Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 12 October 2023, Thursday (10-12-23). Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
We're not affiliated with New York Times in any way.
Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
15th-century headgear for a knight : ARMET
The answer "ARMET" is the right solution because an armet is a type of headgear that was commonly worn by knights in the 15th century. It provided protection for the head and neck during battle.
1974 John Wayne movie : MCQ
The answer to "1974 John Wayne movie" is "MCQ" because it is the title of a movie released in 1974 starring John Wayne.
27- or 55-Down backward : SSA
The answer "SSA" is the right solution because when you read "SSA" backward, it becomes "ASS," which is another term for "27- or 55-Down."
Angle symbol, in trigonometry : THETA
The answer to "Angle symbol, in trigonometry" is "THETA" because THETA is a commonly used symbol to represent an angle in trigonometry.
Answer to the riddle “I have one bow but no arrows. What am I?” : A SHIP
The answer "A SHIP" is the right solution because a ship has a bow (the front part of the ship) but it does not have arrows.
Baby eels : ELVERS
The answer to "Baby eels" is "ELVERS" because elvers are young eels that have not yet reached maturity.
Begat : SIRED
The word "begat" is a synonym for "fathered" or "produced offspring". "Sired" is a word that means exactly the same thing, making it the correct answer.
Brief British P.M. ___ Truss : LIZ
The answer to "Brief British P.M. ___ Truss" is "LIZ" because "LIZ" is a common nickname for the British Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss.
Campus in Troy, N.Y. : RPI
The campus in Troy, N.Y. refers to the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Candy dispensed with a “nod” of the head : PEZ
The answer "PEZ" is the right solution because PEZ is a type of candy that is dispensed by tilting the head of a PEZ dispenser.
Captcha test affirmation : I’M NOT A ROBOT
The answer "I'M NOT A ROBOT" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used in Captcha tests to confirm that the user is a human and not an automated computer program.
China and environs : EAST ASIA Down 1 Put (down)
The answer to "China and environs" is "EAST ASIA" because East Asia refers to the region that includes China and its surrounding countries.
Choose : OPT FOR
"Choose" is a verb that means to select from a number of options. "Opt" is a verb that means to choose or decide on a particular course of action from a range of possibilities. Therefore, "Opt" is the right answer to the crossword clue "Choose".
Common aloe descriptor : SOOTHING
The word "soothing" is the right solution because aloe is commonly known for its soothing properties, especially when applied topically to the skin.
Convertible : RAG TOP
The answer "RAG TOP" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe a convertible car with a soft fabric roof.
Covert missions … or what’s covert in eight of this puzzle’s answers : BLACK OPS
The answer "BLACK OPS" fits the clue because it refers to covert missions, which are secret operations carried out by government agencies or military forces. The phrase "what's covert in eight of this puzzle's answers" suggests that the word "BLACK" is hidden within eight other answers in the crossword.
Doc to consult when confused : FAQ
The answer to "Doc to consult when confused" is "FAQ" because FAQ stands for "Frequently Asked Questions," which is a helpful resource commonly used to find answers to common queries or confusion.
Document that may contain a microchip number and a veterinarian’s signature : PET PASSPORT
The answer "PET PASSPORT" is the right solution because it fits the clue perfectly. A pet passport is a document that contains important information about a pet, including a microchip number for identification and a veterinarian's signature to certify the pet's health.
Donna ___, “The Goldfinch” author : TARTT
The answer is "TARTT" because Donna Tartt is the author of the novel "The Goldfinch".
Dosed oneself : POPPED A PILL
The phrase "popped a pill" is a common expression that means taking medication orally. In the context of the clue "dosed oneself," it fits perfectly as the answer.
Floored : WOWED
The answer to "Floored" is "WOWED" because when someone is "floored," they are amazed or astounded. "WOWED" is a synonym for being amazed, making it the correct answer.
Gaston who wrote “The Phantom of the Opera” : LEROUX
The answer is "LEROUX" because Gaston Leroux is the author who wrote "The Phantom of the Opera".
Gentlemen of Verona, in England : SIGNORS
The answer "SIGNORS" is the right solution because "Gentlemen of Verona" refers to the male characters in Shakespeare's play "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." In England, the term "SIGNORS" is used to refer to Italian gentlemen, which matches the clue.
Good field for a smooth talker : SALES
The answer "SALES" is the right solution because a smooth talker would excel in a field where they can persuade and convince others, such as in sales. They would use their persuasive skills to sell products or services effectively.
Grade just above average : C-PLUS
The answer "C-PLUS" is the right solution because it represents a grade that is slightly better than average. In most grading systems, a "C" represents an average grade, and adding a "+" indicates a slight improvement. Therefore, "C-PLUS" fits the clue "Grade just above average."
Groans equivalent to eye rolls : OYS
The word "OYS" is a play on the sound of groaning or expressing frustration. It is a humorous representation of the sound people make when they roll their eyes in exasperation.
H.S. course taken for College-Kredit : AP GERMAN
The answer "AP GERMAN" is the right solution because "H.S. course taken for College-Kredit" refers to a high school course that can earn college credit, and "AP" stands for Advanced Placement, which is a program that offers college-level courses in high school. Therefore, "AP GERMAN" fits the clue.
Interstice : GAP
The answer to "Interstice" is "GAP" because a gap refers to a small space or opening between two things. It fits the definition of an interstice, making it the correct solution.
It might be a lot : TRACT
The answer to "It might be a lot" is "TRACT" because a tract can refer to a large piece of land or an area of land. It fits the clue as it suggests a large quantity or size.
Key part of a cephalopod’s defense mechanism : INK SAC
The answer "INK SAC" is the right solution because cephalopods, like squids and octopuses, have the ability to release ink as a defense mechanism. The ink sac is the key part of their body where the ink is stored and then expelled to confuse or distract predators.
Lamar who played for the 59- : ODOM
The clue mentions a person named Lamar who played for the "59-". The answer "ODOM" fits because Lamar Odom is a former professional basketball player who wore the number 7 jersey for the Los Angeles Lakers, which is associated with the "59-" clue.
Language in which the first five numbers are nung, song, sam, si, ha : LAO
The answer is "LAO" because it is the language in which the first five numbers are "nung, song, sam, si, ha".
Like the cleanup crew at closing time, typically : LAST TO LEAVE
The phrase "last to leave" is commonly used to describe the cleanup crew at closing time, as they are the ones who stay behind to finish up and ensure everything is in order. Therefore, "LAST TO LEAVE" is the right answer for this clue.
Low in the pasture : MOO
The answer "MOO" is the right solution because it represents the sound that cows make, and cows are often found low in the pasture.
Mobile home : Abbr.
The answer to "Mobile home" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, which is a shortened form of a word or phrase. In this case, it suggests that the answer is an abbreviated term for a mobile home.
Morning glory goddess : EOS
The answer to "Morning glory goddess" is "EOS" because in Greek mythology, Eos was the goddess of the dawn. She was often associated with the beauty and radiance of the morning sky.
MX-5 roadsters, e.g. : MIATAS
The answer "MIATAS" is the right solution because MX-5 is a model of roadster made by Mazda, and "MIATAS" is the commonly used term to refer to these specific roadsters.
N.B.A. team with a 1980s “Showtime” era : LA LAKERS
The LA Lakers were known for their exciting and fast-paced playing style during the 1980s, which earned them the nickname "Showtime."
Navigates a slippery slope, in a way : SLEDS
The answer "SLEDS" is the right solution because when you navigate a slippery slope, using a sled is a common way to do it.
New York county that’s home to Binghamton : BROOME
The answer is "BROOME" because it is the county in New York where the city of Binghamton is located.
One favoring imitation over innovation : ME-TOOER
The answer "ME-TOOER" is the right solution because it refers to someone who favors imitation over innovation. They tend to copy or imitate others rather than coming up with original ideas.
Ones doing some heavy lifting before retirement? : JACKS
The word "JACKS" can refer to both the name of a common tool used for lifting heavy objects and the term "jacks" used in the game of jacks, where players lift and catch small metal or plastic objects. In the context of the clue, "ones doing some heavy lifting before retirement," "JACKS" is a clever play on words, suggesting that the answer refers to people named Jack who are engaged in physically demanding work before they retire.
Panama’s Gulf of San ___ : BLAS
The answer to "Panama’s Gulf of San ___" is "BLAS" because Gulf of San Blas is a well-known gulf located in Panama.
Pans that sound like strolls : WOKS
The answer to "Pans that sound like strolls" is "WOKS" because "WOKS" sounds like "walks," which is another word for strolls.
Pre-euro currency of Finland : MARKKA
The pre-euro currency of Finland was known as the "MARKKA." It was in circulation until Finland adopted the euro as its official currency.
Restaurant chain named after its founders, the Raffel brothers : ARBY’S
The answer is "ARBY'S" because it is a well-known restaurant chain that was named after its founders, the Raffel brothers.
Retail apparel giant : J.CREW
The answer to "Retail apparel giant" is "J.CREW" because J.CREW is a well-known and popular clothing retailer with a significant presence in the industry.
Run (to) : AMOUNT
The answer "AMOUNT" is the right solution because "Run (to)" is a clue that indicates we need to find a synonym for "run" that can be followed by the word "to." "AMOUNT" fits this criteria as it can be used in phrases like "amount to" or "amounting to."
Scholar’s mug collection? : YEARBOOK
The answer "YEARBOOK" is the right solution because a "scholar's mug collection" refers to a collection of photographs and information about students in a particular academic year, which is commonly found in a yearbook.
Signs of past healing : SCARS
The answer "SCARS" fits the clue "Signs of past healing" because scars are visible marks left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed.
Sorority chaperone : HOUSEMOTHER
The answer "HOUSEMOTHER" is the right solution because a sorority chaperone is typically an older woman who oversees the activities and behavior of the sorority members, similar to a mother figure.
Spinning speed : Abbr.
The answer to "Spinning speed" is "RPM" which stands for "Revolutions Per Minute." It is the unit of measurement commonly used to describe the speed at which something rotates or spins.
Spurred : FOMENTED
The word "spurred" suggests an action that encourages or incites something. "Fomented" means to promote or instigate, making it a fitting answer that aligns with the clue.
Sugar apple, by another name : SWEETSOP
The answer to "Sugar apple, by another name" is "SWEETSOP" because "SWEETSOP" is another name for the fruit known as sugar apple.
Tennis champion Swiatek : IGA
The answer to "Tennis champion Swiatek" is "IGA" because Iga Swiatek is a Polish tennis player who won the 2020 French Open, making her a well-known tennis champion.
Unrestricted audition : OPEN CALL
The answer "OPEN CALL" is the right solution because an "open call" refers to an audition that is unrestricted and open to anyone who wants to participate.
Vim : PEP
The answer "PEP" is the right solution for the clue "Vim" because "PEP" is a synonym for energy or enthusiasm, which is often associated with vim.
What a cryptid might be : HOAX
The answer "HOAX" is the right solution because a cryptid refers to a creature or being whose existence is rumored or believed to be true, but lacks scientific evidence. A hoax, on the other hand, is a deliberate deception or trick, often created to fool or mislead people. Therefore, a cryptid might be a hoax, as it may not actually exist.
Words repeated in the title of a Doris Day hit : WILL BE
The answer "WILL BE" is the right solution because it is a phrase that is repeated in the title of a Doris Day hit song.
X and Y : CHROMOSOMES
The answer "CHROMOSOMES" is the right solution because X and Y are types of chromosomes. In humans, females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y chromosome. Therefore, "CHROMOSOMES" is the appropriate answer that fits the clue.
[It’s cold in here!] : [BRR!]
The answer is "[BRR!]" because it is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound one might make when feeling cold.
___ Schwarz : FAO
The answer to "___ Schwarz" is "FAO" because FAO Schwarz is a famous toy store in the United States.
“Is it just ___ is it hot in here?” : ME OR
The answer "ME OR" is the right solution because it completes the phrase "Is it just me or is it hot in here?" This phrase is a common expression used to express feeling hot or uncomfortable in a particular environment.
“Just ___ with it” : ROLL
The phrase "Just ___ with it" is a play on the phrase "Just go with it" which means to accept or tolerate a situation. The word that fits in the blank and completes the phrase is "ROLL", as in "Just roll with it".
“She Bee Stingin'” athlete : LAILA ALI
Laila Ali is the right answer because she is a former professional boxer who was nicknamed "She Bee Stingin'".
“Succession” airer : HBO
The answer to "Succession" airer is "HBO" because HBO is the network that airs the television show "Succession".
“___ ready as I’ll ever be” : I’M AS
The answer "I'M AS" fits the clue "___ ready as I'll ever be" because it completes the phrase and means being prepared or fully ready.