Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 2 December 2024, Monday (12-02-24). 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.
A dromedary has one : HUMP
A dromedary is a type of camel that has a distinctive hump on its back, making "HUMP" the correct answer.
Anticipates : EXPECTS
"Anticipates" is a synonym for "expects," as both words convey the idea of foreseeing or looking forward to something happening in the future.
April weather said to bring May flowers : SHOWERS
The phrase "April showers bring May flowers" is a common saying that implies that rain in April helps flowers bloom in May. Therefore, the answer "SHOWERS" fits the clue.
Ballpoint or highlighter : PEN
The answer "PEN" fits the clue "Ballpoint or highlighter" because both ballpoint pens and highlighters are types of pens used for writing or marking on paper.
Be in charge of, as a bar : TEND
"TEND" is the right solution because when you "tend" a bar, you are in charge of overseeing and managing it, such as serving drinks, taking care of customers, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Beyond irritated : PISSED OFF
The answer "PISSED OFF" fits the clue "Beyond irritated" because it is a common slang term that conveys a heightened level of anger or frustration.
Bit of punctuation : COMMA
The answer "COMMA" fits the clue "Bit of punctuation" because a comma is a punctuation mark used to separate words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence.
Bottom of a paw : PAD
The bottom of a paw is often referred to as a "pad," which is the thick, cushioned area on the underside of an animal's foot.
Carefree quality : EASE
"EASE" is the right solution because a carefree quality implies a sense of relaxation, comfort, and lack of stress, which are all captured by the word "ease."
Catch off-guard : STARTLE
The word "STARTLE" means to catch someone off-guard or surprise them suddenly, making it the right solution for the clue "Catch off-guard."
Classroom jottings : NOTES Down 1 Admitted (to)
The answer "NOTES" fits the clue "Classroom jottings" because notes are often written down in a classroom setting to help remember important information.
Classroom seating : DESK
The answer "DESK" fits the clue "Classroom seating" because students typically sit at desks in a classroom setting.
Commotion : TO-DO
The word "fracas" is defined as a noisy disturbance or quarrel. It fits the clue "commotion" perfectly as it suggests a noisy and chaotic situation.
Covert “Hey, you!” : PSST!
The answer "PSST!" is commonly used as a covert way to get someone's attention, similar to saying "Hey, you!" in a secretive or hushed manner.
Culinary tearjerker : ONION
An onion is a common ingredient in cooking that can make you cry when you cut it due to its sulfuric compounds. This is why it is referred to as a "culinary tearjerker."
Dispensed, as Halloween candy : GAVE OUT
The answer "GAVE OUT" fits the clue because it means to distribute or hand out something, like Halloween candy. It's a common phrase used in this context.
Faux pas : MISSTEP
"MISSTEP" is the right solution because a faux pas is a social mistake or blunder, and a misstep is a similar error or mistake in action or judgment. They both involve making a wrong move or decision.
Floor coverings : RUGS
The answer "RUGS" fits the clue "Floor coverings" because rugs are commonly used to cover and decorate floors.
Fuel choice for many trucks : DIESEL
Diesel is the right answer because it is a common fuel choice for trucks due to its efficiency and power for heavy-duty vehicles.
Garr with a “Tootsie” role : TERI
The answer "TERI" fits the clue because the actress Teri Garr had a role in the movie "Tootsie."
Glenn of the Eagles : FREY
Glenn Frey was a member of the Eagles band, so "Glenn of the Eagles" refers to him.
Glossy magazines have a lot of them : AD PAGES
The answer "AD PAGES" fits because glossy magazines often contain a large number of advertisement pages.
Grocery store division : AISLE
The answer "AISLE" fits the clue "Grocery store division" because aisles in a grocery store divide the store into sections where different types of products are displayed.
Group born between 1997 and 2012, for short : GEN-Z
"GEN-Z" refers to the generation born between 1997 and 2012, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Height of fashion? : HEMLINE
The clue "Height of fashion?" is a play on words. "Height" can refer to the length of something, and "fashion" is often associated with clothing. A hemline is the bottom edge of a garment, so "Height of fashion?" is a clever way of hinting at the answer "HEMLINE."
Hundred on the Hill : SENATE
The "Hundred on the Hill" is a reference to the Senate, which is one of the chambers of the United States Congress. The Senate is often symbolized by its location on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and it is made up of one hundred senators.
Inauguration Day promise : OATH
The answer "OATH" is the right solution because on Inauguration Day, the President-elect takes an oath to uphold the Constitution and faithfully execute the duties of the office.
Isn’t imaginary : EXISTS
The answer "EXISTS" fits the clue "Isn’t imaginary" because something that exists is real and not imaginary.
Kids make them for Santa : LISTS
The answer "LISTS" fits the clue because kids often make lists of things they want for Christmas and leave them for Santa to know what gifts to bring.
Knows somebody who might help : HAS AN IN
The phrase "has an in" means to have a connection or relationship with someone who can help. Therefore, "Knows somebody who might help" is a clue for "HAS AN IN."
Look forward to : AWAIT
The word "await" means to look forward to something with anticipation or expectation, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Look forward to."
Make bigger at McDonald’s : SUPERSIZE
The term "SUPERSIZE" is commonly used at McDonald's to refer to making a meal larger by increasing the portion size of the fries and drink.
Mani-___ : PEDI
"Mani-" refers to a manicure, which is a beauty treatment for the hands. The answer "PEDI" completes the phrase as "Mani-Pedi," which is a common beauty treatment for both the hands and feet.
Member of a college’s governing board : TRUSTEE
"Trustee" is the right answer because a trustee is a member of a college's governing board who is responsible for overseeing the institution's operations and decision-making processes.
Old LP format : MONO
"Old LP format" refers to monaural or MONO sound, which is a type of audio format where all sounds are mixed together and channeled through a single audio channel. In the context of old LPs (vinyl records), MONO was a common format before stereo sound became popular.
One of the Great Lakes : ERIE
This is the right solution because Erie is one of the five Great Lakes located in North America.
Part of ROTFL : THE
The answer "THE" is the right solution because it is a part of the acronym "ROTFL," which stands for "Rolling On The Floor Laughing."
Playwright Coward : NOEL
The answer "NOEL" fits the clue "Playwright Coward" because Noël Coward was a famous British playwright known for his wit and humor in his plays and musicals.
Popular Japanese beer : ASAHI
"Asahi" is a popular Japanese beer brand, known internationally for its quality and taste. The clue "Popular Japanese beer" fits perfectly with the answer "ASAHI" as it is a well-known and widely consumed beer in Japan and around the world.
Potential option : POSSIBILITY
The answer "POSSIBILITY" fits the clue "Potential option" because a possibility is a potential choice or outcome that could happen.
Prehistoric predator, for short : T-REX
The answer "T-REX" is the right solution because T-Rex is a common abbreviation for Tyrannosaurus Rex, a well-known prehistoric predator.
Prestigious sch. in Cambridge, Mass. : MIT
MIT stands for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a prestigious school located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Random guess : STAB
The answer "STAB" fits the clue "Random guess" because making a guess can be described as taking a stab at something, suggesting a random or uncertain attempt.
Roulette bet : ODD
The answer "ODD" is a common bet in roulette where you wager on the ball landing on an odd number on the roulette wheel.
Second word of many a fairy tale : UPON
The answer "UPON" is the second word in the phrase "Once upon a time," which is a common opening line in fairy tales.
Seeing the glass half-empty : PESSIMISTIC
"Pessimistic" means having a negative outlook or expecting the worst, which is a common attitude of someone who sees the glass half-empty.
Shot that produces an immune response to a virus, slangily : VAX
"VAX" is the right solution because it is a slang term for "vaccine," which is a shot that helps the body develop immunity to a virus.
Sketch : DRAW
The word "sketch" can refer to a short, humorous performance known as a "skit". Therefore, "SKIT" is a suitable answer for this crossword clue.
Swiftie, e.g. : FAN
The term "Swiftie" refers to a fan of the singer Taylor Swift. Therefore, the answer to "Swiftie, e.g." is "FAN" because a Swiftie is a type of fan.
Tater : SPUD
The word "tater" is a slang term for potato, and "spud" is a common informal term for potato. Therefore, "SPUD" is the right answer.
Teachings of Buddha : DHARMA
The teachings of Buddha are referred to as "Dharma" in Buddhism. This term encompasses the teachings, principles, and laws that guide Buddhist practice and belief.
The lion’s share : MOST
The phrase "the lion's share" means the largest part or portion of something, which is synonymous with the word "most."
The “O” of Jackie O. : ONASSIS
The "O" in Jackie O refers to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the former First Lady of the United States. Therefore, the answer is "ONASSIS."
Tie the knot : WED
"WED" is the right solution because "tie the knot" is a common idiom that means to get married, which is synonymous with the word "wed."
Tiptoes, as around a touchy subject : PUSSYFOOTS
"Pussyfoot" means to tread or move warily or stealthily, especially when discussing a sensitive topic. So, "Tiptoes, as around a touchy subject" is a clue that hints at the word "pussyfoots" as the correct answer.
Trend that’s here today, gone tomorrow : PASSING FAD
The answer "PASSING FAD" fits the clue because it refers to something that is popular or fashionable for a brief period of time before losing popularity quickly, just like a passing fad.
Vessels for whitewater rapids : RAFTS
The answer "RAFTS" fits the clue "Vessels for whitewater rapids" because rafts are inflatable boats commonly used for navigating through rough waters like whitewater rapids.
Voice under a soprano : ALTO
The term "alto" refers to a voice range lower than a soprano, making it the correct answer for "Voice under a soprano."
Winter hrs. in the Big Apple : EST
The answer "EST" stands for Eastern Standard Time, which is the time zone observed in the Big Apple, New York City, during the winter months.
Word before education or supervision : ADULT …
The answer is "ADULT" because it can be followed by "education" or "supervision" to form common phrases like "adult education" and "adult supervision."
Word seen on the side of many planes : AIR
The word "AIR" is often seen on the side of planes as it represents the element they fly through. It is a common and fitting word to be displayed on aircraft.
“Don’t move!,” to a dog : STAY!
The answer "STAY!" fits the clue "Don’t move!," to a dog because "STAY!" is a command often used to instruct a dog to remain in place without moving.
“Gimme ___!” (start of University of Iowa’s cheer) : AN I
The answer is "AN I" because it completes the cheer "Gimme an I!" where the letter "I" is the first letter in "Iowa."
“Lovely” Beatles girl : RITA
The answer is "RITA" because "Lovely" is a hint indicating that the answer is a girl's name. The Beatles song "Lovely Rita" fits this clue perfectly.
“Murder on the ___ Express” (Agatha Christie mystery) : ORIENT
The Orient Express is a famous luxury train that has been featured in Agatha Christie's mystery novel "Murder on the Orient Express." The word "Orient" in the clue hints at the name of the train, making "ORIENT" the correct answer.
“No worries” : IT’S OK
"ITSOK" is a common phrase used to reassure someone that everything is fine and there is no need to worry. Therefore, it is a suitable answer for the clue "No worries."