Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 18 December 2024, Wednesday (12-18-24). 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.
Actress Amanda : PEET
The answer to "Actress Amanda" is "PEET" because Amanda Peet is a well-known actress in the entertainment industry.
Amazon Handmade competitor : ETSY
The answer to "Amazon Handmade competitor" being "ETSY" is the right solution because Etsy is a well-known online marketplace for handmade and vintage items, making it a direct competitor to Amazon Handmade.
Big night : EVE
"EVE" is the right solution because "Big night" often refers to the evening before a special event, which is commonly known as "Eve." It is a common term used to describe the night before a holiday or celebration.
Book designer’s concern : FOOTNOTE (and consider “FONT”)
In book design, a "FOOTNOTE" is a small piece of text placed at the bottom of a page, providing additional information or citations. Therefore, a book designer's concern would likely involve the placement and formatting of footnotes, making "FOOTNOTE" a fitting answer. Additionally, "FONT" is mentioned as a related term, as the choice of font is also an important consideration for a book designer.
Brand of party cups : SOLO
The answer "SOLO" is correct because Solo is a well-known brand that produces party cups commonly used for serving drinks at gatherings or parties.
Cards : IDS
The word "Cards" can be abbreviated as "IDS" in the context of identification cards.
Cartesian conclusion : … I AM
The phrase "I think, therefore I am" is a famous quote by philosopher René Descartes, known as the Cartesian conclusion. The answer "... I AM" is a shortened version of this quote, making it the right solution.
Change with the times : ADAPT
"Change with the times" is a clue that suggests the idea of adjusting or modifying one's approach to fit the current circumstances or trends. The word "ADAPT" perfectly captures this concept as it means to adjust to new conditions or environment.
Characteristic : TRAIT
The answer to "Characteristic" is "TRAIT" because a trait is a distinguishing feature or quality that defines someone or something.
Classic pet name : FIDO
"FIDO" is a classic pet name that has been popular for dogs for many years. It is a common name that is often used in literature and media to refer to a generic dog.
Computer connector : CABLE
The answer "CABLE" fits the clue "Computer connector" because a cable is commonly used to connect various computer components like monitors, printers, and external devices.
Deliverer of the speech “Beyond Vietnam : A Time to Break Silence,” for short
The answer is "MLK." This is because MLK stands for Martin Luther King Jr., who delivered the speech "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence."
Disconcert mightily : FRAZZLE (and consider “FAZE”)
The answer "FRAZZLE" means to disconcert or upset greatly. It is a synonym for "disconcert mightily." The word "faze" is also a possible answer as it means to disturb or disconcert.
Eeyore-like : MOROSE
The word "Eeyore-like" is a reference to the character Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, who is known for being gloomy and pessimistic. "Morose" means having a sullen and gloomy disposition, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Eros, to Aphrodite : SON
The answer "SON" is correct because Eros is the son of Aphrodite in Greek mythology.
Film buff : CINEASTE
CINEASTE is the right answer because it is a term used to describe a film enthusiast or a film buff in the world of cinema.
Flower in a children’s rhyme : POSY
The word "posy" is a small bouquet of flowers, which fits the clue "Flower in a children’s rhyme" as it is a common term for a small bunch of flowers often used in children's rhymes.
Fool, from the Yiddish : YUTZ
Yiddish is a language spoken by Jewish people, and "yutz" is a Yiddish word that means fool or idiot. Therefore, "fool, from the Yiddish" is a clue that leads to the answer "YUTZ".
Gives permission to : LETS
The word "lets" is a verb that means to allow or give permission to someone to do something. In this context, "Gives permission to" is a clue that is asking for a word that means to allow, making "LETS" the correct answer.
Hammer part : PEEN
The "peen" is the end of a hammer head opposite the face, typically used for shaping or bending metal.
Hollywood Boulevard sight : STAR
The answer "STAR" is correct because stars are embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard to honor famous celebrities.
Hypotheticals : IFS
The word "IFS" is a common abbreviation for "hypotheticals" in crossword puzzles. It represents the various possibilities or conditions that could occur in a hypothetical situation.
In good order : TIDY
"TIDY" means neat and well-organized, which is synonymous with being in good order.
Item in the plus column : ASSET
The term "asset" is commonly used to refer to something positive or beneficial, making it an item in the plus column.
Like many kids post-Halloween : HYPER
The answer "HYPER" fits the clue "Like many kids post-Halloween" because children often consume a lot of sugary treats during Halloween, leading to increased energy levels and hyperactivity.
Longtime Saints QB whose name has a windy homophone : BREES
The answer "BREES" is a homophone for "breeze," which is a synonym for wind. Additionally, Drew Brees is a longtime quarterback for the New Orleans Saints.
Lunchroom, casually : CAF
"CAF" is a common abbreviation for cafeteria, which is a casual term for a lunchroom.
Main ingredient in many veggie hot dogs : SOY
"Soy" is the main ingredient in many veggie hot dogs because it is a common meat substitute made from soy protein. Veggie hot dogs are often made primarily from soy to provide a similar texture and flavor to traditional hot dogs.
Makes tolerable : EASES
The word "EASES" means to make something tolerable or less difficult, which fits the clue "Makes tolerable" perfectly.
Menace hiding in a basket of figs in “Antony and Cleopatra” : ASP
The answer "ASP" is correct because an asp is a type of venomous snake, and in "Antony and Cleopatra," Cleopatra famously dies from the bite of an asp hidden in a basket of figs.
Mendel studied them : GREEN PEAS (and consider “GENES”)
Gregor Mendel, the father of modern genetics, conducted his famous experiments on pea plants, particularly green peas. Through his work with pea plants, Mendel discovered the basic principles of heredity and laid the foundation for the study of genes. Therefore, "GREEN PEAS" is the right answer to the clue "Mendel studied them."
Mess that might be sticky : SITUATION (and consider “STAIN”)
The answer "SITUATION (and consider 'STAIN')" fits the clue "Mess that might be sticky" because a situation can be messy and sticky in a figurative sense, and a stain is a type of mess that is often sticky.
Middle-earth foe : ORC
"ORC" is the right solution because in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth universe, orcs are a common enemy that the characters must face.
Midwest hub : O’HARE
The answer to "Midwest hub" is "O'HARE" because O'Hare International Airport is a major transportation hub located in the Midwest, specifically in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a central connecting point for many domestic and international flights in the region.
Morel support? : STEM
The word "morel" refers to a type of mushroom, and the term "support" in this context suggests looking for a part of the mushroom. In this case, the "stem" is the correct answer as it is a part of the morel mushroom.
Not funny anymore : OLD
The clue "Not funny anymore" suggests something that has lost its humor over time, which can be described as "OLD."
Olympian’s weapon : EPEE
The epee is a type of sword used in the sport of fencing, which is commonly associated with the Olympics. Therefore, "Olympian's weapon" refers to the epee.
One of 1,000 for Darryl Strawberry, for short : RBI
The answer "RBI" stands for "Runs Batted In," which is a statistic in baseball that represents the number of runs a batter has driven in. Darryl Strawberry, a former baseball player, would have accumulated many RBIs during his career, hence the clue "One of 1,000 for Darryl Strawberry, for short" hints at RBI as the correct answer.
Ones with good aim : ARCHERS (and consider “ACES”)
"ARCHERS" are known for their skill in aiming accurately with bows and arrows, making them ones with good aim. "ACES" can also refer to skilled individuals in various fields, including those with good aim in sports like tennis or golf.
Ophelia’s vengeful brother in “Hamlet” : LAERTES
Laertes is Ophelia's brother in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," and he seeks revenge for his father's death, making him the vengeful brother in the story.
Orange soda brand : FANTA
NEHI is a brand of flavored soda that was first introduced in 1924. It was produced by the Chero-Cola company and later became known as Nehi Corporation. Orange was one of the original flavors and is still available today.
Orange-and-white rental : U-HAUL
The answer "U-HAUL" fits the clue "Orange-and-white rental" because U-Haul is a popular rental company known for its orange and white moving trucks.
Parts of many home inspections : RADON TESTS
The answer "RADON TESTS" fits the clue "Parts of many home inspections" because radon tests are commonly included in home inspections to check for the presence of radon gas, which is a radioactive gas that can be harmful if present in high levels in a home.
Pep : VIM
The word "oomph" is a slang term that means energy or enthusiasm, similar to "pep." Therefore, "oomph" is the right solution for the clue "Pep."
Pike and Pine, in Seattle : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for abbreviation. In this case, "Pike" and "Pine" are street names in Seattle, and the clue is indicating that these are abbreviated in the answer.
Play the host : EMCEE
The answer "EMCEE" is the right solution because an emcee is a person who hosts or presides over an event, such as a party, concert, or show.
Refreshment served with a spoon straw : ICEE
The answer "ICEE" fits because an ICEE is a type of frozen drink typically served with a spoon straw for easy sipping.
Response during an eye exam : WORSE
The answer "WORSE" is fitting because during an eye exam, when asked which lens is better, if the vision is clearer with the second lens, the response would be "WORSE" for the first lens.
Sad sound : SOB
The answer "SOB" is the right solution because it is a common onomatopoeic word used to describe the sound of someone crying or sobbing.
Satanic : EVIL
The word "Satanic" is often associated with evil or malevolence, making "EVIL" a fitting answer for the clue.
Sending help? : UPS
"Sending help?" is a play on words that suggests sending a package or aid to someone in need. UPS is a well-known delivery service, so it fits the clue as the answer.
Sleeveless shirts, informally : TANKS
"TANKS" is the right answer because sleeveless shirts are often referred to informally as "tanks," short for tank tops.
Something studied by the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, for short : UFO
The Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program studies unidentified flying objects, commonly referred to as UFOs. Therefore, "UFO" is the right answer to this clue.
Southwest point of the Texas Triangle : SAN ANTONIO
San Antonio is the southwest point of the Texas Triangle, which is a region in Texas formed by connecting the cities of Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. This makes San Antonio the correct answer for the clue.
Strong craving : YEN
The word "YEN" is often used to describe a strong desire or craving in English. It is a common crossword answer for this type of clue.
Sylvan ___ (electropop duo) : ESSO
Table expander : LEAF
The answer "LEAF" is the right solution because a table expander is a leaf that can be added to a table to make it larger.
Think before placing a bet … or what solvers must do to fully appreciate each starred clue : CONSIDER THE ODDS
The answer "CONSIDER THE ODDS" is the right solution because it is a phrase that means to think carefully before making a decision, which is what solvers must do to fully appreciate each starred clue in the crossword.
Think outside the box : INNOVATE
The phrase "think outside the box" means to come up with creative or original ideas, which is exactly what it means to innovate. So, "innovate" is the right answer because it captures the essence of thinking creatively and differently.
Throw in the trash : TOSS
"Toss" means to throw something lightly or casually, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Throw in the trash" as you would casually throw something in the trash.
Title for the supposed inventor of the sandwich : EARL
The title "Earl" is commonly associated with the supposed inventor of the sandwich, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. He is said to have popularized the concept of putting meat between two slices of bread so he could eat without interrupting his gambling.
Tons : ALL SORTS (and consider “A LOT”)
The answer to "Tons" is "LOTS" because "lots" is a word that means a large amount or quantity. It is often used to describe a great number or a significant quantity of something.
Tropical vacation destinations : ISLES
The word "ISLES" refers to islands, which are common tropical vacation destinations due to their beautiful beaches and warm weather.
Vegges out : LAZES
The answer "LAZES" fits the clue "Vegges out" because "lazes" means to relax or be idle, which is synonymous with vegging out or being lazy.
Zapped with light : LASED
The answer "LASED" fits the clue "Zapped with light" because the term "lased" is often used in the context of laser technology, where objects are zapped or targeted with a concentrated beam of light.
“Check back later,” in brief : TBA
The answer "TBA" stands for "To Be Announced," which is a common abbreviation used to indicate that details will be provided at a later time.
“Hey, I’ve got a secret …” : PSST … Down 1 Like eyes after a good cry
The answer "PSST" fits the clue "Hey, I’ve got a secret …" because "PSST" is a common onomatopoeic representation of a whisper or a secret being shared.
“It’s so c-c-c-old!” : BRR!
"BRR" is often used to mimic the sound of shivering or teeth chattering, which is a common response to feeling cold.
“Rent” character based on a seamstress in “La Bohème” : MIMI
In the musical "Rent," the character Mimi is based on Mimì from the opera "La Bohème" by Puccini. Both characters share similar storylines and characteristics, making "MIMI" the correct answer.
“Sacre ___!” : BLEU
The phrase "Sacre ___!" is a French expression, and "BLEU" is a common completion for it, forming the phrase "Sacre Bleu!" which is an exclamation of surprise or dismay in French.
“Take me to your leader” speaker : ALIEN
The answer "ALIEN" fits because in popular culture, aliens are often depicted as saying "Take me to your leader" when they encounter humans.
“Understood” : ROGER
The answer "I SEE" is the right solution to the clue "Understood" because it is a common phrase used to indicate comprehension or understanding.