Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 13 October 2023, Friday (10-13-23). 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.
50.1%, technically : MOST
The answer "MOST" is the right solution because it represents the term "50.1%" in a general sense. "MOST" implies a majority or the largest portion, which aligns with the clue's indication of a slight majority at 50.1%.
Absolutely hate : LOATHE
The answer to "Absolutely hate" is "LOATHE" because "loathe" means to have an intense or extreme dislike for something or someone. It is a strong word that accurately conveys the idea of absolute hatred.
Adds, as an app : INSTALLS
The answer "INSTALLS" is the right solution because when you add an app to your device, you typically install it.
Ajax competitor : COMET
The answer "COMET" is the right solution for the clue "Ajax competitor" because Ajax and Comet are both popular brands of household cleaning products. They are competitors in the cleaning industry.
All in, in a way : OBSESSED
The phrase "all in" often refers to being fully committed or dedicated to something. "Obsessed" means having an extreme preoccupation or fixation on a particular thing. Therefore, "obsessed" can be seen as a way of being "all in" mentally or emotionally.
Best seller : HIT
The answer to "Best seller" is "HIT" because a best seller refers to a popular and successful book, movie, or album, which can be described as a "hit."
Beverage brand founded in Osaka : ASAHI
The answer "ASAHI" is the right solution because Asahi is a well-known beverage brand that was founded in Osaka, Japan.
Bret Easton ___, “American Psycho” author : ELLIS
The answer is "ELLIS" because Bret Easton Ellis is the author of "American Psycho."
Choppers : HELOS
The answer "HELOS" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for helicopters, which are commonly referred to as "choppers" in informal language.
Commercial follower of Mc- or Nes- : -CAFE
The answer is "-CAFE" because it can follow the prefixes "Mc-" or "Nes-" to form popular commercial names like "McCAFE" or "NesCAFE".
Early sports video game : PONG
The answer to "Early sports video game" is "PONG" because PONG was one of the first video games ever created and it simulated a game of table tennis, which falls under the category of sports.
Emmy-nominated Gilbert : SARA
The answer to "Emmy-nominated Gilbert" is "SARA" because Sara Gilbert is an actress who has been nominated for an Emmy award.
European hotel amenity : BIDET
The answer to "European hotel amenity" is "BIDET" because bidets are commonly found in European hotels as a personal hygiene fixture.
Figure with exactly 10 digits? : MERMAID
Flag bearer : REFEREE
The answer "REFEREE" is the right solution to the clue "Flag bearer" because a referee often carries a flag to signal different calls or fouls during a sports game.
Focus of some modern ethical debates : CHATGPT
Foe of Ferocious Flea in Hanna-Barbera toons : ATOM ANT
The answer to "Foe of Ferocious Flea in Hanna-Barbera toons" is "ATOM ANT" because Atom Ant is a famous cartoon character from Hanna-Barbera who often battled against the villainous Ferocious Flea.
Gender-neutral pronoun : THEY
The answer "THEY" is the right solution because it is a gender-neutral pronoun that can be used to refer to a person without specifying their gender.
Herb in many potato dishes : CHIVE
The herb "chive" is commonly used in many potato dishes, adding a mild onion-like flavor. It is a popular choice to enhance the taste of mashed potatoes, potato salads, and other potato-based recipes.
Highest-rated daytime talk show in American history : OPRAH
The answer is "OPRAH" because the talk show hosted by Oprah Winfrey was the highest-rated daytime talk show in American history.
Hit 2011 film based on a 2009 novel by Kathryn Stockett : THE HELP
The answer is "THE HELP" because it is a hit 2011 film that was based on a 2009 novel by Kathryn Stockett.
House painted with polka dots, you might say : EYESORE
Interminably : ON AND ON
The answer "ON AND ON" is the right solution to the clue "Interminably" because it means "continuously" or "without stopping," which perfectly captures the idea of something happening endlessly.
Junkyard warning : SNARL
The word "SNARL" is a suitable answer for the clue "Junkyard warning" because it implies a tangle or mess, which is often found in a junkyard. The word "SNARL" can be used to describe a chaotic or tangled situation, making it a fitting warning for navigating through a junkyard.
Kind of palm or berry : ACAI
The answer "ACAI" is the right solution because it is a type of berry that comes from the acai palm tree.
Kind of phase : ORAL
The answer "ORAL" fits the clue "Kind of phase" because it refers to a phase that involves speaking or verbal communication.
Loose : AT LARGE
The answer "AT LARGE" fits the clue "Loose" because it means "not confined or restricted." It is a common phrase used to describe someone or something that is free and unrestricted.
Main characters in “Booksmart” and “Easy A” : TEENS
The answer is "TEENS" because both "Booksmart" and "Easy A" are coming-of-age movies that primarily focus on the lives and experiences of teenagers. Therefore, the main characters in these movies are teenagers, also known as "TEENS."
Make things even : TIE IT UP Down 1 “Becoming a Popstar” airer
The answer "TIE IT UP" fits the clue "Make things even" because when you tie something up, you are bringing things to an equal or balanced state. It is a common phrase used to describe the act of making a situation fair or level.
Music festival lineup : PORTA POTTIES
One step ahead of, say : ONTO
The phrase "one step ahead of" implies being aware or anticipating something. The word "onto" means moving or progressing towards something. So, "on to" can mean being one step ahead of or aware of something, making it the right answer for the clue.
Ones getting lit at a party, maybe : MATCHES
The answer "MATCHES" is the right solution because at a party, people often light candles, fireworks, or cigarettes using matches.
Paramount requirement? : SCREEN TEST
The clue "Paramount requirement?" is a play on words. "Paramount" can refer to the famous movie studio, but it can also mean something of utmost importance. In the film industry, a "screen test" is a crucial requirement for actors and actresses to showcase their abilities on camera. Therefore, "SCREEN TEST" is the right answer as it fits both the literal and figurative interpretations of the clue.
Pitching coach? : VOICE TEACHER
unknown
Point of no return : RUBICON
The phrase "point of no return" is often used to describe a critical decision or action from which there is no turning back. The Rubicon is a river in Italy, and historically, crossing it marked a point of no return for Julius Caesar and his army. Therefore, "Rubicon" is the right answer as it perfectly captures the concept of a point of no return.
Polynesian staple : TARO
The answer "TARO" is the right solution because it is a staple crop commonly used in Polynesian cuisine.
Pour on the affection : DOTE
The answer "DOTE" fits the clue "Pour on the affection" because "DOTE" means to lavish love or attention on someone.
Raw fish dish : SASHIMI
The answer to "Raw fish dish" is "SASHIMI" because sashimi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood. It is commonly served as an appetizer or as part of a sushi platter.
Rock subgenre named for its aggressive vocals : SCREAMO
The answer "SCREAMO" is the right solution because it is a rock subgenre known for its aggressive vocals, characterized by intense and emotional screaming.
Runner with vestigial wings : EMU
The answer "EMU" is the right solution because an emu is a runner, known for its fast speed. Additionally, emus have vestigial wings, which are wings that have become small and non-functional over time.
Scatterbrain : SPACE CADET
The term "scatterbrain" refers to someone who is absent-minded or easily distracted. "Space cadet" is a colloquial expression used to describe a person who is dreamy, forgetful, or inattentive. Both phrases convey a similar meaning, making "SPACE CADET" the appropriate answer.
Seeing red : ENRAGED
The phrase "seeing red" is a common expression that means feeling angry or enraged. The word "mad" is a synonym for angry, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Setting for a green wedding, perhaps : ARBOR
The answer "ARBOR" is the right solution because it is a structure often used as a decorative element in outdoor weddings, especially those with a green or natural theme. It provides a beautiful setting and can be adorned with flowers and greenery, making it perfect for a green wedding.
Some smokeless tobacco : DIP
The answer "DIP" is the right solution because it is a common term used to refer to smokeless tobacco products that are moist and can be placed between the gum and cheek.
Some speech starters : ANECDOTES
Some subway art : MOSAICS
The answer "MOSAICS" is the right solution because subway art often includes colorful patterns or designs made from small pieces of tile or glass called mosaics.
Tame, metaphorically : VANILLA
The term "vanilla" is often used metaphorically to describe something that is bland or lacking excitement. Therefore, "vanilla" is a suitable answer for the clue "Tame, metaphorically."
Threat : PERIL
The word "peril" is a suitable answer for the clue "threat" because it refers to a situation or thing that poses a danger or risk.
To the point : TERSE
The word "terse" means brief and to the point. It perfectly matches the clue "To the point" as it describes something that is expressed concisely and without unnecessary details.
Two-bit : SMALL-TIME
"Two-bit" is a slang term for something cheap or of low quality. "CHEAPO" is a slang term that means inexpensive or cheap, making it the right solution for the clue.
Waste ___ : BIN
The answer to "Waste ___" is "BIN" because a bin is a container used for holding and disposing of waste materials.
Way back when : ONCE
The answer "ONCE" is the right solution because it refers to a specific point in the past, indicating a time that has already occurred.
Waze calculation : ROUTE
The answer "ROUTE" is the right solution because Waze is a navigation app that calculates the best route or path to a destination based on real-time traffic information.
Where early tablets were first unveiled? : SINAI
The answer "SINAI" is the right solution because the tablets being referred to in the clue are the Ten Commandments tablets, which were first unveiled on Mount Sinai according to biblical tradition.
Where more hot dogs are sold than at all Major League Baseball stadiums combined : COSTCO
The answer is "COSTCO" because Costco is a popular warehouse store known for selling hot dogs in bulk, and they sell more hot dogs than all the Major League Baseball stadiums combined.
Where the Tokugawa shogunate was established : EDO
The Tokugawa shogunate was established in Edo because it was the capital city of Japan at that time.
Who said “Issues are never simple. One thing I’m proud of is that very rarely will you hear me simplify the issues” : OBAMA
The answer to the clue "Who said 'Issues are never simple. One thing I'm proud of is that very rarely will you hear me simplify the issues'" is "OBAMA" because Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, made this statement emphasizing his commitment to addressing complex issues in a nuanced manner.
World capital where it’s illegal to fly the Soviet hammer and sickle : RIGA
The answer is "RIGA" because it is the capital city of Latvia, where it is illegal to display the Soviet hammer and sickle symbol.
[What a bore!] : [SNORE!]
The answer to "[What a bore!]" is "[SNORE!]" because "snore" is a sound made by someone who is bored or uninterested.
“Dub,” to a sports fan : WIN
The term "Dub" is slang for a win or victory in sports. Therefore, the answer "WIN" fits perfectly with the clue.
“Napoleon Dynamite” setting : IDAHO
The right answer is "IDAHO" because "Napoleon Dynamite" is a movie that is set in the state of Idaho.
“Skedaddle!” : GIT!
The word "git" is a slang term meaning to leave quickly or hurriedly, which matches the clue "Skedaddle!" perfectly.
“To the stars,” in Latin : AD ASTRA
The Latin phrase "ad astra" translates to "to the stars" in English. Therefore, "AD ASTRA" is the correct answer for the clue "To the stars, in Latin."
“Wish me luck!” : HERE I GO!
The answer "HERE I GO!" is the right solution because it is a phrase commonly used to express a sense of determination and readiness before embarking on a new endeavor.