Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 19 October 2023, Thursday (10-19-23). 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.
100 yrs. : CEN
The abbreviation "CEN" stands for "century," which is a period of 100 years. Therefore, "CEN" is the correct answer to the clue "100 yrs."
Actor Abe : VIGODA
The answer to "Actor Abe" is "VIGODA" because Abe Vigoda was an American actor known for his roles in films and television shows.
Apparel competitor of Playtex : OLGA
The answer is "OLGA" because Olga is a well-known brand that competes with Playtex in the apparel industry.
Basketball great Thomas : ISIAH
The answer to "Basketball great Thomas" is "ISIAH" because Isiah Thomas is a well-known former professional basketball player who had a successful career in the NBA.
Bolt at great speed? : USAIN
The answer "USAIN" is a play on words referring to the Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, who is known for his incredible speed. Therefore, "Bolt at great speed?" is a clever clue hinting at the answer "USAIN".
Bother : EAT AT
The answer "NUISANCE" fits the clue "Bother" because a nuisance is something or someone that causes annoyance or irritation, which is synonymous with the idea of being bothered.
Britain’s historic Lady ___ : ASTOR
The answer to "Britain's historic Lady ___" is "ASTOR" because Lady Nancy Astor was a well-known and influential British socialite and politician in the early 20th century.
Broadway’s ___-Manuel Miranda : LIN
The answer to "Broadway’s ___-Manuel Miranda" is "LIN" because Lin-Manuel Miranda is a well-known Broadway composer, lyricist, and performer. His first name is "Lin," which fits the clue.
California o Nueva York : ESTADO
The answer "ESTADO" is the right solution because it is the Spanish word for "state." The clue "California o Nueva York" translates to "California or New York," which are both states in the United States. Therefore, the answer "ESTADO" fits the clue perfectly.
Cellular centers : NUCLEI
The answer to "Cellular centers" is "NUCLEI" because nuclei are the central part of a cell that contains genetic material and controls cell functions.
Certain volleyball players : SETTERS
The answer "SETTERS" is the right solution because in volleyball, a "setter" is a specific position on the team responsible for setting up the ball for their teammates to make an attack.
Column style : DORIC
Ionic is a type of architectural column style characterized by its scroll-shaped ornaments on the capital.
Counterfeit coins : SLUGS
The term "SLUGS" is commonly used to refer to counterfeit coins. It is a slang term that indicates fake or counterfeit currency, specifically in the form of coins.
Critter that grows by leaps and bounds? : ROO
The answer "ROO" is the right solution because it is a nickname for a kangaroo, which is a critter known for its ability to grow by leaps and bounds.
Derbies, e.g. : RACES
The clue "Derbies, e.g." is asking for a word that describes what derbies are. Derbies are a type of horse races, so the answer "RACES" fits perfectly.
Did some metalworking on : ANNEALED
The answer "ANNEALED" fits the clue "Did some metalworking on" because annealing is a process used in metalworking to heat and cool a metal to make it softer and more malleable.
Ditch assistance : GO IT ALONE
The answer "GO IT ALONE" is the right solution because it means to handle a situation or task without any help or assistance, which is the opposite of "Ditch assistance."
Egyptian temple site : KARNAK
The answer "KARNAK" is the right solution for the clue "Egyptian temple site" because Karnak is a famous temple complex located in modern-day Luxor, Egypt. It is one of the largest and most important religious sites in ancient Egypt, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
End notes? : CODAS
The term "end notes" refers to the concluding sections of a musical composition. In music, a coda is a passage that brings a piece to a final close. Therefore, "CODAS" is the correct answer as it directly relates to the clue and represents the end sections of a musical piece.
Equally quickly : AS FAST
The phrase "as fast" is commonly used to indicate that two things are happening at the same speed or rate. In this crossword clue, "equally quickly" is asking for a phrase that means the same thing. Therefore, "as fast" fits perfectly as the answer.
Finger-wagging accompaniment : TSK
The answer to "Finger-wagging accompaniment" is "TSK" because "tsk" is a common sound people make when they are disapproving or scolding someone.
Flamenco dancer’s cry : OLE!
The answer "OLE!" is the right solution because it is a traditional exclamation often associated with flamenco dancing.
Food regimens : DIETS
The answer "DIETS" is the right solution because food regimens refer to specific eating plans or restrictions followed to achieve certain health or weight goals. "DIETS" is a common term used to describe these regimens.
French automaker : CITROEN
The answer "CITROEN" is the right solution because it is a well-known French automaker.
Gamble boldly, in a way … or a hint to the answers to this puzzle’s italicized clues : DOUBLE DOWN
The answer "DOUBLE DOWN" is the right solution because it refers to a bold gambling move where a player doubles their initial bet. This phrase also serves as a hint to the answers to the italicized clues in the puzzle.
Get tight (with) : BOND
The answer "BOND" is the right solution because it means to form a close relationship or connection with someone. In the context of the clue "Get tight (with)", "BOND" perfectly fits as it means to become close or friendly with someone.
Give quite a shock : STUN
The word "STUN" means to give a strong shock or surprise. It fits perfectly with the clue "Give quite a shock" because it captures the idea of surprising or shocking someone.
Golfer’s target : HOLE
The answer "HOLE" is the right solution because in golf, the objective is to hit the ball into a small, round opening called a hole on the golf course.
Greek god of the winds : AEOLUS
The answer to "Greek god of the winds" is "AEOLUS" because in Greek mythology, Aeolus was indeed the god who controlled and governed the winds.
Group in a roundup : HERD
The answer to "Group in a roundup" is "HERD" because a herd is a group of animals, typically cattle or horses, that are gathered together.
Hasn’t been hoodwinked by : IS ONTO
The phrase "is onto" means to be aware or suspicious of someone's tricks or deceptions. Therefore, it fits the clue "Hasn't been hoodwinked by" perfectly.
Hearst mag : COSMO
The answer to "Hearst mag" is "COSMO" because it is a popular magazine published by the Hearst Corporation.
High-end fashion house : HERMES
The answer "HERMES" is the right solution because it is a well-known high-end fashion house that specializes in luxury goods, including clothing, accessories, and perfumes.
Hit film whose narrator humorously remarks “Thanks to [her], all problems of feminism and equal rights have been solved” : BARBIE
The answer to the clue "Hit film whose narrator humorously remarks 'Thanks to [her], all problems of feminism and equal rights have been solved'" is "BARBIE" because Barbie is a well-known doll icon that has been criticized for perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and gender stereotypes. The clue is making a sarcastic comment, suggesting that Barbie's influence has somehow resolved all issues related to feminism and equal rights.
How English poets wrote previously? : ERE
The answer "ERE" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "previously" and is commonly used in English poetry.
Insurance or tax figures : RATES
The answer "RATES" is the right solution because both insurance and tax figures are typically calculated based on a fixed rate or percentage.
Internal review, for short? : MRI
The answer "MRI" is the right solution because "MRI" stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is a medical procedure used for internal review or examination of the body.
It has reading assignments : BOOK CLUB
The answer "BOOK CLUB" is the right solution because book clubs typically have reading assignments for their members to complete and discuss.
Knowledgeable, with “in” : CLUED …
The answer "CLUED" fits the clue because it means being knowledgeable or having information about something, especially when it is followed by the preposition "in."
Language akin to Manx : ERSE
The answer to "Language akin to Manx" is "ERSE" because Erse is an archaic term used to refer to the Irish language, which is closely related to Manx.
Like a quilt : SEWN Down 1 Makes things more interesting
The answer to "Like a quilt" is "SEWN" because quilts are typically made by sewing different pieces of fabric together.
Longtime sneakers brand : KEDS
The answer "KEDS" is the right solution because Keds is a well-known and longstanding brand of sneakers.
Make things more interesting : RAISE THE STAKES
The phrase "raise the stakes" means to increase the level of risk or excitement in a situation. This makes things more interesting by adding a sense of challenge or competition.
Mentally slow : DENSE
The word "DENSE" can be used to describe someone who is mentally slow because it implies a lack of understanding or comprehension.
Modern-day sort of provocateur : TROLL
The answer "TROLL" is the right solution because a troll is a modern-day sort of provocateur. Trolls are individuals who deliberately make inflammatory or offensive comments online to provoke and upset others.
Musicians that play with mallets : VIBISTS
The answer "VIBISTS" is the right solution because musicians who play with mallets are often referring to vibraphone players. The vibraphone is a musical instrument that is played by striking metal bars with mallets, making "VIBISTS" the appropriate answer.
Notify : INFORM
The answer "INFORM" is the right solution for the clue "Notify" because it means to give someone information or let them know about something.
One hanging around a kennel? : ID TAG
The answer "ID TAG" is the right solution because it refers to a tag that is attached to a dog's collar with identification information. It hangs around a kennel because it helps identify the dog and provides contact information for the owner.
Opens, as some doors : UNLATCHES
The answer "UNLATCHES" fits the clue because it means to open or release a latch on a door, allowing it to be opened.
Partner of cut : DRIED
The answer to "Partner of cut" is "DRIED" because when something is dried, it is often cut into smaller pieces or slices before being dried.
Prefix with -scopy : ENDO-
The prefix "ENDO-" is the right solution because it means "inside" or "within" in medical terminology. It is commonly used in words like endoscopy, which refers to a procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the body to examine the internal organs.
Pyramid ___ : SCHEME
The answer to "Pyramid ___" is "SCHEME" because a pyramid scheme is a fraudulent investment strategy where participants are promised high returns by recruiting new members.
Religious agreements? : AMENS
The word "AMENS" is the right solution because "AMENS" are commonly said in religious settings as a collective agreement or affirmation.
Risk it all : GO FOR BROKE
The phrase "go for broke" means to take a big risk or go all in. It perfectly matches the clue "Risk it all" as it conveys the idea of taking a chance without holding back.
Risky thing to do in an affidavit : LIE
The answer to "Risky thing to do in an affidavit" is "LIE" because providing false information under oath in a legal document like an affidavit is illegal and can lead to serious consequences.
Round items in square cases : CDS
The answer "CDS" is the right solution because CDs are round items that are typically stored in square cases.
Senate majority leader during most of Obama’s presidency : REID
The answer is "REID" because Harry Reid served as the Senate majority leader for most of Obama's presidency.
Shelfmate of Chips Ahoy! and Oreo : NILLA
The answer is "NILLA" because it is a common nickname for Nilla Wafers, which are often found on the same shelf as Chips Ahoy! and Oreo cookies.
Space chimp of 1961 : ENOS
The answer "ENOS" is the right solution because it refers to Enos, a space chimp who was launched into space in 1961 as part of the Mercury-Atlas 5 mission.
Special attention, in brief : TLC
The answer to "Special attention, in brief" is "TLC" because "TLC" is an abbreviation for "tender loving care," which refers to giving someone or something extra care and attention.
Taken into account? : ON DEPOSIT
The answer "ON DEPOSIT" is the right solution because when something is "taken into account," it means it is considered or included in calculations. In this context, "ON DEPOSIT" refers to money or funds that are kept in a bank account, which is taken into account when managing finances.
Tent with smoke flaps, in an anglicized spelling : TEEPEE
The answer "TEEPEE" is the right solution because it is a tent with smoke flaps, and the clue mentions an anglicized spelling, which refers to the English spelling of the word.
Territory divided into two states : Abbr.
The answer to "Territory divided into two states" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is an abbreviation for "abbreviation," indicating that the answer is an abbreviation or shortened form of a word or phrase. In this case, the territory being referred to is likely an abbreviation for a longer name that is divided into two states.
Top-floor spaces : GARRETS
The answer "GARRETS" fits the clue "Top-floor spaces" because garrets are small, often attic-like rooms or spaces located on the top floor of a building.
Tropical resort locale, maybe : ISLE
The answer "ISLE" fits the clue because tropical resorts are often located on small islands (ISLE).
Univ. staffers : RAS
The answer "RAS" is short for "research assistants" which are commonly found among university staff.
Was visibly embarrassed : TURNED RED
The phrase "turned red" is commonly used to describe someone who is visibly embarrassed because when we feel embarrassed, our face tends to blush or become red in color.
What’s found in the center of a prune? : LONG U
You might provide the “last four” of this, in brief : SSN
The answer "SSN" stands for Social Security Number. It is commonly referred to as the "last four" because when providing your SSN, you often only need to give the last four digits for identification purposes.
___ Claus : MRS
The answer to "___ Claus" is "MRS" because Mrs. Claus is the wife of Santa Claus in Christmas folklore.
___ no good : UP TO
The phrase "___ no good" is a common expression that means something or someone is not satisfactory or reliable. The answer "UP TO" fits because it completes the phrase and conveys the meaning that something or someone is not up to the required standard or expectation.
___ the kill : IN AT
"IN AT" is the right solution for the clue "___ the kill" because "in at" is a common phrase that means to be present or involved in the final decisive moment or action.
“Sorry, my schedule’s packed” : I CAN’T
The phrase "Sorry, my schedule's packed" implies that the person is unable to do something due to a busy schedule. The answer "I CAN'T" is a short and simple way to convey this meaning.
“What happened next?” : AND?
The answer "AND?" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to express curiosity or anticipation about what will happen next in a story or situation.
“Yoo-hoo! This way!” : IN HERE!
The answer "IN HERE!" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to direct someone towards a specific location or area. It is a friendly and inviting way to get someone's attention and guide them to where they need to go.
“___ a fool not to!” : I’D BE
The phrase "I'd be a fool not to!" is a common expression used to convey that it would be unwise or foolish not to do something. The answer "I'D BE" fits perfectly with the clue, as it completes the phrase and conveys the intended meaning.