Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 5 December 2024, Thursday (12-05-24). 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.
12 meses : ANO
The answer "ANO" is the right solution for "12 meses" because "ANO" translates to "year" in Spanish, and there are 12 months in a year.
Apple or BlackBerry : BRAND
The clue "Apple or BlackBerry" is referring to well-known technology brands. "BRAND" is the right answer because both Apple and BlackBerry are brands known for their technology products.
Atop, quaintly : O’ER
"O'ER" is a poetic and old-fashioned way of saying "over," which means atop. In crossword puzzles, it's common to see slightly archaic or poetic language used for clues and answers.
Big bash : SHINDIG
"FETE" is a synonym for a big celebration or party, often held outdoors. Therefore, "Big bash" is a fitting clue for the answer "FETE".
Big name in dental floss : ORAL-B
"ORAL-B" is a big name in dental care products, including dental floss. It is a well-known brand that offers a variety of oral hygiene products, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Breaking down grammatically : PARSING
"Parsing" is the process of analyzing a sentence into its parts of speech and grammatical structure. So, breaking down grammatically can be described as "parsing."
Chain restaurant whose name sounds like something a rabbit might say? : IHOP
The answer "IHOP" is the right solution because it sounds like something a rabbit might say ("I hop"). It's a play on words that fits the clue perfectly.
College where 20 prime ministers were educated : ETON
ETON is a prestigious British boarding school that has educated 20 British prime ministers, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Course concluder : FINAL
The term "final" is often used to refer to the last or concluding part of something, such as a course. Therefore, "final" is the right answer for "Course concluder."
Does programming work : CODES
"CODES" is the right solution because programming involves writing and using codes to create software and applications. The word "CODES" directly relates to the concept of programming.
Dr. Zhivago’s love : LARA
"LARA" is the right solution because Lara is the name of the love interest of the main character, Dr. Zhivago, in the novel "Doctor Zhivago" by Boris Pasternak.
Drawing on : USING
The answer "USING" fits the clue "Drawing on" because using something involves drawing on it for a specific purpose or task.
Elaborate hairstyle : COIF
"Coif" is a term often used to describe an elaborate hairstyle, especially one that is carefully arranged or styled. It is a common crossword answer for this type of clue.
Fertile refuge : OASIS
The answer "OASIS" fits the clue "Fertile refuge" because an oasis is a fertile spot in a desert where water and vegetation are found, providing a refuge for travelers or animals in an otherwise arid environment.
First (and last) two words of “Green Eggs and Ham” : I AM
The first two words of "Green Eggs and Ham" are "I am," as the character Sam-I-Am introduces himself in the book.
Flower that gets its name from the Greek word for “rainbow” : IRIS
The flower "IRIS" gets its name from the Greek word for "rainbow" because irises come in a variety of colors similar to the colors of a rainbow.
Food thickener : AGAR
AGAR is a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed that is commonly used as a food thickener in cooking and baking. It is a popular alternative to gelatin for vegetarians and vegans.
Gear tooth : COG
The term "COG" is a common abbreviation for "cogwheel," which is another word for a gear tooth. So, "COG" is the right answer for the clue "Gear tooth."
Go caving : SPELUNK
"Go caving" is a clue for the word "SPELUNK" because spelunking is the recreational activity of exploring caves.
Hefty expense for an R.V. trip : GAS
The answer "GAS" fits because a hefty expense for an R.V. trip would likely be the cost of fuel to power the vehicle.
Important post at the Post : COLUMNIST
This is the right solution because a "columnist" is a person who writes a regular column in a newspaper, and a "post" can refer to a job or position. So, an important post at the Post could be a COLUMNIST.
Lao-___ : TSE
"Lao-Tse" refers to Laozi, an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. The answer "TSE" is a common abbreviation for Laozi's name, making it the correct solution for the clue "Lao-___."
Largest city on the Tasman Sea : SYDNEY
The largest city on the Tasman Sea is Sydney because Sydney is a major city located on the southeastern coast of Australia, directly adjacent to the Tasman Sea.
Like many romance novels : ESCAPIST
The answer "ESCAPIST" fits the clue "Like many romance novels" because romance novels are often characterized by their ability to provide readers with an escape from reality into a world of fantasy and romance. "Escapist" describes this characteristic well.
Like much movie theater popcorn : BUTTERED
The answer "BUTTERED" fits the clue "Like much movie theater popcorn" because movie theater popcorn is often served with butter on top, making it buttered.
Like the feeling of déjà vu : EERIE
"EERIE" is the right solution because the feeling of déjà vu is often described as strange, mysterious, and unsettling, which are all characteristics associated with the word "eerie."
Long stories : SAGAS
"SAGAS" are long stories or tales, typically about heroic deeds and adventures. In crossword puzzles, "Long stories" is a common clue for the word "SAGAS" because it directly relates to the definition of a saga as a lengthy narrative.
Looking over : EYING
The answer "EYING" fits the clue "Looking over" because it means to observe or examine closely, which is synonymous with looking over something.
Marsh plant : SEDGE
The answer to "Marsh plant" is "REED" because reeds are tall, slender plants commonly found in marshy areas. They have long, thin leaves and can grow in wet soil or shallow water.
Matches (with) : AGREES
"Matches (with)" is a clue that is looking for a word that means agrees or corresponds with. The word "AGREES" fits this definition as it can be used to describe two things that match or are in harmony with each other.
Matching pullover-and-cardigan pairs : TWINSETS
"TWINSETS" refers to a set of matching pullover sweaters and cardigans that are designed to be worn together. The term is commonly used in fashion to describe this coordinated set of clothing items.
Mate’s call : AHOY!
The word "AHOY" is a traditional maritime greeting used to hail or get the attention of someone, especially on a ship. In this context, "Mate's call" refers to the call or greeting made by a shipmate, making "AHOY!" the correct answer.
Melber on MSNBC : ARI
The answer "ARI" fits because Ari Melber is a host on MSNBC, so "Melber on MSNBC" refers to him.
Missions, in brief : OPS
"OPS" is the abbreviation for "operations". "Missions" can be considered as a type of operation, so "OPS" is a fitting answer for the clue.
Moxie : SPUNK
The answer "GRIT" is the right solution because it means courage, determination, and resilience, which are all qualities associated with "Moxie."
Name on Canadian pumps : ESSO
The answer "ESSO" is the right solution because it is a well-known brand of gas stations in Canada.
Native Rwandan : HUTU
Hutu is one of the three largest ethnic groups in Rwanda, making up around 85% of the population. Therefore, a native Rwandan is likely to be a member of the Hutu ethnic group.
Nickname for N.B.A. great Nate Archibald (he was actually 6’1″) : TINY
The nickname "Tiny" is a reference to the ironic contrast between Nate Archibald's actual height of 6'1" and the common perception of the name "Tiny" being associated with someone small in stature.
No place for fine china : KIDS’ TABLE
The answer "KIDS' TABLE" fits because at a formal event, children are often seated at a separate table where fine china is not used.
Not for here : TO-GO
The phrase "Not for here" commonly indicates that the item is meant to be taken away or "to-go." So, "TO-GO" is the right answer for this clue.
One of a pair of mismatched friends on “Sesame Street” : ERNIE
Ernie is one of the mismatched friends on "Sesame Street" along with his friend Bert, making him the correct answer to the clue.
Onetime Kremlin ruler : TSAR
The term "TSAR" refers to a Russian ruler, particularly one who ruled before the Russian Revolution and the establishment of the Soviet Union. The Kremlin is a historic fortified complex in Moscow, Russia, which has been the residence of many Russian rulers, including the tsars. Therefore, the answer "TSAR" fits the clue "Onetime Kremlin ruler" as it accurately describes a historical Russian ruler associated with the Kremlin.
Org. with conferences : NCAA
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is an organization that hosts conferences for college sports teams.
Org. with the sculpture “Kryptos” outside its headquarters : CIA
The CIA is the Central Intelligence Agency, and it is known for having the sculpture "Kryptos" outside its headquarters in Langley, Virginia.
Out of this world : ALIEN
The answer "EPIC" fits the clue "Out of this world" because something epic is extraordinary, grand, or impressive, just like something that is out of this world. Both terms convey a sense of greatness and awe.
Pace : CADENCE
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."
Past issues to settle : OLD SCORES
"Old scores" is a common phrase that refers to previous disagreements or conflicts that need to be resolved, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Past issues to settle."
Pixar film whose title suggests how to read five answers in this puzzle : INSIDE OUT
The answer "INSIDE OUT" is the right solution because the clue hints that the answers to five other clues in the puzzle should be read in reverse or "inside out" to reveal the correct answers.
Places in the pecking order : STATUSES
The answer "STATUSES" fits the clue "Places in the pecking order" because "statuses" refer to positions or ranks within a social hierarchy, reflecting the idea of one's place in a pecking order.
Rapper who founded Aftermath Entertainment : DR DRE
Dr. Dre is the rapper who founded Aftermath Entertainment, making him the correct answer to the clue.
Setting for the 2019 comedy “Wine Country” : NAPA
Napa is a famous wine region in California known for its vineyards and wineries. "Wine Country" is a comedy film that is set in Napa Valley, making "NAPA" the correct answer to the clue.
Sickly-looking : WAN
"SALLOW" is the right solution because it means having a sickly, yellowish complexion, fitting the clue "Sickly looking."
Singer with the 2016 #1 hit “Cheap Thrills” : SIA
The clue mentions a singer who had a #1 hit in 2016 with the song "Cheap Thrills". Sia is the only singer who fits this description, as she is the artist who performed that song and had a #1 hit with it in 2016.
Small amount of LSD, e.g. : MICRODOSE
The answer "MICRODOSE" fits the clue "Small amount of LSD, e.g." because a microdose refers to a very small, sub-perceptual quantity of a drug like LSD that is taken for its subtle effects rather than a full trip.
Small earrings : STUDS
The answer "STUDS" fits the clue "Small earrings" because studs are a type of earring that is small and typically features a simple design, often a single gem or metal ball.
Starting point : GERM
The answer "SEED" is the right solution because a seed is the starting point of a plant's growth. It represents the beginning or origin of something, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Starting point."
Symbol of obstinacy : ASS
The word "ass" is a symbol of obstinacy because it is often used to describe someone who is stubborn or difficult to deal with. In this context, "ass" is slang for a donkey, which is known for being stubborn and resistant to direction.
They’re checked before a show : MICS
The answer "MICS" fits the clue because before a show, microphones (MICS) are often checked to ensure they are working properly for the performance.
They’ve got you covered : ROOFS
The phrase "They've got you covered" suggests protection or shelter, which is what a roof provides. Therefore, the answer "ROOFS" fits the clue.
Tight curl : KINK
The answer "KINK" fits the clue "Tight curl" because a kink refers to a sharp bend or twist in something, often used to describe a tight curl in hair or a rope.
To date : AS YET
The phrase "as yet" means up to the present time, indicating something that has not happened or been done by now. This fits the clue "To date," which is asking for a phrase that means up until now.
Trick : RUSE
The answer "RUSE" fits the clue "Trick" because a ruse is a deceptive or cunning action meant to deceive or trick someone.
Voltaire or Leibniz, religiously speaking : DEIST
The answer "DEIST" is correct because both Voltaire and Leibniz were known as deists, believing in a higher power that created the universe but not necessarily intervening in human affairs.
What Monday meals might lack : MEAT
The answer "MEAT" fits the clue because the word "Monday" hints at the start of the week, suggesting the meal might lack meat as people often eat less meat at the beginning of the week.
Word before a time stamp in direct messaging : SEEN Down 1 Raincoats, in England
The answer "SEEN" fits the clue "Word before a time stamp in direct messaging" because in many messaging apps, when a message has been read by the recipient, it shows "SEEN" followed by a time stamp.
___ district, feature of many an urban area : ARTS
The answer "ARTS" fits because an "arts district" is a common feature in many urban areas, where there are clusters of galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions.
___ Drafthouse (movie theater chain) : ALAMO
The Alamo Drafthouse is a well-known movie theater chain, making "ALAMO" the correct answer to the clue.
___ punk (hybrid music genre) : SKA
Ska is a hybrid music genre that combines elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues. It is often referred to as "ska punk" when fused with punk rock, making it the correct answer for the clue "___ punk (hybrid music genre)."
“A Series of Unfortunate Events” villain : COUNT OLAF
Count Olaf is the main antagonist in the book series "A Series of Unfortunate Events" by Lemony Snicket. He is known for his devious schemes to steal the Baudelaire orphans' inheritance.
“Help wanted” sign? : SOS
The answer "SOS" is a distress signal often used to ask for help. In this context, a "Help wanted" sign is a signal asking for assistance, similar to an SOS signal.
“I wasn’t finished …” : ALSO …
The phrase "I wasn’t finished …" suggests that there is more to add or another point to make, which can be indicated by saying "ALSO..." to continue the thought.
“La Forza del Destino,” for one : OPERA
"La Forza del Destino" is a famous opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Therefore, the answer "OPERA" fits the clue as it refers to the type of performance "La Forza del Destino" is.