NYT Crosswords: Clue and Answer for March 22, 2024
by Sangeetha M | Updated Mar 22, 2024
NYT Crosswords
Are you a person who is interested in solving crossword puzzles? If yes, then NYT Crosswords offers you a puzzle every day to solve with some clues. So grab your pencils and try solving them. When you solve the puzzle, you will feel satisfied. If you get stuck in between, whether you are a beginner or an experienced crossword solver, our page has got your back. Scroll down to learn all the answers from the NYT Crosswords for today.
Something to deliver, with “the”
GOODS
"Something to deliver, with 'the'" suggests that the answer is a noun that refers to items or products being transported or delivered. "GOODS" is a term commonly used to refer to tangible items or merchandise that are being transported, delivered, bought, or sold. When preceded by "the," it emphasizes the idea of a specific set of items or products.
Toast, say
CHAR
"Toast, say" suggests that the answer is a verb that describes what you might do to bread to make it into toast.When you "CHAR" something, you subject it to intense heat until it becomes slightly burnt or blackened. This is similar to what you would do when making toast, where you expose bread to heat until it becomes golden brown.
Name on a Chinese menu
TSO
"Name on a Chinese menu" hints at finding a word commonly found on menus in Chinese restaurants. In this context, "TSO" likely refers to a popular dish known as "General Tso's chicken." General Tso's chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish consisting of deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and slightly spicy sauce.
Pie preference
EXTRACHEESE
When people think of pies, they often think of sweet dessert pies like apple pie or pumpkin pie. However, pies can also be savory, such as pizza pie. "EXTRA CHEESE" indicates a preference for adding more cheese to the pizza pie, making it richer and more flavorful. This preference might stem from a love of cheese or a desire for a cheesier, more indulgent pizza experience. So, in the context of the crossword clue "Pie preference," the answer "EXTRA CHEESE" fits perfectly.
Moved cross-country?
RAN
"One of two in Mötley Crüe" suggests that the answer is a linguistic feature found in the name of the rock band Mötley Crüe. In the name "Mötley Crüe," there are two umlauts placed over the letters "o" and "u." These diacritical marks are often associated with heavy metal bands and are used for aesthetic purposes rather than altering the pronunciation of the letters.
One of two in Mötley Crüe
METALUMLAUT
"One of two in Mötley Crüe" suggests that there is something unique or distinctive about the band Mötley Crüe, specifically related to a particular aspect of their name. The term "umlaut" refers to the diacritical mark (¨) that appears over certain vowels in some languages, notably German, to indicate a different pronunciation. In the case of Mötley Crüe, the band's name includes two umlauts, one over the 'o' and one over the 'u'.
Black church initials
AME
"AME" stand for African Methodist Episcopal, which is a denomination of Christianity predominantly practiced by African Americans. It's often referred to as the "Black church" due to its historical significance and the majority of its members being Black.
Winter coat
SNOW
"Winter coat" implies that we're looking for something associated with winter that provides protection or warmth, rather than an actual garment. "SNOW" fits the bill perfectly. During winter, snow falls and covers the ground, acting as a natural insulator and providing a "coat" of sorts to the outdoor environment, keeping it insulated and colder.
Option for emphasis
BOLD
"Option for emphasis" suggests that we're looking for a formatting option that can be used to highlight or emphasize text. In this case, "BOLD" fits the bill. When text is formatted in bold, it appears thicker and darker than the surrounding text, drawing attention to it and adding emphasis.
2020 sci-fi film with a palindromic title
TENET
"2020 sci-fi film with a palindromic title" indicates that we're searching for a science fiction movie released in 2020 that has a title that reads the same backward as forward. In this case, the answer is "TENET." "TENET" is a palindrome, meaning it can be read the same way forward and backward.
Water-loving dogs, for short
LABS
"Water-loving dogs, for short" suggests that we're looking for a breed of dogs known for their affinity for water, and the answer is abbreviated in some way. "LABS," which is short for Labrador Retrievers. Labradors are well-known for their love of water and swimming, making them popular choices for activities such as retrieving objects from the water or participating in water sports like dock diving.
Causes
LEADSTO
"Causes" suggests that we're looking for a word or phrase that describes what brings about or results in certain effects or outcomes. In this context, the answer "LEADSTO" fits perfectly. It indicates a sequence of events or actions that ultimately result in a particular consequence or outcome. "LEADSTO" is a concise way of expressing the causal relationship between different factors or events.
Half of a Melville title
MOBY
"Half of a Melville title" suggests that we're looking for part of a title of a work by the author Herman Melville. In this case, "MOBY" fits the bill. When combined with its counterpart, "MOBY" forms half of the title "Moby-Dick," which is one of Herman Melville's most famous novels.
Aunt ___ (“Bel-Air” role)
VIV
The clue "Aunt ___ ('Bel-Air' role)" suggests that the answer is likely a character's name from the television show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." The word "VIV" fits this description. In "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," the character Aunt Vivian, often referred to as Aunt Viv, is portrayed by two different actresses during the show's run. The character is the aunt of the main character, Will Smith, and plays a significant role in the series.
Place
SPOT
"Place" suggests that we're looking for a word that can be synonymous with a location or a specific area. In this context, "SPOT" fits the description. "Spot" can refer to a particular place or location, often used informally to denote a specific spot or area within a larger space.
Primary directive
VOTE
A "primary directive" typically refers to the most important or fundamental instruction or command regarding a particular matter. In the context of politics and democratic systems, one of the primary directives is to "vote." Voting is a fundamental aspect of democracy where citizens participate in choosing their representatives and deciding on various issues through elections.
It is a crucial civic duty and a fundamental right in democratic societies. By casting their votes, citizens express their preferences and play a vital role in shaping the direction of their communities, regions, or countries. Therefore, in the context of the clue "Primary directive," "VOTE" accurately represents the essential action or directive that individuals are encouraged to follow in democratic societies.
Loses power
WANES
"wanes," it diminishes or decreases in power, strength, or intensity over time. This term is often used to describe the gradual decline or weakening of something. For example, the moon wanes as it progresses from full moon to new moon, losing its brightness and appearing smaller in the sky. Similarly, interest in a particular trend or activity can wane over time, losing its influence or popularity. In the context of the clue "Loses power," "WANES" perfectly captures the idea of something gradually diminishing in strength or influence.
Cereal ___
RYE
"Cereal ___" suggests that we're looking for a term related to breakfast food or grains. In this context "RYE" fits perfectly. Rye is a type of cereal grain commonly used in the production of bread, cereals, and other food products. It has a distinct flavor and nutritional profile, often appreciated in various breakfast items.
Newly immigrated, say
FIRSTGENERATION
"Newly immigrated, say" implies that we're looking for a term that describes individuals who have recently moved to a new country, particularly the first generation of their family to do so. "FIRSTGENERATION" fits perfectly. "First generation" refers to individuals who were born in a foreign country or who immigrated to a new country themselves. They are the first generation of their family to do so, distinguishing them from second-generation immigrants (those born in the new country to immigrant parents) and subsequent generations.
July birthday celebrant
USA
The United States of America (USA) celebrates its birthday on July 4th, which is known as Independence Day. This national holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from British rule. It's a day of patriotic celebration across the country, marked by fireworks, parades, barbecues, and various other festivities "July birthday celebrant," "USA" accurately represents the entity or nation that celebrates its birthday in July, specifically on July 4th.
Staid
SOBER
The term "staid" typically describes someone or something that is serious, dignified, and restrained in demeanor or behavior. Similarly, being "sober" refers to being serious and not under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances. A person who is sober is typically composed, clear-headed, and not given to excess or frivolity "Staid," "SOBER" accurately represents the demeanor or state of being characterized by seriousness and restraint.
Tamil ___, India
NADU
Tamil Nadu is a state located in the southern part of India. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, classical music, literature, and traditions. "Nadu" is a Tamil word that translates to "land" or "country" in English. When combined with "Tamil," it forms the name of the state, Tamil Nadu, which literally means "Tamil Country" or "Tamil Land." "NADU" accurately completes the name of the Indian state, representing the land associated with the Tamil people and language.
Invalid
NULL
"NULL" is often used to represent a lack of a value or an invalid value. It indicates that a variable or field does not contain any data or has an unspecified or unknown value. When something is marked as "NULL," it essentially means that it is not valid or meaningful within the context it's being used. "Invalid," "NULL" accurately represents the concept of something lacking validity or containing no valid data.
Article in El Mundo
LOS
"El Mundo" is a Spanish newspaper, and in Spanish, "LOS" is the definite article used for masculine plural nouns. In English, "LOS" translates to "the" when referring to masculine plural nouns. Therefore, in the context of the clue "Article in El Mundo," "LOS" accurately represents the definite article used in the Spanish language for referring to certain nouns in the newspaper "El Mundo."
Low-lying area
DALE
A "dale" is a term used to describe a low-lying valley or hollow, often with gentle slopes. It is typically situated between hills or mountains and is characterized by its relatively flat or gently sloping terrain. Dales are commonly found in rural or natural landscapes and are often associated with picturesque scenery.
Go head-to-head
FACEOFF
"Face off" is an expression often used to describe a confrontation or competition where two opponents directly engage with each other, often in a competitive or adversarial manner. This term is commonly associated with sports, especially hockey, where players face each other at the beginning of a match to start the game or after a stoppage in play.
In a broader sense, "face off" can also refer to any situation where two parties directly confront each other or compete directly. "Go head-to-head," "FACEOFF" accurately represents the action of engaging in direct confrontation or competition with an opponent.
Something used to hunt and peck
BEAK
A "beak" is the sharp, often pointed, mouthpart of birds and some other animals, used for grasping, manipulating objects, and feeding. Many birds use their beaks for hunting and pecking, particularly when searching for food such as insects, seeds, or small prey. The action of "hunting and pecking" describes the method by which these birds use their beaks to search for and capture food, often by pecking at the ground or probing into crevices.
Reserved
ALOOF
"reserved," it typically means they are shy, reticent, or inclined to keep their distance from others. Similarly, when someone is described as "aloof," it means they are emotionally distant, detached, or reserved in their interactions with others. Both terms suggest a certain reluctance or unwillingness to engage closely with others socially or emotionally. " "ALOOF" accurately represents the characteristic of being emotionally distant or reserved in social interactions.
___ Dutta, winner of the Miss Universe 2000 pageant
LARA
"Lara Dutta" is an Indian actress and model who won the Miss Universe pageant in the year 2000. She represented India in the competition and garnered widespread attention for her beauty, grace, and intelligence. Winning the Miss Universe pageant is a significant achievement in the world of beauty pageants, and Lara Dutta's victory in 2000 made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and the world of fashion and beauty. clue "___ Dutta, winner of the Miss Universe 2000 pageant," "LARA" accurately completes the name of the individual who achieved this notable accomplishment.
Light shade
TINT
"tint" refers to a slight coloration or hue that is added to something, often to make it lighter or to give it a subtle shade. In the context of light, a tint can refer to a pale or delicate color that is added to alter the appearance of an object or surface. For example, window tinting involves adding a thin layer of colored film to windows to reduce glare and heat from sunlight.
when painting, adding white to a color creates a tint, making it lighter and softer. "Light shade," "TINT" accurately represents the subtle coloring or hue that is associated with lightness or paleness.
Modeling software, familiarly
CAD
"CAD" stands for Computer-Aided Design, which is software used by designers, engineers, architects, and other professionals to create precise 2D and 3D models of products, buildings, and various other objects. CAD software allows users to draft and design digital models with accuracy and efficiency, enabling them to visualize and analyze their designs before they are physically created.
It is commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, architecture, and engineering for tasks ranging from product design to architectural drafting. Therefore, in the context of the clue "Modeling software, familiarly," "CAD" accurately represents the widely recognized abbreviation for Computer-Aided Design software.
Petty person?
ANIMALLOVER
"petty person" often refers to someone who is small-minded, concerned with trivial matters, or who tends to hold grudges over insignificant issues. However, the clue provides a clever twist by suggesting that instead of being petty in the usual sense, the person might actually be fond of pets or animals.
An "animal lover" is someone who has a deep affection for animals, often caring for them and advocating for their welfare. This person is the opposite of petty, as their concern extends beyond themselves to include the well-being of animals. Therefore, in the context of the clue "Petty person?", "ANIMAL LOVER" is a humorous and unexpected answer that fits the clue by providing a contrasting interpretation.
Stalemate
TIE
"Stalemate" suggests that the answer is a situation in which neither side can make a move or gain an advantage. The word "TIE" fits this description. In a game such as chess, when neither player can make a move that will result in a checkmate, the game is often considered a stalemate. Similarly, in other contexts, a "TIE" refers to a situation where there is no winner or decisive outcome.
It’s in the neighborhood
GUESSTIMATE
"It’s in the neighborhood" hints that we're looking for a term that means an approximate or rough estimate, often used when trying to determine a value or figure that is close to the actual amount but not exact. In this case, "GUESSTIMATE" fits the description. It combines "guess" and "estimate" to convey the idea of making an educated guess or estimation, typically based on available information or intuition. So, the answer to the crossword clue is:
’60s peace org.
SDS
"'60s peace org." suggests that we're looking for the name of an organization from the 1960s that was associated with peace or activism. In this context, "SDS" fits the bill. "SDS" stands for Students for a Democratic Society, which was a prominent student activist organization in the United States during the 1960s. The SDS advocated for various causes, including civil rights, anti-war movements, and social justice issues, making it closely associated with the peace movement of the era.
Indie pop duo Sylvan ___
ESSO
Sylvan Esso is an American indie pop duo consisting of singer Amelia Meath and producer Nick Sanborn. Formed in 2013, Sylvan Esso gained popularity for their unique blend of electronic beats, catchy melodies, and Amelia Meath's distinct vocals.
They have released several albums and singles, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base in the indie music scene. Therefore, in the context of the clue "Indie pop duo Sylvan ___," "ESSO" accurately completes the name of the musical duo known as Sylvan Esso.
The difference between who I was and who I am?
TENSE
"The difference between who I was and who I am?" suggests that we're looking for a word that describes a state of change or variation between past and present identities or conditions. In this context, "TENSE" fits the description. "Tense" refers to a grammatical category that indicates the time of an action or state of being, such as past, present, or future. It encapsulates the difference between who someone was (in the past) and who they are (in the present) in terms of time and grammatical structure.
Keepers
GEMS
Keepers" suggests that we're looking for a word that refers to valuable items that are worth keeping or preserving. In this context, "GEMS" fits the bill. "Gems" are precious stones that are often considered valuable and are typically kept for their beauty or rarity.
Farm team
OXEN
"Farm team" suggests that we're looking for a term related to animals used for work on a farm. In this context, "OXEN" fits the description. Oxen are a team of cattle, typically male, trained to work together to pull plows or carts on a farm. They are commonly used for tasks such as plowing fields or hauling heavy loads, making them an essential part of traditional farm operations.
Quattro + quattro
OTTO
"Quattro + quattro" suggests that we're looking for a number that is obtained by adding "quattro" (which means "four" in Italian) twice. In this case, "OTTO" fits the description. "Otto" is the Italian word for "eight," which is indeed the result of adding "quattro" (four) and "quattro" (four) together.
Decide randomly
DRAWLOTS
"Decide randomly" suggests that we're looking for a term or phrase that describes the process of making a decision without any particular method or preference, often by chance or luck. In this context, "DRAWLOTS" fits the description. "Drawing lots" refers to a method of making a random selection or decision by pulling pieces of paper, tokens, or other items from a container. It's a way of determining an outcome without bias or favoritism, relying solely on chance.
Danny Aiello’s character in “Do the Right Thing”
SAL
"Do the Right Thing," Danny Aiello portrays the character Sal. Sal is the owner of a pizzeria in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The film explores themes of racial tension and cultural conflict, and Sal's character becomes central to these themes as the story unfolds. His interactions with the predominantly African-American community and the events that transpire at his pizzeria serve as a focal point for examining issues of race, prejudice, and morality. Therefore, in the context of the clue "Danny Aiello’s character in 'Do the Right Thing'," "SAL" accurately identifies the character portrayed by Danny Aiello in the film.
Building block of life
CELL
"Building block of life" suggests that we're looking for a fundamental unit or component essential for the existence of living organisms. In this context, "CELL" fits the description. A cell is indeed considered the basic structural and functional unit of life. Cells are the smallest independently functioning unit of living organisms and are responsible for carrying out various biological processes necessary for life, such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction.
Festival closing act
HEADLINER
A "headliner" refers to the main or featured performer or act at an event, particularly at a music festival. Festival organizers often schedule the headliner to perform as the closing act, drawing in the largest crowd and providing a memorable conclusion to the event. Headliners are typically well-known and popular artists who have a significant fan base and can attract large audiences. "Festival closing act," "HEADLINER" accurately represents the main performer or act scheduled to close the festival with a prominent performance. Their performances are highly anticipated and serve as a highlight of the festival experience.
Southwest sch. known for its numerous online offerings
ASU
"ASU" stands for Arizona State University, which is a public research university located in the southwestern United States, specifically in Tempe, Arizona. Arizona State University is known for its extensive and diverse range of online education offerings. The university has been a pioneer in online education, offering a wide variety of online courses, degree programs, and certificates through its ASU Online platform. These online offerings cater to students from various backgrounds and locations, providing flexible and accessible educational opportunities. Therefore, in the context of the clue "Southwest sch.
One-named actress on “Parks and Recreation”
RETTA
"Parks and Recreation." Donna Meagle is a memorable character known for her confident attitude, humor, and iconic catchphrase "Treat Yo' Self." Retta's portrayal of Donna earned her widespread recognition and acclaim from fans of the show. She became a beloved member of the ensemble cast and contributed significantly to the show's success. Therefore, in the context of the clue "One-named actress on 'Parks and Recreation'," "RETTA" accurately identifies the actress known for her role on the popular television series.
Slogan on a blue, pink and white pin
TRANSPRIDE
"Transpride" is a slogan often associated with the transgender pride movement. The colors blue, pink, and white are commonly used to represent transgender pride, with blue representing masculinity, pink representing femininity, and white representing those who are nonbinary or genderqueer. Therefore, a pin featuring these colors and the slogan "TRANSPRIDE" would be emblematic of support for transgender rights and visibility. It serves as a symbol of solidarity with the transgender community and promotes acceptance, understanding, and celebration of transgender identities.
Inapt response when somebody says “Happy birthday!,” presumably
SAMETOYOU
"Happy birthday," it's customary and polite to respond with a variation of "Thank you" or to acknowledge the well-wishes in some way. However, responding with "SAMETOYOU" would be considered an inapt or inappropriate response because it essentially deflects the birthday wishes back to the person who offered them.
It's an unconventional and somewhat awkward reply, as it fails to acknowledge the sentiment expressed by the other person. "Inapt response when somebody says 'Happy birthday!,' presumably," "SAMETOYOU" accurately represents a response that would be considered inappropriate or out of place in response to birthday wishes.
Scale range
ONETOTEN
"ONE TO TEN" represents a scale range commonly used to rate or assess various qualities or attributes. It is often used in contexts such as rating the severity of pain (on a pain scale from 1 to 10), evaluating the level of satisfaction (on a scale from 1 to 10), or assessing the likelihood or importance of something (on a scale from 1 to 10). This scale range provides a simple and intuitive way to express degrees or levels of intensity, importance, or quality, with 1 representing the lowest end of the scale and 10 representing the highest end.
Small storage space
CUBBY
"cubby" typically refers to a small, enclosed storage space or compartment, often found in schools, homes, or workplaces. Cubbies are commonly used to store items such as books, shoes, toys, or personal belongings. They are usually small and compact, providing convenient storage solutions, especially in areas where space is limited. Cubbies are frequently seen in classrooms for students to store their backpacks and supplies or in children's rooms to organize toys and games.
Some annual plans
HMOS
"HMOs" stands for Health Maintenance Organizations, which are a type of healthcare plan that provides comprehensive medical services to members for a fixed annual fee. HMOs typically offer a range of healthcare services, including preventive care, doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs, among others. Members of HMOs typically choose a primary care physician (PCP) who manages their healthcare and coordinates any necessary referrals to specialists within the HMO's network.
Since HMOs often operate on an annual basis, with members paying premiums or fees annually for coverage, they can be considered as "annual plans" in the context of healthcare. Therefore, in the context of the clue "Some annual plans," "HMOS" accurately represents Health Maintenance Organizations, which are healthcare plans that operate on an annual basis.
Publishing bigwigs, for short
EDS
"Publishing bigwigs, for short" that we're looking for a term or abbreviation that refers to influential figures in the publishing industry. In this context, "EDS" fits the description. "EDS" is short for "editors," which are indeed significant figures in the world of publishing. Editors play a crucial role in acquiring, refining, and preparing content for publication, making them important decision-makers within publishing companies. So, the answer to the crossword clue is:
Assists on offense?
ABETS
"Assists on offense?"possibly in a non-literal sense. In this context, "ABETS" fits the description. "Abets" is a word that means to assist, support, or encourage someone in committing a wrongful act or offense. While in a sports context, "assist" typically refers to passing the ball to a teammate to help score points, in this case, "abets" refers to providing support or aid in a more general sense, potentially in an offensive manner.
Until now
EVER
"Ever" can be used to refer to any point in time up to the present moment. It encompasses all of history leading up to now. When someone says "until now," they are implying that something has happened or been true up to the current time.
For example, if someone says, "I have never visited Paris until now," they are stating that they had never visited Paris at any point in the past but have recently done so. Similarly, "ever" can be used in questions such as "Have you ever been to Paris?" to inquire about any time in someone's life leading up to the present.
Sets of values
MORALCODES
"Moral codes" refer to the principles or guidelines that dictate what is considered right or wrong, ethical or unethical, in a particular society or individual's belief system. These codes encompass a range of values and beliefs about how individuals should behave and treat others.
Moral codes can vary significantly across cultures, religions, and personal philosophies, but they generally serve as a framework for guiding behavior and decision-making. "MORAL CODES" accurately represents the collection of principles or guidelines that govern ethical behavior and shape individual or societal values.
Parts of windmills
VANES
"Parts of windmills" suggests that we're looking for components or elements that are integral to the functioning of windmills. In this context, "VANES" fits the description. Vanes are the flat or curved surfaces attached to the rotating shaft of a windmill. They are responsible for capturing the force of the wind and converting it into rotational motion, which drives the machinery inside the windmill. Essentially, vanes are crucial parts of windmills as they harness wind energy to perform various tasks such as grinding grain or pumping water.
PowerPoint, perhaps
VISUALAID
"PowerPoint, perhaps" such as PowerPoint. In this context, "VISUALAID" fits the description. A visual aid is any supplemental material, such as slides, charts, graphs, or images, that is used to enhance a presentation and make information more easily understandable or memorable. PowerPoint is a popular software program for creating visual aids, so it falls under the category of a "VISUALAID."
Intricately plotted fiction
WEBOFLIES
"web of lies" refers to a complex network or intricate series of deceitful or misleading actions, statements, or events within a fictional narrative. In such stories, characters often weave intricate webs of deception, creating layers of complexity and suspense that keep readers or viewers engaged.
This term can also describe fiction that involves intricate plot twists, interconnected storylines, and layers of deception that gradually unfold throughout the narrative. "WEB OF LIES" accurately represents the complex and deceitful nature of the narrative, where multiple plot threads are interwoven to create a captivating story.
Capital southeast of Mecca
SANAA
"Capital southeast of Mecca" indicates that the answer is the name of a capital city located in the southeast direction from Mecca. The city "SANAA" fits this description. SANAA is the capital of Yemen, which is situated southeast of Mecca, the holy city in Saudi Arabia. This clue utilizes geographical direction and knowledge of capital cities to arrive at the answer.
Icebreaker tidbits
FUNFACTS
"Icebreaker tidbits" refers to interesting or entertaining pieces of information that are shared to initiate conversations or lighten the mood in social settings. These "fun facts" are often used as conversation starters or to provide interesting insights into a topic. They are intended to engage others and spark discussion by presenting intriguing or amusing information in a casual and approachable manner. "FUN FACTS" accurately represents the entertaining and engaging pieces of information shared to break the ice and stimulate conversation.
Go clubbing?
GOLF
"Go clubbing?" suggests that we're looking for a term related to the activity of using clubs. In this context, "GOLF" fits the description. Golf is a sport where players use clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible. The term "clubbing" can be interpreted as engaging in the activity of golfing, where clubs are indeed used extensively.
“What’s up?”
TALKTOME
"What's up?" is a common informal greeting used to inquire about someone's well-being or current situation. In this context, the answer "TALKTOME" can be interpreted as a playful response, encouraging the speaker to engage in conversation or share what's on their mind. It's as if the response is inviting the person to open up and communicate.
Shortest of a group of 12
LEO
"Shortest of a group of 12" suggests that we're looking for a name that represents the shortest member of a group of 12. In this context, "LEO" fits the description. "Leo" is commonly short for "Leonard" or "Leonardo," and it's often used as a name for individuals. Therefore, "LEO" could be considered the shortest name among a group of 12 names.
Handed out
DEALT
"Dealt" is a term often used in card games to describe the action of distributing cards to players. When playing card games such as poker or blackjack, the dealer "deals" the cards by distributing them to each player in a predetermined manner. The process of dealing cards is essential for initiating gameplay and ensuring fairness in the distribution of cards to all players.
Coming ___
OFAGE
"coming of age" refers to the transition from childhood to adulthood, typically marked by significant milestones or events such as reaching a certain age, gaining legal rights and responsibilities, or experiencing personal growth and maturity. This transition is often accompanied by newfound freedoms, challenges, and opportunities for self-discovery.
Therefore, in the context of the clue "Coming ___," "OF AGE" accurately represents the completion of the phrase "coming of age," which signifies the transition into adulthood or maturity.
They may be AA or A
BRAS
"AA" and "A" are examples of smaller cup sizes commonly associated with bras. "AA" and "A" sizes are typically worn by individuals with smaller bust sizes. Bras come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different body types and preferences, including larger cup sizes such as "B," "C," "D," and beyond.
Childish retort
AMSO
"Childish retort" suggests a response that lacks maturity or sophistication, often akin to the behavior of a child. "Sour grapes" is a phrase used to describe a dismissive or negative response to something desirable that one cannot obtain. It comes from the fable of "The Fox and the Grapes" by Aesop, where a fox, unable to reach grapes hanging high on a vine, dismisses them as sour to justify not getting them.
Tommy in the Hockey Hall of Fame
IVAN
Tommy Ivan, who was a notable figure in the world of ice hockey. Ivan was a successful ice hockey player, coach, and executive. He had a distinguished career in the sport and made significant contributions to the game's development.
Tommy Ivan was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the "IVAN" accurately identifies Tommy Ivan as the individual associated with this achievement. His induction recognizes his achievements and impact on the sport throughout his career.
Clears
NETS
"clears" can refer to the action of removing or getting rid of something obstructing the playing area, typically by using a net. In basketball, players may "clear the ball" by passing it through the net after making a basket, allowing the opposing team to inbound the ball and start their offensive possession. Similarly, in volleyball, players may "clear the net" by hitting or spiking the ball over the net, either to score a point or to return the ball to the opposing team's side.
Ring bearer?
TREE
"ring bearer" traditionally refers to a young boy who participates in a wedding ceremony by carrying the wedding rings down the aisle on a decorative pillow or cushion. However, in the context of the clue, "Ring bearer?" is used as a play on words.
In nature, a "ring bearer" can also refer to a tree that bears growth rings. Growth rings, also known as annual rings, are concentric circles visible in the cross-section of a tree trunk. Each ring represents a year of the tree's growth, with the inner rings indicating earlier years and the outer rings representing more recent growth.
Lowercase ones look like v’s
NUS
"n" and "u," which, when written in certain fonts or handwriting styles, can resemble the letter "v." In many fonts, the lowercase letter "n" has a vertical line with a diagonal stroke, resembling a lowercase "v" without the horizontal line at the top. Similarly, the lowercase letter "u" often has a curved shape that can resemble a "v" turned upside down. "NUS" accurately represents the letters "n" and "u," which can be mistaken for "v" when written in lowercase.
A.P. subj.
LIT
"A.P." stands for Advanced Placement, which refers to college-level courses offered to high school students. These courses are designed to provide students with challenging academic content and the opportunity to earn college credit by taking standardized exams at the end of the course.
In this context, "subj." stands for subject, indicating the specific subject area of the Advanced Placement course. "LIT" is short for literature, which is a common subject area for Advanced Placement courses. Advanced Placement Literature courses typically involve the study of various literary works, including novels, plays, poetry, and essays, and focus on critical analysis, interpretation, and writing skills.