Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 1 December 2024, Sunday (12-01-24). 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.
0 to 100, maybe : LIFETIME
The answer "LIFETIME" fits the clue because a lifetime typically spans from 0 to 100 years.
1984 Sade hit : SMOOTH OPERATOR
The answer "SMOOTH OPERATOR" fits the clue "1984 Sade hit" because it is a well-known song by the artist Sade that was released in 1984.
Accept, as an excuse : BUY
The word "buy" can mean to accept or believe, as in "I don't buy that excuse." So, in the context of the clue "Accept, as an excuse," the answer "BUY" fits.
Actor Elgort of “West Side Story” : ANSEL
ANSEL is the right solution because Ansel Elgort is an actor who starred in the movie "West Side Story."
Actress Barton of “The O.C.” : MISCHA
"Mischa" is the right solution because Mischa Barton is the actress known for her role as Marissa Cooper on the TV show "The O.C."
Address a gray area? : DYE
The phrase "gray area" suggests uncertainty or ambiguity. To address this uncertainty, you can dye the gray area a different color, making it more clear or defined. So, "DYE" is the right answer for "Address a gray area?"
Airer of annual “A Christmas Story” marathons : TBS
The answer is "TBS" because TBS is the television network that airs the annual "A Christmas Story" marathons during the holiday season.
Alternative to iOS : ANDROID
"Alternative to iOS" is referring to a different operating system for mobile devices. Android is a popular operating system that competes with iOS, making it the correct answer to this clue.
Americana symbol : APPLE PIE
The answer "APPLE PIE" is a symbol of Americana because it is a classic and iconic American dessert that is deeply rooted in American culture and history. It is often associated with traditional American values and represents a symbol of home, comfort, and nostalgia in American society.
Arrange, as hair : DO UP
"DO UP" is the right solution because in this context, "do" is a slang term for styling or arranging hair, and "up" indicates the action of arranging or styling the hair in an upward direction.
Bad sound to hear while biking : SSS!
The answer "SSS!" represents the sound of a flat tire hissing, which is a bad sound to hear while biking.
Bests in a staring contest, say : OUTLASTS
The answer "OUTLASTS" fits because in a staring contest, the winner is the one who outlasts their opponent by not blinking or looking away for a longer period of time.
Big name in travel mugs : YETI
YETI is a big name in travel mugs known for their high-quality, durable products that keep drinks hot or cold for long periods of time.
Blemish on a vehicle : SURFACE SCRATCH
The answer "SURFACE SCRATCH" fits the clue "Blemish on a vehicle" because a surface scratch is a common imperfection that can appear on the exterior of a vehicle, affecting its appearance.
Brilliant observation? : NOVA
The word "nova" is Latin for "new" or "bright," and in astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly becomes much brighter. So, a "brilliant observation" can be referred to as a "nova" in a clever wordplay.
Brouhaha : STIR
The word "ado" means a state of excitement or fuss, which is similar to the meaning of "brouhaha."
Businessperson bringing in beaucoup bucks : RAINMAKER
The term "rainmaker" is often used to describe a businessperson who brings in a significant amount of money or revenue for a company. In this context, "beaucoup bucks" is a colloquial way of saying a large amount of money, so "rainmaker" fits the clue well.
Cable choice for film fans : TMC
TMC stands for Turner Classic Movies, a cable channel known for showing classic films, making it a great choice for film fans.
Clamorous : LOUD
The word "clamorous" means making a loud and confused noise. Therefore, the most fitting synonym for "clamorous" is "LOUD."
Clear, in a way : UNCLOG
The word "unclog" means to clear a blockage or obstruction, making it an appropriate answer for the clue "Clear, in a way."
Clinch : ICE
Co-star of 1952’s “Moulin Rouge,” familiarly : ZSA ZSA
Zsa Zsa Gabor was a Hungarian-American actress who co-starred in the 1952 film "Moulin Rouge." She is often referred to familiarly as "Zsa Zsa," making "ZSA ZSA" the correct answer to the clue.
Cold comfort? : TISSUES
The clue "Cold comfort?" is a play on words suggesting that the answer is something that provides comfort when feeling cold. Tissues are commonly used to provide comfort when someone has a cold or is feeling under the weather, making it the fitting answer to the clue.
Comfort : EASE (EEEEE)
The word "ease" can mean comfort or a state of being comfortable. Therefore, it fits the clue "comfort."
Courtroom figs. : DAS
"Das" is short for "District Attorneys," which are legal representatives who prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the government in a courtroom setting.
Cowardly Lion portrayer : LAHR
"LAHR" is the right solution because Bert Lahr played the role of the Cowardly Lion in the classic movie "The Wizard of Oz."
Decorate at a bakery : ICE
The word "ICE" can be used to decorate cakes and pastries at a bakery. It is commonly used to add a decorative and tasty finish to baked goods.
Defeated : BEATEN
The word "defeated" is a synonym for "beaten," meaning overcome or conquered in a competition or battle.
Diamonds, informally : ICE
The term "ICE" is informally used to refer to diamonds due to their sparkling and clear appearance, similar to ice.
Digits rarely given out in a bar : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, and it refers to phone numbers, which are digits rarely given out in a bar to strangers for privacy and safety reasons.
Dirt-y words? : GOSSIP
The word "dirty" can mean scandalous or gossipy. "Words" in this context refers to gossip or rumors, making "GOSSIP" the right answer.
Diving bird : LOON
The answer "LOON" fits the clue "diving bird" because loons are birds known for their diving abilities to catch fish underwater.
East Lansing sch. : MSU
The answer "MSU" stands for Michigan State University, which is located in East Lansing.
Eastern honorific : SRI
"SRI" is an Eastern honorific commonly used before a name in countries like India and Sri Lanka to show respect.
Economist who wrote about an “invisible hand” : ADAM SMITH
Adam Smith was a renowned economist and philosopher who wrote about the concept of the "invisible hand" in his book "The Wealth of Nations." This concept refers to the idea that individuals pursuing their own self-interest can unintentionally benefit society as a whole.
Either of two wisecracking film critics in “Mystery Science Theater 3000” : ROBOT
The answer "ROBOT" fits because in "Mystery Science Theater 3000," the two wisecracking film critics are actually robots named Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot.
Emmy winner born Alphonso D’Abruzzo : ALDA
The answer "ALDA" fits the clue because Alphonso D’Abruzzo is the birth name of actor Alan Alda, who is an Emmy winner.
Exam on which Elle Woods got a 179 in “Legally Blonde” : LSAT Down 1 Bartlett cousin
The answer is "LSAT" because it is the exam that Elle Woods got a 179 on in the movie "Legally Blonde."
Expectation at the start of a hotel stay : CLEAN SHEETS
"CLEAN SHEETS" is the right answer because one of the expectations at the start of a hotel stay is to have fresh, clean sheets on the bed for a comfortable and hygienic experience.
Fit for service : ONE-A
"ONE-A" is the answer because it refers to a classification for military service eligibility in the United States, indicating that someone is fit for service.
Flashes : SECS
"Flashes" is a clue for a short period of time, which is often abbreviated as "secs" for seconds.
Form of memorization : ROTE
The answer "ROTE" is the right solution because rote memorization is a learning technique based on repetition without necessarily understanding the meaning or context of the information.
Government investigation : PROBE
"Probe" is the right answer because it is a common term used to describe an official inquiry or investigation conducted by the government. It fits the clue well and is a frequently used crossword answer for this type of context.
Gray-brown shades : TAUPES
The answer "TAUPES" fits the clue "Gray-brown shades" because taupe is a color that is a blend of gray and brown, making it a suitable answer for the given clue.
Grumpy friend : DOC
The answer "DOC" is a reference to one of the Seven Dwarfs from the fairy tale Snow White. Doc is often depicted as the grumpy or bossy one in the group, hence the clue "Grumpy friend" leads to the answer "DOC."
Guesses of interest in the cellphone lot : ETAS
"ETAS" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for estimated times of arrival (ETAs), which are guesses of when someone is expected to arrive at a certain location, such as the cellphone lot.
Holding that’s hard to convert to cash : FROZEN ASSET
The term "frozen asset" refers to an asset that is difficult to convert into cash quickly. In this case, the clue "Holding that’s hard to convert to cash" is a direct reference to an asset that is "frozen," making "FROZEN ASSET" the correct answer.
Home of Oberlin College : OHIO
The answer is "OHIO" because Oberlin College is located in Oberlin, Ohio.
Incongruous : ODD
The word "ODD" means strange or unusual, which is synonymous with incongruous, making it the right solution for the clue "Incongruous."
Info provider at a crossroads : SIGNPOST
The answer "SIGNPOST" fits because a signpost provides information at a crossroads to help people navigate and choose the right direction to go.
Inspiration for the Camaro and Firebird : MUSTANG
The Camaro and Firebird were inspired by the Ford Mustang, a popular American muscle car. The Mustang set the standard for the pony car class, influencing the design and performance of other similar vehicles like the Camaro and Firebird.
It goes with the flow : LAVA
The answer "LAVA" fits the clue "It goes with the flow" because lava is molten rock that flows out of a volcano during an eruption. It moves downhill due to gravity, following the path of least resistance, hence "goes with the flow."
Jettison : DUMP
"DUMP" is the right answer because "jettison" means to get rid of or discard something, which is synonymous with "dump."
John of “Footloose” : LITHGOW
John Lithgow is the actor who played the character in the movie "Footloose."
Joker : WAG
Leader of the Pink Ladies in “Grease” : BETTY RIZZO
Betty Rizzo is the leader of the Pink Ladies in the musical "Grease." She is a prominent character in the story and plays a key role within the group, making her the correct answer to the clue.
Like a weakly hit ground ball : SLOW-ROLLING
The term "slow-rolling" is commonly used in baseball to describe a ground ball that is hit weakly and moves slowly along the ground. This fits the description of a weakly hit ground ball.
Like Sanskrit : INDIC
"Like Sanskrit" is a clue looking for a word that describes the language group to which Sanskrit belongs. Sanskrit is an Indic language, so the correct answer is "INDIC."
Lilac or lavender : PASTEL
The answer "PASTEL" fits the clue "Lilac or lavender" because both lilac and lavender are pastel colors, which are soft, pale shades typically seen in colors like lilac, lavender, and other light hues.
Livestock feed : SILAGE
Silage is a type of livestock feed made from green crops that have been fermented and stored in airtight conditions. It is a common feed for cattle and other livestock, making it the correct answer for the clue "Livestock feed."
Lotion letters : SPF
The answer "SPF" stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is commonly found on bottles of lotion to indicate the level of protection against the sun's harmful rays.
Machine waiting to enter the middle of this grid, as suggested by the answers to the starred clues : ZAMBONI
The starred clues contain words that can come after "ZAMBONI" to form new words or phrases, like "ZAMBONI driver" or "ZAMBONI machine." When these words are placed in the middle of the grid, they create new phrases that make sense, revealing the answer "ZAMBONI."
Manage : SEE TO
"Cope" means to deal effectively with something difficult. "Manage" can be a synonym for "cope" in this context. Therefore, "Cope" is the right solution for the clue "Manage".
Mao ___-tung : TSE
The answer "TSE" completes the name "Mao Tse-tung" which is the former name of the Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
Matures : AGES
The word "matures" is a verb that means to grow or develop over time. The answer "AGES" fits because it is a verb that means to grow older or progress through time.
Mideast sultanate : OMAN
Oman is a country located in the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is a sultanate, which is a form of government headed by a sultan. Therefore, "Mideast sultanate" is a fitting description for Oman.
Midwestern city where Pete Buttigieg was mayor : SOUTH BEND
The answer is "SOUTH BEND" because Pete Buttigieg served as the mayor of South Bend, a city in the Midwestern United States.
Mr. Bigglesworth, to Dr. Evil : PET CAT
The answer "PET CAT" fits the clue because Mr. Bigglesworth is Dr. Evil's pet cat in the Austin Powers movies.
Musical phrase : RIFF
"RIFF" is the right solution because a riff is a short, repeated musical phrase or pattern that is catchy and distinctive.
Norman Vincent ___, “The Power of Positive Thinking” author : PEALE
Norman Vincent Peale is the author of "The Power of Positive Thinking." Peale's last name is spelled as "Peale," making "PEALE" the correct answer.
Off, in mob slang : ICE
"Ice" is a term used in mob slang to refer to killing someone, as in putting them "on ice" or "icing" them. So, the answer "ICE" fits the clue "Off, in mob slang."
Once, old-style : ERST
"ERST" is an old-fashioned way to say "once" in English. It is a synonym for "formerly" or "previously."
One leaving you in stitches : CUTUP
The term "cut up" can mean someone who is funny and makes you laugh a lot, hence leaving you in stitches.
One of 15 boycotting the 1984 Summer Olympics : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, indicating that the solution for the clue is an abbreviation. In this case, the answer "USSR" fits the clue because the Soviet Union was one of 15 countries boycotting the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Operate at a heavy loss : BLEED MONEY
The phrase "bleed money" is a common idiom that means to incur heavy financial losses over time. It is often used to describe a business or venture that is operating at a significant loss.
Org. for John Cena and Roman Reigns : WWE
WWE stands for World Wrestling Entertainment, which is the organization that John Cena and Roman Reigns are both professional wrestlers for.
Play down : SOFT-PEDAL
The phrase "soft-pedal" means to play down or make something seem less important or serious. In this context, "play down" is a synonym for "soft-pedal," making it the correct answer to the clue.
Positive votes : AYES (IIIII)
The answer "AYES" is a term used in voting to indicate positive votes, especially in parliamentary settings. In this case, "IIIII" represents the positive votes, with each "I" symbolizing a single vote.
Power line? : EMPERORS
The answer to "Power line?" is "YOU'RE THE BOSS" because the phrase "you're the boss" is often used to acknowledge someone's authority or power in a situation. It can be interpreted as a play on words, where "power line" refers to someone who has control or influence.
Purveyor of lifeguard gear : SPEEDO
The answer "SPEEDO" is the right solution because Speedo is a well-known brand that specializes in swimwear, including lifeguard gear such as swimsuits and goggles.
Quickly moves past in conversation : GLOSSES OVER
"GLOSSES OVER" means to quickly move past or skip over something in conversation. In this case, the clue is asking for a phrase that describes this action, making "GLOSSES OVER" the correct answer.
Record label for Buffalo Springfield : ATCO
ATCO is the record label for Buffalo Springfield because ATCO Records was the label that released Buffalo Springfield's debut album in 1966.
Ride the pine : SIT
The phrase "ride the pine" is slang for sitting on the bench in sports. The word "SIT" is a synonym for sitting, making it the correct answer.
Rocky debris : SCREE
"Scree" refers to loose rock debris on a mountainside or at the base of a cliff. It fits the clue "rocky debris" as it describes a specific type of rocky material commonly found in mountainous regions.
See 32- : … LAYER
unknown
Seer’s sphere : ORB
The word "orb" is often used to describe a spherical object, like a crystal ball that a seer might use to predict the future.
Settled down for the night : ROOSTED
"Roosted" is the right solution because it means to settle down or rest for the night, especially birds settling on a perch for sleep.
Smack : BUSS
The word "smack" is often used to describe a sharp blow or hit. The answer "SWAT" fits this description perfectly as it means to strike or hit with a quick, sharp motion. Therefore, "SWAT" is the right solution for the clue "Smack".
Small talks : CHITCHATS
The answer "CHITCHATS" fits the clue "Small talks" because chitchats are informal conversations or small talks between people.
Song of David : PSALM
The "Song of David" refers to the book of Psalms in the Bible, which are attributed to King David. "Psalm" is the right answer because it is a religious or sacred song or hymn, especially one of the biblical hymns collected in the Book of Psalms.
Source of distress for a bull : DIP
The answer "DIP" is the right solution because a bull may become distressed when dipped or submerged in water for various reasons, such as during branding or medical treatments.
Straightened, as feathers : PREENED
"PREENED" is the right answer because when feathers are straightened and cleaned by a bird using its beak, it is referred to as preening.
Summer on the Seine : ETE
"Summer" in French is "été" and "on the Seine" translates to "sur la Seine" in French. Therefore, the French word for "Summer" fits the clue as "ETE."
Things compared between Wordle solvers : STREAKS
The answer "STREAKS" fits the clue because Wordle solvers often compare their winning streaks, which are the number of consecutive games they have won.
Things to strive for : IDEALS
The answer "IDEALS" fits the clue "Things to strive for" because ideals are beliefs or principles that are considered perfect or worth pursuing, making them something people aim to achieve or embody.
Thompson of “The Marvels” : TESSA
Tessa Thompson is an actress who starred in the movie "The Marvels," making "TESSA" the correct answer.
Toe the line : OBEY
The phrase "toe the line" means to follow the rules or conform to a standard. "Obey" is a synonym for following rules or adhering to a standard, making it the correct answer. The exclamation "Blast it!" is an expression of frustration or annoyance, which is not directly related to the answer "obey." Therefore, the clue "Blast it!" is just an interjection and does not provide any direct hint towards the answer.
Took control : LED
The answer "LED" fits the clue "Took control" because "LED" means to guide or show the way, which can imply taking control or leading others.
Tots, in Tijuana : NENES
"Nenes" is the right solution because "tots" is a synonym for "children" and "Nenes" is the Spanish word for "children," commonly used in Tijuana.
Tre + tre : SEI
The clue "Tre + tre" is asking for the sum of two threes in Italian. In Italian, "tre" means three, so when you add two threes together, you get "sei," which means six in Italian.
Trickle : SEEP
The word "seep" means to flow or pass slowly through small openings or pores, which is similar to how a trickle moves.
Unbending : STERN
"Unbending" means not willing to change or compromise, which can be described as being strict or severe. "Stern" is a synonym for strict or severe, making it the right solution for the clue.
Understand, so to speak : GATHER
The word "GATHER" can be used to mean to understand or comprehend information, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Understand, so to speak."
Untroubled : SERENE
"Serene" means calm, peaceful, and untroubled, making it a perfect match for the clue "Untroubled."
Uselessly : IN VAIN
The answer "IN VAIN" fits because it means without success or result, which is synonymous with the word "uselessly."
Villainous look : LEER
The word "leer" means to look at someone in a malicious or unpleasant way, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Villainous look."
Voice heard by millions worldwide : SIRI
The answer "SIRI" fits the clue because SIRI is a virtual assistant found on Apple devices, such as iPhones, that is used by millions of people around the world to perform tasks and answer questions through voice commands.
Volume options on an iPad? : E-BOOKS
The answer "E-BOOKS" fits the clue "Volume options on an iPad" because on an iPad, you can adjust the volume when reading e-books using the volume buttons on the side of the device.
What a par 5 has never been, on the P.G.A. Tour : ACED
The answer "ACED" is correct because a par 5 hole has never been aced (hole-in-one) on the PGA Tour due to its length and difficulty.
Winter morning phenomena : FROSTS
The answer "FROSTS" is the right solution because it refers to the cold weather condition where ice crystals form on surfaces during winter mornings.
With 101-, extra level of intricacy : ADDED …
The answer "ADDED" fits the clue because it means an extra level of intricacy has been included, as indicated by "extra level."
Worked the land : FARMED
The answer "FARMED" fits the clue "Worked the land" because farming involves cultivating and managing land to grow crops or raise animals.
X exchanges, for short : DMS
The abbreviation "DMS" stands for "direct messages," which are commonly used on social media platforms for private conversations or exchanges. So, "X exchanges, for short" is a clever way of hinting at "DMS" as the answer.
Xenon, e.g. : INERT GAS
The answer "INERT GAS" is correct because xenon is a type of gas that is chemically inert, meaning it does not easily react with other substances.
Youth sports level : PEEWEE
The term "PEEWEE" is commonly used to refer to a level of youth sports, especially in North America, for children typically around 6 to 12 years old. It is a well-known term in the context of youth sports levels.
[Stop looking at your phone! Go!] : [HONK!]
The answer "HONK!" is the right solution because it is a sound that a car horn makes, which is a common way to get someone's attention and prompt them to start moving.
___ metabolism : BASAL
"BASAL" is the right answer because it refers to the baseline metabolism rate of the body when at rest.
___ Na Na : SHA
The answer "SHA" fits the blank in "___ Na Na" because the popular song and dance group is called "Sha Na Na."
___ Nationalgalerie, modern art museum in Berlin : NEUE
The answer "NEUE" fits because "Neue Nationalgalerie" is a modern art museum in Berlin, Germany. "Neue" means "new" in German, and it is part of the museum's official name.
___ Plaines, Ill. : DES
"Des Plaines" is a city in Illinois, and "Des" is the abbreviated form of the city's name.
“Cinderella” setting : ROYAL BALL
The setting of the story "Cinderella" is often at a royal ball where Cinderella meets the prince. "ROYAL BALL" fits the clue as it accurately describes the setting of the story.
“I was wrong … big deal!” : SO, SUE ME!
The phrase "So, sue me!" is a colloquial expression used to dismiss someone's criticism or complaint in a sarcastic or defiant manner. In this context, it conveys a nonchalant attitude towards admitting fault.
“Not gonna fly” : UH-UH
The answer "UH-UH" is a common way to express refusal or disagreement, which fits the clue "Not gonna fly" indicating something that will not be accepted or approved.
“Put a sock in it!” : SHH!
The answer "SHH!" is a common expression used to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. It is often said in a firm or annoyed tone, similar to telling someone to "put a sock in it."
“That’s already crossed my desk” : I’M AWARE
The phrase "I’M AWARE" suggests that the person is already informed or knowledgeable about something, like a task that has already been handled or addressed, fitting the clue "That’s already crossed my desk."
“The Corsican Brothers” author, 1844 : DUMAS
The answer is "DUMAS" because Alexandre Dumas was the author of "The Corsican Brothers" in 1844.
“You pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down?” : FEEL ME?
The phrase "You pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down?" is a colloquial way of asking if someone understands or agrees with what you are saying. The answer "FEEL ME?" is a similar informal way of checking for understanding or agreement, making it the right solution.
“Your accusation is unfounded!” : I DO NOT!
"I DO NOT!" is a strong and clear denial, which fits the context of refuting an unfounded accusation.
“___ the day!” : SEIZE (CCCCC)
This is the right solution because the phrase "___ the day!" is commonly completed with the word "SEIZE," meaning to take advantage of the opportunity presented.
“___, me?” : WHO
The phrase "___, me?" is a common expression used to ask for clarification or confirmation about a person's identity. In this context, the correct answer would be "WHO" as it is asking for the identity of the person.