Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 2 December 2023, Saturday (12-02-23). 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 whole bunch : GOBS
The answer "GOBS" is the right solution because it means "a whole bunch" or "a large quantity". It is a colloquial term that is often used to describe a large amount of something.
Air pollution portmanteau : SMAZE
The answer "SMAZE" is a portmanteau of "smoke" and "haze," which accurately describes air pollution. It combines the two words to create a new term specifically related to polluted air.
Annual New Year’s Day event : ROSE PARADE
The "Annual New Year's Day event" refers to a specific event that takes place every year on New Year's Day. The "ROSE PARADE" is a well-known event that happens annually on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California, featuring elaborate floats adorned with roses. Therefore, "ROSE PARADE" is the right solution for this crossword clue.
Beyond regulation, for short : IN OT
The answer "IN OT" is the right solution because "OT" is a common abbreviation for "overtime" in various sports. The clue is asking for a term that means "beyond regulation," and "IN OT" fits that description as it refers to a game or match that has gone beyond the regular playing time.
Big ___ : TECH
The answer to "Big ___" is "TECH" because "tech" is a commonly used abbreviation for technology, which is often associated with big companies or advancements in the field.
Boastful Eminem title with the Guinness world record for “most words in a hit single” (1,560) : RAP GOD
The answer "RAP GOD" is the right solution because it is the title of an Eminem song that holds the Guinness world record for having the most words in a hit single, with 1,560 words.
Bores : SNOOZEFESTS
The answer "SNOOZEFESTS" is the right solution for the clue "Bores" because it is a playful and informal term that accurately describes something dull or uninteresting.
Breakout site : ESCAPE ROOM
The answer "ESCAPE ROOM" is the right solution for the clue "Breakout site" because an escape room is a physical adventure game where players are locked in a room and must solve puzzles and find clues to escape within a certain time limit. It is a popular activity for team-building and entertainment purposes.
Calm : SOOTHE
The word "sedate" means calm, composed, and dignified in manner. Therefore, it is the appropriate answer to the clue "calm".
Close-___ : KNIT
The answer to "Close-___" is "KNIT" because "knit" is a synonym for "close" when referring to fabric or stitches being tightly interlocked.
Constantly posting pictures and news about one’s kids’ on social media : SHARENTING
"Sharenting" is the right solution because it is a portmanteau of "sharing" and "parenting," which accurately describes the act of constantly posting pictures and news about one's kids on social media.
Covert influencer : UNCONSCIOUS BIAS
Criticizing a refusal to recycle, e.g. : ECO-SHAMING
The answer "ECO-SHAMING" fits the clue because it refers to the act of criticizing someone for not recycling or engaging in environmentally-friendly practices.
Daughter of Catherine of Aragon : MARY I
The answer "MARY I" is the right solution because Mary I was the daughter of Catherine of Aragon.
Dutch Golden Age painter : HALS
The answer "HALS" is the right solution because Frans Hals was a well-known Dutch painter during the Golden Age.
Fall for a trick, say : TAKE THE BAIT
The phrase "take the bait" is commonly used to describe falling for a trick or deception, making it the perfect answer for the clue.
Fruit whose name is three-quarters vowels : ACAI
The fruit "ACAI" is the right solution because its name consists of three out of four vowels (A, A, I), making it three-quarters vowels.
Grand : THOU
The answer to "Grand" is "THOU" because "THOU" is an old-fashioned term used to address someone in a respectful and formal manner, similar to "grand" in a sense.
Hands off (to) : REFERS
The answer "REFERS" is the right solution because it means to hand off or pass on something to someone else. In this context, it implies transferring responsibility or directing someone to another person.
High-protein paste : MISO
The answer to "High-protein paste" is "MISO" because miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, which are high in protein.
Ingredients pronounced differently in American and British English : HERBS
The answer "HERBS" is the right solution because the pronunciation of this word differs between American English and British English. In American English, it is pronounced as "ERBS" (without the "H" sound), while in British English, it is pronounced as "HERBS" (with the "H" sound).
It may be raised at a table : ANTE
The answer "ANTE" is the right solution because it refers to the amount of money that a player must put into the pot before the game starts in certain card games like poker. This amount is often raised or increased during the course of the game, hence the clue "It may be raised at a table."
It’s there by default : PRESET
The answer "PRESET" is the right solution because something that is "there by default" is already set or configured in a predetermined way, which is the definition of "PRESET."
It’s typically taken in the afternoon : TEA
The answer to "It’s typically taken in the afternoon" is "TEA" because tea is a commonly consumed beverage during the afternoon.
Kit for creative types : ART SET
The answer to "Kit for creative types" is "ART SET" because it is a commonly used term for a collection of tools and materials that artists use to create their artwork.
Launch party? : NASA
The answer to "Launch party?" is "NASA" because NASA is an organization that is known for launching space missions and spacecrafts into outer space.
Less than hardly : NARY
The answer "NARY" is the right solution because it means "less than hardly" or "almost none." It is a concise and fitting word to describe something that is extremely scarce or lacking.
Life sentences? : BIOS
The answer "BIOS" is the right solution to the clue "Life sentences?" because "BIOS" stands for Basic Input/Output System, which is a set of instructions stored on a computer's motherboard that helps the computer start up and communicate with its hardware. These instructions are essential for the computer's functioning, making them a kind of "life sentences" for the computer.
Like the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance, in science fiction : AT WAR
The clue mentions the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance, which are two opposing factions in science fiction. When two factions are "at war," it means they are engaged in a conflict or battle. Therefore, "AT WAR" is the right answer.
Loudly lachrymates : SOBS
The word "lachrymates" is a clue that indicates crying or shedding tears. The word "loudly" suggests that the crying is done with a lot of noise or sound. The answer "SOBS" fits perfectly as it means to cry loudly, making it the right solution for the clue.
One side of a chemistry scale : ACIDS
The answer "ACIDS" is the right solution because on a chemistry scale, substances are categorized as either acidic or basic. "ACIDS" represents one side of the scale, specifically the acidic side.
Pace : TEMPO
The word "pace" is often used to describe a person's manner of walking. "Gait" is a synonym for pace and refers to a person's particular way of walking or running. Therefore, "gait" is the correct answer for the crossword clue "pace."
Plain and blunt : BALD
The answer to "Plain and blunt" is "BALD" because the word "bald" can be used to describe someone or something that is direct, straightforward, and lacking in ornamentation or embellishment. It fits the clue because it conveys the idea of being plain and blunt in a concise manner.
Reason to run in circles? : MEET
The answer to "Reason to run in circles?" is "MEET" because when people gather or meet, they often form circles for discussions or group activities.
Rice and Curry : TIMS
Said : UTTERED
The word "Said" is a clue that indicates someone speaking or expressing something. The word "UTTERED" means to speak or articulate words, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Second-most frequently mentioned individual in the Quran, after Jesus : MOSES
The answer is "MOSES" because he is the second-most frequently mentioned individual in the Quran, after Jesus.
Some Hollywood workers : Abbr.
The answer "AGENTS" fits the clue "Some Hollywood workers" because agents are individuals who work in the entertainment industry, specifically representing and managing the careers of actors, actresses, and other professionals in Hollywood.
Something critical to have : A MUST
The answer "A MUST" is the right solution because it refers to something that is absolutely necessary or essential to have.
Spanish little ones : NENES
The word "NENES" is the right solution because it is a Spanish term for "little ones" or "children."
Squash or smoosh, maybe : STEP ON
The answer "STEP ON" fits the clue because when you squash or smoosh something, you often step on it.
Statement that is, in fact, not part of the Hippocratic oath : DO NO HARM
The phrase "DO NO HARM" is not part of the Hippocratic oath, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Statement upon witnessing an impressive feat : WHAT A BEAST!
The answer "WHAT A BEAST!" is the right solution because it is a common exclamation used to express awe or admiration when witnessing an impressive feat.
Still : AT REST
The answer "AT REST" fits the clue "Still" because it means being in a state of calmness or not in motion.
Still a contender : IN IT
The answer "IN IT" is the right solution because it means someone is still actively participating or competing in a contest or competition. It indicates that the person is not giving up and is still a strong contender.
Stuff in microdots : LSD
The answer to "Stuff in microdots" is "LSD" because microdots are a form of LSD, which is a hallucinogenic drug.
Tackling group, for short : D-LINE
The answer "D-LINE" is the right solution because in football, the "D-Line" refers to the defensive line. They are a group of players whose main task is to tackle the opposing team's players.
Takes orders : WAITS Down 1 Sideways
The answer to "Takes orders" is "WAITS" because it refers to someone who serves customers in a restaurant or cafe and takes their food or drink orders.
Taunting cry : HAH!
The answer "HAH!" is the right solution because it is a common taunting cry used to mock or ridicule someone.
The fairyfly (the smallest known insect in the world) is one : WASP
The fairyfly is a type of wasp, and it is considered the smallest known insect in the world. Therefore, the answer to the clue "The fairyfly (the smallest known insect in the world) is one" is "WASP."
They get down and dirty : ROOTS
The answer "ROOTS" is the right solution because it refers to plants' underground parts that absorb water and nutrients from the soil. These plant roots can often get down and dirty as they grow and spread beneath the surface.
Thin cell types : AAAS
The answer "AAAS" is the right solution because "AAAS" refers to the thin cell types called "AAs" or "AA batteries" which are commonly used in electronic devices.
Took something with a grain of salt, maybe : ATE
The phrase "take something with a grain of salt" means to be skeptical or not fully believe something. In this case, the answer "ATE" is the correct solution because when you eat something, you literally take it in with a grain of salt, meaning you consume it.
Two-ingredient cocktail usually served with an olive or lemon twist : GIN MARTINI
The answer is "GIN MARTINI" because it is a classic two-ingredient cocktail made with gin and vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or lemon twist.
What to do? : AGENDA
The answer to "What to do?" is "AGENDA" because an agenda is a list or plan of things to be done or accomplished. It is a common response to the question of what actions or tasks need to be undertaken.
What’s spread all over southern France? : TAPENADE
The answer "TAPENADE" is the right solution because tapenade is a popular spread that originated in southern France. It is made from olives, capers, and other ingredients, and is often enjoyed on bread or crackers.
When doubled, comment made with a wink : HINT
The answer "HINT" is the right solution because when you double the word "HINT," it sounds like "HINT HINT," which is a phrase often used to make a comment with a wink, suggesting that there is more to be understood or implied.
Wing alternatives : THIGHS
The answer to "Wing alternatives" is "THIGHS" because when referring to chicken, wings and thighs are both commonly consumed parts.
Work in progress? : CAREER PATH
The answer "CAREER PATH" is the right solution because a "work in progress" refers to someone's ongoing or developing career. A career path represents the direction and progression of one's professional life.
___ ginger, a.k.a. galangal : THAI
The answer is "THAI" because "galangal" is a type of ginger commonly used in Thai cuisine.
___ punk (genre for No Doubt) : SKA
The answer is "SKA" because it is a genre of music that No Doubt is associated with.
“Ciertamente!” : SI SI!
The answer "SI SI!" is the right solution because it is a Spanish phrase that translates to "Certainly!" or "Yes, yes!" in English. It directly matches the clue "Ciertamente!" which also means "Certainly!" in Spanish.
“Freak on a Leash” band : KORN
The answer is "KORN" because "Freak on a Leash" is a popular song by the band KORN.
“Hold your horses” : EASY DOES IT
"Whoa" is an interjection used to command a horse to stop or slow down. The phrase "hold your horses" is a common idiom that means to wait or be patient. Therefore, "whoa" is the right solution for the clue "Hold your horses!" in a crossword puzzle.
“Ish” : A BIT
"ORSO" is the Italian word for "bear," and "ish" is a suffix that means "having the quality of." Therefore, "ORSO-ish" means "having the quality of a bear."
“Likewise” : SO DO I
The answer "SO DO I" is the right solution because it means "likewise" or "me too" in response to a statement or action. It is a short and simple way of expressing agreement.
“Mm-hmm” : YUP
The answer "YUP" is the right solution because it is a casual and informal way of saying "yes" or expressing agreement, which is often represented by "mm-hmm" in conversation.
“The Little Prince” trees : BAOBABS
The answer is "BAOBABS" because in the book "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the little prince encounters dangerous baobab trees that he must uproot to protect his planet.
“Whoa, calm down!” : HEY NOW!
The phrase "Hey now!" is commonly used to tell someone to calm down or to express surprise or disbelief. Therefore, "Hey now!" is a fitting answer to the clue "Whoa, calm down!"