Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 9 November 2023, Thursday (11-09-23). 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.
Academic’s credential : PHD
The answer to "Academic's credential" is "PHD" because a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a higher academic degree that is typically earned by individuals who have completed advanced research in a specific field of study. It is a recognized credential for academics and experts in various disciplines.
Activity that involves shape shifting : TETRIS
The answer "TETRIS" is the right solution because it is a popular puzzle video game where players manipulate falling shapes called tetrominoes to create complete rows. The shapes in the game can be shifted and rotated to fit into different positions, hence involving shape shifting.
Appropriate answer for this spot in the puzzle : END Down 1 Sights around Joshua Tree National Park
The answer "END" is the appropriate answer for this spot in the puzzle because it fits the given clue "Appropriate answer for this spot in the puzzle." The word "END" signifies the conclusion or final part, which makes it a suitable answer for the last spot in the puzzle.
Bad listening ability : TIN EAR
The phrase "tin ear" is commonly used to describe someone who has a poor ability to listen or understand music. In this crossword clue, "bad listening ability" is a synonym for having a "tin ear," making it the right answer.
Cleveland abuts it : ERIE
The answer "ERIE" is the right solution because Cleveland is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Therefore, Lake Erie abuts Cleveland.
Confidence-boosting corporate attire : POWER SUIT
The term "power suit" refers to a formal business attire that exudes confidence and authority. It typically consists of a tailored suit, often in a dark color, and is associated with professional success and assertiveness in corporate settings.
Cousins of cassowaries : RHEAS
The answer to "Cousins of cassowaries" is "RHEAS" because rheas are flightless birds that are closely related to cassowaries.
Coveted cup : GRAIL
The answer "GRAIL" is the right solution because the word "coveted" suggests that the cup is highly desired or sought after. The Holy Grail is a legendary cup associated with the quest for divine knowledge and eternal life, making it a perfect fit for the clue.
Delight : THRILL
The word "JOY" is a suitable answer to the clue "Delight" because joy is a feeling of great happiness or pleasure, which is often associated with delight.
Doubly hyphenated fig. : SSN
The answer "SSN" stands for Social Security Number, which is a doubly hyphenated figure. The abbreviation "SSN" is commonly used to refer to this identification number, making it the correct solution for the clue.
Dried version of the almost-ripe poblano : ANCHO
The answer "ANCHO" is the right solution because it is a dried version of the almost-ripe poblano pepper. When poblano peppers are left to ripen and dry, they become ancho peppers, which are commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
Excellent, in dated slang : PHAT
The answer "PHAT" is the right solution because it is a slang term that was popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. It means "excellent" or "cool."
Finks : SINGS
The word "Finks" is a clue that suggests informers or betrayers. The answer "SINGS" fits because when someone "sings," they reveal information or betray secrets.
Fix unfairly : RIG
The word "rig" can mean to manipulate or arrange something dishonestly or unfairly. Therefore, "fix unfairly" is a clue that suggests the answer "rig" as it fits the definition and meaning of the clue.
Follower of G or X : -RATED
The answer "-RATED" is the right solution because it follows the letters "G" or "X" in the alphabet.
Former Arkansas governor Hutchinson : ASA
The answer to "Former Arkansas governor Hutchinson" is "ASA" because Asa Hutchinson served as the governor of Arkansas.
Full moon period on the Roman lunar calendar : IDES
The answer "IDES" is the right solution because it refers to the specific day in the Roman lunar calendar when the moon is full. It typically falls on the 13th or 15th day of the month.
Grow threadbare : FRAY
The word "fray" means to become worn or threadbare, making it the perfect answer to the clue "Grow threadbare."
Has a bias : LEANS
The word "LEANS" in this context refers to having a bias or inclination towards a particular viewpoint or opinion. It is a concise and fitting answer to the clue.
Having wrinkles : LINED
The word "lined" is the right solution because it means having wrinkles. When something is lined, it has creases or wrinkles on its surface.
How most stormtroopers look in “Star Wars” : ALIKE
The answer "ALIKE" fits the clue because stormtroopers in "Star Wars" are known for their identical appearance, wearing similar armor and helmets.
Huge : CYCLOPEAN
The answer "CYCLOPEAN" is the right solution for the clue "Huge" because it refers to something of colossal size or magnitude. The term "Cyclopean" originates from Greek mythology, where the Cyclopes were giant one-eyed creatures known for their immense strength and size.
Iconic feature of the Who’s “My Generation” : BASS SOLO
The answer "BASS SOLO" is the right solution because in the song "My Generation" by The Who, there is an iconic moment where the bass guitar takes a solo.
Indication to stop playing, perhaps : REST SIGN
The answer "REST SIGN" is the right solution because it refers to a musical notation indicating a pause or a break in playing. It is commonly used to indicate when a musician should stop playing temporarily.
It’s rarely taken at night : NAP
The answer "NAP" is the right solution because people rarely take a short sleep during the night.
Keyboard key not found on smartphones : ESC
The answer is "ESC" because it stands for "Escape" and is a key commonly found on computer keyboards but not on smartphones. It is used to cancel or exit out of a function or program.
Kind of situation that’s hopeless : NO WIN
The answer "NO WIN" is the right solution because it means a situation where there is no possibility of winning or achieving a favorable outcome. It perfectly fits the clue "Kind of situation that's hopeless."
Last bit : DREG
The term "last bit" refers to the final remaining portion or residue of something. The word "dreg" specifically means the sediment or residue that settles at the bottom of a liquid. Therefore, "dreg" is the right answer as it perfectly represents the concept of the last bit or remaining portion.
Leaflike plant part : SEPAL
The answer to "Leaflike plant part" is "SEPAL" because sepals are the outermost part of a flower that protect the developing bud. They are usually green and resemble small leaves.
Like 80% of the Arabian Peninsula : SAUDI
The answer "SAUDI" is the right solution because Saudi Arabia covers approximately 80% of the Arabian Peninsula.
Love of Charles Foster Kane in “Citizen Kane” : OPERA
The answer "OPERA" is the right solution because in the movie "Citizen Kane," Charles Foster Kane's love interest is named Susan Alexander, and she becomes an opera singer.
Makes out, in Britain : SNOGS
The word "SNOGS" is a British slang term that means "makes out" or engages in passionate kissing. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "Makes out, in Britain."
Michelle of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” : YEOH
The answer "YEOH" is the right solution because Michelle Yeoh is the actress who starred in the film "Everything Everywhere All at Once."
Musical Horne : LENA
The answer "LENA" is the right solution because Lena Horne was a well-known American singer and actress, particularly in the realm of musicals.
NASA’s “all good” : A-OK
The answer is "A-OK" because it is a commonly used phrase by NASA to indicate that everything is in good order. It is a simple and concise way to express that everything is fine.
Norah O’Donnell’s employer beginning in 2011 : CBS
The answer is "CBS" because Norah O'Donnell has been working for CBS since 2011.
One running for Congress? : SENATE PAGE
The answer "SENATE PAGE" is the right solution because a Senate page is a young person who works in the United States Senate, often assisting senators and gaining firsthand experience in the political process. They can be considered as someone "running" for Congress because they are actively involved in the workings of the Senate.
One with many priors, maybe : ABBOT
The answer "ABBOT" fits the clue "One with many priors, maybe" because an abbot is a religious leader in charge of an abbey or monastery. They often have a title of respect and are addressed as "Father" or "Prior." Therefore, an abbot can be seen as someone with many priors, making it the correct answer.
One-on-one Olympic event : EPEE
The answer to "One-on-one Olympic event" is "EPEE" because epee is a type of sword used in the sport of fencing, which is a one-on-one Olympic event.
Org. with grants for asbestos removal : EPA
The answer is "EPA" because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an organization that provides grants for asbestos removal.
Part of some cells : ANODE
The answer "ANODE" is the right solution because it refers to the positively charged electrode in an electrical cell. It is a part of some cells in which oxidation occurs.
Party game choice : DARE
The answer to "Party game choice" is "DARE" because "DARE" is a popular party game where players are challenged to perform tasks or actions.
Pass quickly (over) : SKATE
The word "skate" is the right solution because it means to move quickly and smoothly over a surface, which is exactly what the clue is asking for.
Pigment akin to ocher or umber : SIENNA
The answer to "Pigment akin to ocher or umber" is "SIENNA" because sienna is a type of pigment that shares similar earthy tones with ocher and umber.
Prefix with tourism : ECO-
The prefix "ECO-" is the right solution because it is commonly used to describe activities or practices that are environmentally friendly or sustainable. In the context of tourism, "ECO-" is often used to refer to ecotourism, which involves visiting and experiencing natural environments while minimizing environmental impact.
Prosecco alternative, familiarly : ASTI
The answer "ASTI" is the right solution because Prosecco and Asti are both types of sparkling wines from Italy. They are often used as alternatives to each other in social settings.
Regularly checking the time, maybe : BORED
The answer "BORED" is the right solution because when someone is regularly checking the time, it indicates that they are likely feeling bored or lacking interest in their current activity.
Result of dropping a tray of coffee drinks? : S(P(LATTE)R)ED = LATTE PLATTER SPLATTERED
The answer is "S(P(LATTE)R)ED = LATTE PLATTER SPLATTERED" because the clue suggests that dropping a tray of coffee drinks would result in a mess or splatter. By rearranging the letters of "LATTE PLATTER" inside the word "SPRED," we get "LATTE PLATTER SPLATTERED," which accurately describes the outcome of dropping a tray of coffee drinks.
Salt and pepper or peanut butter and jelly : PAIR
The answer "PAIR" is the right solution because "Salt and pepper" and "peanut butter and jelly" are both examples of things that are commonly paired together.
Scott who wrote “The Black Pearl” : O’DELL
The answer is "O'DELL" because Scott O'Dell is the author who wrote the book "The Black Pearl."
Seat in Parliament? : BUM
The answer "BUM" is a slang term for someone who is lazy or unemployed. In this context, "Seat in Parliament?" is a play on words, suggesting that the answer is not a literal seat in the legislative body, but rather a humorous reference to someone who sits around all day, like a "bum."
See 65-Down : -TAC
Shortening used for shortening : ETC
The answer "ETC" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "et cetera," which means "and so forth" or "and other similar things." In this context, "shortening used for shortening" is a play on words, indicating that the answer is an abbreviation commonly used to shorten or represent other words or phrases.
Shrunken snack item : PRUNE
The answer "PRUNE" is the right solution to the clue "Shrunken snack item" because prunes are dried plums, which means they have shrunk in size during the drying process.
Slosh against, as the shore : LAP AT
The clue "Slosh against, as the shore" suggests a word that describes the action of water gently hitting the shore. "LAP AT" fits this description perfectly, as it means to touch or strike gently and repeatedly.
Special effects devices at a rock concert : ECHO PEDALS
The answer "ECHO PEDALS" is the right solution because special effects devices, like echo pedals, are commonly used at rock concerts to create a distinct echoing sound effect.
Spoiler alert! It’s bacteria! : E COLI
The answer "E COLI" fits the clue "Spoiler alert! It's bacteria!" because E. coli is a common type of bacteria that can cause spoilage or contamination in food and water.
Squeeze (out) : EKE
The word "eke" means to obtain or squeeze out something, often in a meager or limited way. Hence, it is a fitting answer to the clue "Squeeze (out)".
Start of a counting rhyme : EENIE …
The answer "EENIE ..." is the right solution because it is a common beginning to a counting rhyme. It is often used to help children make a random choice or determine who goes first in a game.
Store, as ashes : INURN
The word "inurn" means to store or place ashes in an urn. It is a common term used in funeral or cremation contexts.
Surname at the O.K. Corral : EARP
The surname "Earp" is the right solution because it refers to the famous lawman family involved in the shootout at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.
Surveillance org. : NSA
The answer to "Surveillance org." is "CIA" because the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is known for its role in gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance activities.
Tally of samples at a geology competition? : S(C(ORE) S)HEET = ORE CORES SCORESHEET
The clue "Tally of samples at a geology competition?" is a wordplay clue. The answer "S(C(ORE) S)HEET" is a clever play on words. It takes the word "SCORESHEET" (which means a sheet for keeping score) and inserts the word "ORE" (which is a type of sample in geology) inside it. This creates the phrase "ORE CORES SCORESHEET," which is a humorous way of describing the tally of samples at a geology competition.
Thoroughly … or how to read the four answers with parentheses in this puzzle : INSIDE OUT
The phrase "thoroughly" means completely or entirely. In this context, "thoroughly" is instructing us to read the four answers with parentheses in this puzzle in a specific way. The phrase "inside out" suggests that we should read the answers from the inside of the parentheses to the outside. Therefore, "INSIDE OUT" is the correct answer.
Toast : CHAR
The answer "CHAR" is the right solution because it refers to the act of burning or scorching the surface of something, which is what happens when you toast bread.
TV dad on “Black-ish” : DRE
The answer is "DRE" because Dre is the name of the TV dad character on the show "Black-ish."
Two-handed gesture : CLAP
The answer to "Two-handed gesture" is "CLAP" because clapping involves using both hands to create a sound by striking them together.
Unspecified ordinal : NTH
The answer "NTH" is the right solution because it represents an unspecified or unknown ordinal number. In crossword puzzles, "NTH" is often used to indicate any position in a sequence or series, regardless of the specific number.
With 45-, Northwest airport, in brief : SEA-
The answer "SEA-" is the right solution because it represents the airport code for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is located in the Northwest region of the United States.
Workers at the rear of some flat boats? : C(R(AFT)S)MEN = AFT RAFTS CRAFTSMEN
The answer "CRAFTSMEN" is derived from the wordplay in the clue. "Workers" indicates that we are looking for a plural noun. "at the rear of" suggests that we need to find a word that means "rear" and place it inside another word. "some flat boats" gives us the word "RAFTS." If we put "AFT" (which means "rear") inside "RAFTS," we get "CRAFTS." Finally, adding "MEN" (which is a common term for workers) to "CRAFTS" gives us "CRAFTSMEN," which fits the clue.
___ pants : CAPRI
The answer to "___ pants" is "CAPRI" because Capri pants are a specific style of pants that are shorter in length, typically ending just above the ankle.
“Ah” : I SEE
The answer "I SEE" is the right solution because "Ah" is often used as an expression of understanding or realization, and "I SEE" is a common phrase that conveys the same meaning.
“My ___” (medieval address) : LIEGE
The word "LIEGE" is the right solution because it is a medieval term used to address a lord or ruler.
“Not that shrink!”? : PSYCH(O(THE)R)APIST = THE OTHER PSYCHOTHERAPIST
The answer is "PSYCHOTHERAPIST" because the clue is indicating that we need a synonym for "shrink" but not the one that is being referred to. By removing "the" from "the other psychotherapist" and placing it inside "psychorapist", we get the correct answer.
“The very ___!” : IDEA
The phrase "The very ___!" is commonly used to express surprise or emphasis. The word that fits in this phrase is "IDEA" because it completes the expression and makes sense in the context.