Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 30 November 2023, Thursday (11-30-23). 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.
1978 Nobel Peace Prize recipient : SADAT
The answer "SADAT" is the right solution because Anwar Sadat, the former President of Egypt, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978 for his efforts in achieving peace with Israel.
7’1″ four-time N.B.A. champion : O’NEAL
The answer "O'NEAL" is the right solution because Shaquille O'Neal, a retired professional basketball player, is known for being 7'1" tall and winning four N.B.A. championships.
Actress Sokoloff of “The Practice” : MARLA
The answer is "MARLA" because Marla Sokoloff is an actress known for her role in the TV series "The Practice."
Admit (to) : COP
The answer "COP" is the right solution for the clue "Admit (to)" because "COP" is a slang term meaning to confess or admit to something, especially a wrongdoing.
Aoki of golf : ISAO
The answer to "Aoki of golf" is "ISAO" because Isao Aoki is a well-known professional golfer from Japan.
Armada ship : GALLEON (GALL + EON)
Astonishes : SHOCKS (SHOE RACKS – ERA)
The answer "SHOCKS" fits the clue "Astonishes" because it means to surprise or amaze someone. The wordplay in the clue, "SHOE RACKS - ERA," indicates that we need to remove the letters "ERA" from "SHOE RACKS" to get the correct answer.
Bartender’s serving, perhaps : ALE
The answer "ALE" is the right solution because it is a common type of alcoholic beverage that bartenders often serve.
Be of use : AVAIL
The word "AVAIL" means to be of use or advantage. It fits perfectly with the clue "Be of use."
Bean in Egyptian cuisine : FAVA
The answer to "Bean in Egyptian cuisine" is "FAVA" because fava beans are commonly used in Egyptian dishes.
Beside : ALONG
The answer to "Beside" is "ALONG" because "ALONG" means in the same direction or next to something/someone. It is a word that indicates proximity or being close to another object or person.
Besmirches : TARS
The answer "TARS" is the right solution because "besmirches" is a clue that suggests staining or soiling something, and "TARS" refers to the act of covering or smearing with tar, which can indeed besmirch or stain an object.
Big name in digital documents : ADOBE
The answer "ADOBE" is the right solution because Adobe is a well-known company that specializes in digital documents, with their popular software such as Adobe Acrobat and Adobe PDF.
Bit of sporting gear with a bell guard : EPEE
The answer "EPEE" is the right solution because an epee is a type of sporting gear used in fencing. It is a sword with a bell guard, which is a circular metal guard that protects the hand.
Bottom-of-the-barrel material : DREGS
Chemical kick-starters : ENZYMES
The answer to "Chemical kick-starters" is "ENZYMES" because enzymes are proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms. They can initiate or "kick-start" various chemical processes in the body.
Clearing, as device storage : ERASING (SING + ERA)
The answer "ERASING" fits the clue because it means clearing or deleting something, like device storage. In this case, it is derived from combining "SING" (a synonym for clear) and "ERA" (a period of time).
Club mixer : SODA
The answer "SODA" is the right solution for the clue "Club mixer" because soda is a common non-alcoholic beverage that is often mixed with alcoholic drinks in clubs and bars.
Cylinders like the 20,000+ housed in London’s Musical Museum : PIANO ROLLS
The answer "PIANO ROLLS" is correct because cylinders are commonly used in player pianos, and the Musical Museum in London houses over 20,000 of them. These cylinders, also known as piano rolls, contain the encoded music that can be played on a player piano.
Deserved comeuppance : KARMA
The word "KARMA" is the right solution because it refers to the belief that one's actions will eventually bring about consequences, either good or bad. In this context, "deserved comeuppance" suggests that someone is facing the consequences they deserve, which aligns with the concept of karma.
Disney title role for Liu Yifei : MULAN
The answer is "MULAN" because Liu Yifei played the title role in the live-action Disney film "Mulan."
Enterprise Holdings holding : ALAMO
The answer "ALAMO" is the right solution because Enterprise Holdings is the parent company of Alamo Rent A Car.
Evidence that one is going into labor? : UNION CARD
Find another person to play : RECAST
The answer "RECAST" is the right solution because it means to find another person to play a particular role in a play or movie.
Fish in a dragon roll : EEL
The answer is "EEL" because it is a common type of fish used in making dragon rolls.
Forte and Strong once worked on it, for short : SNL
The answer to "Forte and Strong once worked on it, for short" is "SNL" because "SNL" is an acronym for Saturday Night Live, which is a popular sketch comedy show. Will Forte and Cecily Strong are both former cast members of SNL, so they have worked on the show.
French region known for its rieslings : ALSACE
The answer "ALSACE" is the right solution because Alsace is a French region that is well-known for producing high-quality riesling wines.
Gaming company with the Yakuza franchise : SEGA
The answer "SEGA" is the right solution because SEGA is a well-known gaming company that developed and published the Yakuza franchise.
High-level advisers : CZARS
The term "CZARS" is commonly used to refer to high-level advisers or officials who have significant authority in a particular field or area. They are often appointed by the government to oversee and coordinate specific policies or initiatives.
Indulges, with “to” : CATERS …
The answer "CATERS" is the right solution because it means to provide or supply something desired or needed, which fits the clue "indulges, with 'to'".
Is yet to come : LIES AHEAD
"LIES AHEAD" is the right solution because it suggests that something is still in the future or is yet to happen. It implies that there are upcoming events or circumstances that have not yet occurred.
Its approval is often sought, in brief : FDA
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is a regulatory agency in the United States that approves and regulates food, drugs, and medical devices. Its approval is often sought because it ensures that products are safe and effective for public use.
Make do : MANAGE (MAN + AGE)
The answer "MANAGE" fits the clue "Make do" because it is a verb that means to handle or cope with a situation. It can be broken down into "MAN" (referring to a person) and "AGE" (referring to the passage of time). Therefore, "MANAGE" is the right solution for the clue.
More than a favorite : IDOL
The answer "IDOL" is the right solution because an "idol" is someone or something that is more than just a favorite. It is someone or something that is greatly admired and often worshipped.
Not chilly, like chili : HOT
The answer is "HOT" because chili is typically served hot, so the clue is indicating that the opposite of chilly is hot.
One getting into a cab, perhaps : WINE TASTER
One who sells space or time, informally : AD REP
The answer "AD REP" is short for "advertising representative". An ad rep is someone who sells advertising space or time, making it the right solution for the clue.
Opera piece : ACT I
The answer "ACT I" is the right solution because in an opera, the performance is divided into acts, and "ACT I" specifically refers to the first act of the opera.
Opportunity on Mars, e.g. : ROVER
The answer "ROVER" is the right solution because a rover is a type of robotic vehicle used for exploration, such as the opportunity rover that was sent to Mars. It fits the clue "Opportunity on Mars, e.g." as it refers to the type of vehicle used for exploration on the planet.
Orchestra section : HORNS Down 1 Word of distinction on a diploma
The orchestra section that includes instruments such as trumpets, trombones, and French horns is commonly referred to as the brass section. Therefore, "BRASS" is the correct answer.
Org. in the Oscar-winning documentary “Citizenfour” : NSA
The answer "NSA" is the right solution because the National Security Agency (NSA) is the organization featured in the Oscar-winning documentary "Citizenfour".
Org. sued by the State of New York in 2020 : NRA
The answer is "NRA" because the National Rifle Association (NRA) was sued by the State of New York in 2020.
Result : ENSUE
The word "result" is a noun that means the outcome or consequence of something. The word "ensue" is a verb that means to happen or occur as a result of something else. Therefore, "ensue" is the right answer because it directly relates to the concept of a result.
Salt flat, once : LAKE BED
The answer "LAKE BED" is the right solution because a salt flat, once, refers to a dried-up lake where the water has evaporated, leaving behind a flat area covered in salt. Therefore, "LAKE BED" accurately describes this natural phenomenon.
Scale abbr. : LBS
"Scale abbr." is a common abbreviation clue indicating that we need to find an abbreviation related to a scale. "OZS" is the abbreviation for "ounces," which is a unit of measurement commonly used on scales. Therefore, "OZS" is the right solution for the clue.
Science fiction concept depicted three times in this puzzle : TIME TRAVEL
The answer "TIME TRAVEL" is the right solution because it is a science fiction concept that is depicted three times in this puzzle. It involves the ability to travel backward or forward in time, which is a common theme in many science fiction stories.
Scot’s refusal : NAE
The answer "NAE" is the right solution because it is a Scottish word that means "no" or "refusal".
Sit on the throne : REIGN
The answer "REIGN" is the right solution because when someone is sitting on a throne, they are typically in a position of power and authority, which is often associated with reigning over others.
Sixth notes? : LAS
The clue "Sixth notes?" is a wordplay clue. In music, the solfège syllables used to represent the musical scale are "Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti." The clue is asking for the sixth note, which is "La." Therefore, the answer to the clue is "LAS."
Soaks (up) : SOPS
The answer "SOPS" is the right solution because it means to soak up or absorb liquid, making it a perfect fit for the clue "Soaks (up)".
Stray : ERR
The answer "ERR" is the right solution because it means to make a mistake or go astray, which is synonymous with the clue "Stray."
Sudden contraction : SPASM
The answer to "Sudden contraction" is "SPASM" because a spasm refers to a sudden and involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.
Takes in the paper? : OP-EDS
The clue "Takes in the paper?" is a play on words. "Paper" can refer to both a newspaper and money. "OP-EDS" are opinion pieces found in newspapers, so they can be considered as "taking in" the newspaper.
Tanner’s applications : LOTIONS
The word "Tanner" in the clue suggests someone who wants to get a tan. "Applications" indicates that we are looking for something that can be applied to the skin. "LOTIONS" are a type of skincare product commonly used by tanners to moisturize and protect their skin while tanning. Therefore, "LOTIONS" is the correct solution.
The class of ’26 in ’24, say : SOPHS
The clue "The class of ’26 in ’24, say" is asking for a word that represents a class in a specific year. "SOPHS" is short for "sophomores," which refers to the second-year students in a four-year college or high school program. In this case, it suggests that the class of '26 (which would normally be sophomores in 1926) is being referred to as sophomores in 1924. Therefore, "SOPHS" is the right answer.
Toddler on “Family Guy” : STEWIE
The answer to "Toddler on 'Family Guy'" is "STEWIE" because Stewie Griffin is the name of the toddler character on the animated TV show "Family Guy."
Unfold, as a series of events : PLAY OUT (PAGE LAYOUT – AGE)
The answer "PLAY OUT" fits the clue because it means to unfold or develop, like a series of events. The wordplay within the answer, "PAGE LAYOUT – AGE," indicates that we need to remove the letters "AGE" from "PAGE LAYOUT" to form the final answer.
Unlikely patron of a vegan restaurant : MEAT LOVER
The answer "MEAT LOVER" is the right solution because a vegan restaurant caters to people who do not consume any animal products. A "MEAT LOVER" is someone who enjoys eating meat, which makes them an unlikely patron of a vegan restaurant.
Unscripted comedy : IMPROV (IMPROVE ON – EON)
The answer "IMPROV" is short for improvisation, which refers to unscripted comedy performances. The wordplay in the clue suggests that we remove the letters "EON" from "IMPROVE ON" to get the answer "IMPROV".
War of words, in a sense : RAP BATTLE
The answer "RAP BATTLE" fits the clue "War of words, in a sense" because a rap battle is a type of competition where individuals exchange verbal insults or challenges in the form of rap lyrics. It involves using words to attack and defend, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
What Tupperware containers do, helpfully : NEST
The answer "NEST" is the right solution because Tupperware containers are designed to fit inside one another, or "nest," making them convenient for storage.
Wise guy : GURU
The term "wise guy" is often used to describe someone who is knowledgeable or wise. A "guru" is a person who is recognized as an expert or teacher in a particular field, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
Zippers on a snowy day : SLEDS
The answer "SLEDS" is the right solution because zippers on a snowy day can refer to the sound made by sleds gliding over the snow.
___ Gorbachev, former Soviet first lady : RAISA
The answer is "RAISA" because Raisa Gorbachev was the wife of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
___ Paulo : SAO
___ Scouts : GIRL
The answer to "___ Scouts" is "GIRL" because the Girl Scouts is a well-known organization for young girls that focuses on building character, leadership, and skills through various activities and community service.
___ Seok-jin of K-pop’s BTS : KIM
The answer is "KIM" because Kim Seok-jin is a member of the K-pop group BTS.
___-de-Marne (French department) : VAL
The answer "VAL" is the right solution because "Val-de-Marne" is a French department located in the Île-de-France region. The term "Val" is often used in French to refer to a valley or a low-lying area, which accurately describes the geographical characteristics of this department.
“Don’t just sit there!” : MOVE!
The answer "MOVE!" fits the clue "Don't just sit there!" because it is a command that urges someone to take action and not remain stationary.
“I’m in heaven!” sound : AAH!
The answer "AAH!" is the right solution because it is a common expression used to convey a sense of bliss or satisfaction, similar to the feeling of being in heaven.
“Not ___ many words” : IN SO
The phrase "Not ___ many words" is a common expression meaning to be concise or brief. The answer "IN SO" fits perfectly because it completes the phrase as "Not IN SO many words," conveying the intended meaning of being indirect or implied.
“Yo” : SUP
The answer to "Yo" is "SUP" because "SUP" is a casual and informal way of saying "What's up?" which is a common greeting used to say hello.