Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 18 October 2023, Wednesday (10-18-23). 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.
Amount on an invoice : FEE
The answer "FEE" is the right solution because an invoice typically represents a bill or a charge for a service provided. The amount mentioned on an invoice is often referred to as a fee.
Back of the neck : NAPE
The back of the neck is commonly referred to as the "nape" because it specifically refers to the area at the back of the human neck.
Bet more than : RAISE
The answer "RAISE" fits the clue "Bet more than" because in poker and other gambling games, to "raise" means to increase the amount of a bet that has already been made.
Bio and chem student’s program, perhaps : PREMED
The answer "PREMED" is the right solution because it refers to a program of study that combines biology and chemistry, typically pursued by students who plan to attend medical school.
Bird revered by the Maori : KIWI
The Kiwi is a bird native to New Zealand and holds great cultural significance to the Maori people. Therefore, "Kiwi" is the correct answer to the clue "Bird revered by the Maori."
Brainstorm : IDEATE
The word "ideate" means to generate ideas or engage in a brainstorming session. It is a concise and accurate answer that aligns perfectly with the clue "Brainstorm."
Camila Cabello’s “Never Be the ___” (2018) : SAME
The answer is "SAME" because it completes the phrase "Never Be the ___," indicating that the song is about wanting someone to stay the same and not change.
Cap’n’s mate : BOS’N
The answer "BOS'N" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "boatswain," which is the traditional term for a ship's officer responsible for maintenance and repairs. In nautical terms, the "Cap'n's mate" would be the boatswain, making "BOS'N" the correct answer.
Chopping tool : HOE
The answer to "Chopping tool" is "HOE" because a hoe is a gardening tool that is commonly used for chopping and digging in the soil.
Considerable, as a sum : TIDY
The word "tidy" is the right solution because it means "considerable" when used to describe a sum of money. In this context, "tidy" implies a significant or substantial amount.
Declares : STATES
The word "states" can mean to declare or express something, making it the right solution for the clue "declares".
Divine or digital representation : AVATAR
The word "avatar" can refer to both a divine representation or a digital representation, making it the correct answer for this clue.
Drum type : SNARE
The answer "SNARE" is the right solution because a snare drum is a common type of drum that is played with drumsticks and has a distinctive sound.
Echo effect : REVERB
The answer to "Echo effect" is "REVERB" because reverb is a sound effect that replicates the sound of an echo.
Foosball apparatus : ROD
The answer to "Foosball apparatus" is "ROD" because foosball tables have rods that are used to control the players and move the ball during the game.
Get in a twist : CONTORT
The word "contort" means to twist or bend out of shape. So, when the clue says "get in a twist," it is suggesting that the answer is a word that means to twist, making "contort" the correct solution.
Get more, say : REORDER
The answer "REORDER" fits the clue "Get more, say" because when you "REORDER" something, you are requesting to obtain more of it.
Get out of a tangle : UNTIE
The word "untie" fits the clue "get out of a tangle" because when something is tangled, like a knot, you can "untie" it to free it from the tangle.
Grande of pop : ARIANA
The answer to "Grande of pop" is "ARIANA" because Ariana Grande is a popular pop singer.
Hell of a poem? : INFERNO
The answer "INFERNO" is the right solution because "Hell" is a reference to Dante Alighieri's famous work, "The Divine Comedy," where the first part is called "Inferno," which describes the journey through Hell.
Hosp. sections : ERS
The answer "ERS" is short for "Emergency Rooms," which are sections in hospitals where patients with urgent medical needs are treated.
Hunger (for) : ACHE
The answer "ACHE" is the right solution because when we're hungry, we often feel a physical sensation or discomfort in our stomach, which can be described as an ache.
II : TWO
The answer to "II" is "TWO" because "II" is the Roman numeral for the number 2.
Inter ___ : ALIA
The answer "ALIA" is the right solution because "Inter ___" is a clue that indicates the need for a Latin phrase. "ALIA" is the Latin word for "among other things" or "among others," which fits the clue perfectly.
James of jazz : ETTA
The answer to "James of jazz" is "ETTA" because Etta James was a well-known jazz singer.
Kind of belt : BIBLE
Like some hair and seas : PARTED
The answer "PARTED" is the right solution because it can describe both hair and seas. When hair is "PARTED," it means that it is divided into two or more sections. Similarly, when seas are "PARTED," it refers to the separation or division of the water, often caused by natural factors like tides or currents.
Lily Potter, ___ Evans : NEE
The term "NEE" is used in genealogy to indicate a woman's maiden name. In this case, Lily Potter's maiden name is Evans, so "NEE" is the correct answer that fits the clue.
Miller offering : LITE BEER
The answer "LITE BEER" is the right solution because Miller is a well-known brand that produces a type of beer called "Miller Lite." The clue is asking for a specific offering from Miller, and "LITE BEER" fits perfectly.
Modern initialism when skipping text : TL;DR
The answer "TL;DR" is the right solution because it stands for "Too Long; Didn't Read." It is a modern initialism used when someone wants to summarize or express disinterest in a lengthy piece of text.
Name seen going down the drain? : EDDY
The word "EDDY" refers to a circular current of water that moves against the main current. In this clue, "Name seen going down the drain?" is a play on words. "Name" can refer to someone's given name, but in this case, it refers to the word "EDDY" itself. When you think of something going down the drain, it suggests movement in a circular motion, similar to an eddy. Hence, "EDDY" is the correct answer.
Name that translates as “people of the standing stone” : ONEIDA
The Oneida people are a Native American tribe whose name translates to "people of the standing stone." Therefore, "ONEIDA" is the correct answer to the clue.
Nickname for a young Skywalker : ANI
The answer "ANI" is the right solution because it is a common nickname for Anakin Skywalker, the young Jedi who later becomes Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise.
Not as well : ILLER
Overfamiliar, in a way : FORWARD
The answer "FORWARD" fits the clue "Overfamiliar, in a way" because being forward means being overly familiar or presumptuous in one's behavior or mannerisms.
Participate in an aquatic sport : WATER-SKI
The answer "WATER-SKI" is the right solution because water skiing is an aquatic sport where participants are pulled behind a boat while standing on skis and gliding on the water's surface.
Patrick on the 1992 Dream Team : EWING
The answer "EWING" is the right solution because Patrick Ewing was a member of the 1992 Dream Team, which was the United States men's Olympic basketball team.
Pepper and others : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, which indicates that the clue is looking for an abbreviated word. In this case, "Pepper and others" is referring to different types of peppers, such as jalapeno, habanero, or bell pepper, which are commonly abbreviated as "pepper" in recipes or menus. Therefore, the answer "Abbr." is the right solution.
Recycle bin on a desktop, e.g. : ICON Down 1 Garbage
The answer to "Recycle bin on a desktop, e.g." is "ICON" because an icon is a small graphic representation that represents a program or file on a computer desktop. In this case, the recycle bin on a desktop is typically represented by an icon.
Relating to city life : URBAN
The word "urban" is the right solution because it directly relates to city life. It describes anything that is characteristic of or related to cities.
Relating to the Indian subcontinent : DESI
The answer "DESI" is the right solution because it is a term commonly used to describe people, culture, or things related to the Indian subcontinent. It is a widely recognized term in English language and often used in crossword puzzles.
Rent in the garment district? : RIP
The answer "RIP" is the right solution because "Rent" is a play on words, suggesting that we are looking for a word related to payment. In this case, "RIP" is a slang term meaning "payment" or "money." The garment district clue is just a hint to mislead us and make the puzzle more challenging.
Rogers’s co-star in “Top Hat” : ASTAIRE
The answer is "ASTAIRE" because Fred Astaire was Ginger Rogers's co-star in the movie "Top Hat".
Sheltered from the wind : ALEE
The word "alee" is a nautical term that means "away from the wind." It is commonly used to describe a location that is sheltered or protected from the wind. In crossword puzzles, "alee" is often clued as "sheltered from the wind" because it is a concise way to convey this meaning.
Smitten with : INTO
The answer "INTO" is the right solution because it means being infatuated or enamored with someone or something. It accurately describes the feeling of being smitten with someone.
Sounds of disapproval : TSKS
The answer "TSKS" is the right solution because it represents the sound people make when they disapprove of something. It is a concise and common representation of disapproval sounds.
Stop talking, with “up” : CLAM …
The answer "CLAM" fits the clue because "CLAM UP" is a common phrase meaning to stop talking or become silent.
Straightened (out) : IRONED
The answer "IRONED" fits the clue "Straightened (out)" because when you iron clothes, you remove wrinkles and make them straight.
Sunfish with colorful gills : REDEAR
The answer "REDEAR" is the right solution because the sunfish species known as "REDEAR" has colorful gills.
Tailcoat, vest and bow tie, e.g. : APPAREL
The answer "APPAREL" fits the clue because it is a general term for clothing or garments, which includes a tailcoat, vest, and bow tie.
Tell (on) : RAT
The answer "RAT" fits the clue "Tell (on)" because "rat" is a slang term meaning to inform on someone or reveal their secrets.
The Great Depression, for one : ERA
The answer "ERA" is the right solution because the Great Depression was a specific time period in history. An "ERA" is a defined period of time, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Transgress : SIN
The word "transgress" means to violate or go beyond a boundary or rule. "Sin" is a word often used to describe an act that goes against religious or moral principles. Therefore, "sin" is the right solution because it represents a transgression or wrongdoing.
Tuna type : AHI
The answer to "Tuna type" is "AHI" because Ahi is a type of tuna that is commonly used in sushi and has a rich, flavorful taste.
Twisted tangle : KNOT
The answer "KNOT" is the right solution because a twisted tangle is commonly referred to as a knot.
Unit of doubt, so to speak : SEED
The answer "SEED" is the right solution because a seed can symbolize doubt or uncertainty, as it represents the starting point or potential for growth.
Vegetarian’s demand : NO MEAT
The answer "NO MEAT" is the right solution because vegetarians do not consume meat, so their demand would be for a meal without any meat in it.
Visual representation of this puzzle’s trick (go to 38-Down) : TIBBAR (upside-down RABBIT)
The answer "TIBBAR (upside-down RABBIT)" is the right solution because it visually represents the trick of the puzzle. When you turn the word "TIBBAR" upside down, it becomes "RABBIT," which is the visual representation of the puzzle's trick.
What a server may “serve” : EMAIL
The answer to "What a server may 'serve'" is "EMAIL" because servers often handle the sending and receiving of electronic mail messages.
Yoga posture : ASANA
The answer "ASANA" is the right solution because it is a commonly used term in yoga to describe a specific posture or position.
___ school : GRAD
The answer to "___ school" is "GRAD" because "grad" is a common abbreviation for "graduate" which refers to someone who has completed their education at a higher level, such as college or university.
___ too easy : ALL
The answer to "___ too easy" is "ALL" because it completes the phrase "It's ___ too easy," meaning that something is extremely simple or effortless.
“Charlotte’s Web” monogram : EBW
The answer "EBW" is the right solution because it represents the monogram of the author of "Charlotte's Web," E.B. White.
“Groom and board” locale : PET SPA
The answer "PET SPA" is the right solution because a pet spa is a location where grooming and boarding services are provided for pets.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to witness something extraordinary that has never been seen or attempted before!” (go to 34-Down) : FOR THE FIRST TIME!
The clue suggests that something extraordinary and unprecedented is about to happen, which implies that it is happening "FOR THE FIRST TIME!"
“Presto!” : IT’S MAGIC!
The answer "IT'S MAGIC!" is the right solution because "Presto!" is a common exclamation used by magicians to indicate a magical transformation or trick.
“So, so delish!” : NOM NOM!
The answer "NOM NOM!" is the right solution because it is an informal expression used to convey enjoyment of food. It is often used to describe something that is delicious or tasty.
“The spell is cast! Don’t blink or you’ll miss it …” (go to 15-Down) : ABRACADABRA!
The answer "ABRACADABRA!" fits the clue because it is a common phrase used by magicians to perform a trick or cast a spell. It is often associated with quick and mysterious actions, which aligns with the clue's reference to not blinking or missing something.
“You will experience a great and unexpected surprise!” (go to 48-) : BE AMAZED!
The phrase "You will experience a great and unexpected surprise!" is a clue indicating that something amazing will happen. The answer "BE AMAZED!" perfectly fits this clue as it directly tells you to be amazed, which aligns with the idea of experiencing a great surprise.