Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 12 November 2024, Tuesday (11-12-24). Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
We're not affiliated with New York Times in any way.
Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
44444, for Newton Falls, OH : ZIP
The answer is "ZIP" because in the context of postal codes, "44444" is the ZIP code for Newton Falls, OH.
Abbr. on a business card : TEL
The abbreviation "TEL" is commonly used on business cards to indicate a telephone number. It is short for "telephone."
Actor ___ Michael Murray of “One Tree Hill” : CHAD
Chad Michael Murray is an actor known for his role in the TV show "One Tree Hill." The clue is asking for the actor's first name, which is "Chad."
Annoy : RILE
The word "nettle" can mean to irritate or annoy someone.
Assignment outsourced to ChatGPT, perhaps : ESSAY
The answer "ESSAY" fits the clue because an essay is a type of writing assignment that could be outsourced to ChatGPT for help or completion.
Assisted pregnancy procedure, for short : IVF
The answer "IVF" stands for In Vitro Fertilization, which is a common assisted pregnancy procedure where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body in a lab dish before being implanted into the uterus.
Bear who sings “I’m so rumbly in my tumbly” : WINNIE THE POOH (giving “whinny”)
The answer "Winnie the Pooh" fits the clue because the bear in question is known for saying "I'm so rumbly in my tumbly," and the wordplay with "whinny" hints at the correct answer.
Blockers for the QB, familiarly : O-LINE
"O-LINE" is the right solution because in football, the offensive line (O-LINE) is responsible for blocking and protecting the quarterback.
Blue parts of boobies : FEET
Bozos : JACKASSES
"Bozos" is a slang term for foolish or stupid people. "Boobs" is also a slang term for foolish or stupid people. Therefore, "Boobs" is a suitable answer for the clue "Bozos".
Burrowing rodent : VOLE
A vole is a small burrowing rodent, making it the correct answer to the clue "Burrowing rodent."
Certain lacrosse gear : ARM PADS
"ARM PADS" are a type of protective gear worn by lacrosse players to protect their arms during gameplay. The clue "Certain lacrosse gear" is a hint that the answer is a specific type of gear used in lacrosse, making "ARM PADS" the correct solution.
Channel on which to watch N.C.A.A. games : ESPNU
The answer is "ESPNU" because it is a TV channel that broadcasts N.C.A.A. games.
Chowder morsels : CLAMS
"Chowder" is a type of soup often made with seafood, and "morsels" are small pieces of food. Clams are a common ingredient in chowder, making "CLAMS" the correct answer.
Completion document : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for abbreviation, which is commonly used in crossword puzzles to indicate that the answer is an abbreviation. In this case, "Completion document" abbreviated is "Abbr." as the completion document is a form or document that may require an abbreviation.
Cry accompanying a fist pump : YES!
The answer "YES!" fits the clue because it is a common exclamation of joy or triumph often accompanied by a fist pump.
Early sign of life, perhaps : KICK
The answer "KICK" is a common early sign of life in the context of a baby moving in the womb, indicating the beginning of fetal activity.
Enthralled : RAPT
"Enthralled" means to be captivated or fascinated by something. "Agog" means to be very eager or curious to know or see something. Therefore, "agog" is the right solution as it describes a state of being captivated or fascinated by something.
Farmer’s tool : HOE
The answer "HOE" fits the clue "Farmer's tool" because a hoe is a common tool used in farming to break up soil and remove weeds.
Fast-food chain that has a long-running feud with Jon Stewart : ARBY’S
Arby's is the fast-food chain known for its roast beef sandwiches and has been involved in a long-running feud with Jon Stewart, the former host of "The Daily Show." This feud has been mentioned in various interviews and even on Stewart's show, making Arby's the correct answer to this clue.
Father ___, personification of New York City in old cartoons : KNICKERBOCKER (giving “nicker”)
The answer "KNICKERBOCKER" is the right solution because "Father Knickerbocker" is a personification of New York City in old cartoons, and "nicker" is a colloquial term for a laugh or chuckle, which fits the clue.
Feels off : AILS
"Feels off" is a clue indicating that something is not quite right or is causing discomfort. The word "AILS" means to feel unwell or to be in poor health, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Finger used to swear? : PINKY
The "pinky finger" is a common term for the smallest finger on the hand. When making a promise or swearing an oath, one might raise their pinky finger as a playful or lighthearted gesture, hence the connection to the clue.
First half of an alley-oop : LOB
LOB is the first half of an alley-oop because it refers to the high pass that sets up the dunk in basketball.
Fjords and bays : INLETS
The answer "INLETS" fits the clue "Fjords and bays" because fjords and bays are both types of inlets, which are narrow bodies of water leading inland from a larger body of water.
Former name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo : ZAIRE
The former name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was Zaire from 1971 to 1997.
From which to hear the real story, as suggested by the starts of 20-, 26- and 51- : HORSE’S MOUTH
The answer "HORSE'S MOUTH" fits because the starts of the words in the phrases 20-Across ("straight from the source"), 26-Across ("directly from the original"), and 51-Across ("right from the beginning") all suggest hearing the real story from the most authentic or reliable source, which is often referred to as "straight from the horse's mouth."
Got clean : DETOXED
DETOXED is the right answer because it means to undergo a process of detoxification, which involves getting clean from toxins or drugs.
Grain that may be steel-cut : OAT
The clue mentions "steel-cut," which is a type of oats, making "OAT" the correct answer.
Grind, as one’s teeth : GNASH
The word "gnash" means to grind one's teeth together, usually in anger or frustration. So, "gnash" is the right answer for the clue "Grind, as one's teeth."
Heavy book : TOME
"TOME" is the right answer because a tome typically refers to a large, heavy, or scholarly book, making it a fitting solution for the clue "Heavy book."
Home of the Salt Lake Temple : UTAH
The Salt Lake Temple is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, making "UTAH" the correct answer for the clue "Home of the Salt Lake Temple."
Hurts, like a tooth : ACHES
The word "aches" is commonly used to describe a toothache, which is a type of pain or discomfort in the tooth.
Internet deep dive, metaphorically : RABBIT HOLE
The term "rabbit hole" is commonly used as a metaphor for getting deeply involved in something, like exploring various topics or information on the internet. It originates from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, where Alice follows a rabbit down a rabbit hole and enters a fantastical world.
Italian smoker : ETNA
The answer "ETNA" refers to Mount Etna, an active volcano in Italy. "Italian smoker" is a clue that hints at a smoking volcano in Italy, making "ETNA" the correct answer.
Like French toast or frittatas : EGGY Down 1 Surgery sites, for short
The answer "EGGY" fits the clue "Like French toast or frittatas" because both French toast and frittatas are dishes that are made with eggs, so they are "EGGY."
Like Tom Hanks for the majority of “Cast Away” : ALONE
The answer "ALONE" fits the clue because Tom Hanks' character in the movie "Cast Away" is stranded on a deserted island for the majority of the film, making him isolated and by himself, or "ALONE."
Li’l fella : KIDDO
"Li'l fella" is a colloquial term for a small or young person, which fits the definition of "KIDDO" as a casual term for a child or young person.
Make out, in Manchester : SNOG
"SNOG" is a British slang term meaning "to kiss and cuddle amorously." In Manchester, "snog" is a common term for making out, so the answer fits the clue perfectly.
More rational : SANER
The answer "SANER" fits the clue "More rational" because it means having a sounder or more reasonable mind or judgment.
Muddy quarters : STY
The answer "STY" refers to a muddy living area for pigs, making it a fitting answer for "Muddy quarters."
One way to stare : DUMBLY
unknown
Online investment platform : E-TRADE
E-TRADE is an online investment platform where users can buy and sell stocks, bonds, options, and mutual funds. It is a well-known platform for online trading and investing, making it the correct answer to the clue "Online investment platform."
Oscar winner Michelle : YEOH
The answer "YEOH" is the right solution because Michelle Yeoh is an Oscar-winning actress.
Part of an email address : AT-SIGN
The "@" sign is a key component in an email address, separating the user's name from the domain name. It is commonly referred to as the "at-sign" in this context.
Pass covertly : SLIP
The word "SLIP" can mean to pass covertly or unnoticed, making it the right answer for the clue.
Pesky insect : GNAT
"GNAT" is the right answer because gnats are small, annoying insects commonly found around fruits and plants. They are known for buzzing around and bothering people, making them a fitting answer for the clue "Pesky insect."
Power problem : OUTAGE
The answer "OUTAGE" fits the clue "Power problem" because an outage refers to a period when power is not available or working, which is a common issue related to power problems.
Punch line punctuator : RIM SHOT
The term "RIM SHOT" refers to a drumbeat typically played by a drummer after a punch line in a joke to emphasize the humor. It serves as a punctuation mark, signaling the end of the joke and prompting laughter from the audience.
Put on, as a party : THROW
The word "throw" can mean to host or organize a party, making it the right solution for the clue "Put on, as a party."
Rack up, as expenses : INCUR
"Incur" means to become subject to (something unwelcome or unpleasant) as a result of one's own behavior or actions. So, to "rack up, as expenses" means to accumulate or become subject to expenses through one's actions, making "INCUR" the right answer.
Region in which many fed. workers live : DC AREA
The answer "DC AREA" fits because it refers to the region around Washington, D.C. where many federal workers live due to the proximity to their workplace in the capital.
Restaurant chain with an acronymic name : IHOP
IHOP stands for International House of Pancakes, making it a restaurant chain with an acronymic name.
Roman soldier : LEGIONARY
"LEGIONARY" is the right solution because a legionary was a professional soldier in the ancient Roman army, typically part of a legion consisting of thousands of soldiers.
Slinky shape : HELIX
The answer "HELIX" fits the clue "Slinky shape" because a helix is a three-dimensional curve that has a coiled or spiral shape, similar to that of a Slinky toy.
Smooth sailing, so to speak : EASE
"EASE" is the right solution because the phrase "smooth sailing" is a common expression meaning things are going well or easily, which can be described as "ease."
Snakelike : EELY
The word "eely" means resembling an eel, which is a type of snakelike fish. Therefore, "EELY" is the right answer to the clue "Snakelike."
Threaded fastener : T-NUT
The answer "NUT" fits the clue "Threaded fastener" because a nut is a type of fastener with a threaded hole used to screw onto a bolt or screw to hold pieces together.
Twitch glitch : LAG
The term "lag" is commonly used to describe delays or glitches in online video streaming platforms like Twitch. So, "Twitch glitch" is a clue hinting at the answer "LAG."
Virtual animal companion : NEOPET
Neopets are virtual animal companions that players can adopt, care for, and play with on the Neopets website.
Vocal skeptics : NAYSAYERS (giving “neigh”)
The term "NAYSAYERS" is a synonym for vocal skeptics. The wordplay in the clue hints at "neigh," which sounds like "nay," a term often used to express skepticism or opposition.
Went clickety-clack : TYPED
The word "TYPED" is a good fit because it describes the sound of typing on a keyboard, which can be said to go "clickety-clack" as the keys are pressed.
Word with chocolate or tortilla : CHIP
The word "chip" can be combined with "chocolate" to form "chocolate chip" or with "tortilla" to form "tortilla chip", which are common food items.
___ hands (razzle-dazzle display) : JAZZ
The phrase "razzle-dazzle display" is a clue that suggests a flashy and showy presentation, which is often associated with jazz music and its lively and energetic performances. Therefore, the answer "JAZZ" fits the clue.
“Be ___” (candy heart words) : MINE
The phrase "Be ___" is commonly completed with the word "MINE" on candy hearts, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
“Glee” actress Rivera : NAYA
Naya Rivera was an actress known for her role in the TV show "Glee," making "NAYA" the correct answer for the clue.
“Not a big deal” : IT’S NOTHING
The phrase "It's nothing" is a common expression used to downplay the significance of a situation, indicating that it is not a big deal.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” walk : STRUT
The word "strut" is commonly associated with a confident and stylish way of walking, which fits the glamorous and confident demeanor often seen on "RuPaul's Drag Race."
“Superfood” berry : ACAI
Acai is a well-known superfood berry that is often used in smoothie bowls and health foods, making it a common answer for the clue "Superfood berry."
“You can’t have your cake and ___ it too” : EAT
The phrase "You can't have your cake and eat it too" means you can't have something both ways - either keep it or consume it. So, the correct answer is "EAT" as it completes the well-known saying.
“___ she blows!” : THAR
"Thar" is a nautical term used to indicate the presence of something, typically a whale. The phrase "Thar she blows!" is commonly used to announce the sighting of a whale, making it the correct answer to the clue.