Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 3 December 2024, Tuesday (12-03-24). 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.
2001 boxing biopic : ALI
The answer "ALI" fits the clue "2001 boxing biopic" because the biographical film "Ali," released in 2001, is about the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
Actor Brody of “The Pianist” : ADRIEN
Adrien Brody is the actor who starred in the movie "The Pianist," making "ADRIEN" the correct answer.
Actor who plays Lieutenant Sulu in the rebooted “Star Trek” films : JOHN CHO
John Cho is the actor who portrays Lieutenant Sulu in the rebooted "Star Trek" films, starting with the 2009 movie directed by J.J. Abrams.
Adverb that often precedes “possible” : HUMANLY
The adverb "humanly" often precedes "possible" to emphasize the limits of what can be achieved or accomplished by a human being.
Amount of time for Kate Hudson to “Lose a Guy,” in a 2003 film : TEN DAYS
The answer "TEN DAYS" fits the clue because the movie referenced in the clue is "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," where Kate Hudson's character tries to make a guy break up with her in 10 days.
Animal that is unable to fly with its ears, regrettably : ELEPHANT
The answer "ELEPHANT" fits because elephants are animals that cannot fly and have ears that are too heavy to enable flight.
Attorney general before Garland : BARR
William Barr served as the Attorney General of the United States before Merrick Garland, making "BARR" the correct answer.
Baking amt. : TSP
The abbreviation "TBSP" stands for tablespoon, which is a common unit of measurement used in baking recipes.
Bathed, old-style : LAVED
"LAVED" is an old-fashioned term that means "bathed." It fits the clue "Bathed, old-style" perfectly as it is a synonym for bathing that was commonly used in the past.
Bestow knighthood on : DUB
"DUB" is the right solution because in the context of knighthood, "dub" means to confer knighthood upon someone by ceremonially tapping or touching them on the shoulder with a sword.
Bite-size Mars candy, familiarly : MINI-TWIX
The clue "Bite-size Mars candy, familiarly" is referring to a small version of a popular candy made by the Mars company. "Mini-Twix" fits the description as it is a small, bite-size version of the Twix candy bar, which is made by Mars.
Brouhaha : ADO
The word "ado" means a state of excitement or fuss, which is similar to the meaning of "brouhaha."
Cause, as havoc : WREAK
"WREAK" means to cause something, like havoc or damage. In this clue, "Cause, as havoc," the word "WREAK" fits perfectly as it directly relates to causing havoc.
Chess rating system : ELO
The answer to "Chess rating system" is "ELO" because the ELO rating system is a widely used method to rank the skill levels of chess players. It was developed by Arpad Elo and is named after him.
Chocolaty coffee orders : MOCHAS
The answer "MOCHAS" fits the clue "Chocolaty coffee orders" because a mocha is a coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate.
Chucks : HURLS
Classic Sichuan dish made with bean curd : MAPO TOFU
"MAPO TOFU" is the right solution because it is a classic Sichuan dish made with bean curd, typically cooked with minced meat, fermented black beans, and spicy chili sauce.
Curve : ARC
"ARC" is the right solution because it is a part of a curve that is defined by a segment of a circle. It fits the clue "Curve" as it specifically refers to a curved shape.
Dashboard fig. : MPH
The abbreviation "MPH" stands for "miles per hour," a common unit of speed displayed on a car's dashboard. So, "Dashboard fig." is referring to the speed displayed on the dashboard, which is typically measured in miles per hour.
Dazzle : AWE
The word "enchant" means to attract and delight someone, often in a mysterious or magical way. This can be interpreted as "dazzling" someone with charm or fascination, making it a suitable answer for the clue "dazzle."
Director Jean-___ Godard : LUC
The answer is "LUC" because Jean-___ Godard is referring to the renowned French film director Jean-Luc Godard.
Eye sore? : STYE
The clue "Eye sore?" is a play on words. A stye is a red, painful lump near the edge of the eyelid, making it a literal eye sore.
Father of a mule : ASS
The father of a mule is a donkey, which is also known as an ass.
Fictional burrito on “Parks and Recreation” that “literally killed a guy last year” : MEAT TORNADO
In the TV show "Parks and Recreation," Ron Swanson mentions a fictional burrito called "Meat Tornado" that "literally killed a guy last year." This makes "MEAT TORNADO" the correct answer to the clue.
First K-pop band to perform at the American Music Awards : BTS
BTS was the first K-pop band to perform at the American Music Awards in 2017, making them the correct answer to the clue.
Fork over the cash : PONY UP
"PONY UP" is a slang term that means to pay or hand over money. In this context, "Fork over the cash" is a clue prompting for a phrase that means to pay up, making "PONY UP" the correct answer.
Fortify with nutrients : ENRICH
The word "enrich" means to improve or enhance something by adding valuable or desirable qualities, such as nutrients. In this case, "fortify with nutrients" is a synonym for "enrich," making it the right answer.
Frame job : SETUP
The term "frame job" is often used to describe a situation where someone is falsely incriminated or set up to take the blame for something they didn't do. In this context, "SETUP" is the right answer as it directly relates to the act of framing someone for a crime or wrongdoing.
Frat party offering : BEER
The answer "BEER" fits the clue "Frat party offering" because beer is a common alcoholic beverage often served at fraternity parties.
Hammer’s home : TOOLROOM
"Hammer's home" is a wordplay clue where "Hammer" is a tool and "home" refers to where the tool is kept. A place where hammers are kept is a "TOOLROOM," making it the correct answer.
Irk : PEEVE
The answer to "Irk" is "VEX" because "vex" means to irritate or annoy, which is synonymous with the word "irk".
Joke teller : COMIC
The answer "COMIC" is the right solution because a comic is someone who tells jokes to entertain others, often in stand-up comedy routines or through written or visual mediums.
Lacks the ability to : CANNOT
"CANNOT" is the right solution because it means to lack the ability to do something. It is a word that directly fits the clue given.
Lead-in to -tocin : OXY-
The term "tocin" is often followed by "oxytocin," so the lead-in to "-tocin" is "OXY-."
Librarian’s reprimand : SHUSH!
The answer "SHUSH!" is the right solution because it is a common word used by librarians to tell people to be quiet in a library.
Like waters during a storm : CHOPPY
"Choppy" describes waters that are rough and uneven due to strong winds or a storm. This word is commonly used to depict turbulent or agitated water surfaces, making it the correct answer for the clue "Like waters during a storm."
Manicured stretch of grass : LAWN
The answer "LAWN" fits the clue "Manicured stretch of grass" because a lawn is a carefully maintained area of grass typically found in a yard or garden. It is a common feature in residential landscaping.
Mummify, e.g. : EMBALM
"EMBALM" is the right solution because it means to preserve a body by treating it with preservatives, like mummies are.
Neighbor of Croatia : BOSNIA
Bosnia is the neighbor of Croatia because they share a border in the Balkan region of Europe.
Not mentioned : UNSAID
"UNSAID" is the right solution because it means something that has not been spoken or mentioned. It fits the clue "Not mentioned" perfectly.
Not sweet, as wine : DRY
"Dry" is the right answer because in wine terminology, "dry" refers to a wine that is not sweet, meaning it has little to no residual sugar.
One might be red or yellow in soccer : CARD
The answer "CARD" fits because in soccer, a player can receive a red or yellow card as a disciplinary action from the referee.
Operating system whose logo features a penguin : LINUX
Packs (down) : TAMPS
"TAMPS" is the right solution because the word "down" in the clue indicates that we need to find a word that means "packs" and "TAMPS" is a synonym for "packs" in this context.
Part of a baseball uniform : CAP
The answer "CAP" fits the clue "Part of a baseball uniform" because a cap is an essential piece of clothing worn by baseball players during games to protect their eyes from the sun and to represent their team.
Pickle container : JAR
Pileup, as of complaints : LITANY
The word "litany" refers to a long list or series of complaints or grievances, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Pileup, as of complaints."
Pink vodka drink : COSMO
The answer "COSMO" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for the popular cocktail "Cosmopolitan," which is a pink vodka drink made with vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice.
Place of bliss : EDEN
"EDEN" is the right answer because it refers to the Garden of Eden in the Bible, which is often described as a place of perfect happiness and bliss.
Place to store cocktail-making equipment : BAR CART
The answer "BAR CART" fits the clue because a bar cart is a piece of furniture designed for storing cocktail-making equipment such as glasses, bottles, and tools. It is a portable and convenient solution for organizing and displaying everything needed for making cocktails.
Pong company : ATARI
ATARI is the company that created the classic video game Pong in the 1970s, making it the correct answer to the clue "Pong company."
Slowly leak : SEEP
"Seep" is the right answer because it means to slowly flow or leak out of something, like water through a crack in a dam or oil through the ground. It perfectly fits the clue "Slowly leak."
Speaker’s platform : DAIS
The word "DAIS" refers to a raised platform where a speaker stands to address an audience. It is commonly used in formal settings such as conferences, meetings, or events.
Tattoo, colloquially : INK UP
"INK UP" is the right solution because "INK" is a colloquial term for a tattoo, and "UP" can be used as a phrasal verb to mean getting tattoos done on one's body.
The N.F.L.’s Cardinals, on scoreboards : ARI
The N.F.L.'s Cardinals are based in Arizona, and their abbreviation on scoreboards is "ARI."
The “N” of NDA : NON-
The "N" in NDA stands for "Non-Disclosure Agreement," so the answer is "NON-."
Totally stress out : PANIC
The word "panic" means to totally stress out or feel overwhelming fear or anxiety. In this case, the clue "Totally stress out" is a direct synonym for the word "panic," making it the correct answer.
Vanilla ice cream with peanut butter cups and fudge : MOOSE TRACKS
"Moose Tracks" is a popular ice cream flavor that typically consists of vanilla ice cream with peanut butter cups and fudge swirls mixed in. This matches the description given in the clue, making it the correct answer.
Venetian magistrate of old : DOGE
The answer "DOGE" is the right solution because a Doge was the chief magistrate and leader of the Venetian Republic in the medieval and renaissance periods.
Video chat service owned by Microsoft : SKYPE
SKYPE is a video chat service that was acquired by Microsoft in 2011, making it a video chat service owned by Microsoft.
Violet variety : PANSY
"PANSY" is the right solution because it is a type of flower that comes in various colors, including violet.
Was up on points : LED
The phrase "was up on points" suggests that someone was leading in a competition or game. In this context, "LED" is the past tense of the verb "lead," indicating that the person was ahead.
Watched without intervening : SAT BY Down 1 America’s “Uncle”
The answer "SAT BY" fits the clue "Watched without intervening" because it implies observing something without taking any action or getting involved. In this context, "sat by" suggests passive observation without interference.
Way of getting online that might sound like “beep beep beeHAW beeHAW beeeeeep SHRHRHRHRH” : DIAL-UP
"DIAL-UP" is the right solution because the clue is describing the sound of a dial-up modem connecting to the internet, which includes the distinctive sequence of tones "beep beep beeHAW beeHAW beeeeeep SHRHRHRHRH."
What a bill may become : LAW
The answer "LAW" fits the clue "What a bill may become" because a bill, once approved by the legislative body, becomes a law when it is signed by the executive authority.
What many junk foods contain … with a hint to the initials of 17-, 25-, 48- and 56- : EMPTY CALORIES
The initials of the 17th, 25th, 48th, and 56th clues spell out "E, M, P, T, Y, C, A, L, O, R, I, E, S." These letters form the phrase "EMPTY CALORIES," which is a common component in junk foods.
What the “Mona Lisa” is painted on : WOOD
The "Mona Lisa" is painted on a wooden panel known as poplar wood, making "WOOD" the correct answer.
When doubled, a Hawaiian fish : MAHI
The Hawaiian fish "mahi-mahi" is often referred to simply as "mahi." When you double "mahi," you get "MAHI," which is the answer to the clue.
Without company : ALONE
The word "alone" means being without anyone or anything else, which perfectly fits the definition of "without company."
___ Suárez, former prime minister who lends his name to Spain’s largest airport : ADOLFO
This is the right solution because Adolfo Suárez was a former prime minister of Spain and his name is used for Spain's largest airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
___ whim : ON A
The phrase "on a whim" means doing something suddenly or impulsively without much thought. In this context, "on a" is the correct answer to complete the phrase.
“Pulp Fiction” studio : MIRAMAX
Miramax is the studio that produced the movie "Pulp Fiction," directed by Quentin Tarantino.
“That’s ___!” (“Don’t do it!”) : A NO-NO
The phrase "That's a no-no!" is commonly used to discourage someone from doing something. The answer "A NO-NO" fits the clue because it directly corresponds to the expression used to indicate disapproval.