Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 9 October 2023, Monday (10-09-23). 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.
Add criticism to criticism : PILE ON
The phrase "pile on" means to add more criticism or negative comments to an already critical situation. So, when you "add criticism to criticism," the appropriate answer is "PILE ON."
Agave-based liquor : MEZCAL
The answer to "Agave-based liquor" is "MEZCAL" because mezcal is a type of alcohol made from the agave plant.
Aleve alternative : ANACIN
Arm bone beside the radius : ULNA
The answer is "ULNA" because the ulna is one of the two bones in the forearm, located beside the radius.
Baseball hits that barely clear the infield : BLOOPS
The term "bloops" is commonly used in baseball to describe hits that are hit softly and barely clear the infield. These hits typically drop in shallow outfield areas, making them difficult for fielders to catch. Therefore, "bloops" is the right solution for the clue.
Bobcat, by another name : LYNX
The answer to "Bobcat, by another name" is "LYNX" because a lynx is another type of wild cat, similar to a bobcat.
Bus stations : DEPOTS
The answer to "Bus stations" is "DEPOTS" because depots are commonly used to refer to locations where buses are parked, maintained, and loaded with passengers.
Clairvoyant’s gift, for short : ESP
The answer to "Clairvoyant's gift, for short" is "ESP" because ESP stands for Extra Sensory Perception, which is often associated with the ability to perceive things beyond the ordinary senses.
Coconut tree : PALM
The answer to "Coconut tree" is "PALM" because palm trees are commonly associated with coconuts.
Contemptuous sort, in modern parlance : HATER
The answer "HATER" fits the clue because it refers to someone who expresses contempt or strong dislike towards something or someone.
Cousins and such : KIN
The answer "KIN" is the right solution because "Cousins and such" refers to family members who are related by blood or marriage, which are all considered "kin".
Daddy’s daddy : GRAMPA
The answer "GRAMPA" is the right solution because "Daddy's daddy" is a colloquial term for one's grandfather, and "GRAMPA" is a common abbreviation for grandfather.
Dirty buildup : GRIME
The answer to "Dirty buildup" is "GRIME" because grime refers to a layer of dirt or filth that accumulates over time.
Disco queen Summer : DONNA
The answer "DONNA" is the right solution because Donna Summer was a famous disco queen.
Document displayed in a professional’s office : DIPLOMA
The answer "DIPLOMA" is the right solution because it is a document that is commonly displayed in a professional's office, serving as proof of their educational achievements.
Doing a crossword every morning, for many : RITUAL
The answer "RITUAL" is the right solution because it describes a regular and repeated activity, such as doing a crossword every morning. It fits the clue's description of doing something daily and in a consistent manner.
Exchange vows at the altar : WED
The answer "WED" is the right solution because it is a common verb that means to exchange vows at the altar during a wedding ceremony.
Explosive inits. : TNT
The answer to "Explosive inits." is "TNT" because "TNT" stands for trinitrotoluene, which is a highly explosive compound commonly used in explosives.
Firefly or ladybug : BEETLE
The answer is "BEETLE" because both fireflies and ladybugs belong to the beetle family.
Followed, with “by” : ABIDED …
The answer "ABIDED" fits the clue because it means "followed" or "adhered to", which matches the meaning of the clue "Followed, with 'by'".
Food truck treat in a hard or soft shell : TACO
The answer is "TACO" because a taco is a popular food truck treat that can be served in either a hard or soft shell.
Get together to relax and socialize : HANG OUT
The answer "HANG OUT" is the right solution because it accurately describes the act of getting together with others in a casual and relaxed manner, typically for socializing and spending time together.
Give in under pressure : CAVE
The answer "CAVE" is the right solution because it means to surrender or yield, which is what someone might do when they give in under pressure.
Give up : CEDE
"Give up" is a phrasal verb that means to quit or stop doing something. "Quit" is a synonym of "give up," making it the correct answer.
Hand bone : METACARPAL
The hand bone referred to in the clue is a specific bone called the "metacarpal." It is located between the wrist and the fingers, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Hint : CLUE
The answer to "Hint" is "CLUE" because a clue is a piece of information that helps solve a puzzle or mystery, and in the context of a crossword, it serves as a hint to find the correct word.
Hosp. hookups : IVS
The answer "IVS" is the right solution because in a hospital setting, "IVS" refers to intravenous lines, which are hookups used to administer fluids, medications, or treatments directly into a patient's veins.
In the style of : A LA
"ALA" is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase "a la" which means "in the style of". Therefore, "ALA" is the right solution for the crossword clue "In the style of".
Interferes (with) : TAMPERS
The word "tampers" fits the clue "interferes (with)" because it means to meddle or interfere with something, often with the intention of causing harm or disruption.
iOS downloads : APPS
The answer to "iOS downloads" is "APPS" because "APPS" is a commonly used abbreviation for applications, which are software programs that can be downloaded and used on iOS devices.
Jazz singer Fitzgerald : ELLA
The answer to "Jazz singer Fitzgerald" is "ELLA" because Ella Fitzgerald was a famous jazz singer known for her incredible vocal range and scat singing style.
Kitchen gadget : APPLE PEELER
The answer "APPLE PEELER" is the right solution because it is a kitchen gadget specifically designed for peeling apples. It is a device that easily removes the skin from apples, making it a useful tool in the kitchen.
Large country house in ancient Rome : VILLA
The answer to "Large country house in ancient Rome" is "VILLA" because a villa was a common type of luxurious country house in ancient Rome.
Letters before an alias : AKA
The abbreviation "AKA" stands for "also known as," which is commonly used to refer to an alias or alternative name. Therefore, "Letters before an alias" refers to the letters A, K, and A.
Lifestyle that eschews clothing : NUDISM
The answer "NUDISM" is the right solution because it refers to a lifestyle that rejects or avoids wearing clothing.
Lucy of 2000’s “Charlie’s Angels” : LIU
The answer "LIU" is the right solution because Lucy Liu is the actress who played one of the angels in the 2000's film "Charlie's Angels."
Make noise like leaves in the wind : RUSTLE
The word "rustle" is the right solution because it accurately describes the sound that leaves make when they move in the wind.
Mama sheep : EWE
The answer to "Mama sheep" is "EWE" because "EWE" is a female sheep, and "Mama" refers to the mother of a sheep.
Many a new venture in Silicon Valley … or a hint to 17-, 26-, 37- and 52- : TECH STARTUP
The answer "TECH STARTUP" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Many a new venture in Silicon Valley." A tech startup refers to a newly established company in the technology industry, which aligns with the context of Silicon Valley known for its tech innovation. The answer also serves as a hint for the words that follow, which likely relate to different aspects of starting a tech company.
Minor snafu : MISHAP
The answer "MISHAP" fits the clue "Minor snafu" because it refers to a small mistake or accident.
Moviemaking locale : SET
The answer "SET" is the right solution because it refers to the location where movies are filmed. It is a common term in the film industry, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Moviemaking locale."
NBC skit show since 1975, in brief : SNL
The answer is "SNL" because it stands for "Saturday Night Live," which is a popular skit show that has been airing on NBC since 1975.
Nevertheless : EVEN SO
The phrase "nevertheless" means "in spite of that" or "however". "And yet" is a synonym of "nevertheless" and can be used in the same context. Therefore, "ANDYET" is the right solution for the crossword clue ""Nevertheless ..."".
Nietzsche’s superior man of the future : UBERMENSCH
The answer "UBERMENSCH" is the right solution because Nietzsche coined this term to describe his concept of the superior man of the future.
Outer edge : RIM
The outer edge refers to the outermost part or boundary of something, and "rim" is a word that specifically means the outer edge of a circular object like a wheel or a cup. Therefore, "rim" is the right solution for the clue "outer edge."
Overnight option during a car trip : MOTEL
The answer "MOTEL" is the right solution because it is a common overnight option during a car trip. Motels are often found along highways and offer convenient accommodations for travelers.
Oyster’s gem : PEARL
The answer to "Oyster's gem" is "PEARL" because pearls are often found inside oysters.
Pea container : POD
The answer "POD" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe the outer covering or casing of peas. It is a concise and fitting answer for the clue "Pea container."
Pennsylvania port : ERIE
The answer to "Pennsylvania port" is "ERIE" because Erie is a city in Pennsylvania that is located on the shores of Lake Erie.
Per ___ (yearly) : ANNUM
The answer to "Per ___ (yearly)" is "ANNUM" because "annum" is a Latin word meaning "year." It is commonly used in English to indicate something that happens or is calculated on a yearly basis.
Pizazz : ELAN
The word "elan" means enthusiasm or style, which is synonymous with "pizazz". Therefore, "elan" is the right solution for the crossword clue "pizazz".
Place for a cool dip : POOL
The answer "POOL" is the right solution because a pool is a common place where people go for a cool dip or swim.
Put to work : USE
The word "use" means to put something to work or utilize it for a specific purpose. Therefore, "use" is the right answer for the clue "Put to work."
Puts in office : ELECTS
The answer "ELECTS" fits the clue "Puts in office" because it means to choose or vote for someone to hold a position or office.
Related to a pelvic bone : ILIAC
The word "iliac" is the adjective form of the noun "ilium," which is one of the bones in the pelvis. Therefore, "iliac" is the correct answer as it directly relates to or is associated with a pelvic bone.
Sense of wonder : AWE
The word "awe" refers to a feeling of amazement or admiration, which can be closely associated with a sense of wonder. Therefore, "awe" is the right solution for the clue "Sense of wonder."
Slightly crooked : ASKEW
The word "ASKEW" means slightly crooked or not in a straight line. It fits the clue perfectly because it describes something that is not completely straight, but just a little bit off.
Sports results : SCORES
The answer "SCORES" fits the clue "Sports results" because it refers to the numerical outcome or points achieved in a sporting event.
Swedish furniture giant : IKEA
The answer to "Swedish furniture giant" is "IKEA" because IKEA is a well-known Swedish company that specializes in furniture and home goods.
Swiss or Italian peak : ALP
The answer to "Swiss or Italian peak" is "ALP" because the Alps mountain range stretches across Switzerland and Italy. The word "ALP" is a common abbreviation for this range, making it the correct answer.
They work with R.N.s in I.C.U.s : MDS
The answer "MDS" stands for Medical Doctors. They work with Registered Nurses (R.N.s) in Intensive Care Units (I.C.U.s) to provide medical care and treatment to patients.
Took a load off : RESTED Down 1 Transcript fig.
The phrase "took a load off" is an idiom that means to relax or rest. "SAT" is the past tense of the verb "sit", which is a synonym for relax or rest.
Tool for fall cleanup : RAKE
The answer to "Tool for fall cleanup" is "RAKE" because a rake is commonly used during the fall season to gather and remove leaves and debris from the ground.
Touch, as on the shoulder : TAP
The answer "TAP" is the right solution because it is a verb that means to touch someone lightly, typically with your fingers or hand, as you would do when touching someone on the shoulder.
Vast South American watershed : AMAZON BASIN
The answer is "AMAZON BASIN" because it refers to the large area in South America drained by the Amazon River. It is known for its vast size and abundant biodiversity.
Vote of approval : YEA
The answer "YEA" is the right solution because it is a term used in voting to indicate a positive or affirmative vote.
Wedding affirmation : I DO
The answer "I DO" is the right solution to the clue "Wedding affirmation" because it is the traditional response given by a person when asked if they agree to marry their partner during a wedding ceremony.
Wizard’s curse : HEX
The word "HEX" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe a wizard's curse.
Zilch : NADA
"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.
___ board (need for a manicurist) : EMERY
The answer to "___ board (need for a manicurist)" is "EMERY" because an emery board is a tool used by manicurists for filing and shaping nails.
___ of Man : ISLE
The answer to "___ of Man" is "ISLE" because "Isle of Man" is a specific location, and "isle" is a synonym for "island."
“Delicious!” : YUM!
The answer "YUM!" is the right solution because it is an exclamation often used to express delight or pleasure when something is delicious.
“Facts ___ facts” : ARE
The phrase "Facts ___ facts" is a common expression that means the truth remains the same regardless of personal beliefs or opinions. In this case, the word that fits the blank is "ARE" because it agrees with the subject "facts" in terms of number.