in all ecosystems on Earth, including the deepest oceans, making them the correct answer to the clue.
___-Aid : KOOL
The answer "KOOL" fits the clue "___-Aid" because it completes the phrase "KOOL-Aid," which is a popular brand of flavored drink mix.
“Ah, OK” : I SEE
"I SEE" is a common expression used to indicate understanding or acknowledgment. In this context, it fits perfectly as a response to "Ah, OK", showing that the person comprehends or accepts the information.
“Dr.” from Compton : DRE
The abbreviation "Dr." refers to a doctor, and in this case, "from Compton" indicates the famous rapper and producer Dr. Dre, whose stage name is often shortened to "Dre."
“So, is that ___?” : A NO
The phrase "So, is that a no?" is a common way of asking if the answer is negative, hence the answer "A NO" fits the clue.
“Très ___!” : BIEN
The phrase "Très ___!" is French for "Very ___!" and the word that fits in the blank is "bien," which means "good" or "well" in French.