​Universal​ Crossword Today Answers September 02, 2024 Updated

Cleaning cloth Crossword Clue : The Answer is JAY LENO

This clue seems to play on a pun. Jay Leno, a famous comedian and former host of "The Tonight Show," is not a cleaning cloth. The clue could be humorous or misleading, requiring one to think outside the box. "Cleaning cloth" might also reference something related to Jay Leno's public persona, like his love for classic cars which often require cleaning and care.

Base's opposite Crossword Clue : The Answer is SUMMIT

In a geographical context, the "base" of a mountain is its lowest point, while the "summit" is the highest point. Therefore, "SUMMIT" is the opposite of "base." This clue plays on the concept of high and low, commonly understood terms in both mountaineering and general vocabulary.

Gift-wrapping adhesive Crossword Clue : The Answer is TAPE

When wrapping a gift, you typically use an adhesive to hold the paper in place. The most common adhesive for this purpose is "TAPE." This clue is straightforward, pointing to the common practice of using clear or decorative tape to secure wrapping paper around a gift.

Big bird Down Under Crossword Clue : The Answer is EMU

The "Big bird Down Under" refers to Australia, often colloquially called "Down Under." The EMU, a large flightless bird native to Australia, fits this description. It's one of the two largest birds native to Australia, alongside the ostrich, and is widely recognized in Australian fauna.

Concerts and such Crossword Clue : The Answer is SHOWS

Concerts are live music performances, which are a type of "SHOW." The term "SHOWS" can encompass a variety of live performances, such as plays, musicals, and concerts. This clue is broad, allowing for various interpretations that all fit within the realm of live entertainment.

Naproxen brand Crossword Clue : The Answer is ALEVE

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fevers. "ALEVE" is a well-known over-the-counter brand that contains naproxen. This clue is looking for a brand name associated with the medication, and Aleve is a popular choice.

The cost of quiet, say (In this answer, note letters 1 and 6-9) Crossword Clue : The Answer is HUSH MONEY

"Hush money" refers to a payment made to someone to keep them silent about a certain matter, usually a scandal or secret. The phrase comes from the verb "hush," which means to make quiet, and "money," indicating a financial transaction. In the context of the crossword clue, the phrase plays on the idea of "the cost of quiet," meaning the amount someone is paid to remain silent.

Cubes, as cucumbers Crossword Clue : The Answer is DICES

To "dice" means to cut something into small cubes, commonly used in cooking. The clue "Cubes, as cucumbers" plays on this culinary term, suggesting the action of chopping cucumbers into cube-like pieces. "Dices" is the third-person singular form of the verb "to dice." The plural-sounding answer matches the plural form of the clue, which refers to multiple pieces resulting from the action.

Table in a temple Crossword Clue : The Answer is ALTAR

An "altar" is a table or flat-topped structure used for religious rituals, particularly in a temple or church. In many religious traditions, altars are central to worship ceremonies, serving as a place to offer sacrifices, perform rituals, or present offerings to deities. The clue is straightforward in this sense, describing the altar simply as a "table in a temple."

Mess up Crossword Clue : The Answer is SPOIL

"Spoil" can mean to ruin or damage something, often by making a mistake or not taking care of it properly. In the context of this clue, "mess up" is a synonym for "spoil." For example, food can spoil if it is left out too long, or plans can be spoiled if something goes wrong. The word also conveys a sense of causing harm or deterioration, whether through neglect, error, or willful damage.

Compliment the chef in China Crossword Clue : The Answer is BURP

The clue uses humor and cultural stereotyping to provide a playful answer. "Burp" is an informal term for releasing gas from the stomach through the mouth. In some cultures, such as in parts of China, a burp after a meal is seen as a compliment to the chef, indicating that the person enjoyed the food and ate well.

Gymnastics apparatus Crossword Clue : The Answer is MAT

A "mat" is a piece of equipment used in gymnastics to provide a safe, cushioned surface for athletes to perform routines and practice exercises. The clue is very direct, asking for a piece of apparatus associated with gymnastics. Mats come in various sizes and thicknesses, providing support and protection during activities such as tumbling, vaulting, or floor exercises.

Physical therapy Crossword Clue : The Answer is REHAB

Rehabilitation, often abbreviated as "rehab," is the process of restoring function and mobility to individuals after injury, surgery, or illness. Physical therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation, involving exercises, stretches, and therapeutic techniques designed to improve movement, reduce pain, and prevent further injury.

Protective charm Crossword Clue : The Answer is TALISMAN

A talisman is an object believed to possess magical properties that provide protection, bring good luck, or ward off evil. Historically, talismans have been used in many cultures, from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe, often inscribed with symbols or words of power. People may carry or wear a talisman as a pendant, bracelet, or ring, or keep it in a special place for protection.

The Kiss painter Klimt Crossword Clue : The Answer is GUSTAV

Gustav Klimt was an Austrian painter and one of the most prominent members of the Vienna Secession movement. He is best known for his distinctive style that combined realism with ornamental gold leaf, creating sensual and emotionally charged works. One of his most famous paintings, "The Kiss," completed in 1908, depicts a couple in a tight embrace, surrounded by a golden aura that suggests both intimacy and divinity.

Possible reaction to the sound of a makeup brush on a mic Crossword Clue : The Answer is A S M R

ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a term used to describe a tingling sensation that some people experience in response to specific auditory or visual stimuli. Common triggers for ASMR include whispering, tapping, soft-spoken voices, and the gentle sound of a makeup brush moving against a microphone.

Comedian Margaret Crossword Clue : The Answer is C H O

Margaret Cho is a Korean-American comedian, actress, and activist known for her stand-up routines that tackle social and political issues, including race, sexuality, and identity. She gained fame in the 1990s with her unique style of humor that blends sharp wit, personal anecdotes, and social commentary.

Particle that may be negative Crossword Clue : The Answer is ION

An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, giving it a net electrical charge. When an atom gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged and is called an anion. Conversely, when it loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is called a cation.

Dorky sort Crossword Clue : The Answer is SCHMO

The term "schmo" is a Yiddish-derived word used in English slang to describe someone who is considered foolish, clumsy, or socially awkward. It’s often used humorously or affectionately to describe a person who might be a bit of a “dork” or lacks social graces. The term doesn’t carry a harsh or offensive connotation; instead, it’s more of a lighthearted jab.

Smidge Crossword Clue : The Answer is MODICUM

"Modicum" means a small or moderate amount of something. The word is often used to describe a tiny quantity, like a "smidge" or a "little bit" of something, whether it's physical (like a modicum of food) or abstract (like a modicum of patience). It derives from Latin "modicus," meaning moderate.

Story in court Crossword Clue : The Answer is ALIBI

An "alibi" is a claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an alleged act, typically a crime, took place. In a legal context, an alibi can be used as a defense to prove that the defendant could not have committed the crime in question because they were at another location.

Quite odd Crossword Clue : The Answer is QUEER

The word "queer" originally means something that is strange or unusual. Over time, it has also become a term used to describe someone whose sexual orientation or gender identity does not conform to the societal norms, though it’s important to note that its use in this context can be both affirming and controversial, depending on the community and context.

Mountain called Chomolungma in Tibetan Crossword Clue : The Answer is EVEREST

Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, standing at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. Known as "Chomolungma," which means "Goddess Mother of the World" in Tibetan, it is a sacred site in the Tibetan and Sherpa cultures. The mountain is part of the Himalayas and straddles the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Malbec alternative Crossword Clue : The Answer is SYRAH

"Syrah," also known as "Shiraz" in some regions, is a type of red wine grape variety that is often considered an alternative to Malbec, another popular red wine. Syrah is known for its deep, dark flavors with notes of blackberries, pepper, and sometimes smoky or meaty undertones. Originating from the Rhône region in France, Syrah is now grown in wine regions around the world, including Australia, the United States, and South Africa.

Play awards? Crossword Clue : The Answer is ESPYS

The "ESPYS" are annual sports awards presented by ESPN to recognize individual and team athletic achievements, as well as other sports-related performances. The name "ESPYS" is a play on the word "play," relating to sports, where athletes engage in different forms of play, whether it's basketball, football, or other competitions.

Monday, September 02, 2024 ​Universal​ Crossword Puzzle Answers

ACROSS

1 Cleaning cloth: JAY LENO
4 Base's opposite: SUMMIT
8 Gift-wrapping adhesive: TAPE
12 Big bird Down Under: EMU
13 Concerts and such: SHOWS
15 Naproxen brand: ALEVE
17 The cost of quiet, say (In this answer, note letters 1 and 6-9): HUSH MONEY
19 Cubes, as cucumbers: DICES
20 Table in a temple: ALTAR
21 Mess up: SPOIL
23 Compliment the chef in China: BURP
24 Gymnastics apparatus: MAT
25 The Who song with the lyric "It's only teenage wasteland" (... letters 1-3 and 10): BABA O'RILEY
28 Prime-time performer: TV STAR
30 The Idol network: H B O
31 Satellite whose first letter stands for "international": I S S
32 Throuple, say: TRIAD
34 Casual conversation: MEALTIME CONVERSATION
36 Relationship ruiner (... letters 1-3 and 11): MEALTIME CONVERSATION
39 Beach bird: ERN
40 Raring to go: SET
41 C'mon, ___ pal!: BEA
42 Org. that monitors COVID: C D C
45 Chinchilla or capybara: RODENT
48 Black brew from northern India (... letters 1-3 and 7-10): DARJEELING
51 Ripped: CRIED
53 Shawkat of "Arrested Development": ALIA
54 A ways away: AFAR
55 Multiplication word: TIMES
56 Hoo boy: MAN
58 Make more palatable, or what 17-, 25-, 36- or 48-Across "wears": SUGARCOAT
61 Polynesian nation: TONGA
62 Lineup of nominees: SLATE
63 Numbered rd.: H W Y
64 Stave (off): WARD
65 Last word of a threat: ELSE
66 Looker?: EYE

​DOWN

1 Physical therapy: REHAB
2 Protective charm: TALISMAN
3 The Kiss painter Klimt: GUSTAV
4 Possible reaction to the sound of a makeup brush on a mic: A S M R
5 Comedian Margaret: C H O
6 Particle that may be negative: ION
7 Dorky sort: SCHMO
8 Smidge: MODICUM
9 Story in court: ALIBI
10 Quite odd: QUEER
11 Mountain called Chomolungma in Tibetan: EVEREST
14 Malbec alternative: SYRAH
16 Play awards?: ESPYS
18 Pet that is a 45-Across: HAMSTER
22 Stick up or hold up: ROB
25 Leave suddenly: POP OFF
26 Part of UAE: EMIRATES
27 Shredded on guitar, say: ROCKED
29 Hypnotic state: STUPOR
33 Name found in "mind reader": D R E
35 Person who defies belief?: HERETIC
36 Heavens to Betsy!: MY GOD
37 Obtain through effort: WIN
38 Extremely excited: ATWITTER
39 Something to steep: OOLONG
41 Celebrations where candles are blown out, for short: B DAYS
43 Totes: D E F
44 Sophistication: POLITENESS
46 This has to stop: NO MORE
47 International agreement: DETENTE
49 Bateman of "Ozark": JASON
50 Confident words from a queen?: I RULE
52 Lauder who created the Youth-Dew fragrance: ESTEE
55 It grows in a grove: TREE
57 Owned: INHERITABLE
59 Lass: CHILD
60 @@@: A T S