Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 6 November 2024, Wednesday (11-06-24). 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-game, so to speak : ALL
The phrase "A-game" means the highest level of performance or effort. The word "ALL" can be used to represent giving your all or your best effort, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Actress Tracee ___ Ross of “American Fiction” : ELLIS
unknown
African country : SOMALIA (and MALI)
Somalia and Mali are both African countries, making them the correct answers to the clue "African country."
Avoid ___ (Google Maps option) : TOLLS
The answer "TOLLS" fits because one can choose to avoid tolls when using Google Maps by selecting that option in the app settings.
Band in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame : BLACK SABBATH (and ABBA)
Black Sabbath is a band in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame known for pioneering the heavy metal genre. ABBA is also a band in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame known for their iconic pop music. Both bands are well-known and influential in the music industry, making them fitting answers to the clue.
Band initials missing from their hit song “_vi_ W_man” : ELO
The answer is "ELO" because it stands for Electric Light Orchestra, which is the band missing from the hit song "Evil Woman."
Big name in athletic sandals : TEVA
TEVA is a well-known brand that specializes in athletic sandals, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Big name in athletic sandals."
Bird with a distinctive call : MEADOWLARK (and OWL)
MEADOWLARK and OWL are both birds known for their distinctive calls, making them fitting answers for the clue "Bird with a distinctive call."
Bit of fried finger food, casually : TOT
The clue "Bit of fried finger food, casually" is a playful way of describing a tater tot, which is often eaten as a finger food. "Casually" hints at the informal nickname "TOT" for tater tots.
Brazilian jazz subgenre, informally : BOSSA
BOSSA is the right solution because it is a commonly used informal term for Bossa Nova, which is a Brazilian jazz subgenre.
Channel with Steve Kornacki’s election day “Big Board” : MSNBC
MSNBC is a popular news channel known for its election coverage, including Steve Kornacki's detailed analysis using the "Big Board."
Composer with a namesake horn : SOUSA
The composer referred to in the clue is John Philip Sousa, who is well-known for his marches. The namesake horn mentioned in the clue is the sousaphone, which was named after him. Therefore, the answer to the clue "Composer with a namesake horn" is "SOUSA".
Container for sour cream : TUB
The answer "TUB" is the right solution because sour cream is often sold and stored in small plastic containers or tubs.
Croak : RIBBIT
Dave Bautista’s role in “Guardians of the Galaxy” : DRAX Down 1 Focuses of quantum mechanics
The answer to "Dave Bautista’s role in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'" is "DRAX" because Drax is the character played by Dave Bautista in the Marvel movie "Guardians of the Galaxy." The answer to "Focuses of quantum mechanics" is "DRAX" because Drax sounds like "trax," which is a colloquial term for tracks, and in quantum mechanics, the focus is often on tracking the behavior of particles and waves.
Domain suffix that most people can’t register : EDU
The domain suffix ".edu" is restricted for use by educational institutions in the United States. Most people are not able to register a domain with this suffix unless they are an eligible educational institution.
Drag on the road : TOW
The answer "TOW" fits because when a vehicle is unable to move on its own, it is often towed by another vehicle.
Dress shirt fit option : SLIM
"SLIM" is the right solution because it is a common fit option for dress shirts that is more tailored and closer to the body than regular or classic fit shirts.
Elaborate hairdo : COIF
"Coif" is a term often used to refer to an elaborate hairdo or hairstyle, especially one that is carefully styled or arranged. It is a common crossword answer for this type of clue.
Foul-smelling prank items : STINK BOMBS
The answer "STINK BOMBS" fits the clue "Foul-smelling prank items" because stink bombs are small items that emit a foul odor when broken or opened, commonly used in pranks.
General idea … or a hint to the clue/answer pairings at 14-, 29-, 39-, 41- and 53- : LONG AND SHORT OF IT
The phrase "Long and short of it" means getting to the main point or the essential information. In this crossword, the clue/answer pairings at 14-, 29-, 39-, 41-, and 53- all relate to getting to the main point or essence of something, hence the answer "LONG AND SHORT OF IT" fits perfectly.
Gobi Desert grazer : ASS
Green roll : SOD
The answer "SOD" fits because a "SOD" is a piece of grass-covered soil, often used for lawns or landscaping, making it a type of green roll.
Gucci played by Al Pacino in 2021’s “House of Gucci” : ALDO
Hang out : LOLL
"Loll" is a synonym for "hang out" or "lounge around in a relaxed way." It fits the clue perfectly.
Hip-hop’s Madvillain or Mobb Deep : DUO
The clue is asking for a musical group consisting of two members. "DUO" is the correct answer as both Madvillain and Mobb Deep are hip-hop duos, meaning they consist of two members each.
Hop on board? : OLLIE
"OLLIE" is the right solution because in skateboarding, an "ollie" is a trick where the rider and board leap into the air without the use of hands. The clue "Hop on board?" is a playful way of hinting at this skateboarding trick.
Indicators of remaining energy for video game characters : HEALTH BARS
The answer "HEALTH BARS" fits the clue because in video games, health bars are typically displayed on screen to show how much health or energy a character has remaining. It is a common feature in many video games to help players keep track of their character's well-being.
Inspiration for Toblerone’s shape : ALP
The shape of Toblerone is inspired by the Swiss Alps, hence the answer "ALP" is the right solution.
Jewish rite : BRIS
The Jewish rite of circumcision is called a "bris," making it the correct answer for the clue.
Lay to rest : ENTOMB
"Entomb" means to place a dead body in a tomb or grave, which is a way to lay someone to rest.
Leave undisturbed : LET BE
"Let lie" means to leave undisturbed or not interfere with something. In this context, it is a common phrase used to indicate leaving something as it is without disturbing it.
Like Antarctica’s climate : ARID
Like food you should probably smell before eating : OLD
The answer "OLD" is correct because food that is old may have gone bad and could make you sick if consumed. It's a warning to use your sense of smell to check if the food is still fresh before eating it.
Like many granola bars : OATY
"OATY" is the right solution because many granola bars contain oats as a key ingredient, making them "OATY".
Liverpudlian or Mancunian : BRIT
The answer "BRIT" is short for British, which can refer to someone from Liverpool (Liverpudlian) or Manchester (Mancunian) as they are both cities in Britain.
Look sullen : POUT
"Pout" is the right solution because to "look sullen" means to have a gloomy or displeased expression on your face, which is often characterized by a pout or a protrusion of the lips.
Major setback : BLOW
"BLOW" can mean a setback or sudden misfortune, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Major setback."
Make go “Vroom!” : REV
The answer "REV" is short for "rev up," which means to increase the speed or power of an engine, making it go "Vroom!"
Middle-of-the-month time : IDES
The term "Ides" refers to the middle of the month in the Roman calendar, typically falling on the 15th day of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th day of other months.
Midwesterner’s embarrassed interjection : OPE!
"OPE!" is a common interjection used by Midwesterners when they are surprised or embarrassed. It is a regional expression that fits the clue well.
Multitalented Moreno : RITA
Rita Moreno is a well-known actress and singer, making her multitalented. Therefore, the answer "RITA" is the right solution for the clue "Multitalented Moreno."
Northernmost city in North America with over one million people : EDMONTON
The answer is "EDMONTON" because it is the northernmost city in North America with a population of over one million people. It is located in Alberta, Canada.
Patterned fabric named for a Mideast capital : DAMASK
"DAMASK" is the right solution because it is a type of patterned fabric that is named after the city of Damascus in the Middle East. The clue is a direct reference to the fabric's origin and name.
Performs brilliantly : SHINES
"Performs brilliantly" is a clue that suggests someone is doing exceptionally well. The word "shines" can mean to perform exceptionally or brilliantly, making it the right answer for this clue.
Plot units : ACRES
The answer "ACRES" fits the clue "Plot units" because acres are a common unit of measurement used to describe the size of land or plots.
Possible response to a question that begins “Est-ce que …” : OUI
"Est-ce que" is a common way to form a yes-no question in French, so the possible response to this type of question would be "OUI," which means "yes" in French.
Puff pieces? : CIGARS
The answer "EFS" is the right solution for the clue "Puff pieces?" because "EFS" is a common abbreviation for "editorial features," which are articles or stories that are typically written in a more promotional or positive tone.
Required word count for a freelance article, e.g. : SPEC
"SPEC" is short for "specification," which refers to the specific word count required for a freelance article. It is a common term used in the freelance writing industry.
River in which Achilles was dipped : STYX
The river in which Achilles was dipped to make him invulnerable was the River Styx in Greek mythology.
Second-smallest of seven : EUROPE
Shot dropped into a glass of beer, in a popular cocktail : SAKE
The clue suggests a cocktail where a shot is dropped into a glass of beer, which is a description of a popular cocktail called a Sake Bomb. Therefore, the answer "SAKE" fits the clue.
Silvery element : PLATINUM (and TIN)
Platinum is a silvery-white metal, and its symbol on the periodic table is Pt. Tin is also a silvery metal, and its symbol is Sn. Therefore, the answer "PLATINUM (and TIN)" fits the clue "Silvery element" as both platinum and tin are silvery in color.
Site for crafts : ETSY
"Etsy" is a popular online marketplace specifically for handmade and vintage items, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Site for crafts."
Snack brand from the Spanish word for “fried” : FRITOS
The Spanish word for "fried" is "fritos," which is also a well-known snack brand. So, "Snack brand from the Spanish word for 'fried'" clues to "FRITOS" as the answer.
Something a rock climber might make with one hand : KNOT
A rock climber might make a knot with one hand to secure the rope while climbing. This answer fits the clue perfectly.
Spacecraft that docked with the Soyuz in 1975 : APOLLO
The spacecraft that docked with the Soyuz in 1975 was the Apollo, as part of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, a joint US-Soviet space mission.
Spinning one’s wheels? : BIKING
The clue "Spinning one’s wheels?" is a play on words that suggests the activity of biking, which involves spinning the wheels of a bicycle while riding.
Sullen : MOPEY
"Mopey" is a synonym for "sullen," meaning gloomy or in a bad mood. It fits the clue well.
Swearing-in words : I DO
"I DO" are commonly used words during a wedding ceremony when the couple is asked if they agree to the marriage. "Swearing-in words" can refer to these words said during a swearing-in ceremony or oath-taking, making "I DO" the right solution.
Sweetened beverage : LIMEADE (and MEAD)
The answer "LIMEADE" fits the clue "Sweetened beverage" because limeade is a type of sweetened drink made from lime juice, water, and sugar. "MEAD" is also a sweetened beverage made from fermented honey and water.
Tailor’s line : HEM
The answer "HEM" is a line that a tailor would create by folding and sewing the edge of a piece of clothing to keep it from fraying.
Target : AIM
The clue "Target" is a verb, and "AIMAT" is a phrasal verb that means "to direct one's efforts or intentions towards something or someone". Therefore, "AIMAT" is the correct answer to the clue.
Three-syllable letter : IOTA
"IOTA" is a three-syllable letter in the Greek alphabet. Each syllable is pronounced as "i-o-ta," making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Unit of power : WATT
The unit of power is measured in watts, named after James Watt, a Scottish inventor.
World’s most populous country as of 2023 : INDIA
___ Baxter, “Poor Things” protagonist : BELLA
Bella is the protagonist in the novel "Poor Things" by Alasdair Gray, so she is the correct answer for the clue "___ Baxter, 'Poor Things' protagonist."
___ Varda, director with an honorary Palme d’Or and Oscar : AGNES
Agnes Varda was a director who received an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and an Oscar. The answer "AGNES" fits the clue because it is the first name of the director being described.
“99 Luftballons” singer : NENA
The clue refers to the singer of the popular 1980s song "99 Luftballons", which was originally performed in German. "NENA" is the name of the German singer who wrote and performed the song.
“Go-o-oal!” : IT’S IN!
The answer "IT'S IN!" fits the clue "Go-o-oal!" because it is a common exclamation made when a goal is scored in sports, indicating that the ball has successfully entered the goal.
“My plans aren’t set in stone” : I MIGHT
This answer fits the clue because "I might" suggests uncertainty, indicating that plans are not definite or set in stone.
“Oh, phew!” : OK, GOOD!
The answer "OK, GOOD!" fits because it conveys a sense of relief or reassurance, which is often expressed by saying "Oh, phew!" when feeling relieved.
“Tell me something I don’t know!” : DUH!
The answer "DUH!" is commonly used to express that something is obvious or well-known, making it a fitting response to the clue "Tell me something I don’t know!"
“Yeah, don’t even think about it” : UM, NO
This phrase is a dismissive response, similar to saying "no way". "UM, NO" conveys a casual and firm rejection, making it a fitting answer to the clue.