Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 4 December 2024, Wednesday (12-04-24). 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.
Auction announcement : SOLD!
The answer "SOLD!" is the right solution because it is a common announcement made at auctions when an item has been successfully purchased.
Auction unit : LOT
The answer "LOT" is the right solution because in an auction, items are typically grouped together and sold as a single unit, known as a lot.
Ballet bound : JETE
The term "jete" is a ballet movement where a dancer jumps from one foot to the other, typically with one leg extended in the air. This makes "JETE" the correct answer for the clue "Ballet bound."
Bank of New Orleans? : LEVEE
The clue "Bank of New Orleans?" is a play on words. In this case, "bank" refers to a levee, which is a raised bank along a river to prevent flooding. So, the answer "LEVEE" fits the clue perfectly.
Biblical boat : ARK
The "Biblical boat" refers to the vessel built by Noah to save animals and his family from the great flood in the Bible. This boat is commonly known as the "Ark," making "ARK" the correct answer.
Competitor of Korean Air : ASIANA
The answer "ASIANA" is the right solution because Asiana Airlines is a major competitor of Korean Air in the airline industry, particularly in South Korea.
Connecticut governor Lamont : NED
Ned Lamont is the current governor of Connecticut. "NED" is a common nickname for people named Edward, including Governor Lamont, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Cry in a pool game : MARCO!
The answer "MARCO!" is a reference to the game Marco Polo played in a pool. In this game, one person closes their eyes and calls out "Marco", while the other players respond with "Polo" to help the person locate them.
Dance with hand gestures that can represent ocean waves : HULA
The dance style "HULA" often incorporates hand gestures that mimic the movement of ocean waves, making it the fitting answer to the clue.
Draws back, as before throwing : COCKS
In this context, "cocks" means to draw back or to prepare a weapon, like a gun, before firing or throwing.
Ever’s partner : ANON
The word "Ever" is a poetic term for always. When combined with "partner," it forms the phrase "ever and anon," which means always and sometimes. "ANON" is a synonym for "sometimes," making it the right solution for the clue.
Experimental musician whose name sounds like a cry : ONO
The experimental musician referred to in the clue is Yoko Ono, whose last name sounds like a cry. The answer "ONO" is a play on the sound of a cry and is a shortened version of her last name.
Feature of a bow tie or bowline : KNOT
The clue mentions a "bow tie" and a "bowline," which are both types of knots. Therefore, the correct answer is "KNOT."
Fin beneath a surfboard : SKEG
The fin beneath a surfboard that helps with stability and steering is called a "skeg."
Flies off the handle : ERUPTS
The answer "ERUPTS" fits the clue "Flies off the handle" because it means to suddenly express strong emotions, like anger or excitement, in an uncontrollable way.
Fluid-filled sac : CYST
The term "cyst" refers to a fluid-filled sac that can occur in various parts of the body. It is a common medical term used to describe this type of growth or structure.
Frees from : RIDS OF
"Rids of" is the right solution because it means to free someone or something from a burden or unwanted presence. In this case, it fits the clue "Frees from" perfectly.
Fresh answer, maybe : SASS
Genealogist’s creation : TREE
The answer "TREE" fits because a genealogist creates a family tree to show the relationships among family members across generations.
Genuine articles : REAL MCCOYS
The phrase "Real McCoys" is a colloquial expression meaning genuine or authentic articles. It comes from the name of a family in a 1950s TV show known for their honesty and authenticity.
Gran Canaria, por ejemplo : ISLA
The clue "Gran Canaria, por ejemplo" is asking for a word that describes Gran Canaria. "ISLA" is the answer because Gran Canaria is an island, and "isla" means "island" in Spanish.
Incendiary crime : ARSON
The answer "ARSON" fits the clue "Incendiary crime" because arson is the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.
Invite initials : RSVP
The answer "RSVP" stands for "Répondez s'il vous plaît" in French, which translates to "Please respond" in English. It is commonly used on invitations to request a response from the guests.
Jack who hosted “The Morning Show” and “The Tonight Show” : PAAR
PAAR is the right answer because Jack Paar hosted both "The Morning Show" and "The Tonight Show."
Kind of theater : IMAX
IMAX is a type of theater known for its large screens and immersive experience, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Kind of theater."
Lecture series with “Ideas worth spreading” : TEDX
TEDX is a well-known lecture series that features talks on a wide range of topics with the theme of "Ideas worth spreading."
Like most hippos and hyenas : AFRICAN
The answer is "AFRICAN" because both hippos and hyenas are commonly found in Africa.
Multivolume ref. work : OED
The answer "OED" stands for Oxford English Dictionary, which is a multivolume reference work known for providing detailed definitions and history of words in the English language.
Of an arm bone : ULNAR
The arm bone called the ulna is located on the inner side of the forearm, making "ULNAR" the correct answer for "Of an arm bone."
OId-fashioned “Darn!” : NERTS! Down 1 Prefix with practice
The answer is "NERTS" because it is an old-fashioned expression used to express frustration or disappointment. In this context, it is a playful and outdated way of saying "Darn!"
One-named singer featured on the 2013 hit “Play Hard” : AKON
Akon is a singer known by just one name and was featured on the 2013 hit "Play Hard" by David Guetta, making him the correct answer to the clue.
Online recap letters : TL;DR
The answer "TL;DR" stands for "too long; didn't read," which is commonly used to summarize a lengthy piece of text or online content. It fits the clue "Online recap letters" because it is a brief summary often found at the end of long online articles or posts.
Partner of letters : ARTS
The answer "ARTS" is the right solution because it refers to the liberal arts, which are often studied alongside letters, meaning literature or writing.
Passion : ARDOR
"ARDOR" is a synonym for intense passion or fervor. In this context, "Passion" is being used to indicate a strong feeling or emotion, making "ARDOR" a fitting answer.
Place on the schedule : SLOT
"SLOT" is the right answer because a slot is a specific time or place allocated for something in a schedule.
Problem for a homeowner or government worker : LEAK
The answer "LEAK" fits the clue because both homeowners and government workers may encounter problems related to leaks, such as water leaks in pipes or roofs.
Purveyors of roast beef and Reubens : DELIS
"DELIS" is the right answer because delis are known for offering a variety of sandwiches, including roast beef and Reubens.
Put a strain on : TAXED
"TAXED" is the right solution because it means to put a strain or burden on something. In this context, the word "taxed" accurately conveys the idea of something being under pressure or stress.
Safe, at sea : ALEE
The term "alee" means away from the direction of the wind, providing safety for a ship at sea.
Selects from a group : CULLS
"CULLS" means to select from a group by removing undesirable items. In this case, the word "selects" indicates choosing specific items from a larger group, making "CULLS" the correct answer.
Seminoles’ sch. : FSU
The answer "FSU" stands for Florida State University, whose sports teams are known as the Seminoles.
Some sorority letters : TAUS
The answer "TAUS" is the right solution because "TAU" is a common Greek letter used in sorority names, and "TAUS" is the plural form of "TAU".
Sounds from a stumbler : ERS
The answer "ERS" is the right solution because it represents the sounds made by someone who is stumbling or making mistakes, similar to the sounds "um" or "uh" in speech.
Speak gently : COO
"COO" can be a gentle way of speaking, like the sound a dove makes. It fits the clue "Speak gently" because it implies a soft and soothing tone.
Sportage maker : KIA
KIA is the right answer because KIA is a car manufacturer that produces the Sportage model.
Steels (oneself) : GIRDS
"GIRDS" is the right solution because in this context, "to gird" means to prepare or brace oneself mentally or emotionally for something difficult or challenging. So, "Steels (oneself)" is a synonym for "GIRDS".
Stimulate, as an appetite : WHET
"Whet" means to stimulate or sharpen, which can be used in the context of stimulating an appetite. In this case, the clue is asking for a word that means to stimulate an appetite, making "WHET" the correct answer.
Strong-arm : COERCE
"Strong-arm" is a term that means to use force or threats to make someone do something. "Coerce" is a synonym for strong-arm, as it means to persuade someone to do something by using force or threats.
Sudden impulse : WHIM
The answer "WHIM" fits the clue "Sudden impulse" because a whim is a sudden and unexplained desire or impulse to do something.
The tiniest amount : ONE IOTA
The phrase "one iota" means the smallest possible amount, making it a perfect match for the clue "The tiniest amount."
They might be jam-packed : JARS
The answer "JARS" fits the clue because jars can be filled with jam, making them jam-packed.
Tickle pink : ELATE
"Tickle pink" is a phrase that means to make someone extremely happy or delighted. The word "elate" means to make someone ecstatically happy or joyful, which fits the definition of "tickle pink."
Top-grade grp.? : SRS
"Top-grade" is a clue for the top letters of the word "grade," which are G-R. "Grp." is an abbreviation for "group," and when we put G-R inside "grp." we get SRS, which is the abbreviation for "senior."
TV regulatory grp. : FCC
FCC stands for Federal Communications Commission, which is the regulatory group that oversees television and radio broadcasting in the United States.
TV studio sign : ON AIR
The answer "ON AIR" is the right solution because it is a common sign used in TV studios to indicate that a program is currently being broadcast or recorded. It signifies that the cameras and microphones are live and the content is being transmitted.
Volleyball team, e.g. : SEXTET
"SEXTET" is the right solution because a volleyball team typically consists of six players on the court at a time, making it a group of six, or a sextet.
What self-driving cars and spell check are meant to compensate for : HUMAN ERROR
The answer "HUMAN ERROR" is correct because self-driving cars and spell check are designed to reduce or eliminate mistakes made by humans while driving or typing.
Woodworking fastener : T-NUT
A T-nut is a type of fastener commonly used in woodworking to create a strong connection between two pieces of wood. It has a T-shaped body that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and then tightened into place, providing a secure anchor for bolts or screws.
Word with history or surgery : ORAL …
The word "ORAL" can be combined with "history" to form the word "oral history" and with "surgery" to form the word "oral surgery." In both cases, "oral" is a valid word that fits the clue.
You might pick one to get gold : ORE
The answer "ORE" fits the clue because gold is often extracted from ore in mining.
___ dog (Brooklyn food specialty) : CONEY
The term "CONEY" refers to a hot dog, which is a Brooklyn food specialty.
“All right, why not” : OK, SURE
The answer "OK, SURE" fits the clue "All right, why not" because it conveys a casual agreement or acceptance, similar to saying "OK" or "Sure" in response to a suggestion or proposal.
“Ay, Dios ___!” : MIO
The phrase "Ay, Dios ___!" is a common Spanish expression meaning "Oh, my God!" The correct completion for the blank is "mío," which means "mine" in Spanish. So, "Ay, Dios ___!" translates to "Oh, my God!" in English.
“Groovy, daddy-o!” : I DIG!
The phrase "I DIG!" is a slang term from the 1960s meaning to understand or appreciate something, making it a suitable response to "Groovy, daddy-o!" which is also a slang expression from the same era.
“There you ___!” : ARE
The phrase "There you ___!" is commonly used to express the idea of finally finding or locating something or someone. The most appropriate word to complete this phrase is "ARE".
“___ California” (Grammy-winning Red Hot Chili Peppers hit) : DANI
unknown
” : PRICE ESTIMATE (quote)
In crossword puzzles, "/" is often used to indicate division or separation. The word "per" is commonly used to signify "for each" or "by the means of," which fits the context of the clue. Therefore, "PER" is the right solution for the clue represented by "/".