Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 15 November 2023, Wednesday (11-15-23). 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.
Actor Butterfield of “Sex Education” : ASA
The answer "ASA" is the right solution because Actor Butterfield of "Sex Education" is named Asa Butterfield.
Actor in “Elf” and “Up” : ED ASNER
The actor who appeared in both the movies "Elf" and "Up" is Ed Asner.
Appropriate letter to end this puzzle on : ZEE
The answer is "ZEE" because it is the appropriate letter to end the puzzle on in the English alphabet. It is the last letter, making it the correct choice.
Apt name for a sensei : DAN
The word "Dan" is commonly used in martial arts to refer to a person who has achieved a certain level of expertise or mastery. Since a sensei is a martial arts instructor, "Dan" is an apt name for them.
Arctic skin boats : KAYAKS
The answer to "Arctic skin boats" is "KAYAKS" because kayaks are lightweight boats traditionally made with a frame covered in animal skins, commonly used by Arctic indigenous peoples for hunting and transportation.
Bad thing to burst : DAM
The answer "DAM" is the right solution because if a dam bursts, it can cause significant damage and destruction.
Baptism, e.g. : RITE
The answer to "Baptism, e.g." is "RITE" because a baptism is a religious ceremony or ritual, and a rite is another word for a ceremony or ritual.
Bit of light : RAY
The answer to "Bit of light" is "RAY" because a ray is a narrow beam of light.
Bit of water splashed on a ship’s front? : BOW SPRITZ (bowsprit + Z)
The answer "BOW SPRITZ" is a play on words using the term "bowsprit," which refers to the part of a ship's front. The addition of "spritz," which means to splash or spray with water, creates a clever and humorous combination. The letter "Z" at the end is likely added for wordplay and to fit the crossword grid.
Blamed : FAULTED
The word "faulted" means to assign blame or responsibility to someone or something. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "blamed."
Brand of cold and allergy relief products : ZICAM
The answer to the clue "Brand of cold and allergy relief products" is "ZICAM" because ZICAM is a well-known brand that specializes in producing cold and allergy relief products.
Brief brouhaha : SET-TO
The answer "SET-TO" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Brief brouhaha" perfectly. A "set-to" refers to a short and intense argument or fight, which matches the idea of a brief brouhaha.
British singer with the hits “How We Do (Party)” and “Poison” : RITA ORA
The answer is "RITA ORA" because she is a British singer known for her hits "How We Do (Party)" and "Poison".
Cap worn at a Shriners Christmas party? : SANTA FEZ (Santa Fe + Z)
The answer "SANTA FEZ" is the right solution because it combines "Santa Fe," which is a city known for its rich Native American and Hispanic culture, with "Fez," which is a type of hat traditionally worn by Shriners. This cleverly combines both elements of the clue to create the answer.
Central Plains tribe : OTOE
The answer to "Central Plains tribe" is "OTOE" because the Otoe tribe is a Native American tribe that historically lived in the Central Plains region of the United States.
Course standard : PAR
The term "PAR" is commonly used in golf to describe the standard number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to complete a hole or course. Therefore, "Course standard" refers to the expected number of strokes, making "PAR" the appropriate answer.
Coyote sounds : YIPS
The answer "YIPS" is the right solution because coyotes are known to make high-pitched, yipping sounds.
Dedicated work : ODE
The answer to "Dedicated work" is "ODE" because an ode is a type of poem that is often written as a tribute or expression of admiration, making it a form of dedicated work.
Fearing the worst : ALARMED
The word "ALARMED" is the right solution because it means feeling fear or concern about something bad happening, which aligns with the clue "Fearing the worst."
Flies, maybe : ZIPPERS
The answer "ZIPPERS" is the right solution because flies on pants or jackets are often fastened with zippers.
Fraternity letter : ETA
TAU is the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet and is commonly used as a symbol for fraternities. Therefore, "Fraternity letter" is a common crossword clue for TAU.
Go on and on : YAMMER
The word "rant" means to speak or shout at length in a wild, impassioned way. This fits with the clue "go on and on," as someone who is ranting is often speaking for an extended period of time.
Got on a soapbox, say : ORATED
The answer "ORATED" is the right solution because when someone gets on a soapbox, they are typically giving a speech or speaking passionately about a particular topic. "ORATED" means to deliver a formal speech or address, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Half of an orange? : RED
The answer "RED" is the right solution because when you cut an orange in half, the inside flesh is typically orange, while the outer peel is often red or reddish-orange in color.
Handle that goes up and down? : OTIS
The answer "OTIS" is the right solution because OTIS is a well-known brand that specializes in manufacturing elevators. Elevators have handles that go up and down, making "OTIS" the correct answer.
Historical period : ERA
The answer "ERA" is the right solution for the clue "Historical period" because an era refers to a distinct period of time characterized by particular events, developments, or cultural trends.
Improvisational session : JAM
The word "JAM" is a commonly used term to describe an improvisational session, particularly in the context of music. Musicians often come together to play and create music on the spot, and this impromptu gathering is commonly referred to as a "jam session." Therefore, "JAM" is the appropriate answer to the clue "Improvisational session."
Introspective subject : SELF
The word "introspective" suggests looking inward or examining oneself. The answer "SELF" fits this clue because it refers to an individual's own identity or essence.
Kind of knot : GRANNY
The answer "GRANNY" is the right solution because it is a type of knot commonly used in knitting or crocheting.
Louisiana’s state bird : PELICAN
The answer is "PELICAN" because the pelican is the official state bird of Louisiana.
Making fun of Beyoncé’s beau? : MOCKING JAY-Z (“Mockingjay” + Z)
The answer "MOCKING JAY-Z" is a play on words. It combines the term "Mockingjay," which is a reference to the popular book and movie series "The Hunger Games," with the name "Jay-Z," who is Beyoncé's husband. By combining these two elements, the answer cleverly suggests the act of making fun of Beyoncé's beau, Jay-Z.
Management positions : HELMS
The answer "HELMS" is the right solution because management positions are often referred to as "helms" or "helm positions" as they are in charge of steering and guiding a team or organization.
Marble made of metal : STEELIE
The answer "STEELIE" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe a marble made of steel.
Musty : DANK
The answer "DANK" fits the clue "Musty" because it is a word commonly used to describe a damp, unpleasant, and stale smell.
Neutrogena shampoo line : T/GEL
The answer to "Neutrogena shampoo line" is "T/GEL" because T/GEL is a well-known shampoo line produced by Neutrogena.
North Africa’s ___ Mountains : ATLAS
The answer is "ATLAS" because the "Atlas Mountains" are located in North Africa.
Not a fan of postmillennials? : ANTI-GEN-Z (antigen + Z)
The answer "ANTI-GEN-Z" is a play on words that combines "anti" (meaning against) with "Gen-Z" (referring to the postmillennial generation). It suggests someone who is not a fan or is opposed to the younger generation.
Nourished : FED
The word "nourished" implies the act of providing food or sustenance. The answer "FED" fits perfectly as it is the past tense of the verb "feed," which means to give food to someone or something.
Obnoxious houseguest? : STAYING PUTZ (staying put + Z)
The answer "STAYING PUTZ" is a play on words. "Staying put" means remaining in one place, and "putz" is a Yiddish term for a foolish or obnoxious person. By combining the two, we get an amusing and fitting answer for an obnoxious houseguest.
On the light side : PALE
The answer "PALE" is the right solution for the clue "On the light side" because "pale" is a word that can describe something that is light in color or lacking intensity.
One side in a Senate vote : NAYS
The answer "NAYS" is the right solution because in a Senate vote, members can vote either "yea" or "nay." "NAYS" represents the side of the Senate members who vote against a particular measure or proposal.
One-to-one, e.g. : TIE Down 1 Reel attachment
The answer to "One-to-one, e.g." is "TIE" because a tie is a type of accessory that is worn to achieve a one-to-one symmetry or balance in a person's outfit. It is a simple and concise solution that fits the clue.
Ones showing up in the middle of supper? : PEES
The answer "PEES" is the right solution because it refers to the letter "P" appearing in the middle of the word "supper."
Outer limits : EDGES
The answer "EDGES" is the right solution because the "outer limits" refer to the boundaries or extremities of something, and the edges are precisely those boundaries.
Past academics : EMERITI
The answer to "Past academics" is "EMERITI" because "emeriti" is the plural form of "emeritus," which is a title given to retired professors or academics who have been recognized for their distinguished service.
Pioneering Dadaist : ARP
Pot starter : ANTE
The answer "ANTE" is the right solution because in poker or other gambling games, players are required to contribute a certain amount of money before the game begins, which is called the "pot starter" or the initial bet.
Rapper Mos ___ : DEF
The answer to "Rapper Mos ___" is "DEF" because it completes the name of the rapper Mos Def.
Release some pressure : VENT
The answer "VENT" is the right solution because it means to release or let out pressure, either physically or emotionally. It can refer to opening a vent or expressing one's feelings, making it a fitting answer for the given clue.
Roasting platforms : DAISES
Show ___ : BIZ
The answer to "Show ___" is "BIZ" because "BIZ" is a common abbreviation for "business," and "Showbiz" refers to the entertainment industry or show business.
Showed up : CAME
Slicker topper : RAIN HAT
The term "slicker" is often used to refer to a raincoat. Therefore, a "slicker topper" would be something worn on top of a raincoat. A "RAIN HAT" is a common accessory worn to protect the head from rain, making it the appropriate answer.
Soak : SOG
The answer to "Soak" is "SOG" because it is a short and informal term for becoming wet or soaked.
Some barbecue fare : STEAKS
The answer "STEAKS" is the right solution because it is a common type of food that is often grilled at barbecues.
Song one might flip for : SIDE-B
The answer "SIDE-B" is the right solution because when you flip a vinyl record, you are turning it over to play the other side, which is often referred to as the "B-side."
Stand of trees : GROVE
Start to sleep for a while : DOZE OFF
Summer in la cité : ETE
The answer "ETE" is the right solution because "ETE" is the French word for "summer" and "la cité" is a reference to the city in French, making "ETE" the appropriate answer.
Sure thing, or close to it : SAFE BET
The answer "SAFE BET" is the right solution because it refers to something that is highly likely to happen or be true. It is a commonly used phrase to describe a sure thing or something that is almost guaranteed.
Syrian’s northern neighbor : TURK
The answer to "Syrian's northern neighbor" is "TURK" because Turkey is located to the north of Syria.
Tabloid news org. : TMZ
The answer to "Tabloid news org." is "TMZ" because TMZ is a well-known tabloid news organization that specializes in celebrity gossip and breaking news.
Taken down a notch : DEMOTED
Told tales : LIED
The answer to "Told tales" is "LIED" because "LIED" means to deliberately give false information or deceive someone. In this context, it fits perfectly with the clue as it refers to the act of telling false stories or tales.
Tournament placement : SEED
The term "seed" in a tournament refers to the initial ranking or placement of teams or players based on their perceived strength or skill level. This answer fits the clue because it accurately describes the position or ranking assigned to participants in a tournament.
___ kebab : SHISH
The answer is "SHISH" because "kebab" is a clue for a type of skewered and grilled meat dish, and "SHISH" is a common term used to describe this specific type of kebab.
“Already?” : SO SOON?
The answer "SO SOON?" fits the clue "Already?" because it expresses surprise or disbelief that something has happened or is happening earlier than expected.
“Disco” dude on “The Simpsons” : STU
“It’s ___-brainer” : A NO
“___ who?” : SEZ
The answer "SEZ" is the right solution because it is a shortened form of the word "says". In casual speech or informal writing, "sez" is often used as a colloquial contraction.