USA Today Crossword Clues and Answers August 30, 2024

CBS series with a Vegas spinoff Crossword Clue: The Answer is CSI

The clue "CBS series with a Vegas spinoff" refers to the original CSI series, which stands for Crime Scene Investigation. This show, which originally aired on CBS, focuses on a team of forensic experts who solve crimes by examining evidence at crime scenes.

The success of the original CSI led to the creation of several spin-offs, one of which is CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - Las Vegas. This Vegas spinoff explores crime-solving in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, extending the franchise's narrative and appeal to new locations and storylines.

What’s trapped in a soap bubble Crossword Clue: The Answer is AIR

The clue "What's trapped in a soap bubble" refers to AIR. A soap bubble is created when a thin film of soap and water forms a sphere around a pocket of air. This air is trapped inside the bubble, giving it its spherical shape and allowing it to float and reflect light.

The thin soap film reflects and refracts light, creating the colorful patterns often seen in bubbles. Thus, the answer to the clue is AIR.

Used a prayer rug, say Crossword Clue: The Answer is KNELT

The clue "Used a prayer rug, say" refers to the act of KNELT. In many religious practices, especially within Islam, individuals use a prayer rug to perform their prayers. During these prayers, practitioners commonly kneel as part of their devotional posture.

The term "say" in the clue suggests that the answer is a word describing the action related to using the prayer rug. Therefore, KNELT is the appropriate answer, indicating the action of kneeling, which is associated with using a prayer rug.

Genre that grew out of hardcore punk Crossword Clue: The Answer is EMO

The clue "Genre that grew out of hardcore punk" refers to EMO. Emo, short for "emotional hardcore," emerged as a subgenre of punk rock in the mid-1980s. It evolved from hardcore punk, incorporating more personal and emotional lyrics while maintaining the intense and fast-paced musical style.

Emo is characterized by its focus on expressive and introspective themes, setting it apart from the more aggressive and political tones of its hardcore punk roots. Thus, EMO is the genre that grew out of hardcore punk.

Degrees for some CFOs Crossword Clue: The Answer is MBAS

The clue "Degrees for some CFOs" refers to MBAS. CFOs, or Chief Financial Officers, are high-level executives responsible for managing a company's financial actions.

Many CFOs hold advanced degrees that prepare them for their roles, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a common qualification.

Prepare some pu’er Crossword Clue: The Answer is BREW

The clue "Prepare some pu’er" refers to BREW. Pu’er is a type of fermented tea from China, and to enjoy it, one typically brews the tea leaves in hot water. The term "brew" describes the process of making tea, making it the fitting answer for this clue.

Attorney’s assignment Crossword Clue: The Answer is LEGALCASE

The clue "Attorney’s assignment" refers to LEGALCASE. An attorney's primary responsibility involves handling legal cases, which are assignments that require their expertise in legal matters. Thus, LEGALCASE is the correct answer.

“___ Can’t Love You” (Destiny’s Child song) Crossword Clue: The Answer is SHE

The clue "___ Can’t Love You” (Destiny’s Child song)" refers to SHE. The song "She Can't Love You" by Destiny’s Child fits the clue, with "She" being the missing word in the song title. Therefore, SHE is the appropriate answer.

Masa steamed in a banana leaf Crossword Clue: The Answer is TAMALE

The clue "Masa steamed in a banana leaf" refers to TAMALE. Tamales are a traditional dish made with masa (a type of dough) wrapped in a banana leaf (or corn husk) and steamed. This description matches perfectly with TAMALE.

Wafer brand named for its flavor Crossword Clue: The Answer is NILLA

The clue "Wafer brand named for its flavor" refers to NILLA. Nilla Wafers are a brand of vanilla-flavored wafers. The name "Nilla" is derived from "vanilla," indicating the flavor of the wafers. Hence, NILLA is the answer.

Core muscle exercise Crossword Clue: The Answer is SITUP

The clue "Core muscle exercise" refers to SITUP. Sit-ups are a common exercise designed to strengthen the core muscles, particularly the abdominal area. Thus, SITUP is the correct answer.

Recess built into a wall Crossword Clue: The Answer is ALCOVE

The clue "Recess built into a wall" refers to ALCOVE. An alcove is a small, recessed space in a wall, often used for decorative purposes or to create a niche. This definition fits the clue, making ALCOVE the appropriate answer.

Time to “beware” after Pi Day Crossword Clue: The Answer is IDES

The clue "Time to ‘beware’ after Pi Day" refers to IDES. Pi Day is celebrated on March 14, and the day immediately following is March 15, which is known as the Ides of March. This historical term is famous for its association with Julius Caesar’s assassination. Thus, IDES is the correct answer.

Trees with the lightest wood Crossword Clue: The Answer is BALSAS

The clue "Trees with the lightest wood" refers to BALSAS. Balsa trees produce balsa wood, known for being exceptionally lightweight. This type of wood is often used in model building and crafts due to its lightness. Therefore, BALSAS is the appropriate answer.

Drink often served with pork buns Crossword Clue: The Answer is TEA

The clue "Drink often served with pork buns" refers to TEA. Tea is a popular beverage that is frequently paired with various types of dim sum, including pork buns. It complements the flavors of the food and is a traditional accompaniment in many Asian cuisines. Hence, TEA is the answer.

Calmness under pressure Crossword Clue: The Answer is POISE

The clue "Calmness under pressure" refers to POISE. Poise describes the quality of maintaining composure and grace, especially in stressful or challenging situations. It reflects the ability to stay calm and collected under pressure. Thus, POISE is the correct answer.

“The Morning Show” actress Greta Crossword Clue: The Answer is LEE

The clue "‘The Morning Show’ actress Greta" refers to LEE. Greta Lee is an actress known for her role in the television show "The Morning Show." The name LEE corresponds to her last name, making it the answer.

Crunchy soup add-in Crossword Clue: The Answer is CRACKER

The clue "Crunchy soup add-in" refers to CRACKER. Crackers are a common crunchy addition to soups, providing texture and flavor contrast. They are often crumbled or added whole to enhance the eating experience. Therefore, CRACKER is the correct answer.

“I messed up! Who cares!?” Crossword Clue: The Answer is SOSUEME

The clue "‘I messed up! Who cares!?’" refers to SOSUEME. This phrase is a casual and somewhat dismissive way of expressing that a mistake has been made but is not of significant concern. It is a playful, informal response indicating a lack of worry about the error. Hence, SOSUEME is the answer.

“Star Wars” bounty hunter Boba Crossword Clue: The Answer is FETT

The clue “Star Wars” bounty hunter Boba” refers to FETT. Boba Fett is a renowned bounty hunter in the Star Wars universe, known for his distinctive Mandalorian armor and helmet. He is a prominent character in the franchise, making FETT the correct answer.

Swimming sensation Douglass Crossword Clue: The Answer is KATE

The clue “Swimming sensation Douglass” refers to KATE. Kate Douglass is an accomplished swimmer who has achieved notable success in competitive swimming. Her name, KATE, is associated with her impressive swimming career.

Noah Lyles’ Olympic team Crossword Clue: The Answer is USA

The clue “Noah Lyles’ Olympic team” refers to USA. Noah Lyles is an American sprinter who represents the United States in international athletics competitions, including the Olympics. Therefore, USA is the correct answer.

Reddish purple with the hex code #FF00FF Crossword Clue: The Answer is MAGENTA

The clue “Reddish purple with the hex code #FF00FF” refers to MAGENTA. Magenta is a color that combines red and purple hues and is represented by the hex code #FF00FF. This vibrant color is commonly known as magenta.

“What is grief, if not ___ persevering?” Crossword Clue: The Answer is LOVE

The clue “What is grief, if not ___ persevering?” refers to LOVE. This quote is from the TV show "WandaVision," where the character Wanda Maximoff reflects on grief and its relationship to love. The complete line is “What is grief, if not love persevering?” making LOVE the correct answer.

“It’s ___ on earth to be heavenly” Crossword Clue: The Answer is HELL

The clue “It’s ___ on earth to be heavenly” refers to HELL. The phrase “It’s hell on earth to be heavenly” plays on the contrast between earthly and heavenly experiences. This line suggests that the struggle or suffering on earth is in contrast to heavenly existence, making HELL the fitting answer.

Friday, August 30, 2024, USA Today Crossword Puzzle Answers

Across

1 Kraken or manticore: BEAST
6 ___ Alto City Library: PALO
10 CBS series with a Vegas spinoff: CSI
13 Discombobulate: ADDLE
14 Had to pay back: OWED
15 Players who are paid: PROS
16 Have no worries: LIVEALIFEOFEASE
19 Gumbo or budaelligae: STEW
20 The Sun Devils' sch.: ASU
21 Pet from a shelter: RESCUE
22 What's trapped in a soap bubble: AIR
23 Used a prayer rug, say: KNELT
25 Coin at an arcade: TOKEN
26 Steel wool scrubber: SOSPAD
28 Same old routine: RUT
30 Genre that grew out of hardcore punk: EMO
31 Free of clutter: NEAT
32 Degrees for some CFOs: MBAS
34 Prepare some pu'er: BREW
35 Attorney's assignment: LEGALCASE
38 Tent fasteners: PEGS
41 Starting poker stake: ANTE
42 Title for a Tibetan monk: LAMA
45 Night before a big day: EVE
46 ___ Can't Love You (Destiny's Child song): SHE
47 Masa steamed in a banana leaf: TAMALE
49 Wafer brand named for its flavor: NILLA
51 Core muscle exercise: SITUP
54 Pink lady liquor: GIN
55 Recess built into a wall: ALCOVE
57 Cry hysterically: SOB
58 Fireplace output: HEAT
59 Keep hanging .: LEAVEINSUSPENSE
62 Enter via keyboar: TYPE
63 Gloomy: DOUR
64 Do some tailoring: ALTER
65 Sounds like a plan!: YES
66 Time to "beware" after Pi Day: IDES
67 Yearbook section: CLASS

Down

1 Trees with the lightest wood: BALSAS
2 Version of a book: EDITION
3 Far from favorable: ADVERSE
4 Whole bunch: SLEW
5 Drink often served with pork buns: TEA
6 Calmness under pressure: POISE
7 Beyond bad: AWFUL
8 The Morning Show actress Greta: LEE
9 Stink bug smell: ODOR
10 Crunchy soup add-in: CRACKER
11 I messed up! Who cares'?: SOSUEME
12 Ah, finally got it: ISEENOW
15 Currency in Cancun: PESO
17 Touch down: LAND
18 Star Wars bounty hunter Boba: FETT
23 Swimming sensation Douglass: KATE
24 Slightest amount: TRACE
27 Good buds: PALS
29 Noah Lyles' Olympic team: USA
32 Thick heads of hair: MANES
33 Crunchy sammie: BLT
34 Flashlight output: BEAM
36 Cry of frustration: GAH
37 High-five sound: SLAP
38 Fine, e.g.: PENALTY
39 Curse-inflicting stare: EVILEYE
40 Easy-to- swallow pills: GELCAPS
43 Reddish purple with the hex code #FFOOFF: MAGENTA
44 Assumed names: ALIASES
46 Fill up a piggy bank: SAVE
47 Places to take baths: TUBS
48 Walks inside: ENTERS
50 What is grief, if not ___ persevering?: LOVE
52 Source of contention: ISSUE
53 Trips with guides: TOURS
56 Eid al-Fitr gift: EIDI
58 It's ___ on earth to be heavenly: HELL
60 Silent greeting: NOD
61 ___-12 Conference: PAC