Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 23 November 2024, Saturday (11-23-24). 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.
1995 crime thriller named for a line in “Casablanca,” with “The” : … USUAL SUSPECTS
The 1995 crime thriller movie is named after a line in the classic film "Casablanca." The title of the movie is "The Usual Suspects."
Activity requiring a map : TREASURE HUNT
The answer "TREASURE HUNT" fits the clue "Activity requiring a map" because in a treasure hunt, participants typically use a map to locate hidden treasures or clues.
Actress Garson with seven Oscar nominations : GREER
Greer Garson was a British-American actress who received seven Academy Award nominations for Best Actress, making her the actress with the most nominations in that category at the time. Therefore, the answer "GREER" fits the clue "Actress Garson with seven Oscar nominations."
Affirmed as much : SAID SO
The phrase "said so" means confirming or affirming a statement, making it the right answer for the clue "Affirmed as much."
Alert to prejudice : WOKE
"Woke" is a slang term that means being aware of social injustices and prejudice. Therefore, being "alert to prejudice" is synonymous with being "woke."
Anchor, e.g. : RACER
Bad person to take a cue from? : POOL HUSTLER
The answer "POOL HUSTLER" fits because a pool hustler is someone who cheats or deceives others in a game of pool, making them a bad person to take a cue from in terms of honesty and fair play.
Bonkers : NUTSO
The answer "NUTSO" is a synonym for "bonkers," meaning crazy or insane. The clue "Furniture to crash on" is a couch or sofa, which can be used for lounging or crashing on. So, "NUTSO" fits the clue as a synonym for "bonkers" and also relates to crashing on furniture.
Bootlicking sorts : YES-MEN
"Yes-men" refers to people who always agree with or flatter someone in authority to gain favor. The term "bootlicking" suggests someone who is overly submissive or obsequious, which aligns with the behavior of "yes-men."
CNN anchor Bash : DANA
Dana Bash is a CNN anchor, making "DANA" the right answer to the clue "CNN anchor Bash."
Common crab covering : OLD BAY
Condition that may be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, for short : OCD
The answer is "OCD" because Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a condition that is often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, commonly abbreviated as CBT.
Dangerous place for Indiana Jones : SNAKE PIT
The answer "SNAKE PIT" is the right solution because it is a dangerous place for Indiana Jones due to the presence of venomous snakes that could harm him.
Desperate for affection, in modern slang : THIRSTY Down 1 Remains unmoved
The answer "THIRSTY" fits the clue "Desperate for affection, in modern slang" because in modern slang, "thirsty" is often used to describe someone who is overly eager or desperate for attention or affection. The answer "STAYS" fits the clue "Remains unmoved" because "remains" implies staying in the same place or state, and "unmoved" means not being affected or changed. Therefore, "STAYS" is the right solution as it means to remain in one place or not to be moved.
Disney Channel pal of Phineas : FERB
"Ferb" is the correct answer because Ferb is a character from the animated television show "Phineas and Ferb" that aired on Disney Channel. Ferb is the stepbrother of Phineas, and together they have many adventures and build amazing inventions.
Double ___ : DUTCH
The phrase "Double Dutch" refers to a jump rope game involving two ropes turning in opposite directions. "Double" indicates two ropes, and "Dutch" refers to the style of the jump rope game.
Easily stacked pet food : TUNA CANS
The answer "TUNA CANS" fits the clue "Easily stacked pet food" because cans of tuna are typically small and cylindrical in shape, making them easy to stack neatly on top of each other for storage.
Excel shortcut : MACRO
The answer to "Excel shortcut" being "MACRO" is correct because a macro is a series of commands and instructions that can be grouped together as a single command to automate tasks in Excel. This makes it a useful shortcut for performing repetitive actions quickly and efficiently.
Full of pluck : GUTSY
"Full of pluck" means showing courage or determination. "Feisty" is a synonym for both of these words, making it the correct solution.
Full-bodied, as a wine : ROBUST
"Robust" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe a wine that is full-bodied and rich in flavor. It indicates that the wine has a strong and full taste profile, making it a suitable answer for the clue provided.
Full-body armor in science fiction stories : BATTLESUITS
BATTLESUITS are full-body armor often depicted in science fiction stories that enhance a person's strength and abilities in battle. This answer fits the clue perfectly.
Ganja : GRASS
"Ganja" is a slang term for marijuana or weed. Therefore, "WEED" is the correct answer to the crossword clue.
Get something through hard work : EARN IT
"EARN IT" is the right solution because it means to acquire something through effort and hard work, which fits the clue "Get something through hard work."
Gives the quick and dirty : RECAPS
"RECAPS" is the right solution because when someone recaps something, they provide a quick and concise summary or overview of it. In this context, "gives the quick and dirty" suggests providing a brief and straightforward explanation, making "RECAPS" a fitting answer.
Hearty kiss : BUSS
"BUSS" is a term that means a hearty kiss, typically a loud or vigorous one. It is a less common word for a kiss, but still a valid synonym.
Holiday character with a “button nose” : FROSTY
The character described in the clue is Frosty the Snowman, who is known for having a "button nose."
Immature pigeon : SQUAB
"SQUAB" is the right solution because a squab is a young, immature pigeon. The word specifically refers to a pigeon that is not yet fully grown.
In need of a trim, say : SCRUFFY
The word "scruffy" means untidy or unkempt, which is often how someone might look if they are in need of a trim.
Leaves in the lurch : JILTS
"Leaves in the lurch" is a clue that is hinting at the idea of abandonment or being left in a difficult situation. The word "JILTS" means to suddenly reject or abandon someone, which fits the clue perfectly.
Like many a dad joke : STALE
The answer "STALE" is the right solution because dad jokes are often considered old-fashioned, unoriginal, and lacking in humor, similar to how stale food is not fresh or appealing.
Make some calls : REF
unknown
Middling in rank, informally : B-TIER
"B-TIER" is the right solution because it is a common term used informally to describe something that is of average or middling rank, especially in the context of video games or entertainment. It is often used to categorize things that are not top-tier or bottom-tier.
More than tear up : SOB
"Sob" is the right answer because it means to cry loudly and uncontrollably, which is more intense than just tearing up.
Nocturnal flier with a distinctive screech : BARN OWL
The Barn Owl is a nocturnal bird known for its distinctive screech, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
North ___ Sea, body of water since the late 1980s : ARAL
The Aral Sea is a body of water that has been shrinking since the late 1980s, making it the correct answer for the clue "North ___ Sea, body of water since the late 1980s."
Not acting one’s age, in a way : YOUNG AT HEART
The phrase "young at heart" means to have a youthful outlook or attitude, regardless of one's actual age. It fits the clue "Not acting one's age, in a way" because it suggests a person is behaving in a youthful manner.
Notwithstanding : YET
The answer "INSPITEOF" is the right solution for the clue "Notwithstanding" because it means "despite" or "regardless of," which matches the meaning of the clue.
One bit : AT ALL
The phrase "one bit" can be interpreted as "at all," meaning even a small amount.
One of football’s Kelce brothers : JASON
Jason Kelce is a football player who plays as a center for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. He is one of the Kelce brothers who both play in the NFL, with his brother Travis Kelce playing as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Opposite of avant : APRES
"Avant" means "before" in French, so the opposite of that would be "after," which is "APRES" in French.
Places for irises : UVEAS
"UVEAS" refers to the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris. So, "Places for irises" can be a clue for "UVEAS" as it is related to the location of the iris in the eye.
Private rejection? : SIR, NO SIR
The answer "SIR, NO SIR" is a play on words, where "Private" refers to a soldier of the lowest rank, and "rejection" suggests saying no to someone. In the military, a soldier would address a higher-ranked officer as "sir," so "SIR, NO SIR" fits the clue perfectly.
Reacts like a superfan : SWOONS
"Swoons" is the right answer because it means to react with overwhelming admiration or love, which is how a superfan would typically react to something they are passionate about.
Reclusive emperor who succeeded his stepfather Augustus : TIBERIUS
Tiberius was the reclusive emperor who succeeded his stepfather Augustus as the second Roman emperor, making him the correct answer to the clue.
Restaurateur and humanitarian José : ANDRES
The answer "ANDRES" fits the clue because José Andrés is a well-known restaurateur and humanitarian.
Romance language? : I LOVE YOU
unknown
Round that’s finished quickly? : SHOTS
This clue is a play on words. "Round" can refer to a round of drinks, such as shots, and "finished quickly" suggests taking shots quickly. So, "SHOTS" is the right answer.
Seat filler : REAR
The answer "REAR" fits because a seat filler typically fills a seat in the rear or back of a venue or event.
Something that may be passed down in a family : RECIPE
The answer "RECIPE" fits the clue because recipes are often passed down through generations within a family as a way to preserve traditions and culinary heritage.
Spot-checked? : DOG-SAT
The answer "DOG-SAT" fits the clue "Spot-checked?" because it plays on the word "spot" as a verb meaning to check or watch over something briefly, and "dog-sat" means to have looked after a dog for a period of time.
Stop for the night : INN
The word "INN" refers to a place where travelers can stop and stay for the night, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Stop for the night."
Stories that can be read both forward and backward? : SAGAS
The word "SAGAS" refers to long, epic stories that are often passed down through generations. These stories can be read both forward and backward, as they typically involve complex plots and multiple characters.
Subject of union negotiations : WAGES
"WAGES" is the right answer because during union negotiations, one of the key topics discussed is the amount of money paid to employees for their work, which is commonly referred to as wages.
Substances in culture dishes : AGARS
The answer "AGARS" is the right solution because agars are substances commonly used in culture dishes to grow bacteria and other microorganisms for scientific research and experiments.
Superficially attractive : GLOSSY
The word "glossy" can be used to describe something that is superficially attractive or shiny in appearance, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Sushi roll wrapped in seaweed : MAKI
"Maki" is the correct answer because it refers to a type of sushi that is rolled in seaweed, also known as nori, with rice and various fillings such as fish, vegetables, or avocado.
Talk about : SPEAK OF
The phrase "Talk about" can be synonymous with "speak of," making "SPEAK OF" the right solution.
Theater kids, e.g. : CLIQUE
The answer "CLIQUE" fits the clue "Theater kids, e.g." because theater kids are often associated with forming exclusive social groups, or cliques, due to spending a lot of time together during rehearsals and performances.
Utter : TOTAL
The word "utter" can mean to speak or say something, making "SAY" an appropriate answer to the crossword clue.
Winner of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2014 : LENO
Jay Leno won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2014, making "LENO" the correct answer.
Zeus, Odin or the Dagda : PAGAN GOD
The answer "PAGAN GOD" fits because Zeus, Odin, and the Dagda are all deities from various pagan mythologies.
“I wouldn’t count on it” : THAT’S A BIG IF
The phrase "THAT’S A BIG IF" conveys skepticism or doubt, which aligns with the meaning of "I wouldn’t count on it." It suggests that something may not happen as expected.
“Tropic Thunder” setting, for short : NAM
The answer "NAM" is a common abbreviation for Vietnam, which is the setting of the movie "Tropic Thunder."
″I’m good, thanks” : NAH
"NAH" is a casual way to say "no thanks," so it fits the clue "I'm good, thanks" well.