Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 17 October 2024, Thursday (10-17-24). 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.
#1 pal : BFF
"BFF" stands for "Best Friends Forever," making it a fitting answer for "#1 pal" as it signifies a close and enduring friendship.
1930s vice president John ___ Garner : NANCE
unknown
Absolutely amazing : TO DIE FOR
The phrase "to die for" is commonly used to describe something that is absolutely amazing or desirable, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Absolutely amazing."
Anger over a grammatically incorrect sentence? : RUN-ON FUMES
"Anger over a grammatically incorrect sentence" suggests frustration with a sentence that is too long or poorly constructed, which is a characteristic of a run-on sentence. "Run-on fumes" is a play on "running on fumes," indicating that the anger is fueled by encountering grammatical errors.
Big feller? : AXE
"Big feller" is a play on words, as "feller" can mean a person who cuts down trees with an axe. Therefore, the answer "AXE" fits the clue.
Billy Joel’s “Tell ___ About It” : HER
The answer "HER" fits the clue because the song title "Tell HER About It" by Billy Joel is asking to inform someone about a certain topic, thus the correct answer is "HER."
Blue lobsters and white tigers, e.g. : MUTANTS
The answer "MUTANTS" is correct because blue lobsters and white tigers are examples of animals with genetic mutations that result in unique physical characteristics. "MUTANTS" is a term commonly used to describe organisms with genetic variations.
Brawl over what to call a piece of writing? : TITLE FIGHT
The clue "Brawl over what to call a piece of writing?" is a play on words. "Title fight" refers to a boxing match where the winner receives the title of champion. In this case, "title" refers to the name of a piece of writing, and "fight" refers to a brawl or conflict. So, "Title fight" cleverly combines the idea of a dispute over what to call a piece of writing with the concept of a boxing match.
Build, as a relationship : FORGE
"Forge" is the right answer because it means to build or create something strong and lasting, which is often used in the context of relationships being built or strengthened over time.
Climate activist Thunberg : GRETA
Greta Thunberg is a well-known climate activist, so the answer "GRETA" fits the clue "Climate activist Thunberg".
Commercial success? : AD SALE
The clue "Commercial success?" is a play on words, suggesting the success of a commercial advertisement. "Ad sale" refers to the selling of advertisements, making it the right answer.
Consonants articulated with the tongue against the upper teeth : DENTALS
"DENTALS" are consonants pronounced with the tongue against the upper teeth, such as the sounds of "th" in "this" or "thin." The term "dentals" specifically refers to this type of articulation in phonetics.
Cross paths : MEET
"Cross paths" is a common phrase meaning to encounter or come across someone. The word "meet" fits perfectly as it means to come face to face with someone, making it the right solution for this clue.
Dirt : INTEL
"Soil" is a type of dirt that is made up of organic matter, minerals, and other substances. It is commonly used in gardening and farming, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Dirt."
Do some grapplin’ : RASSLE
The word "rassle" is a colloquial term for "wrestle". It is commonly used in informal contexts to describe the act of grappling or engaging in a physical struggle or wrestling match. Therefore, "rassle" is the right solution for the clue "Do some grapplin’".
Don’t you forget it! : ALAMO
Drawings that might encounter problems with intellectual property law : FAN ART
"Fan art" refers to drawings created by fans based on existing characters or works. Since fan art often involves copyrighted material, it can encounter problems with intellectual property law if the original creators or owners of the content take issue with its creation or distribution.
Drug also called “rocket fuel” or “ozone,” for short : PCP
PCP is a drug that is also known as "rocket fuel" or "ozone" in slang terms. Therefore, PCP is the correct answer to the clue.
Ending point of the first marathon : ATHENS Down 1 Sprinkling on a lox bagel
The ending point of the first marathon is ATHENS because the first marathon race in 490 BC was from the town of Marathon to Athens. For "Sprinkling on a lox bagel", the answer is DILL because dill is a common herb that is often sprinkled on a lox bagel for added flavor.
Fed the kitty, perhaps : CAT-SAT
The phrase "fed the kitty" is a common expression meaning to contribute money to a shared fund. "Cat-sat" is a play on words suggesting that the cat (kitty) is being sat on, or contributed to.
First city in Europe with paved streets (1339) : FLORENCE
Florence is considered the first city in Europe with paved streets in 1339 because it was the first city to implement a widespread use of cobblestones for its streets, making it more organized and cleaner than other cities at the time.
Flattering, as clothing : BECOMING
"BECOMING" is the right answer because when clothing is described as flattering, it means that it enhances or suits the wearer's appearance well, making them look more attractive.
Grassy expanses : LEAS
"Leas" are grassy expanses, making it the right solution for the clue.
Green, say : UNRIPE
The answer "UNRIPE" fits the clue "Green, say" because when something is green, it can be considered unripe, like a green banana.
Gru’s twin brother in the “Despicable Me” franchise : DRU
The answer is "DRU" because Gru's twin brother in the "Despicable Me" franchise is named Dru.
Half-baked? : RARE
"Half-baked" can refer to something that is not fully cooked or incomplete. In cooking terms, "rare" is used to describe meat that is not fully cooked, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Harbor sights : BOATS
The answer "BOATS" fits the clue "Harbor sights" because boats are commonly seen in harbors.
Harsh words regarding the past and the present? : TENSE EXCHANGE
The answer "TENSE EXCHANGE" fits because "tense" can mean both a grammatical tense related to past and present, and also a feeling of stress or strain. An exchange can refer to a conversation or dialogue, making it a fitting solution for the clue.
Hebrew name meaning “my God” : ELI
"Eli" is a Hebrew name that means "my God" in English, making it the correct answer to the clue "Hebrew name meaning 'my God'."
Hercule’s creator : AGATHA
Agatha Christie is the creator of the fictional detective Hercule Poirot, making "AGATHA" the correct answer.
Hunting cap feature : EARLAP
The answer "EARLAP" fits the clue "Hunting cap feature" because earlaps are flaps on a cap that can be folded down to cover the ears for warmth and protection while hunting.
Industry mogul : BARON
"Baron" is the right answer because a baron is a title of nobility and power, often associated with industry moguls who have a significant influence and control in a particular industry.
It’s often gained by knocking : ENTRY
The word "ENTRY" can be gained by knocking on a door, as in gaining entry or access to a place.
K.G.B. rival during the Cold War : CIA
The KGB was the Soviet Union's intelligence agency during the Cold War, so the rival intelligence agency from the United States would be the CIA.
Much ado about some punctuation? : PERIOD DRAMA
The answer "PERIOD DRAMA" is a play on words that combines the idea of "much ado" or a fuss, with "period" referring to punctuation and also a historical time period, and "drama" which can refer to a theatrical production or an exciting or tense situation.
No pro : CON
The word "anti" is a prefix that means "against" or "opposed to," which can be interpreted as the opposite or "no" to the word "pro." Therefore, "anti" is the correct answer to the clue "No pro."
Observe Ramadan, in a way : FAST
The answer "FAST" is the right solution because fasting is a common practice during Ramadan, where Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours.
One side of a perpetual war in Orwell’s “Nineteen Eighty-Four” : EASTASIA
In George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four," Eastasia is one of the three superpowers constantly at war, along with Oceania and Eurasia. The answer "EASTASIA" fits the clue because it is indeed one side of the perpetual war in the novel.
One who might make a comeback? : ALUM
The answer "ALUM" fits because it refers to a person who might make a comeback to their alma mater, or former school.
Only city that entirely surrounds a country : ROME
The answer is "ROME" because it is the only city in the world that entirely surrounds a country, which is Vatican City.
Overturns : UPENDS
The word "upends" means to overturn or turn upside down, making it the correct answer for the clue "Overturns."
Pattern of intersecting stripes : TARTAN
"TARTAN" is the right solution because tartan is a pattern consisting of intersecting stripes of different colors and widths, commonly associated with Scottish kilts and clans.
Pill bug, e.g. : ISOPOD
The answer "ISOPOD" is correct because a pill bug is a type of isopod, which is a small crustacean with a segmented body that is able to roll into a ball for protection.
Possibilities : IFS
The word "IFS" represents different possibilities or choices, as in "if this, then that." It is commonly used in decision-making and problem-solving scenarios.
Punny summary of the battle between editor and writer seen in 17-, 24-, 35- and 46-? : ALTERCATION
The word "ALTERCATION" can be a punny summary of a battle between an editor and a writer because it contains the word "alter," which means to change or revise, reflecting the back-and-forth nature of editing and writing.
Regarding : IN RE
"Regarding" can be defined as "with respect to" or "in regard to". "As to" is a phrase that means the same thing and can be abbreviated as "ASTO", which is the crossword answer.
Request from Oliver Twist : MORE
In the novel "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens, the character Oliver Twist famously asks for more food by saying "Please, sir, I want some more." Therefore, the answer to the clue "Request from Oliver Twist" is "MORE."
Salve : BALM
The word "salve" is a soothing ointment used to heal or soothe the skin. Another word for salve is "balm," which is a fragrant ointment with healing properties.
Scenic spot to snorkel : LAGOON
"Lagoon" is the right answer because a lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a barrier such as a reef or sandbar, making it an ideal and scenic spot for snorkeling.
She served on the court with Antonin and Anthony : SANDRA
The answer is "SANDRA" because Sandra Day O'Connor served on the court with Antonin Scalia and Anthony Kennedy.
Shipmate of Capt. Kirk : LT SULU
LT SULU is the shipmate of Capt. Kirk in the popular TV series and movies "Star Trek." Lieutenant Sulu serves as the helmsman aboard the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain James T. Kirk.
Silky fabrics : SATINS
The answer "SATINS" fits the clue "Silky fabrics" because satin is a type of smooth, glossy fabric known for its silky feel and shiny appearance.
Take off : DEPART
"FLEE" means to run away or escape, which is a synonym for "take off" in the sense of leaving quickly.
Tall and pointy, as ears : BATLIKE
The answer "BATLIKE" fits the clue "Tall and pointy, as ears" because bats are known for their tall and pointy ears.
The Middle Ages or the Renaissance : ERA
The answer "ERA" fits the clue because both the Middle Ages and the Renaissance are historical periods or eras.
Thomas Lincoln, familiarly : TAD
"TAD" is the right solution because it is a common nickname for Thomas Lincoln's son, Abraham Lincoln.
Toddler’s need, maybe : NAP
A toddler's need is often a short rest during the day, which is commonly referred to as a "nap."
Touch : FINESSE
The answer "ABUT" is the right solution because it means to touch or be adjacent to something, making it a perfect fit for the clue "Touch."
Use a spoon, say : STIR
"Use a spoon, say" is a clue that is hinting at an action that you would typically do with a spoon, which is to stir something. So, the answer "STIR" fits perfectly with the clue.
Uses TurboTax, perhaps : E-FILES
The answer "E-FILES" is the right solution because when someone uses TurboTax, they typically electronically file their taxes, which is commonly referred to as e-filing.
Violent sport, for short : MMA
"MMA" stands for Mixed Martial Arts, which is a violent sport that combines techniques from various disciplines such as boxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. The clue "for short" indicates that we need an abbreviation, making "MMA" the correct answer.
What Alexander Graham Bell suggested as the standard telephone-answering greeting : AHOY!
Alexander Graham Bell suggested "AHOY!" as the standard telephone-answering greeting because it was commonly used by sailors as a way to hail or get someone's attention over a distance. It was a fitting choice for the new invention of the telephone as a way to get someone's attention over the phone.
What is to be done? : AGENDA
The phrase "What is to be done?" is another way of asking "What is on the agenda?" So, the answer "AGENDA" fits the clue.
___ Nublar, fictional setting of “Jurassic Park” : ISLA
The answer is "ISLA" because Isla Nublar is the fictional setting of "Jurassic Park" in the movie.
“Stop right there!” : HALT!
The answer "WHOA" is the right solution to the clue "Stop right there" because "WHOA" is a common exclamation used to halt or pause someone or something.
“Then again …,” in a text : OTOH …
The answer "OTOH" stands for "on the other hand," which is a common phrase used to introduce an opposing or contrasting point of view in a text.