Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 1 December 2023, Friday (12-01-23). 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.
A real piece of cake : ALL TOO EASY
The phrase "a real piece of cake" is an idiomatic expression meaning something that is very easy to do. The answer "ALL TOO EASY" fits perfectly because it conveys the same meaning - that the task is extremely simple.
Big metal manufacturer : ALCOA
ALCOA is the right solution because it is a well-known and major manufacturer of aluminum, which is a type of metal.
Blended products : SMOOTHIES
The answer "SMOOTHIES" is the right solution because it is a common term for blended products, typically made with fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients, often served as a refreshing beverage.
Boom box contents? : TNT
The term "boom box" is often associated with loud music and powerful sound. "TNT" is a type of explosive that creates a booming sound when detonated. Therefore, "TNT" is a fitting answer for "Boom box contents."
Bringing in, as a sail : REEFING
The term "reefing" refers to the act of reducing the size of a sail by folding or rolling a portion of it. This is done to adjust the sail area and make it more manageable in strong winds. Therefore, "reefing" is the correct answer for the clue "Bringing in, as a sail."
California-based biotechnology giant : AMGEN
The answer "AMGEN" is the right solution because it is a well-known biotechnology company based in California.
Chinese dynasty in which gunpowder was invented : TANG
The Tang Dynasty is the correct answer because it was the Chinese dynasty during which gunpowder was invented.
City in the Red River delta : HANOI
The answer to "City in the Red River delta" is "HANOI" because Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and is located in the Red River delta region.
College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa : COE
The answer "COE" is the right solution because it is the commonly used abbreviation for Coe College, which is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Comedic bit : GAG
The answer "GAG" is the right solution because in comedy, a "gag" refers to a short and humorous bit or joke.
Coruscate : GLEAM
The word "coruscate" means to give off flashes of light or sparkle. The word "gleam" also means to shine or emit a bright light. Both words convey the idea of brightness or radiance, making "gleam" a suitable answer for the clue "coruscate."
Danish restaurant with “Best Restaurant in the World” accolades : NOMA
The answer is "NOMA" because it is a Danish restaurant that has been recognized as the "Best Restaurant in the World."
Decent : SO-SO
The answer "SO-SO" is the right solution because it means "neither good nor bad," which is another way to describe something as "decent."
Didn’t go out, maybe : ATE IN
The phrase "didn't go out" implies staying at home. The answer "ATE IN" means having a meal at home, which is a common activity when you choose not to go out.
Disciplines : AREAS
The word "disciplines" can refer to different fields or areas of study. "Areas" is a suitable answer because it also implies different fields or domains of knowledge.
Engage in scrambling or bouldering : ROCK CLIMB
The answer "ROCK CLIMB" is the right solution because it accurately describes the activity of engaging in scrambling or bouldering. When you rock climb, you navigate and ascend rocky surfaces using your hands and feet, which aligns with the clue's description.
Exemplary individual : GEM
The word "GEM" is a suitable answer for "Exemplary individual" because a gem is a precious and valuable object, often used to describe someone who is outstanding or exceptional in their qualities or actions.
Experience euphoria : FLOAT ON AIR
The phrase "float on air" is often used to describe the feeling of experiencing euphoria. It conveys a sense of lightness, joy, and elation, which aligns perfectly with the clue.
Feature of many a documentary : VOICE-OVER
The answer "VOICE-OVER" is the right solution because it refers to the common technique in documentaries where a narrator's voice is heard speaking while the visuals are shown on screen. This feature helps to provide information, context, and narration to enhance the storytelling of the documentary.
First name in California politics : GAVIN
The answer "GAVIN" is the right solution because Gavin Newsom is a prominent figure in California politics, serving as the current Governor of California.
Flow chart? : OCEAN MAP
The answer "OCEAN MAP" is the right solution because a flow chart is a diagram that represents a process or system, and an ocean map is a type of chart that shows the layout and details of the ocean floor. Both involve visual representations and provide information about a specific subject.
Fly “away!” : SHOO!
The word "SHOO!" is commonly used to shoo away flies or other pests.
Green house? : ATM
The answer "ATM" fits the clue "Green house?" because ATMs are often housed in green structures or buildings.
Hardly a quick read : SAGA
The answer "SAGA" is the right solution because a saga is a long and complex story or narrative. It is not a quick read due to its length and intricacy.
High roller? : STUNT FLIER
The term "high roller" is often used to describe someone who takes risks or engages in daring activities. A "stunt flier" fits this description perfectly as they perform dangerous aerial maneuvers and take risks while flying. Therefore, "stunt flier" is the right answer for the clue "High roller?"
Identifiers of a sort : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for "abbreviations," which are often used as identifiers in various contexts. Therefore, "Abbr." is the right solution for the clue "Identifiers of a sort."
Inclination : BENT
The word "bent" can mean a natural inclination or tendency towards something, making it a suitable answer for the clue "inclination."
Landmark in Madrid, Oslo or Brussels : ROYAL PALACE
The answer "ROYAL PALACE" is the right solution because Madrid, Oslo, and Brussels all have iconic palaces that are considered landmarks in their respective cities.
Light-sensitive cells : RODS
The answer "RODS" is the right solution because rods are the light-sensitive cells in our eyes that help us see in low-light conditions. They are responsible for our ability to perceive shapes and movement in dim lighting.
Like the Mocha coffee bean : YEMENI
The answer is "YEMENI" because Mocha coffee beans are primarily grown in Yemen.
Lose momentum : GO COLD
Massive step forward, so to speak : QUANTUM LEAP
The phrase "massive step forward" is a figurative expression referring to a significant advancement or progress. The term "quantum leap" is often used to describe a sudden and significant change or advancement in various fields. Therefore, "quantum leap" is the right solution that fits the clue.
Medieval lockup : GAOL
The answer "GAOL" is the right solution because a "gaol" is a term used in medieval times to refer to a lockup or a jail.
Narrow landforms prevalent in Zion National Park : SLOT CANYONS
The answer "SLOT CANYONS" is the right solution because slot canyons are narrow landforms that are indeed prevalent in Zion National Park. They are characterized by their tall and narrow walls, formed by water erosion over time.
Never : NOT ONCE
The answer "NOT ONCE" fits the clue "Never" because it means "not even one time," emphasizing the absence of any occurrence.
New Deal-era org. : NRA
The answer "NRA" is the right solution because it stands for National Recovery Administration, which was an organization established during the New Deal era in the United States.
Not as open : SHYER
The word "shyer" means less open or less outgoing. It is the comparative form of the adjective "shy," which describes someone who is hesitant or reserved. Therefore, "shyer" is the right answer for the clue "Not as open."
Paul who sang with Sam Cooke and Neil Sedaka on the 1963 album “3 Great Guys” : ANKA
The answer is "ANKA" because Paul Anka is the only Paul who sang with Sam Cooke and Neil Sedaka on the 1963 album "3 Great Guys".
Playground retort : ARE TOO!
The playground retort "Are not!" is a common response to someone's statement. In this case, the clue is asking for the actual retort, which is "ARENOT".
Program started under Kennedy : APOLLO
The answer "APOLLO" is the right solution because the APOLLO program was initiated under President John F. Kennedy's administration. It was a series of space missions aimed at landing humans on the moon, making it a significant program started during Kennedy's presidency.
Reality show whose cast appeared in the music video for Taylor Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down” : QUEER EYE
The answer is "Queer Eye" because the cast of this reality show appeared in Taylor Swift's music video for "You Need to Calm Down."
Really hurts : SMARTS
The word "smarts" is a suitable answer to the clue "Really hurts" because it can be used to describe a sharp or intense pain.
Roughly a quarter of Girl Scout cookie sales : THIN MINTS
The answer "THIN MINTS" is the right solution because it is a popular variety of Girl Scout cookies, and it is estimated that roughly a quarter of Girl Scout cookie sales come from the sales of Thin Mints.
Sarcastic expression of gratitude : THANKS A HEAP
The answer "THANKS A HEAP" is the right solution because it is a sarcastic expression of gratitude. The phrase "a heap" is used sarcastically to imply that the gratitude being expressed is insincere or exaggerated.
Shape of some desks : ELL
The answer "ELL" is the right solution because it refers to the shape of some desks, specifically those with an L-shaped design. The letter "L" looks like an "ELL" and is commonly used to describe this type of desk.
Shouts of joy : YAYS
The answer "YAYS" fits the clue "Shouts of joy" because "yays" is an informal expression used to convey excitement or delight.
Some hydrating skin-care products : SERA
The answer "SERA" is the right solution because "sera" is the plural form of "serum," which is a type of hydrating skin-care product.
Some nectar sources : AGAVES
"AGAVES" are the right answer to "Some nectar sources" because agave plants produce sweet nectar that attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
Spa treatment, for short : TLC
The answer "MANI" is short for "manicure," which is a common spa treatment for the hands and nails.
They require inspiration : BREATHS
The answer to "They require inspiration" is "BREATHS" because breathing is the act of taking in air, which is necessary for inspiration.
They’re inclined to help beginners : BUNNY SLOPES
The answer "BUNNY SLOPES" is the right solution because bunny slopes are gentle and easy ski slopes that are specifically designed for beginners. Therefore, people who are inclined to help beginners would be found on bunny slopes.
Third of the peerage ranks : EARL
Tower of London figure : YEOMAN
The Tower of London is guarded by a group of ceremonial soldiers known as Yeomen Warders, or simply Yeomen. Therefore, the answer "YEOMAN" is the correct solution for the clue "Tower of London figure".
Unchanged : AS IS Down 1 One hoping to catch a break
The answer to "Unchanged" is "AS IS" because "AS IS" is a common phrase used to indicate that something is in its current state without any modifications or alterations. It implies that no changes have been made.
Upper bound at a bank : LOAN CAP
The answer "LOAN CAP" is the right solution because it refers to the maximum limit or upper bound that a bank sets for loans. It is a concise term that accurately describes the concept of an upper limit on borrowing from a bank.
Well versed in : UPON
Where sockets are found : SKULL
Windy City commuters’ inits. : CTA
The answer "CTA" stands for Chicago Transit Authority, which is responsible for public transportation in the city of Chicago. Therefore, "CTA" is the correct answer for "Windy City commuters' inits."
Youngest White House resident since John F. Kennedy Jr. : SASHA OBAMA
The answer is "SASHA OBAMA" because Sasha Obama was the youngest White House resident since John F. Kennedy Jr.
[Snicker] : [TEHEE]
The answer to "[Snicker]" is "[HE-HE]" because "he-he" is an onomatopoeic representation of a snicker or a quiet laugh.
___ Heath, U.S. women’s soccer star : TOBIN
The answer "Tobin" is the right solution because Tobin Heath is a well-known U.S. women's soccer star.
“Bubbles” in a drink : BOBA
The answer "BOBA" is the right solution because it refers to the small, chewy tapioca balls that are commonly found in bubble tea or other drinks. These balls create the "bubbles" in the drink, making "BOBA" the correct answer.
“Long,” in Hawaiian : LOA
The Hawaiian word for "long" is "loa." Therefore, the crossword answer "LOA" accurately represents the word "long" in Hawaiian.