Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 20 November 2024, Wednesday (11-20-24). 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.S.A.P. : PDQ
The answer "PDQ" is a slang term that stands for "Pretty Darn Quick," which is a synonym for "A.S.A.P." in this context.
Abuses the listserv, say : SPAMS
The word "SPAMS" is a verb that means to abuse a listserv by sending unsolicited messages to a large number of recipients. It fits the clue "Abuses the listserv, say" perfectly.
Air marshal’s org. : TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for security in the nation's transportation systems, including air travel. Air marshals are part of the TSA and work to protect passengers and crew on commercial flights. Therefore, TSA is the correct answer for "Air marshal's org." in the crossword.
Annual presidential speech, in brief : SOTU Down 1 Dapper sartorial choices
The answer to "Annual presidential speech, in brief" being "SOTU" is correct because "SOTU" is an acronym for State of the Union, which is the annual speech given by the President of the United States. For the clue "Dapper sartorial choices", the answer is "Suits" because suits are often considered stylish and dapper clothing choices.
Artificial bronze : SPRAY TAN
Asian soup : MISO
"MISO" is a traditional Asian soup made from fermented soybeans. It is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine, known for its rich and savory flavor.
Athens’s rival in the Peloponnesian War : SPARTA
Sparta was a powerful city-state in ancient Greece and a major rival of Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The conflict between Athens and Sparta was a defining moment in Greek history, making "SPARTA" the correct answer for this clue.
Atop, poetically : O’ER
"O’ER" is a poetic way to say "over," meaning "atop" or "above." In poetry and literature, using "O’ER" adds a more formal or old-fashioned touch to the writing.
B.Y.O.B. part : OWN
The abbreviation "B.Y.O.B." stands for "Bring Your Own Bottle," and the word "part" indicates that we are looking for a part of this abbreviation. The answer "OWN" is the last part of the abbreviation "B.Y.O.B.," making it the correct solution.
Bank withdrawal charge : ATM FEE
The answer "ATM FEE" fits the clue "Bank withdrawal charge" because when you withdraw money from an ATM that is not owned by your bank, you are typically charged a fee for the transaction.
Bentley or Benz, e.g. : AUTO
The clue refers to the category of vehicles that both Bentley and Benz belong to, which is an "AUTO" or automobile.
Berlin Marathon units : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for abbreviation, indicating that the units referred to in the clue "Berlin Marathon units" are abbreviated units of measurement, such as kilometers or miles.
Big name in sunglasses : RAY-BAN
"RAY-BAN" is the right answer because it is a well-known brand of sunglasses.
Bit of cream : DAB
"DAB" is the right solution because a "dab" is a small amount or bit of cream that is often used in cooking or baking.
Blade runner? : SLED
The term "blade runner" is a reference to the movie "Blade Runner," where the main character uses a flying car. In this context, "sled" is the answer because it is a type of vehicle that can be used on snow or ice, similar to a flying car in a snowy environment.
Books with legends : ATLASES
The answer "ATLASES" fits the clue "Books with legends" because atlases are books that contain maps, which often include legends or keys to explain symbols used on the maps.
Capital city with the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of skis : OSLO
The Holmenkollen Ski Museum is located in Oslo, Norway, making "OSLO" the correct answer to the clue.
Cause of lens flare : GLARE
The answer "GLARE" fits because lens flare is caused by light glare reflecting inside the camera lens, creating unwanted artifacts in the image.
China’s Zhou ___ : ENLAI
Zhou Enlai was a prominent Chinese politician who served as the first Premier of the People's Republic of China. The clue "China's Zhou ___" is referring to him, making "ENLAI" the correct answer.
Christmas tree decoration : CANE
Coloring implement since 1903 : CRAYOLA CRAYON
The answer is "CRAYOLA CRAYON" because Crayola is a well-known brand that has been producing coloring implements, specifically crayons, since 1903.
Comic strip with a collection titled “Shoes : Chocolate for the Feet”
Corporate $$$ overseers : CFOS
The answer "CFOS" fits the clue "Corporate $$$ overseers" because CFOs (Chief Financial Officers) are responsible for overseeing the financial activities and budgeting of a corporation. CFOS is a common abbreviation for CFOs in the business world.
Culture group : BACTERIA
Cyclops, for one : X-MAN
The answer "X-MAN" fits because Cyclops is a member of the X-Men, a group of mutants in the Marvel universe.
Declining industry of Appalachia : COAL
COAL is the right solution because coal mining has historically been a major industry in Appalachia, but in recent years, it has been declining due to various factors such as competition from other energy sources and environmental concerns.
Deep-fried Japanese fare : TEMPURA
"TEMPURA" is the right solution because it is a popular Japanese dish where vegetables or seafood are coated in a light batter and deep-fried.
Downsizer? … or a hint to six squares in this puzzle : SHRINK RAY
The answer "SHRINK RAY" fits the clue because a shrink ray is a device that reduces the size of objects, which is what a downsizer does. Additionally, the hint to six squares in the puzzle could be referring to the fact that the answer "SHRINK RAY" fits into six squares in the crossword grid.
Fiery sorts, it’s said : LEOS
The clue "Fiery sorts, it’s said" is a wordplay clue that hints at zodiac signs known for their fiery personalities. "LEOS" refers to people born under the zodiac sign of Leo, which is symbolized by a lion and associated with fire element, making them the fiery sorts.
Film representations : PORTRAYALS
The answer "PORTRAYALS" fits because it refers to depictions or representations of characters in a film. It is a common term used to describe how actors bring characters to life on screen.
Flying mammals : BATS
Bats are considered flying mammals because they are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. Their wings are made of a thin membrane of skin stretched between elongated fingers and are adapted for powered flight.
Goal of self-improvement, perhaps : NEW YOU
"Goal of self-improvement, perhaps" is a clue hinting at the idea of wanting to become a better version of oneself. The answer "NEW YOU" directly relates to this concept, as it suggests the idea of creating a new and improved version of oneself through self-improvement efforts.
Got steamed : SAW RED
"Saw red" is a common expression meaning to become extremely angry or enraged. The phrase suggests that the person's anger has reached a boiling point, similar to how something might steam when it gets very hot.
Hammerstein of Rodgers and Hammerstein : OSCAR
Oscar Hammerstein II was a famous lyricist and playwright, known for his collaborations with composer Richard Rodgers. Therefore, the answer "OSCAR" is correct for the clue "Hammerstein of Rodgers and Hammerstein."
Hee-haws : BRAYS
The word "BRAYS" is a synonym for the sound that donkeys make, which is "hee-haw".
In a moment : SOON
The word "soon" means in a short time or in a moment, making it the correct answer to the clue "In a moment."
In our ___ (among us) : MIDST
The word "midst" means "in the middle of" or "among," making it a fitting answer for the clue "In our ___ (among us)."
Jazz instrument : SAX
"SAX" is the right solution because the saxophone is a common instrument in jazz music, known for its smooth and soulful sound.
Jones (for) : YEN
The word "YEN" can mean a strong desire or craving for something, so "Jones (for)" is a clue hinting at this definition.
Kind of computer port : USB
The answer to "Kind of computer port" is "USB" because USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, which is a widely used port for connecting devices to a computer.
Land on the Gulf of Oman, for short : UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country that is located on the Gulf of Oman. So, "UAE" is the right answer to the clue.
Lewis Carroll, for Charles Dodgson : ALIAS
Lewis Carroll is the pen name, or alias, of Charles Dodgson. This is why "ALIAS" is the right answer to the clue.
Like a lime green suit : LOUD
The answer "LOUD" fits the clue "Like a lime green suit" because lime green is a bright and attention-grabbing color, often associated with being loud or bold in fashion choices.
Make a big to-do (over) : FUSS
The word "fuss" means a commotion or a great deal of activity and excitement, which fits the clue "Make a big to-do (over)" perfectly.
Make like South Sudan in 2011 : SECEDE
This clue is referring to South Sudan declaring independence from Sudan in 2011, which is known as secession. "SECEDE" is the right answer because it means to withdraw formally from a membership in a federal union, an alliance, or a political or religious organization.
Makeshift shield during a food fight : LUNCH TRAY
The answer "LUNCH TRAY" fits the clue because during a food fight, a lunch tray can be used as a makeshift shield to protect oneself from flying food.
Montmartre sweetheart : CHERIE
"Cherie" is the right solution because "Cherie" is a French term of endearment that translates to "sweetheart" in English, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Montmartre sweetheart," as Montmartre is a neighborhood in Paris known for its romantic atmosphere.
Move to the beat? : PULSATE
The clue "Move to the beat?" suggests a rhythmic movement that matches a pulse or heartbeat, making "PULSATE" the correct answer.
Parent working behind the scenes? : STAGE MOM
The answer "STAGE MOM" is the right solution because a stage mom is a parent who works behind the scenes to support and promote their child's career in the entertainment industry, especially in theater.
Pennsylvania home of minor-league baseball’s SeaWolves : ERIE
The SeaWolves are a minor-league baseball team based in Erie, Pennsylvania, making "ERIE" the correct answer to the clue.
Pore over : READ
The phrase "pore over" means to read or examine something carefully and closely. So, the answer "READ" fits perfectly as it conveys the act of examining something in detail.
Potential rescue pet : STRAY
"STRAY" is the right answer because a stray animal is a potential rescue pet that has been lost or abandoned and is in need of a new home or care.
Quaint contraction : ‘TWAS
The answer "‘TWAS" is a contraction of "it was," and it is considered quaint because it is an older or more old-fashioned way of saying "it was."
Reef predator with extendable pharyngeal jaws : MORAY EEL
Moray eels are known for their unique extendable pharyngeal jaws, which they use to capture and swallow prey. This distinctive feature makes them the right answer to the clue "Reef predator with extendable pharyngeal jaws."
Say hello to : GREET
The word "GREET" means to say hello to someone, making it the right solution for the clue "Say hello to."
Sch. that’s home to the Warner Bros. Archives : USC
The University of Southern California (USC) is home to the Warner Bros. Archives, making it the correct answer to the clue.
School tool : RULER
The answer "RULER" is the right solution because a ruler is a common tool used in schools for measuring and drawing straight lines.
Self-pitying lament : POOR ME
"POOR ME" is a self-pitying lament because it is a phrase used to express feeling sorry for oneself or seeking sympathy from others. It is a common expression used to convey a sense of victimhood or self-pity.
Shark bait : CHUM
"Chum" is the right answer because it refers to fish parts used to attract sharks.
Shoot forth : SPEW
"SPEW" means to shoot forth or flow out in a fast and forceful way, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Shoot forth."
Show on which Julia Louis-Dreyfus got her big break, in brief : SNL
"SNL" stands for "Saturday Night Live," the show on which Julia Louis-Dreyfus got her big break. She was a cast member on SNL in the early 1980s, which helped launch her successful acting career.
Sine ___ non : QUA
"Qua" is the right solution because "Sine ___ non" is a Latin phrase meaning "without which not", and "Qua" is the missing word that completes the phrase.
Sources of unwanted feedback, perhaps : AMPS
"AMPS" is the right answer because in this context, "unwanted feedback" refers to the screeching sound produced by audio equipment like amplifiers (AMPS) when the sound from the speakers is picked up by the microphone and re-amplified.
Spanish Harlem, e.g. : BARRIO
"Barrio" is a Spanish word that translates to "neighborhood" in English. Spanish Harlem is a neighborhood in New York City, so the answer "BARRIO" fits the clue.
Strong and healthy : HALE
"Hale" means free from disease or infirmity, which is synonymous with being strong and healthy.
The “U” of 71- : UNION
The clue "The 'U' of 71-" refers to the letter "U" in the word "UNION." The answer fits the clue because it is a five-letter word with "U" as the third letter.
They’re open to interpretation : GRAY AREAS
"GRAY AREAS" is the right answer because it refers to situations or issues that are not clear-cut and can be interpreted in different ways, similar to the color gray which is not black or white.
Totally bonkers : CRAY CRAY
"CRAY CRAY" is a slang term meaning "totally bonkers" or "crazy." It is a playful and informal way to describe something as being very strange or out of the ordinary.
W-9 info : SSN
The answer "SSN" stands for Social Security Number, which is often requested on a W-9 form for tax purposes.
Wedding reception cry : A TOAST!
The answer "A TOAST!" fits the clue "Wedding reception cry" because at a wedding reception, someone may raise their glass and give a toast to the newlyweds, which is a common tradition at such events.
What a coxswain notably doesn’t do : ROW
The coxswain is in charge of steering and giving commands in a rowing boat, but they do not physically row. Therefore, the answer "ROW" fits the clue.
What a rear exit may lead to : ALLEYWAY
The answer "ALLEYWAY" fits the clue because a rear exit often leads to an alleyway, making it a logical and fitting solution.
Worked on a trireme, e.g. : OARED
The clue "Worked on a trireme, e.g." suggests an action related to using oars on a trireme, which is a type of ancient ship. Therefore, the answer "OARED" fits the clue as it refers to the act of rowing a boat with oars.
___ Deighton, British spy novelist : LEN
The answer is "LEN" because "Len Deighton" is a British spy novelist, and the clue is asking for the first name of the author.
“For a quart of ___ is a dish for a king” : Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale”
“You should open this on a personal device” heads-up : NSFW
The answer "NSFW" stands for "Not Safe For Work," indicating that the content should not be viewed in a professional setting. This fits the clue as it warns the recipient to open the content on a personal device instead of a work device.
“… he that is unjust in the ___ is unjust also in much” : Luke 16
This is the right solution because "Luke 16" refers to a specific chapter and verse in the Bible where the quoted statement can be found. It is a direct reference to the book of Luke in the Bible.