Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 9 October 2024, Wednesday (10-09-24). 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.
Arm of the Mediterranean : AEGEAN
The Aegean Sea is an arm of the Mediterranean Sea, located between Greece and Turkey.
Big name in tourism guides : FODOR’S
"Fodor's" is a well-known brand that produces popular travel guidebooks, making it a big name in the tourism industry.
Bird with a showy mate : PEAHEN
The peahen is a bird known for having a showy mate, the peacock, which displays its colorful feathers to attract the peahen. So, "Bird with a showy mate" is a clue that fits the answer "PEAHEN."
Buy and then quickly sell : FLIP
The term "flip" is commonly used in the context of buying something, like a house or a car, and then quickly selling it for a profit. In this case, "flip" fits perfectly with the clue as it describes the action of buying and then quickly selling something.
Certify : ATTEST
The word "ATTEST" means to certify or confirm the accuracy or truth of something, making it the correct answer for the clue "Certify."
Character with a 37- on his forehead : HARRY POTTER
In the Harry Potter series, the character Harry Potter has a lightning bolt scar on his forehead, which is described as being shaped like the number 37. This is why "HARRY POTTER" is the correct answer to the clue "Character with a 37- on his forehead."
Coat, as with flour : DREDGE
"DREDGE" is the right answer because in cooking, to coat something with flour before cooking is often referred to as dredging.
Common clown name : BOBO
"BOBO" is a common name associated with clowns in popular culture, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Common clown name."
Concern when transferring a title deed : LIEN
A lien is a legal right or interest that a creditor has in a debtor's property, typically as security for a debt. When transferring a title deed, a lien on the property would be a concern because it could affect the transfer of ownership.
Counterpart of flow : EBB
The counterpart of flow is ebb because ebb refers to the movement of the tide out to sea, which is the opposite of flow, where the tide moves in towards the land.
Dead end? : DEE Down 1 Friend on “Friends”
The answer "DEE" is the right solution because "dead end" refers to the letter "D" at the end of the word "dead." In the phonetic alphabet, "D" is represented as "DEE."
Deli order : SUB
The answer "SUB" is short for submarine sandwich, commonly ordered at delis.
Don’t have a choice : NEED TO
Drink aptly found within “social event” : ALE
The word "ALE" is aptly found within the phrase "social event." It is a type of drink, and it is directly within the words "social event," making it the correct answer.
Drink with a 37- in its logo : GATORADE
The answer is "GATORADE" because Gatorade is a popular sports drink that has the number 37 in its logo, which refers to the 37-year history of the brand.
Dwarf planet with the largest mass : ERIS
Eris is the dwarf planet with the largest mass among all known dwarf planets in our solar system, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Episode interruptions : ADS
"ADS" is the right solution because interruptions during episodes often come in the form of advertisements, which are commonly referred to as "ads" in short.
Fanatic : NUT
"NUT" is a slang term for a fanatic or enthusiast. In this context, it refers to someone who is extremely enthusiastic or obsessed with a particular subject or activity.
Far from friendly : COLD
"COLD" is the right solution for "Far from friendly" because it is a common expression to describe someone who is unfriendly or distant in their behavior.
Fedora fabric : FELT
Felt is a type of fabric commonly used in making fedoras due to its durability and ability to hold its shape well when molded.
French toast ingredient : EGG
The answer "EGG" is the right solution because eggs are a key ingredient used in making French toast to create a custard-like mixture for soaking the bread before cooking.
Game whose name is shouted : UNO
The game UNO is often associated with players shouting "UNO" when they are down to one card, hence the clue "Game whose name is shouted" fits UNO perfectly.
Grammy category : POP
"POP" is the right solution because it is a common category at the Grammy Awards that recognizes popular music.
Greek consonant : RHO
"RHO" is the Greek letter that corresponds to the English letter "R." In the Greek alphabet, it is a consonant, hence the clue "Greek consonant" leads to the answer "RHO."
Haughty sort : SNOB
The term "snob" is commonly used to describe someone who is haughty or arrogant, looking down on others perceived as inferior.
High-end German car, casually : BEEMER
"Beemer" is a casual term often used to refer to high-end German cars, particularly BMW cars. It is a slang term that has become popular among car enthusiasts and is widely recognized as a nickname for BMW vehicles.
Ixnay : VOTE AGAINST
"VOTE AGAINST" is the right solution for "Ixnay" because "Ixnay" is a pig Latin term for "nix" or "no," and to vote against something is to say no to it.
Jackson 5 song that begins “You went to school to learn, girl” : ABC
The clue mentions a specific Jackson 5 song that starts with the lyrics "You went to school to learn, girl," which matches the song "ABC" by the Jackson 5.
Kitchen cover-up : APRON
An apron is a garment worn to cover and protect clothing while cooking or working in the kitchen. Therefore, "Kitchen cover-up" is a clever clue hinting at the answer "APRON."
Letter that’s sixth in the Greek alphabet, not last : ZETA
"Zeta" is the sixth letter in the Greek alphabet and is not the last letter. The clue is asking for a letter that fits both of these criteria, making "Zeta" the correct answer.
Lick … or slick : WET
The word "wet" can be used to describe something that is either licked or slick, as it can be moist and slippery.
Like Igor’s posture : HUNCHED
The answer "HUNCHED" fits the clue "Like Igor's posture" because it describes a posture that is stooped or bent forward, which is often associated with the character Igor from classic horror movies.
Madagascar mammal : LEMUR
The answer "LEMUR" fits because lemurs are a type of mammal native to Madagascar.
Molecule involved in protein synthesis : RNA
RNA is a molecule that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by carrying genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are made. This makes RNA the correct answer to the clue "Molecule involved in protein synthesis."
Muslim denomination : SHIA
The answer "SHIA" refers to one of the two main branches of Islam, the other being Sunni. Shia Muslims make up a significant portion of the Muslim population worldwide, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Muslim denomination."
N.F.L. team whose helmet features a 37- : CHARGERS
The San Diego Chargers, now the Los Angeles Chargers, have a lightning bolt logo on their helmet, which is often associated with the number 37 due to the team's founding in 1960.
Naval engineer : SEABEE
"SEABEE" is the right solution because it is a common term used to refer to a member of the United States Naval Construction Battalions, who are responsible for building and repairing military installations.
Neon sign word : OPEN
The word "OPEN" is often found on neon signs to indicate that a business is currently open and welcoming customers. It is a common and recognizable use of neon signage.
Pale wood : ASH
The answer "ASH" is the right solution because ash is a type of wood known for its pale color and straight grain.
Photography option commonly represented by a 37- : CAMERA FLASH
The answer "CAMERA FLASH" fits the clue because it is a photography option often represented by a 37-letter abbreviation, which is "cam."
Poetic praise : ODE
"ODE" is the right solution because an ode is a type of poem that is a lyrical expression of admiration or praise.
Port, for one : WINE
"WINE" is the right solution because "Port" is a type of fortified wine.
Portentous signs : OMENS
"Portentous signs" is a clue indicating that the answer should be a word for signs that indicate something significant or ominous. "Omens" fits this definition as it refers to events or things believed to foretell a future event, making it the correct solution.
Pot brownie, e.g. : EDIBLE
The answer "EDIBLE" fits because a pot brownie is a type of food that is meant to be eaten, making it an edible item.
Princess of Nintendo games : ZELDA
Zelda is the name of the princess in the popular Nintendo game series "The Legend of Zelda," making it the correct answer to the clue "Princess of Nintendo games."
Queen Victoria has one named for her : ERA
Queen Victoria's reign is known as the Victorian Era, so the answer "ERA" is referring to the period of time associated with Queen Victoria.
Ready to be drawn, perhaps : ON TAP
The phrase "on tap" is commonly used to describe something that is ready to be drawn or served, especially in reference to beverages like beer.
Relish : LAP UP
The word "gusto" means great enjoyment or enthusiasm, which can be synonymous with "relishing" something. Therefore, "gusto" is an appropriate answer for the clue "relish."
Self-assurance : APLOMB
The word "aplomb" means self-assurance or confidence in a difficult situation, making it the right answer to the clue.
Shield : PROTECT
The word "shield" is a synonym for "protect," as a shield is used to protect from harm or danger.
Soldier for hire, in brief : MERC
"MERC" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "mercenary," which is a soldier for hire.
Squadron, e.g. : UNIT
"Unit" is the right solution because a squadron is a military unit, often consisting of aircraft or ships.
Surfer dude : BRAH
The term "brah" is slang often used by surfer dudes to address each other, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Surfer dude."
Sweetie : HON
"HON" is a term of endearment that is short for "honey", which is often used to refer to a loved one or a sweetheart. In crossword clues, "Sweetie" is a common indicator that the answer is a term of endearment, and "HON" is a popular crossword answer for this type of clue.
Tangle : ENMESH
The word "enmesh" means to become entangled or caught in something, which is another way of saying to tangle. Therefore, "ENMESH" is the right solution for the clue "Tangle."
The Horned Frogs of the N.C.A.A. : TCU
The Horned Frogs of the N.C.A.A. refers to the sports teams of Texas Christian University (TCU), whose mascot is the Horned Frog.
This is a deep cut : GASH
The word "gash" is often used to describe a deep and long cut on the skin, making it a fitting answer for the clue "This is a deep cut."
Tikka masala go-with : NAAN
The clue "Tikka masala go-with" is asking for a common side dish that is often served with Tikka Masala, a popular Indian dish. Naan is a type of Indian bread that pairs perfectly with Tikka Masala, making it the right answer.
Took the lead : PULLED AHEAD
The answer "ERASED" fits the clue "Took the lead?" because when you erase something, you are removing the lead (writing) from a surface.
Was part of a series, say : ACTED
This clue is a play on words. "Was part of a series" can refer to being part of a TV series or a sequence of events. In this case, "ACTED" can mean being part of a series of performances in acting.
What might be out for a spell? : WAND
The answer "WAND" fits the clue "What might be out for a spell?" because a wand is a tool often associated with casting spells in magic.
What’s formed by connecting this puzzle’s circled letters from A to F and then back to A : LIGHTNING BOLT
The circled letters from A to F and back to A spell out "LIGHTNING BOLT" in a zigzag pattern, forming the shape of a lightning bolt.
[Gasp!] : [OH NO!]
“Catch my drift?” : GET ME?
"Catch my drift?" is a phrase that means "do you understand what I'm saying?" or "do you see what I mean?" Therefore, the answer "SEE" fits the clue.
“Doctor ___” : WHO
The phrase "Doctor ___" is commonly associated with the British science-fiction television series "Doctor Who" in which the main character is a time-traveling alien known only as "the Doctor". Therefore, the answer to this crossword clue is "WHO".
“Fair point!” : TOUCHE!
The answer "TRUE" is the right solution because when someone says "fair point," they are acknowledging that what was said is correct or valid. "True" is a common response to indicate agreement or acknowledgement.
“I’m on vacation” email inits. : OOO
The answer "OOO" stands for "Out of Office," which is commonly used in email subject lines to indicate that the sender is on vacation and will not be available to respond to emails.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” airer : MTV
“___ So Fine” (1963 #1 hit) : HE’S
The song title "He's So Fine" has the word "He's" in it, making "HE’S" the right solution.
“___ the Voice of the Lobster” (Lewis Carroll poem) : ‘TIS
The answer "‘TIS" fits the clue because it is a common contraction for "it is" and appears in the title of the Lewis Carroll poem "‘Tis the Voice of the Lobster."