NYT Crossword Puzzle Answers August 26, 2024

San ___, Capital Of Puerto Rico : JUAN

"San ___, Capital of Puerto Rico" is seeking the name of the capital city of Puerto Rico, which is a well-known Caribbean island. The answer, "JUAN," completes the clue by identifying "San Juan," the largest city and the capital of Puerto Rico. This city, named after Saint John the Baptist, is one of the oldest European-founded cities in the Americas.

The word "San" in the clue hints at a Spanish or Latin origin, leading to "Juan," a common name in Spanish-speaking regions. Recognizing the geographical and cultural reference makes this clue straightforward for those familiar with major world capitals. The simplicity of the clue aligns well with its general knowledge nature, making it accessible to most solvers.

Spring ___ (Encounter Plumbing Problems) : ALEAK

"Spring ___ (Encounter Plumbing Problems)" hints at a common issue related to plumbing that often occurs unexpectedly. The answer, "ALEAK," completes the phrase "spring a leak," which is a common expression used when a pipe or plumbing fixture begins to leak. The word "spring" suggests something sudden or spontaneous, which ties into how leaks typically appear without warning.

The parentheses provide a clear hint that we're looking for a phrase associated with plumbing problems. Recognizing this connection allows solvers to quickly identify "ALEAK" as the fitting solution, making the clue a clever play on words.

Popular Dance Fitness Program : ZUMBA

"Popular Dance Fitness Program" is looking for the name of a well-known exercise regimen that combines dance with fitness. The answer, "ZUMBA," refers to the global fitness phenomenon that blends high-energy music with choreographed dance moves to create a fun and effective workout.

Originating in the 1990s, Zumba has become a staple in gyms and fitness centers worldwide, known for its ability to make exercise feel like a dance party. The word "popular" in the clue emphasizes the widespread appeal and recognition of this program. Identifying Zumba as the answer is straightforward for anyone familiar with modern fitness trends.

Like Some Smartphone Purchases : INAPP

"Like Some Smartphone Purchases" is asking for a term that describes a specific type of transaction commonly associated with mobile devices. The answer, "INAPP," refers to "in-app" purchases, which are transactions made within an application rather than through traditional retail or online stores.

These purchases often involve buying additional content, features, or subscriptions directly from within a smartphone app. The clue's phrasing "like some" indicates that not all smartphone purchases fall into this category, but it's a prevalent enough concept to be recognized. Understanding the connection between apps and purchases makes "INAPP" the fitting solution for this clue.

What A Three-way Intersection Can Form : TSHAPE

"What a Three-way Intersection Can Form" is referring to the specific shape created by the convergence of three roads. The answer, "TSHAPE," describes the resulting form of such an intersection, where one road meets another at a perpendicular angle, resembling the letter "T."

This type of intersection is common in urban planning and is easily visualized as a straightforward junction where one road ends at another. The clue cleverly leads solvers to think about the geometric shape formed, making "TSHAPE" the precise and logical answer. Recognizing this common traffic feature allows for a quick and accurate solution to the clue.

Olympic Gold Medalist Raisman : ALY

"Olympic Gold Medalist Raisman" is asking for the first name of a well-known American gymnast who has achieved significant success in the Olympics. The answer, "ALY," refers to Aly Raisman, who is celebrated for her performances as part of the U.S. women's gymnastics team.

Aly won multiple gold medals across the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, solidifying her status as one of the top gymnasts of her generation. The clue relies on the solver's knowledge of prominent Olympic athletes, particularly in gymnastics. Recognizing Raisman’s achievements makes "ALY" an apt and recognizable answer for this sports-themed clue.

Things Stuck On Snowman "Arms" : MITTENS

"Things Stuck on Snowman 'Arms'" refers to items commonly associated with the decoration of a snowman during winter. The answer, "MITTENS," suggests that the typical stick "arms" of a snowman are often dressed with mittens to add a playful and realistic touch. Mittens, being warm, winter accessories, are a fitting and cozy addition to the snowman, enhancing its appearance.

The clue uses quotation marks around "arms" to highlight that the snowman's arms are made from sticks, and the idea of "sticking" mittens on them creates a charming visual. This seasonal imagery makes "MITTENS" the perfect answer to this whimsical clue.

Rocks That May Contain Precious Metals : ORES

"Rocks That May Contain Precious Metals" is looking for a geological term related to materials from which valuable metals can be extracted. The answer, "ORES," refers to naturally occurring rocks or minerals that contain sufficient concentrations of precious metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum, making them economically viable for mining.

These ores are the primary source of metals used in various industries, including jewelry, electronics, and manufacturing. The clue's reference to "precious metals" directs solvers to think of materials related to metal extraction, leading to "ORES" as the correct and logical answer. This connection between geology and metallurgy makes "ORES" a fitting solution to the clue.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh : SHAPIRO

"Pennsylvania Governor Josh" is seeking the last name of the current governor of Pennsylvania. The answer, "SHAPIRO," refers to Josh Shapiro, who became the governor of Pennsylvania in 2023. Shapiro, a member of the Democratic Party, previously served as the state's Attorney General before being elected governor.

The clue gives a straightforward hint by providing the first name "Josh," which, when paired with the knowledge of current U.S. state leaders, leads directly to "SHAPIRO." This political clue requires familiarity with contemporary U.S. politics, making "SHAPIRO" the precise and accurate answer.

Coveted Scrabble Space … Or The Sheet Music For 16-, 21-, 34- Or 51-across? : TRIPLEWORDSCORE

"Coveted Scrabble Space … Or The Sheet Music For 16-, 21-, 34- Or 51-across" is looking for a term related to both a valuable Scrabble board feature and a musical concept. The answer, "TRIPLEWORDSCORE," refers to a special Scrabble board space that multiplies the score of the word placed on it by three, making it highly desirable for players aiming to maximize their points.

The clue cleverly uses "sheet music" metaphorically to suggest the strategic placement of this term across different clues (16-, 21-, 34-, or 51-across) in the puzzle. Recognizing "TRIPLEWORDSCORE" as a key element in both Scrabble and the crossword structure makes it the fitting solution.

State That's Home To One End Of The Appalachian Trail : MAINE

"State That's Home To One End Of The Appalachian Trail" is identifying a U.S. state that hosts a terminus of a famous long-distance hiking trail. The answer, "MAINE," is correct because it is the state where the northern end of the Appalachian Trail is located.

This trail stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine, covering a diverse range of landscapes along its route. The clue highlights Maine's geographical significance in this context, making "MAINE" the appropriate answer for solving the puzzle related to the trail's endpoint.

Where "All My Ex's Live," In Song : TEXAS

"Where 'All My Ex's Live,' In Song" refers to a location mentioned in a popular song lyric. The answer, "TEXAS," is derived from George Strait's hit song "All My Ex's Live in Texas," where the singer laments that his former relationships are all in the state of Texas.

The song humorously expresses how his ex-partners have settled in Texas, making it a central theme in the lyrics. The clue relies on familiarity with this classic country song to identify "TEXAS" as the answer, linking the song’s content with the specific location mentioned.

City Surrounding Vatican City : ROME

"City Surrounding Vatican City" is asking for the name of the city that encircles Vatican City, the independent city-state located within it. The answer, "ROME," is correct because Vatican City is entirely surrounded by the city of Rome, Italy. This geographical relationship makes Rome the only city in the world to completely envelop a sovereign state.

The clue highlights Rome's unique position in relation to Vatican City, making it the straightforward answer for this geographical query.

Something Checked At An Airport Counter : BAG

"Something Checked At An Airport Counter" is referring to a common item that passengers must handle during the check-in process at an airport. The answer, "BAG," fits the clue because passengers are required to check their bags or luggage at the airport counter before proceeding to security and boarding.

This process involves verifying the bag's contents, weight, and destination to ensure it follows airline regulations. The clue's use of "checked" directly points to this essential travel item, making "BAG" the appropriate and logical answer for the crossword.

Outlet For An Internet Commentator : BLOG

"Outlet For An Internet Commentator" is referring to a platform where individuals share their thoughts and opinions online. The answer, "BLOG," fits the clue perfectly because a blog is a common medium used by internet commentators to post articles, commentary, and personal reflections.

This platform allows for regular updates and interaction with readers, making it an ideal outlet for those who wish to engage with an online audience. The term "blog" encapsulates the concept of an internet-based space for commentary, aligning with the clue's description.

___ Gagarin, First Man In Space : YURI

"___ Gagarin, First Man In Space" is asking for the first name of the pioneering astronaut who was the first human to journey into outer space. The answer, "YURI," refers to Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet cosmonaut who made history on April 12, 1961, by orbiting Earth aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft.

His mission marked a significant milestone in space exploration and established him as a prominent figure in the history of space travel. The clue directly points to Gagarin’s first name, making "YURI" the accurate answer for this historical reference.

Man's Name That's A Fruit Spelled Backward : EMIL

"Man's Name That's A Fruit Spelled Backward" is looking for a male name that, when reversed, spells out a type of fruit. The answer, "EMIL," fits the clue because when spelled backward, it becomes "LIME," which is a well-known fruit. This clever wordplay combines a common name with a fruit to create a solution that is both surprising and satisfying.

Recognizing the reversed spelling connection between the name "EMIL" and the fruit "LIME" makes it the fitting answer for this puzzle.

Brainpower Measures, For Short : IQS

"Brainpower Measures, For Short" is asking for a concise term that represents evaluations of cognitive ability. The answer, "IQS," stands for "Intelligence Quotients," which are numerical scores used to measure a person's intellectual capabilities and potential. These scores are commonly used in various educational and psychological assessments to gauge cognitive functions.

The abbreviation "IQS" effectively captures the idea of brainpower measures, making it the appropriate answer for this clue.

Lead-in To Law Or Launch : PRE

"Lead-in To Law Or Launch" is looking for a prefix that can precede both "law" and "launch" to form common phrases. The answer, "PRE," fits the clue because it can be added to "law" to create "prelaw," a term used for coursework or studies undertaken before formally pursuing a legal career.

Similarly, "prelaunch" refers to activities or preparations that occur before the official launch of a product or project. The prefix "PRE" effectively links both concepts, making it the correct answer for this wordplay clue.

Athleisure Lead-in To "Lemon" : LULU

"Athleisure Lead-in To 'Lemon'" is referring to a popular brand known for its athletic wear. The answer, "LULU," is the lead-in to "Lemon," forming the name "Lululemon," a well-known company specializing in athleisure apparel. The clue uses "athleisure" to hint at the brand's focus on sportswear and casual fashion.

By identifying "LULU" as the prefix, solvers can correctly complete the brand name, making it a fitting and precise answer for the clue.

Bay Area Enforcement Org. : SFPD

"Bay Area Enforcement Org." is referring to a law enforcement agency located in the San Francisco Bay Area. The answer, "SFPD," stands for the San Francisco Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining law and order within the city of San Francisco.

This abbreviation is commonly used to denote the local police force in the region. The clue's reference to "Bay Area" directs solvers to think of the major cities within this geographical area, making "SFPD" the correct and fitting answer for this enforcement organization.

The Huskies Of The N.C.A.A. : UCONN

"The Huskies Of The N.C.A.A." is referring to a college sports team with the nickname "Huskies" that competes in NCAA events. The answer, "UCONN," stands for the University of Connecticut, whose athletic teams are known as the Huskies.

UConn is a prominent university with a well-regarded sports program, particularly in basketball. The clue highlights the nickname used by this institution's teams and the abbreviation "UCONN" makes it clear which university is being referenced. Recognizing this connection between the nickname and the school allows for a precise solution to the clue.

Motion-sensing Nintendo Console : WII

"Motion-sensing Nintendo Console" refers to a gaming system known for its innovative control technology. The answer, "WII," is the Nintendo Wii, a console introduced with motion-sensing controllers that allow players to interact with games through physical movement.

This feature marked a significant advancement in gaming technology when the Wii was released, distinguishing it from other consoles of its time. The clue points directly to the console's defining characteristic—its ability to detect motion, making "WII" the appropriate and clear answer.

Kitchen Brand With A Palindromic Name : OXO

"Kitchen Brand With A Palindromic Name" refers to a well-known brand that produces kitchenware and utensils. The answer, "OXO," fits the clue because it is a brand recognized for its quality kitchen tools and is notable for its palindromic name—meaning it reads the same forwards and backwards.

The clue highlights the unique characteristic of the brand's name, making "OXO" a straightforward and fitting solution for this wordplay puzzle.

Suffix With Sudan Or Japan : ESE

"Suffix With Sudan Or Japan" is looking for a common ending that can be added to the names of these countries to form adjectives describing their respective cultures or languages. The answer, "ESE," is the correct suffix because when appended to "Sudan" and "Japan," it creates "Sudanese" and "Japanese."

These terms refer to the people, cultures, or languages associated with each country. The suffix "ESE" effectively completes the clue by linking both country names to their descriptive forms, making it the precise solution for this puzzle.

Monday, August 26, 2024 NYT Crossword Puzzle Answers

Across

1 Square Dance Venue : BARN

5 San ___, Capital Of Puerto Rico : JUAN

9 The "I" of T.G.I.F. : ITS

12 Spring ___ (Encounter Plumbing Problems) : ALEAK

14 Popular Dance Fitness Program : ZUMBA

15 Backwoods Denial : NAW

16 Abba Hit Of 1979 : GIMMEGIMMEGIMME

19 Like Some Smartphone Purchases : INAPP

20 What A Three-way Intersection Can Form : TSHAPE

21 N Sync Hit Of 2000 : BYEBYEBYE

25 Situated On : ATOP

26 Adore, Informally : LUV

27 Olympic Gold Medalist Raisman : ALY

28 Things Stuck On Snowman "Arms" : MITTENS

31 Rocks That May Contain Precious Metals : ORES

33 Arouse, As Interest : PIQUE

34 Mötley Crüe Hit Of 1987 : GIRLSGIRLSGIRLS

41 Start Of Caesar's Boast : ICAME

42 Loudly Praise : TOUT

43 Pennsylvania Governor Josh : SHAPIRO

46 Opposite Of NNE : SSW

49 Lisbon Greeting : OLA

50 Boat Propellers : OARS

51 Beach Boys Hit Of 1964 : FUNFUNFUN

54 Religious Ceremony : RITUAL

57 Italy's Isle Of ___ : CAPRI

58 Coveted Scrabble Space … Or The Sheet Music For 16-, 21-, 34- Or 51-across? : TRIPLEWORDSCORE

63 Beethoven's "___ To Joy" : ODE

64 State That's Home To One End Of The Appalachian Trail : MAINE

65 Where "All My Ex's Live," In Song : TEXAS

66 In Favor Of : FOR

67 Present In A Favorable Light : SPIN

68 City Surrounding Vatican City : ROME

Down

1 Something Checked At An Airport Counter : BAG

2 Oscar Winner Mahershala : ALI

3 Sleep Stage, For Short : REM

4 Coastal African Desert : NAMIB

5 Skittish : JUMPY

6 Errr … I Mean … : UMM

7 Assist With A Crime : ABET

8 Pesters : NAGS

9 Jail Cell Occupant : INMATE

10 Maxi Pad Alternative : TAMPON

11 Uses A Broom : SWEEPS

13 Its Capital Is Nairobi : KENYA

14 Quickly Fly Past : ZIPBY

17 Scottish Highlander : GAEL

18 Zero Stars From Me! : IHATEIT

21 Outlet For An Internet Commentator : BLOG

22 ___ Gagarin, First Man In Space : YURI

23 At Any Point : EVER

24 Man's Name That's A Fruit Spelled Backward : EMIL

29 Brainpower Measures, For Short : IQS

30 Pull : TUG

32 Makes A Mistake : SLIPSUP

33 Lead-in To Law Or Launch : PRE

35 Bio. Or Chem. : SCI

36 Needle-nosed Fish : GAR

37 ___ Two Minds On This … : IMOF

38 Spot For A Satellite Dish : ROOF

39 Athleisure Lead-in To "Lemon" : LULU

40 Lee Of Marvel Comics : STAN

43 In A Sense : SORTOF

44 Beehive Or Bob : HAIRDO

45 More Hipsterish : ARTIER

46 Entrap : SNARE

47 Bay Area Enforcement Org. : SFPD

48 German Sausage : WURST

52 The Huskies Of The N.C.A.A. : UCONN

53 Not As Mean : NICER

55 Some Church Donations : ALMS

56 Spring : LEAP

59 Motion-sensing Nintendo Console : WII

60 Kitchen Brand With A Palindromic Name : OXO

61 Head-butt : RAM

62 Suffix With Sudan Or Japan : ESE