Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 14 October 2023, Saturday (10-14-23). 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.
1972 Gilbert O’Sullivan hit with the lyric “Left standing in the lurch at a church” : ALONE AGAIN
The answer is "ALONE AGAIN" because it is the title of a 1972 Gilbert O'Sullivan hit song that includes the lyric "Left standing in the lurch at a church."
1980s sitcom puppet : ALF
The answer is "ALF" because it is a well-known 1980s sitcom puppet character.
Adoption of the International Radiotelegraph Convention in 1906 : SOS
The answer "SOS" is the right solution because it is a widely recognized distress signal in Morse code, which was adopted as a standard in the International Radiotelegraph Convention in 1906.
Almond confections : MARZIPANS
Analogue of “aloha” and “shalom” : CIAO
The answer is "CIAO" because it is an Italian word commonly used as a greeting or farewell, similar to how "aloha" and "shalom" are used in Hawaiian and Hebrew respectively.
Animal with fused toes on each hind paw, used for grooming its coat : KOALA
The answer is "KOALA" because koalas have fused toes on each hind paw, which they use for grooming their coat.
Auto-correction? : UEY
The answer to "Auto-correction?" is "UEY" because "UEY" is a slang term for making a U-turn while driving, which can be seen as a form of auto-correction.
Boston in the ’60s or Chicago in the ’90s, e.g. : NBA DYNASTY
The answer "NBA DYNASTY" fits the clue because both Boston in the '60s and Chicago in the '90s were known for their dominant basketball teams, specifically in the NBA. These teams achieved great success over an extended period, making them dynasties.
Brisbane-to-Sydney dir. : SSW
The answer "SSW" stands for South-Southwest. It is the correct solution because when traveling from Brisbane to Sydney, you would generally head in a south-southwest direction.
Business opening? : AGRI-
The answer "AGRI-" is the right solution for the clue "Business opening?" because it is a common prefix used to refer to anything related to agriculture or farming. In this context, "opening" refers to the first few letters of the word "agriculture."
Chain with a mansard roof in its logo : PIZZA HUT
The answer is "PIZZA HUT" because Pizza Hut is a chain restaurant known for its distinctive logo featuring a mansard roof.
Champaign region : EASTERN ILLINOIS
The Champaign region is a specific area in Illinois, and "EASTERN ILLINOIS" refers to the eastern part of the state where Champaign is located. Therefore, "EASTERN ILLINOIS" is the correct answer to the clue.
Checks or balances, say : REGULATES
The answer "REGULATES" is the right solution because checks and balances refer to the system of controls in a government or organization. These controls help to regulate and maintain a balance of power.
Chisel, in a way : ETCH
The answer "ETCH" is the right solution because etching involves using a tool to cut or carve into a surface, similar to how a chisel is used.
Cooper’s product : KEG
The answer "KEG" is the right solution because a cooper is a person who makes or repairs barrels, and a keg is a type of barrel commonly used for storing and dispensing beverages.
Course catalog? : MENU
The answer "MENU" is the right solution because a course catalog is a list of available courses, just like a menu is a list of available food and drink options at a restaurant. Both provide a selection of choices for the user to consider.
Fictional character who cries “I am madness maddened!” : AHAB
The answer is "AHAB" because in the novel "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville, the character Captain Ahab famously cries out "I am madness maddened!"
Flat bottoms : SOLES Down 1 Blush, e.g.
The answer to "Flat bottoms" is "SOLES" because the word "soles" refers to the bottoms of shoes or feet, which are typically flat.
Fried turnovers from southern Italy : PANZEROTTI
The answer to "Fried turnovers from southern Italy" is "PANZEROTTI" because panzerotti are indeed fried turnovers that originate from southern Italy. They are typically filled with ingredients such as tomato sauce, cheese, and various meats or vegetables before being deep-fried to a crispy golden brown.
Gangbusters, in old slang : T-MEN
The term "T-MEN" refers to Treasury agents, who were known for their aggressive pursuit of criminals during the Prohibition era. They were often involved in bringing down organized crime syndicates, hence the association with "gangbusters" in old slang.
Home to Mayor Fiorello La Guardia’s “Talk to the People” program : WNYC
The answer is "WNYC" because it is the call sign of the public radio station in New York City where Mayor Fiorello La Guardia hosted his program "Talk to the People."
Instant : TRICE
The word "instant" is a synonym for "trice," which means a very short period of time.
Keep cooler? : RE-ICE
The answer "RE-ICE" is the right solution because it is a play on words. In this clue, "keep cooler" is a hint to indicate that we need to do something to make a cooler stay cold. By adding the prefix "RE-" to "ICE," we get "RE-ICE," which means to add more ice and keep the cooler cold.
Last : ENDURE
The word "last" can mean to continue or endure. "Endure" fits this definition as it means to persist or withstand over time.
Live tweets? : BIRDCALLS
The answer "BIRDCALLS" is the right solution because "live tweets" can refer to the sounds made by birds, which are commonly known as birdcalls.
Main ingredient in a Thai som tam salad : PAPAYA
The main ingredient in a Thai som tam salad is typically papaya because it is traditionally made with shredded green papaya.
Major downer : BUZZKILL
The term "buzzkill" is commonly used to describe something or someone that ruins the fun or excitement of a situation. In this context, a "major downer" refers to something that brings down the mood or dampens the enjoyment. Therefore, "BUZZKILL" is the right answer as it perfectly fits the clue.
Major PBS funder, for short : NEA
The answer to the clue "Major PBS funder, for short" is "NEA" because NEA stands for the National Endowment for the Arts, which is a major funder of PBS (Public Broadcasting Service).
Minor blemish : ZIT
The answer "ZIT" is the right solution because a zit is a common minor blemish on the skin, typically associated with acne.
More than 7% of Minnesotans by ancestry : SWEDES
The answer "SWEDES" is the right solution because more than 7% of Minnesotans have Swedish ancestry, making it a common heritage in the state.
Name at the heart of civilization? : LIZA
Onetime labor and transportation secretary Elaine : CHAO
The answer "CHAO" is the right solution because Elaine Chao is a well-known figure who served as the labor and transportation secretary.
Oscar winner for “The Accidental Tourist” (1988) : GEENA DAVIS
The answer is "GEENA DAVIS" because she won an Oscar for her role in the movie "The Accidental Tourist" in 1988.
P.R. people : Abbr.
The answer to "P.R. people" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for "abbreviation," and in crossword puzzles, it is common to use abbreviations to represent certain words or phrases. In this case, "P.R." is an abbreviation for "public relations," and "people" refers to those who work in that field. Therefore, "Abbr." is the correct answer.
Part of the George W. Bush era … or a hint to part of 18-, 26-, 38- and 46- : MID-AUGHTS
The term "Mid-Aughts" refers to the middle years of the 2000s, specifically between 2000 and 2009. This answer is correct because it fits the clue by indicating a specific time period during the George W. Bush era. Additionally, the clue hints that the answer is related to specific parts of other answers in the crossword, which can be found by identifying words or phrases within those answers that are associated with the mid-2000s.
Poetic contraction : E’ER
"TIS" is a contraction of "it is" commonly used in poetry, making it the correct answer for the clue "Poetic contraction".
Professional concerned with search engine optimization : E-MARKETER
The answer "E-MARKETER" is the right solution because a professional concerned with search engine optimization (SEO) focuses on marketing strategies and techniques to improve a website's visibility and ranking on search engine results pages. The term "E-MARKETER" refers to someone who specializes in online marketing, including SEO.
Punnery, e.g. : WIT
The answer "WIT" is the right solution because punnery is a type of wordplay that involves clever and humorous use of words. "WIT" is a concise term that captures the essence of punnery.
Question persistently : PUMP
The answer "PUMP" fits the clue "Question persistently" because when someone pumps someone else for information, they repeatedly ask questions in order to obtain the desired information.
Recipient of the first Vulcan nerve pinch on the original “Star Trek” : SULU
The answer is "SULU" because Sulu, portrayed by actor George Takei, was the character who received the first Vulcan nerve pinch on the original "Star Trek" series.
Residence for a parson : MANSE
The word "manse" is commonly used to refer to a residence or house provided for a parson or minister. It is a specific term associated with clergy housing, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Roster for William Morris or Creative Artists : TALENT
The word "roster" suggests a list or lineup of people, in this case, for William Morris or Creative Artists. The word "talent" refers to the individuals who possess skills or abilities, which would make them suitable for inclusion on such a roster. Therefore, "talent" is the right solution for this crossword clue.
See 61-Down : … NA NA
The answer to "See 61-Down" is "… NA NA" because it is a common way to indicate that the answer can be found in the clue referenced as 61-Down. It is used when the answer is a continuation or part of the clue given in another entry.
Shangri-la : EDEN
The answer "EDEN" is the right solution for the clue "Shangri-la" because both terms refer to a paradise or an ideal place of beauty and happiness.
Shiraz and others : REDS
The answer "REDS" is the right solution to the clue "Shiraz and others" because "REDS" refers to a type of wine, and Shiraz is a red wine variety.
Sibilant summons : PSST!
The answer "PSST!" is the right solution because it represents a sibilant sound commonly used to get someone's attention in a secretive or hushed manner.
Singer Cleo with Grammy nominations in jazz, pop and classical : LAINE
The answer "LAINE" fits the clue because Cleo Laine is a singer who has received Grammy nominations in various genres including jazz, pop, and classical.
Single source? : ALBUM
The answer to "Single source?" is "ALBUM" because an album is a collection of songs or music tracks that are typically released by a single artist or group. It is a single source of multiple songs.
Slangy “treatment” for a disturbing visual : EYE BLEACH
The answer "EYE BLEACH" is slang for a remedy to cleanse or "treat" one's mind after seeing something disturbing visually. It refers to the idea of wanting to "cleanse" or "wash out" the image from one's mind, similar to using bleach to remove stains.
Spoils : HAUL
The word "spoils" is a clue that suggests something being taken or acquired. "Haul" fits this clue because it means to transport or carry a large quantity of goods or items, which can be seen as spoils.
Supply in abundance : HEAP
The word "heap" means to gather or accumulate in large quantities, which fits the clue "supply in abundance."
Synonym for “seeing red” whose name derives from a shade of blue in Latin : LIVID
The answer is "LIVID" because it is a synonym for "seeing red," which means being extremely angry or furious. The word "livid" also derives from the Latin word "lividus," which means "bluish" or "envious."
Tested, as a cask, to see how much whisky remains : REGAUGED
The word "regauged" refers to the process of measuring or testing the contents of a cask, specifically to determine how much whisky remains. Therefore, "regauged" is the right solution for the clue.
The ultimate struggle : GOOD VS EVIL
"The ultimate struggle" refers to a concept often depicted in literature, movies, and mythology, where forces representing good and evil clash in a definitive battle. The answer "GOOD VS EVIL" succinctly captures this idea, as it represents the eternal conflict between opposing moral forces.
This might come with breakfast in bed, in brief : TLC
The answer "TLC" stands for "tender loving care," which is something that might come with breakfast in bed. It implies the care and attention given to someone when serving them breakfast in bed.
Walk way? : GAIT
The answer to "Walk way?" is "GAIT" because "GAIT" refers to the way someone walks or moves. It is a concise and appropriate answer to the clue.
What barflies hit : THE SAUCE
The answer "THE SAUCE" is a play on words. In this context, "barflies" refers to people who frequent bars. The word "hit" suggests that these barflies consume or enjoy something at the bar. "The sauce" is a colloquial term for alcoholic beverages, which are commonly consumed at bars. Therefore, "The sauce" is the right answer as it cleverly combines the idea of barflies and their preferred drink.
With 65-, “Born to Hand Jive” group : SHA …
The answer is "SHA" because when combined with the clue "Born to Hand Jive" it refers to the musical group "Sha Na Na" known for performing the song "Born to Hand Jive."
Woman’s name that sounds like a letter of the alphabet : KAY
The answer "KAY" sounds like the letter "K" in the alphabet, making it a woman's name that fits the clue.
Word with band or candy : ARM-
The word "ARM-" is the right solution because it can be combined with "band" to form the word "armband" and with "candy" to form the word "arm candy." Both of these combinations make sense in the context of the clue.
World capital where Al Jazeera is headquartered : DOHA
The answer is "DOHA" because it is the capital city of Qatar, where Al Jazeera, the renowned news network, is headquartered.
Wrinkly-skinned fruit : CASABA
The answer to "Wrinkly-skinned fruit" is "CASABA" because the casaba is a type of melon with a thick, wrinkled skin.
[Gag] : [EWW]
The answer to "[Gag]" is "[EWW]" because "EWW" is an expression often used to describe a feeling of disgust or revulsion, which is associated with a gag reflex.
___ moment : AHA
The answer to "___ moment" is "INA" because "ina" is a common abbreviation for "in a" which fits the clue and the crossword grid.
“Club” member in a hit 1985 adventure comedy : GOONIE
The answer to the clue "Club member in a hit 1985 adventure comedy" is "Goonie" because "The Goonies" is a popular adventure comedy movie released in 1985, and the main characters in the movie are a group of kids who call themselves "The Goonies."
“Howdy!” : HIYA!
The answer "HIYA!" is the right solution because it is a casual and friendly way to greet someone, which is synonymous with "Howdy!"
“I call dibs” : THIS IS MINE
The answer to "I call dibs" is "THIS IS MINE" because when someone says "I call dibs" on something, they are claiming it as their own, asserting ownership. "This is mine" is a phrase that conveys the same meaning.
“Looky here!” : OHO!
The answer "OHO!" is the right solution because it is an exclamation used to draw attention or express surprise, making it a fitting response to the clue "Looky here!"
“Riders of the Purple Sage” setting : UTAH
The answer "UTAH" is the right solution because "Riders of the Purple Sage" is a novel written by Zane Grey, and the story is set in the state of Utah.
“Round cleans better” sloganeer : ORAL-B
The answer to "Round cleans better" sloganeer is "ORAL-B" because ORAL-B is a brand of toothbrushes that often uses the slogan "Round cleans better" to emphasize the effectiveness of their round brush heads.
“Turn around so I can see you” : FACE ME
The phrase "Turn around so I can see you" implies that the person speaking wants the other person to face them. Therefore, the answer "FACE ME" fits perfectly as it directly relates to the clue.