Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 19 December 2024, Thursday (12-19-24). 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.
13th-century poet who wrote the “Masnavi” : RUMI
Rumi was a 13th-century poet known for writing the "Masnavi," a spiritual and mystical poem. The answer "RUMI" fits the clue because he is the most well-known poet associated with that work.
Alternatives to ands or buts : IFS
In crossword puzzles, "IFS" is often used as an alternative to "ands" or "buts" to introduce a conditional statement or a different possibility. It fits the clue well and is a common crossword answer for this context.
Attention-grabbing appearance, maybe : PR STUNT
The answer "PR STUNT" fits the clue "Attention-grabbing appearance, maybe" because a PR stunt is a planned event or action designed to attract attention and generate publicity. It is often done to create a buzz or draw interest to a particular person, product, or cause.
Baby bear? : GESTATE
"Cub" is the right answer because it is a term commonly used to refer to a young bear, specifically a baby bear.
Barely makes, with “out” : EKES …
The word "EKES" means to barely make ends meet or to make something last by careful use. In this context, "Barely makes, with 'out'" suggests the idea of managing to get by with limited resources or effort, making "EKES" the appropriate answer.
Beam of light : SUNRAY
The answer "SUNRAY" fits the clue "Beam of light" because a sunray is a ray of light that comes from the sun.
Burning man? : NERO
The clue "Burning man?" is a play on words, suggesting someone who burns things. "Pyro" is a common abbreviation for "pyromaniac," which is someone who has a compulsion to set fires.
Cellular data? : DNA
The term "cellular data" refers to information stored in cells. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms. Therefore, DNA is the correct answer for the clue "Cellular data?"
Charlie brought his to the chocolate factory : GRANDPA
The answer "GRANDPA" fits the clue because in the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie brings his grandpa to the chocolate factory for a tour.
Chums : PALS
The answer "BEST BUDS" fits the clue "Chums" because "best buds" is a colloquial term for close friends or companions.
Coding catchall : ELSE
"ELSE" is a coding catchall term used in programming languages like Python to execute a block of code when the conditions of an "if" statement are not met. It covers all other possible scenarios that are not explicitly defined in the "if" statement.
Comedian Ken of “The Masked Singer” : JEONG
Ken Jeong is a comedian who is known for his role on the TV show "The Masked Singer." Therefore, the answer to the clue "Comedian Ken of 'The Masked Singer'" is "JEONG."
Cross-reference for additional information : SEE NOTE
The answer "SEE NOTE" is commonly used in crosswords to direct solvers to additional information or explanations elsewhere in the puzzle. It is a standard cross-reference phrase that helps solvers find more details to solve the puzzle.
Devoted fan, informally : STAN
The term "Stan" originated from the Eminem song of the same name, referring to an overly devoted fan. Over time, it has become widely used to describe any passionate fan of a celebrity or fictional character.
Disparate : MOTLEY
The word "motley" means varied or diverse, which is synonymous with "disparate."
Fictional queen of Arendelle : ELSA
The fictional queen of Arendelle in the movie "Frozen" is Elsa. The answer "ELSA" fits the clue perfectly.
Free throw after a basket : AND ONE
The term "AND ONE" is used in basketball when a player scores a basket and is fouled in the process, earning a free throw attempt. This is commonly referred to as an "AND ONE" because the player has the opportunity to make the free throw and potentially convert a three-point play.
Futile batting statlines, in baseball lingo : OH FERS
"OH FERS" is the right solution because it is a slang term in baseball for futile batting statlines, specifically referring to a player going 0 for 4 in a game.
Get one’s hair just right : PRIMP
"Primp" means to spend time making oneself look neat or stylish, often by adjusting one's hair. So, the answer "PRIMP" fits the clue "Get one’s hair just right" as it suggests the act of grooming or styling one's hair to achieve the desired look.
Gets involved in : ENTERS
"Gets involved in" is a clue that suggests starting to participate in something. The word "ENTERS" fits this clue as it means to begin to participate or become involved in a particular activity or situation.
Had over : HOSTED
The answer "HOSTED" fits the clue "Had over" because when you host someone, you have them over as your guest or visitor.
Hand (out) : METE
"Hand out" is a phrasal verb that means to distribute or give out. "Mete" is a synonym for distribute or allot, making it the correct answer.
Hangs out for a while : POSTS UP
"POSTS UP" is the right solution because in casual language, "hangs out for a while" can be synonymous with "post up," which means to relax or linger in a place for a period of time.
Hedgehog lookalikes : ECHIDNAS
Echidnas are mammals that resemble hedgehogs due to their spiky exteriors. They are often referred to as hedgehog lookalikes in crossword puzzles.
Illicit info : DIRT
The term "dirt" is often used colloquially to refer to embarrassing or damaging information about someone, especially if it is obtained in a secretive or illicit manner. Therefore, "dirt" is a fitting answer for the clue "Illicit info."
Its home is on the range : SAUTE PAN
Kerfuffle : STIR
"Kerfuffle" means a commotion or fuss. "Flap" can mean the same thing, as in "caused a flap." Therefore, "Flap" is an appropriate answer to the clue "Kerfuffle."
Kind of cord : SPINAL
"Kind of cord" is a wordplay clue where "cord" refers to a bundle of nerves. The answer "SPINAL" is a type of cord, specifically the spinal cord which is a bundle of nerves running down the back.
Laser-focused mindset : TUNNEL VISION
"Tunnel vision" refers to having a narrow focus on a specific goal or task, much like a laser beam has a precise and concentrated focus. This makes it the perfect match for the clue "Laser-focused mindset."
Most evasive : COYEST
"COYEST" means most shy or reserved, making it the most evasive option among the choices.
Mount Vernon or Monticello : ESTATE Down 1 Get stuck in traffic, say
The answer to "Mount Vernon or Monticello" is "ESTATE" because both Mount Vernon and Monticello are famous historic estates.
Nantz’s longtime N.F.L. commentating partner : SIMMS
"SIMMS" is the right answer because Phil Simms is a longtime NFL commentating partner of Jim Nantz.
Nasty look : SNEER
"SNEER" is the right answer because a sneer is a facial expression that shows contempt or disgust, which can be considered a nasty look.
Neckwear sometimes made with kukui nuts : LEIS
The answer "LEIS" fits because leis are necklaces made with kukui nuts commonly worn in Hawaii.
Nowhere to be found, informally : MIA
The answer "MIA" stands for "Missing In Action," informally meaning someone is nowhere to be found.
Org. for Coco Gauff : WTA
The answer is "WTA" because it stands for Women's Tennis Association, which is the organization for professional women's tennis players like Coco Gauff.
Parenthetical on four #1 albums since 2021 : TAYLOR’S VERSION
The answer "TAYLOR’S VERSION" fits the clue because Taylor Swift has released re-recorded versions of her past albums in 2021, known as "Taylor's Version," and these re-recorded albums have achieved #1 status.
Quirky : ODD
"Quirky" is a synonym for "odd," meaning unusual or peculiar. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "odd" fits the clue perfectly as it is a common synonym used in crosswords for quirky.
See 45- : SHARES
Shake deeply : DISMAY
Sicilian landmark : ETNA
The answer "ETNA" is correct because Mount Etna is a famous landmark located in Sicily, Italy. It is an active volcano and the tallest in Europe.
Some mustangs : ROANS
"Roans" are a type of horse with a coat color consisting of a mix of white and colored hairs. Mustangs are wild horses, and some of them can indeed have roan coloring.
Something connected to a QR code : URL
The answer "URL" is the right solution because a QR code can often lead to a website or webpage, which is represented by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).
Sorcerer : MAGE
The term "mage" is often used in fantasy literature and role-playing games to refer to a sorcerer or wizard, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Sorcerer."
Speed limit, of a sort : TERMINAL VELOCITY
The term "speed limit" refers to the maximum speed an object can reach in free fall due to air resistance, known as terminal velocity.
Spelling Bee rank between Solid and Great : NICE
The answer "NICE" fits between "Solid" and "Great" alphabetically, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Sticky treats, in more ways than one? : POPSICLES
The answer "POPSICLES" fits the clue "Sticky treats, in more ways than one?" because popsicles are frozen treats that can be sticky due to the melted juice or syrup running down your hands as you eat them.
Stopping point for a cruise … or Crusoe : ISLE
The answer "ISLE" fits the clue because a cruise might stop at an island (ISLE), and Crusoe was stranded on a deserted island in the novel "Robinson Crusoe."
Take-home amount : NET PAY
The term "net" refers to the amount of money you take home after taxes and deductions have been subtracted. In a crossword context, "take-home amount" is a clue that suggests the answer is "NET" as it directly relates to the concept of the final amount received.
Theodore Roosevelt ushered in a “Progressive” one : ERA
The Progressive Era was a period of social and political reform in the United States during the early 20th century, and Theodore Roosevelt was a key figure in this movement. Therefore, the answer "ERA" fits the clue as it refers to the Progressive Era associated with Theodore Roosevelt.
They might be standing : ORDERS
unknown
Unfair judgments : BAD RAPS
"Bad raps" is a slang term that refers to unfair criticism or negative judgments. It fits the clue "Unfair judgments" because it describes the act of unfairly criticizing someone or something.
Vegas nickname : SIN CITY
"SIN CITY" is the right answer because Las Vegas is often referred to as "Sin City" due to its reputation for gambling, nightlife, and entertainment that may be seen as indulging in sinful behavior.
Way back when : ONCE
The answer "ONCE" is the right solution because it refers to a specific point in the past, indicating a time that has already occurred.
Websites with employment opportunities : JOB BOARDS
"JOB BOARDS" are websites where employers post job openings and job seekers can search and apply for jobs. This term accurately describes websites with employment opportunities.
What selfish athletes spell “team” with, presumably : AN I
The answer "AN I" fits the clue because selfish athletes would spell "team" with "AN I" to make it about themselves, highlighting the letter "I" instead of working together as a team.
With 45-Down, displays during an online presentation … or a hint to three pairs of answers in this puzzle : SCREEN-
The answer "SCREEN-" is the right solution because when combined with 45-Down, it forms the word "SCREENSHOTS," which are indeed displays during an online presentation.
With craft : SLYLY
The word "slyly" means in a cunning or deceitful manner, which fits the clue "With craft" as it implies doing something in a clever or sneaky way.
___-Way, brand of plows and salt spreaders : SNO
The answer is "SNO" because it is a brand of plows and salt spreaders known as "SNO-Way." The clue is hinting at the brand name by referencing a shortened version of it.
“Dinner is served!” : LETS EAT!
This answer fits the clue because "Let's eat!" is a common phrase used to announce that dinner is ready to be served.
“Still good to meet up?” : ARE WE ON?
The answer "ARE WE ON?" fits the clue "Still good to meet up?" because it is a casual way of confirming a meeting or plan. The phrase "Are we on?" is often used to check if a previously arranged meeting or activity is still happening.
“That makes sense now” : OH, OK
"I SEE" is a common expression used when someone understands or comprehends something, making it a fitting answer to the clue "That makes sense now."