NYT Crossword Puzzle Answer and its Explanation: 19th April 2024
by Abisha
Updated Apr 19, 2024
The NYT Crossword is an ideal crossword puzzle that you can solve easily. But remember that, while solving the crossword, you need some practice initially. The clues are made to be solved quickly, so you have to think about your ideas and come up with the correct answers. This makes the puzzle exciting and challenging for those who enjoy the best crossword experience. But anyhow, we have covered the answers for easy understanding.
Stubb was his second mate
Answer: AHAB
This clue refers to the character Stubb, who was the second mate of Captain Ahab in Herman Melville's novel "Moby-Dick." Therefore, the answer is "AHAB," the captain's name.
Things attached to spines: Abbr.
Answer: PGS
This question asks for an abbreviation for things attached to spines. "PGS" stands for "pages," which are often attached to the spine of a book.
Blowback
Answer: FLAK
"Blowback" refers to adverse reactions or criticism, especially in response to a controversial action or decision. "FLAK" is a term commonly used to describe criticism or opposition, particularly in a military context.
Prep for a launch, in a way
Answer: DEBUG
When preparing for a launch, especially in the context of computer programming or software development, it's necessary to debug or remove errors and issues from the system. "DEBUG" is the process of identifying and fixing these problems before the launch
Shell company?
Answer: CREW
This clue plays on the word "shell" to suggest a group of people. In this case, a "CREW" refers to a group of individuals who work together, often on a ship or in a similar setting. The word "shell" hints at the idea of a group or collective entity.
Concept in holistic medicine
Answer: AURA
In holistic medicine, the concept of "AURA" refers to the energy field that surrounds and emanates from a person or object. It's believed to reflect the individual's state of being, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Marimba lookalike
Answer: VIBRAPHONE
The "VIBRAPHONE" is a percussion instrument that resembles a marimba. It consists of metal bars that are struck with mallets to produce sound, similar to a marimba, but it also includes motor-driven resonators and a pedal mechanism to create vibrato effects.
Absolute ___ (big and strong person, in modern slang)
Answer: UNIT
In modern slang, particularly in sports or military contexts, "UNIT" is used to refer to a person who is big, strong, and powerful, often describing someone as an imposing or formidable individual
*taps watch anxiously*
Answer: IDONTHAVEALLDAY
This clue represents a phrase indicating impatience or a lack of time to wait. "IDONTHAVEALLDAY" suggests that the speaker is in a hurry and cannot afford to wait any longer, tapping their watch to emphasize the urgency.
A.P. subj.
Answer: LIT
This clue refers to an Advanced Placement (A.P.) subject. "LIT" is an abbreviation for Literature, which is a common A.P. subject focusing on the study of literary works such as novels, plays, and poems.
Deep-fried bite
Answer: TATERTOT
A "TATERTOT" is a bite-sized portion of deep-fried grated or mashed potatoes. These small, crispy snacks are a popular comfort food often served as a side dish or appetizer
Othello character who laments "Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation!"
Answer: CASSIO
In William Shakespeare's play "Othello," the character "CASSIO" speaks this line after his reputation is tarnished due to a misunderstanding. He laments the loss of his reputation, which he values greatly.
New face at the Academy
Answer: PLEBE
At military academies like West Point or the Naval Academy, a "PLEBE" refers to a new cadet in their first year of training. It's a term used to describe freshmen or newcomers who are undergoing initial training and orientation at the academy
The Alhambra in Spain, for one
Answer: PALACE
The Alhambra is a famous historical complex in Granada, Spain, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. It is often categorized as a "PALACE" due to its royal associations and grandeur.
When doubled, "Shame!"
Answer: TUT
Doubling "TUT" is a way to express disapproval or mild reprimand, often used to indicate disappointment or shame. When repeated, "TUT" serves as an exclamation akin to saying "Shame!"
Gist
Answer: IDEA
The "GIST" of something refers to its essence or main point. It encapsulates the fundamental concept or central idea of a discussion, argument, or piece of information.
Pie choice
Answer: RHUBARB
"RHUBARB" is a type of tart vegetable commonly used as a filling in pies, especially in combination with other fruits like strawberries. It's a distinctive choice for pie filling due to its unique flavor profile.
Blue character in Pixar's "Inside Out"
Answer: SADNESS
In the Pixar film "Inside Out," each character represents a different emotion. "SADNESS" is depicted as a blue-colored character, symbolizing the emotion of sadness, one of the key emotions explored in the movie.
Onetime magazine that covered science fiction
Answer: OMNI
This clue refers to a magazine that focused on science fiction. "OMNI" was a well-known magazine that covered a wide range of topics including science fiction, science fact, and speculative technology. It was popular during its publication from 1978 to 1995.
Put together
Answer: SUM
SUM" refers to the action of adding or combining elements to find the total. When you "put together" various numbers or items, you are calculating their sum, making "SUM" the appropriate answer.
Acclaimed bandleader who grew up in Spanish Harlem
Answer: PUENTE
This clue describes a renowned bandleader who hailed from Spanish Harlem. Tito Puente, often referred to as "El Rey" (The King) of Latin music, was a highly respected musician, composer, and bandleader known for his contributions to Latin jazz and salsa music.
Intended
Answer: MEANT
When something is "intended," it means it was planned or meant to happen in a particular way. "MEANT" is the past tense form of the verb "mean," indicating the intention or purpose behind an action or statement.
Dances for which girls do the asking, informally
Answer: SADIES
This clue refers to a type of dance event where girls traditionally ask boys to be their dates, often in a reversal of typical gender roles. These dances are informally known as "SADIES," named after Sadie Hawkins, a character in the Li'l Abner comic strip who initiated a "Sadie Hawkins Day" where women could ask men out.
Was pleasurable
Answer: FELTGOOD
This phrase describes experiencing pleasure or satisfaction. When something "FELTGOOD," it means it brought joy or positive feelings.
Moo follower
Answer: SHU
This clue follows the sound "moo" with "SHU," which is a humorous representation of a sound often associated with the act of shushing or quieting someone or something down.
Explanation for a sudden change of plans
Answer: SOMETHINGCAMEUP
"SOMETHINGCAMEUP" is a common phrase used to explain a sudden change of plans. It suggests that an unexpected event or obligation arose, necessitating a change in the previously made plans.
Name that anagrams to a shape
Answer: OLAV
"OLAV" is an anagram of the word "OVAL," which is a shape characterized by its elongated, rounded form, somewhat like an egg or an ellipse
Zoetrope creations
Answer: ANIMATIONS
Zoetropes are early animation devices that produce the illusion of motion from a rapid sequence of static images. Therefore, the creations associated with zoetropes are "ANIMATIONS," which are sequences of images or frames that simulate movement when played in succession.
Bound for the big stage?
Answer: JETE
A "JETE" is a ballet movement where the dancer jumps into the air, making a quick outward kick of one leg while the other is raised. This movement is often performed by ballet dancers on stage, hence the reference to being "bound for the big stage."
Challenging item for a mover
Answer: SOFA
Moving a "SOFA" can be challenging due to its size and weight. Sofas are typically large and bulky furniture pieces, making them difficult to maneuver through doorways and around corners during the moving process.
Dodge
Answer: ELUDE
To "ELUDE" means to avoid or escape from something or someone, especially by cleverness or skill. It can also imply dodging or evading a situation or responsibility.
Locale in a Beatles song
Answer: USSR
The Beatles song "Back in the U.S.S.R." mentions the "USSR," which stands for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The song is a playful homage to the Beach Boys' style and serves as a humorous commentary on the Soviet Union.
Unspecified amount
Answer: ANY
"ANY" refers to an unspecified or indeterminate amount or quantity. It can be used to indicate that something is possible or acceptable regardless of the specific number or quantity involved.
Unspecified amount
Answer: ALOT
While "ALOT" might seem like a plausible answer for an unspecified amount, the correct spelling is "A LOT." "A LOT" indicates a large or unspecified quantity of something. However, "ALOT" is actually not a word; it's a common misspelling of "A LOT."
Remedy after a night out, perhaps
Answer: ADVIL
After a night out, people might experience headaches or other minor aches and pains, for which they might take pain relievers like "ADVIL." It's a commonly used over-the-counter medication for such purposes.
Gardner of "Saturday Night Live"
Answer: HEIDI
This clue refers to Heidi Gardner, who is a cast member on the comedy television show "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). She joined the cast in 2017 and has become known for her various characters and impressions on the show.
Superior sort?
Answer: ABBOT
An "ABBOT" is a superior sort in the context of a monastery or abbey. In Catholic monasticism, an abbot is the superior of a monastery or abbey, responsible for its governance and spiritual leadership. The word "superior" here refers to their hierarchical position within the religious institution.
Cutting insult
Answer: BURN
A "BURN" is a type of cutting insult or remark that is meant to hurt or embarrass someone. It's often delivered in a witty or clever manner, making it especially effective at stinging the recipient.
Show me
Answer: PROVEIT
"PROVEIT" is a phrase used to challenge someone to demonstrate or provide evidence for a claim or assertion. It's a way of insisting that the person back up their words with concrete proof or actions.
Giving
Answer: GENEROUS
"GENEROUS" describes someone who is inclined to give freely or abundantly, whether it's their time, resources, or affection. It denotes a willingness to share and help others without expecting anything in return
Hard work, so to speak
Answer: SWEAT
"SWEAT" is often used metaphorically to represent hard work or exertion. When someone says they put "SWEAT" into something, they mean they exerted effort, perseverance, and dedication to accomplish a task or achieve a goal.
Major rifts
Answer: FAULTLINES
"FAULTLINES" are significant geological features where tectonic plates meet and create fractures in the Earth's crust. These fractures can lead to earthquakes and are known as major rifts in the Earth's surface.
Swedish city where Scandinavia's first university was founded (1425)
Answer: LUND
"LUND" is a city in Sweden that is historically significant for being the location where Scandinavia's first university, Lund University, was founded in 1425. The university has since become one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in Sweden.
Bizet's "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle," for one
Answer: ARIA
"ARIA" refers to a solo vocal piece in an opera, typically showcasing the talents of a single performer. "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" is an aria from Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen," often referred to simply as the "Habanera."
TV journalist ___ Tur
Answer: KATY
Katy Tur is a TV journalist known for her work as a correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC. She gained widespread recognition for her coverage of the Donald Trump presidential campaign in 2016 and later published a book about her experiences titled "Unbelievable: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in American History."
Dystopian sci-fi film of 1997
Answer: GATTACA
"GATTACA" is a dystopian science fiction film released in 1997. The movie explores themes of genetic engineering, discrimination, and the human spirit in a future society where genetic manipulation is commonplace.
Has a chinwag
Answer: CHATS
To "CHAT" is to engage in informal conversation or small talk with someone. Having a "chinwag" is a colloquial British term for engaging in such conversation, often implying a relaxed or friendly exchange.
Futuristic weapons
Answer: PHASERS
"PHASERS" are fictional weapons commonly depicted in science fiction, particularly in the "Star Trek" franchise. They are energy-based weapons capable of stunning or disintegrating targets, often used by characters in futuristic settings.
Hack (off)
Answer: LOP
To "LOP" something off is to cut or remove it with a quick, heavy stroke. The word often implies a somewhat crude or rough action, such as hacking off a branch or piece of material.
Cooped-up feeling
Answer: CABINFEVER
"CABIN FEVER" is a term used to describe the feeling of being restless or irritable after spending too much time indoors, typically due to being confined to a small space like a cabin or house for an extended period.
___ Prairie, Minn.
Answer: EDEN
"EDEN" is a term often used in place names to evoke images of paradise or idyllic surroundings. In this case, "EDEN Prairie" refers to a city in Minnesota named after this concept.
Choice
Answer: BEST
When presented with options, the "BEST" choice is the one that is considered most favorable or advantageous. It's the option that is superior in quality or performance compared to the others.
Let off the gas, with "up"
Answer: EASE
To "EASE up" is to reduce pressure or intensity gradually. In the context of driving, "letting off the gas" or "easing up on the gas" means to release the accelerator pedal, reducing speed or slowing down.
Springtime event, typically
Answer: PROM
"PROM" is short for "promenade," which is a formal dance event typically held for high school students at the end of the academic year, often in spring. It's a significant social event where students dress up and enjoy an evening of dancing and socializing.
Alas!
Answer: AHME
"AHME" is a variation of the interjection "alas," which is used to express sorrow, regret, or disappointment over a situation. It's a literary or poetic way of expressing distress or sadness.
Sister of Sol, in myth
Answer: LUNA
In Roman mythology, "LUNA" is the goddess of the moon, often regarded as the sister of Sol, the sun god. She is associated with the moon's light and its cycles, representing night and the passage of time.
Cassava product
Answer: TAPIOCA
TAPIOCA" is a starchy substance extracted from the root of the cassava plant. It is commonly used to make a variety of food products, including tapioca pudding, bubble tea pearls, and thickening agents for soups and sauces.
Surprise, F.B.I.-style
Answer: BUSTINON
"BUSTINON" is a colloquial term or slang phrase used to describe a surprise or sudden intrusion, often in the context of law enforcement agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It implies a sudden, unexpected entrance or raid by law enforcement officials.
Concern for a library patron or expectant parent
Answer: DUEDATE
The "DUEDATE" is a term used to indicate the deadline for returning borrowed items to a library. Similarly, for an expectant parent, the "DUEDATE" is the anticipated date when their baby is expected to be born
Blow up
Answer: MAGNIFY
To "MAGNIFY" something is to make it appear larger or more prominent, often by using a magnifying lens or figuratively by increasing its importance or significance. In this context, "Blow up" suggests making something bigger, which aligns with the meaning of "MAGNIFY."
Holiday celebrated with lion dancing
Answer: TET
"TET" is the Vietnamese New Year, which is celebrated with various traditional customs and rituals, including lion dancing. Lion dancing is a significant part of TET festivities, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and warding off evil spirits.
1999 comedy in which Alanis Morissette plays God
Answer: DOGMA
"DOGMA" is a comedy film released in 1999 directed by Kevin Smith. In the movie, Alanis Morissette portrays God in a cameo role. The film explores religious themes and satirizes organized religion, featuring Morissette as a representation of the divine.
Asian capital WSW of 48-Down
Answer: LHASA
"LHASA" is the capital city of Tibet, an autonomous region in China. In relation to the clue, "WSW" stands for "west-southwest," indicating the direction of Lhasa from a reference point.
Asian capital ENE of 47-Down
Answer: SEOUL
"SEOUL" is the capital city of South Korea. In relation to the clue, "ENE" stands for "east-northeast," indicating the direction of Seoul from a reference point.
Bill with Ben Franklin on it, slangily
Answer: HUNDO
"HUNDO" is a colloquial term or slang for a one-hundred-dollar bill in the United States. It's derived from the word "hundred" and is commonly used in informal speech or writing.
Discountenanced
Answer: UPSET
To be "UPSET" can mean to be disturbed, disconcerted, or disquieted by something. It can also mean to be emotionally or mentally unsettled by a situation or event
Korea's national drink
Answer: SOJU
"SOJU" is a clear, distilled alcoholic beverage originating from Korea. It is traditionally made from rice, barley, or wheat and is considered the national drink of both South Korea and North Korea.
Estadio exclamations
Answer: OLES
"OLES" are exclamations commonly heard in Spanish-speaking countries during sporting events, particularly in soccer (football) matches. They are enthusiastic cheers or shouts of encouragement from spectators, often used to support the home team or celebrate a goal.
Gymnastics equipment
Answer: MATS
"MATS" are pieces of equipment used in gymnastics to provide padding and support for gymnasts during their routines. Mats come in various sizes and thicknesses and are essential for safety in gymnastics training and competitions.
Actress Kunis
Answer: MILA
"MILA" refers to Mila Kunis, an actress known for her roles in film and television. She gained fame for her role as Jackie Burkhart on the television series "That '70s Show" and has appeared in numerous movies, including "Black Swan," "Friends with Benefits," and "Bad Moms."
