Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 15 October 2024, Tuesday (10-15-24). 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.
Actress Jeffries of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” : LEAH
Leah Jeffries is an actress who appeared in the movie "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," which fits the clue given.
Airport amenity : FREE WI-FI
This answer is correct because "FREE WI-FI" is a common amenity found in many airports that allows travelers to access the internet without charge.
Anti-trafficking agcy. : DEA
DEA stands for Drug Enforcement Administration, an agency that combats drug trafficking. While not specifically focused on human trafficking, it is involved in combating illegal activities like trafficking, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Bond film between “Skyfall” and “No Time to Die” : SPECTRE
The answer is "SPECTRE" because it is the title of the James Bond film released in 2015, which falls between "Skyfall" (2012) and "No Time to Die" (2021).
Bread choice for a Reuben : RYE
Rye is the right answer because it is a type of bread commonly used in a Reuben sandwich, known for its slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
British ref. work : OED
The OED stands for the Oxford English Dictionary, which is a comprehensive dictionary of the English language. As a British reference work, the OED is a reliable source for definitions, pronunciations, and etymologies of English words.
Comedic drum flourish : RIM SHOT
The answer "RIM SHOT" fits the clue "Comedic drum flourish" because a rim shot is a drumming technique where the stick hits the rim of the drum along with the drumhead, creating a sharp, distinctive sound often used in comedy to punctuate a joke.
Competition : CONTEST
"Contest" is a synonym for competition. In a contest, individuals or teams compete against each other to win a prize or achieve a goal, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Competition."
Critical hosp. wing : ICU
The answer "ICU" stands for Intensive Care Unit, which is a critical hospital wing where patients with severe illnesses or injuries receive specialized care and constant monitoring.
Dance style with shuffles and buffaloes : TAP
The dance style that involves shuffles and buffaloes is commonly known as tap dancing, where dancers create rhythmic sounds by wearing special shoes with metal plates on the soles that tap against the floor.
Distant correspondent : PEN PAL
The term "pen pal" refers to someone with whom one regularly exchanges letters, typically with someone in a different country. In this context, a "distant correspondent" is someone who communicates from afar, making "PEN PAL" the correct answer.
Dodge Charger, e.g. : SEDAN
The answer "SEDAN" is correct because a Dodge Charger is a type of sedan car.
Expectant parents’ selection : NAME
The answer "NAME" fits the clue because expectant parents often choose a name for their baby before it is born.
Favor precursor? : POR …
The answer "POR" fits the clue "Favor precursor?" because it is the beginning of the word "portray," which means to depict or represent.
Foreboding sign : OMEN
The word "omen" refers to a foreboding sign or a warning of something to come. It is commonly used to describe an event or occurrence that is believed to foreshadow a future outcome.
Furry feet : PAWS
"Paws" are typically associated with animals with furry feet, such as cats and dogs.
Garment worn by the Little Caesars mascot : TOGA
The Little Caesars mascot is often depicted wearing a toga, making "TOGA" the correct answer for this clue.
Group of whales : POD
The term "pod" is commonly used to refer to a group of whales swimming together.
Hear here! : EAR
The answer "EAR" is the right solution to the clue "Hear here" because the word "ear" is homophonous with the word "here," meaning they sound the same.
Home of MoMA and M.S.G. : NYC
This is the right answer because MoMA stands for the Museum of Modern Art, which is located in New York City (NYC). M.S.G. stands for Madison Square Garden, also located in NYC.
Led, as a meeting : RAN
"RAN" is the right answer because in this context, "led" indicates taking charge or controlling a meeting, which can be synonymous with "running" a meeting.
Like courses with multiple professors : CO-TAUGHT
The answer "CO-TAUGHT" fits because it means a course that is taught by more than one professor.
Like words written in ink by a lefty, often : SMUDGY
The answer "SMUDGY" fits because left-handed writers often smudge their ink as they write from left to right, making the words appear smudged or unclear.
Loudly laments : KEENS
"Keens" is the right answer because it is a synonym for "loudly laments." When someone keens, they wail or cry out in sorrow or grief, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Medieval tales of daring adventure : GESTS
"GESTS" is the right solution because "gests" are medieval tales or exploits. The term is often used to refer to heroic deeds or adventures from the medieval period.
Modern combat athlete, informally : MMA FIGHTER
"MMA" stands for Mixed Martial Arts, a sport that combines techniques from various combat sports. An athlete who competes in MMA is commonly referred to as an "MMA fighter."
Montana city nicknamed “The Richest Hill on Earth” : BUTTE Down 1 Match.com alternative
The answer is "BUTTE" because Butte is a city in Montana known as “The Richest Hill on Earth” due to its history of mining wealth. "Match.com alternative" refers to a dating website, and "Butte" is an alternative option to Match.com.
Nile reptile : ASP
The Nile reptile refers to a specific type of snake found in the Nile River region, and the most common snake associated with this area is the ASP. Therefore, "ASP" is the correct answer to the clue "Nile reptile."
No longer taking, as a medication : OFF OF
The phrase "off of" is commonly used to indicate that someone has stopped taking a medication. In this context, "off of" suggests a discontinuation or removal of the medication.
Not pass : FAIL
"FAIL" is the right answer because when you do not pass a test or exam, you are said to have failed it.
One might be found at a roast : INSULT COMIC
The answer "INSULT COMIC" fits because an insult comic is a type of comedian known for making jokes that are intended to offend or insult their audience or targets, which is common at a roast event.
Overwhelmed by hilarity, hyperbolically speaking : DEAD
The answer "DEAD" is the right solution because in this context, being overwhelmed by hilarity hyperbolically means laughing so much that you feel like you might die, hence "DEAD."
Part of, as a scheme : IN ON
The clue "Part of, as a scheme" is asking for a phrase that means being involved in a plan or scheme. The answer "IN ON" fits this definition as it indicates being part of something.
Pet-tracking device : ID CHIP
The answer "ID CHIP" is the right solution because an ID chip is a small electronic device implanted in a pet that can be used to track and identify them if they get lost.
Philanthropists : DONORS
The word "donors" refers to individuals who give money or resources to help others, which aligns with the definition of philanthropists as those who engage in charitable giving.
Pulitzer-winning writer James : AGEE
"Agee" is the right answer because James Agee was a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer known for his work as a journalist, film critic, and author.
Ray who helped globalize McDonald’s : KROC
Ray Kroc is the businessman who expanded McDonald's from a local chain to a global franchise, making him the answer to the clue "Ray who helped globalize McDonald's."
Realtor’s sign : FOR SALE
The answer "FOR SALE" fits the clue "Realtor's sign" because realtors often use this sign to indicate that a property is available for purchase.
Revolted : UPROSE
The clue "Revolted" is a past tense verb, indicating that the answer is also a past tense verb. "UPROSE" is the past tense of "uprise," which means to rebel or revolt against authority. Therefore, "UPROSE" is the right solution for the given clue.
Ruler’s realm : EMPIRE
The term "empire" refers to a ruler's extensive territory or dominion, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Ruler's realm."
Shape for a child’s chicken nugget, informally : DINO
The answer "DINO" is the right solution because "DINO" is a common abbreviation for "dinosaur," and children's chicken nuggets are often shaped like dinosaurs.
Show interest on a dating app … or what 16-, 25-, 36- and 51- must do to be successful? : SWIPE RIGHT
The answer "SWIPE RIGHT" is the right solution because on dating apps, swiping right indicates interest in someone's profile, potentially leading to a match. The clue hints that the actions of the words at positions 16, 25, 36, and 51 in the grid involve showing interest, which aligns with the concept of swiping right on a dating app.
Some bottled waters : DASANIS
The answer "DASANIS" fits the clue "Some bottled waters" because Dasani is a brand of bottled water.
Steely determination : GRIT
"Grit" is the right solution because it is a synonym for determination, specifically a tough and persistent kind of determination.
Still awake after midnight, say : UP LATE
The answer "UP LATE" fits the clue because it describes being awake past one's usual bedtime, which is typically after midnight.
Style of San Francisco’s Coit Tower, informally : DECO
The answer "DECO" is the right solution because Coit Tower in San Francisco was built in the Art Deco architectural style.
Sweet, in Italian : DOLCE
"DOLCE" is the right solution because it is the Italian word for "sweet." In Italian cuisine, "dolce" is often used to refer to desserts or sweet dishes.
Take advantage of : USE
"Take advantage of" is a phrase that implies utilizing something for one's benefit, which aligns with the definition of the word "USE."
Tennis champ Swiatek : IGA
"Iga" is the first name of the tennis champ Swiatek.
The Trojans of the N.C.A.A. : USC
"USC" stands for the University of Southern California, whose sports teams are known as the Trojans. This clue is hinting at the abbreviation commonly used to refer to the University of Southern California in the context of college sports.
Thief at work in a bustling crowd : PICKPOCKET
The answer "PICKPOCKET" fits because a pickpocket is a thief who steals from people in crowded areas, such as a bustling crowd. They are known for their skill in stealing items from pockets or bags without being noticed.
Trios of trios : NONETS
"Trios" refer to groups of three, so "triad" in music, for example. "Nonets" is a term for groups of nine, so three trios of three, making it the correct answer.
Triumph over : DEFEAT
The word "Triumph" means to achieve victory or success, so "Triumph over" would mean to achieve victory over something or someone. The opposite of triumphing over something is to be defeated by it, making "DEFEAT" the correct answer.
Uncreative studio project, perhaps : REMAKE
The answer "REMAKE" fits because a remake is a project that involves re-creating or reproducing something that has already been created, making it uncreative in nature.
Up to this point : YET
The answer "YET" fits the clue "Up to this point" because it implies that something has not happened or been completed until now.
Visa, for one : CREDIT CARD
The answer "CREDIT CARD" fits the clue "Visa, for one" because a Visa is a type of credit card.
Waxy imprint : SEAL
The answer "SEAL" works because a waxy imprint can refer to a stamped or pressed design or mark, similar to a seal on a document or letter.
What a light bulb represents in cartoons : IDEA
The word "IDEA" is the right solution because in cartoons, a light bulb often symbolizes a sudden burst of inspiration or a new idea.
What an unsatisfied customer might leave behind : NO TIP
The answer "NO TIP" fits the clue because an unsatisfied customer may choose not to leave a tip for the service they received.
Where soju is the national drink : KOREA
The answer is "KOREA" because soju is a popular alcoholic beverage in South Korea, making it the national drink of the country.
Winning blackjack hand : ACE-TEN
The winning blackjack hand consists of an Ace and a Ten, totaling 21 points. This hand is commonly referred to as "ACE-TEN" in blackjack terminology.
___-di-dah : LAH
"La-di-dah" is an expression used to describe someone who is behaving in a snobbish or pretentious manner. "Lah" is a shortened version of this expression and is sometimes used on its own to convey the same meaning. Therefore, "LAH" is the right solution for the crossword clue "___-di-dah".
“Aw, man!” : DARN IT!
The answer "DARN IT!" fits the clue "Aw, man!" because it is a common expression of mild frustration or annoyance.
“Don’t think so” : NOPE
The phrase "Yeah, no" is commonly used to express disagreement or doubt, which fits the clue "Don't think so."
“Gotta catch ’em all!” game series : POKEMON
The answer is "POKEMON" because the phrase "Gotta catch 'em all!" is a well-known slogan from the popular game series and franchise called Pokemon, where players aim to catch and collect various creatures known as Pokemon.
“OK, that wasn’t totally true” : I LIED
The answer "I LIED" fits the clue "OK, that wasn’t totally true" because it indicates that the speaker has not been completely honest.
“Wednesday’s child is full of ___” (nursery rhyme line) : WOE
In the nursery rhyme, "Wednesday's child is full of woe" suggests that those born on Wednesday are believed to be sorrowful or troubled. The word "woe" means great sorrow or distress, making it the correct answer for this clue.