Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 21 October 2024, Monday (10-21-24). 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.
A multitasker might keep several open on a browser : TABS
The answer "TABS" is the right solution because a multitasker might keep several tabs open on a browser to switch between different web pages or tasks quickly and efficiently.
Affirmatives : YESES Down 1 Oblong yellowish fruit
The answer "YESES" fits the clue "Affirmatives" because "YESES" is the plural form of "YES," meaning multiple affirmatives.
Apple product discontinued in 2022 : IPOD
The iPod is an Apple product that was officially discontinued in 2022, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Breaking news notification : ALERT
The answer "ALERT" fits the clue "Breaking news notification" because an alert is a notification that provides important or urgent information, such as breaking news.
Captain in Jules Verne novels : NEMO
Captain Nemo is a character in Jules Verne's novels "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The Mysterious Island." He is the enigmatic and mysterious captain of the submarine Nautilus. "Nemo" is Latin for "no one," reflecting the character's secretive nature.
Carvey who portrays Biden on “S.N.L.” : DANA
"DANA" is the right answer because Dana Carvey is the actor who portrays Joe Biden on "Saturday Night Live" (S.N.L.).
Cautionary sign indicating a low point in the road : DIP
"DIP" is the right solution because a cautionary sign with the word "DIP" warns drivers of a low point or depression in the road ahead, prompting them to slow down to ensure safety.
Cowboy’s feat with a lasso : ROPE TRICK
The answer "ROPE TRICK" fits the clue because a cowboy's feat with a lasso often involves performing various tricks and maneuvers with a rope, such as lassoing and twirling it.
Direction to a newly knighted knight : ARISE
The clue "Direction to a newly knighted knight" suggests a command for the knight to stand up or get up, which is "ARISE."
Disposable BBQ dish : PAPER PLATE
The answer "PAPER PLATE" fits the clue "Disposable BBQ dish" because paper plates are commonly used at barbecues as a convenient and disposable option for serving food.
Doctor’s office jarful : COTTON BALLS
The answer "COTTON BALLS" fits the clue "Doctor’s office jarful" because cotton balls are commonly found in jars at doctor's offices for various medical purposes like applying ointments or cleaning wounds.
Dream up : INVENT
The answer "INVENT" fits the clue "Dream up" because to invent something means to create or come up with a new idea or concept in one's mind, which is similar to the act of dreaming up something new.
Drenched : WET
"WET" is the right answer because "drenched" is a synonym for soaked or saturated, which are all terms used to describe something that is wet.
Elbows in a grocery store : MACARONI NOODLES
Ending with slug or snooze : -FEST
The word "slugfest" and "snoozefest" both end with "-FEST," indicating a lively or dull event or situation.
European ___ (Anguilla anguilla) : EEL
The term "European" indicates the region where the Anguilla anguilla species of eel is commonly found. Therefore, the answer "EEL" fits the clue.
Family member who usually goes by one name : PET
Flow back : EBB
"Ebb" is the right solution because it means to flow back or recede, especially of the tide.
Game with solid and striped balls : POOL
The game of pool is played with both solid-colored and striped balls, making it the correct answer to the clue "Game with solid and striped balls."
Green eggs go-with : HAM
The answer "HAM" fits the clue "Green eggs go-with" because in the book "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss, green eggs are famously paired with ham.
Hit maximum popularity : PEAK
The word "peak" means reaching the highest point or maximum level. So, when something hits maximum popularity, it has peaked.
In separate places : APART
The word "apart" means in separate places or at a distance from each other, making it the correct answer to the clue "In separate places."
In the future : AHEAD
The word "AHEAD" can be used to refer to the future or what lies in front of us, making it a suitable answer for the clue "In the future."
Kiss, in Cambridge : SNOG
The word "snog" is British slang for a passionate kiss, and Cambridge is a city in England where this term is commonly used.
Leading medal winner at the 2024 Olympics : USA
The United States (USA) is traditionally one of the leading countries in winning medals at the Olympics. Therefore, it is a reasonable answer for this clue.
Legit : REAL
"Legit" is a slang term that means genuine or authentic. "Real" is a synonym for genuine or authentic, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Lemon drink suffix : -ADE
The suffix "-ADE" is commonly added to fruit names to indicate a sweetened drink made from that fruit. In this case, adding "-ADE" to "lemon" gives us "lemonade," a popular lemon drink.
Like many fine wines : AGED
The word "AGED" describes how many fine wines are left to mature for a period of time to develop their flavor.
Log cabin wood, often : PINE
Pine is a common type of wood used in building log cabins due to its durability, affordability, and resistance to decay. It is a popular choice for constructing log cabins, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Log cabin wood, often."
Make extremely thirsty : PARCH
"PARCH" means to make extremely thirsty by drying out. It is a verb that accurately describes the action of causing extreme thirst.
Makes, as a deadline : MEETS
"Meets" is the right answer because it means to fulfill or satisfy, which is what you do when you make a deadline.
Makeshift twist-tie : PIPE CLEANER
The answer "PIPE CLEANER" fits because a pipe cleaner can be used as a makeshift twist-tie due to its flexible and bendable nature, allowing it to secure items together by twisting it around them.
Manages to find a spot, say : PARKS
The clue "Manages to find a spot, say" is a wordplay hint that suggests the answer "PARKS," as it refers to finding a parking spot.
Move like sap from a tree : OOZE
"OOZE" is the right solution because it describes the slow, flowing movement of sap from a tree, which is a common characteristic of sap.
Mushy food for babies : PAP
"PAP" is the right solution because it is a common term for mushy food that is suitable for babies who are just starting to eat solid foods. It is a simple and concise answer that fits the clue well.
Narrative details that don’t withstand scrutiny : PLOT HOLES
"PLOT HOLES" are narrative details that do not make sense or are inconsistent within a story when closely examined, hence they do not withstand scrutiny.
Obvious untruth : NAKED LIE
The term "NAKED LIE" implies a blatant and obvious falsehood, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Obvious untruth." The phrase suggests a lie that is bare, uncovered, and not disguised in any way.
On top of : OVER
"Over" is the right answer because it means "on top of" or "covering." It is a preposition that indicates a position above something else.
Org. that might have you remove your shoes : TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the organization at airports that conducts security screenings, including asking passengers to remove their shoes for inspection.
p, on sheet music : PIANO
The letter "p" on sheet music stands for "piano," indicating that the music should be played softly.
Performer prone to theatrics : DIVA
The term "diva" is commonly used to describe a female performer, especially in opera or popular music, who is known for her talent, confidence, and sometimes dramatic behavior or demands. This makes "DIVA" a fitting answer for the clue "Performer prone to theatrics."
Pop singer Mann : AIMEE
Aimee Mann is a pop singer known for hits like "Save Me" from the movie "Magnolia." The clue "Pop singer Mann" is a direct reference to her, making "AIMEE" the correct answer.
Prop for a magician’s costume : TOP HAT
The answer "TOP HAT" fits the clue "Prop for a magician’s costume" because top hats are commonly associated with magicians and are often used as a part of their traditional attire.
Prop for a pirate’s costume : PEG LEG
The answer "PEG LEG" fits the clue because a peg leg is a wooden prosthesis often associated with pirates in popular culture.
Pup’s bark : YIP
"YAP" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe the high-pitched bark of a small dog, like a puppy. It fits the clue "Pup's bark" perfectly.
Remark : SAY
"SAY" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "remark," which means to express or communicate a thought or opinion.
Root vegetable often paired with goat cheese : BEET
The root vegetable often paired with goat cheese is "BEET" because beets have a sweet and earthy flavor that complements the tangy taste of goat cheese.
Rowboat movers : OARS
"OARS" are used to move a rowboat through the water by rowing.
Russian currency : RUBLE
The Russian currency is called the "ruble." It is the official currency of Russia, so "RUBLE" is the correct answer to the clue "Russian currency."
Sky blue : AZURE
"Azure" is a shade of blue that resembles the color of the sky on a clear day. Therefore, "Sky-blue" is a synonym for "Azure".
Spanish friend : AMIGO
"Amigo" is the Spanish word for friend. The clue "Spanish friend" is indicating that the answer should be a Spanish word for friend, which is "amigo."
Street ___ (respect) : CRED
"CRED" is short for "credibility," and in slang terms, it means respect or credibility. So, in the clue "Street ___ (respect)," the answer "CRED" fits perfectly as it means respect in this context.
String quartet instrument : VIOLA
The answer "VIOLA" is correct because it is a common instrument in a string quartet, along with the violin, cello, and double bass.
Tired and predictable : BANAL
"BANAL" means lacking in originality and freshness, making it a perfect fit for the clue "Tired and predictable." It succinctly captures the idea of something being unoriginal and overused.
Totally wicked : RAD
"RAD" is a slang term that means "excellent" or "cool," making it synonymous with "totally wicked."
Toys used on snow days : SLEDS
"SLEDS" are toys used on snow days for sliding down hills or slopes. They are specifically designed for use on snow and provide a fun way to enjoy snowy weather.
Truck radio user : CB’ER
The answer "CB’ER" is the right solution because a CB'er is someone who uses a Citizens Band radio in their truck.
Undress with one’s eyes : OGLE
"Undress with one’s eyes" is a clue that suggests looking at someone with strong interest or desire. The word "OGLE" means to look at someone amorously or with desire, making it the right solution to the clue.
Unenjoyable, to put it mildly : NOT SO FUN
The phrase "not so fun" is a way to describe something as unenjoyable in a more mild or understated manner. So, it fits the clue "Unenjoyable, to put it mildly."
What a kid might use to hold 17-, 24-, 35- and 47- together : ELMER’S GLUE
The clue suggests looking for a common item that a kid might use to hold things together. "Elmer's Glue" is a popular brand of glue that fits this description.
Widen, as pupils : DILATE
"DILATE" is the right solution because when pupils widen, they are actually dilating. Dilating refers to the process of expanding or enlarging, such as when the pupils of the eyes become larger in response to low light or other stimuli.
“A rolling stone gathers no moss,” e.g. : ADAGE
The word "adage" refers to a traditional saying that imparts wisdom or advice, such as "A rolling stone gathers no moss." This makes it the correct answer for the clue provided.
“Citizen” played by Orson Welles : KANE
The answer is "KANE" because Orson Welles played the character Charles Foster Kane in the movie "Citizen Kane."
“Crunched” muscles, informally : ABS
The term "crunched" can be informally used to refer to the tightening or contracting of muscles, especially in the abdominal area, which are commonly known as abs.
“Green” prefix : ECO-
The prefix "eco-" is commonly used to refer to things that are environmentally friendly or related to ecology. Therefore, "Green prefix" is a clue that is suggesting this prefix, making "ECO" the correct answer.
“Let me clarify …” : I MEAN …
The phrase "I MEAN" is commonly used to introduce clarification or provide further explanation in conversations. It fits perfectly with the clue "Let me clarify …" as it indicates the speaker's intention to elaborate or make their point clearer.
“No clue,” in text shorthand : IDK
The answer "IDK" stands for "I don't know," which is a common text shorthand for expressing lack of knowledge or understanding. In this context, "No clue" and "IDK" convey a similar meaning of not having an answer or solution.
“Sooo tasty!” : YUM!
The answer "YUM!" fits the clue "Sooo tasty!" because "YUM!" is an expression often used to show that something is delicious or tasty.
“Très ___!” (French for “Very well!”) : BIEN
"Bien" is the French word for "well," making it the correct answer for the clue "Très ___!" which translates to "Very well!" in English.
“___ the only one seeing this?” : AM I
The phrase "Am I the only one seeing this?" is a common expression used to express surprise or disbelief. In this context, "Am I" is the correct answer to the clue.