Thursday, November 20, 2025, Caroline Hand

Theme:  Field day. 

Caroline Hand has published crossword puzzles in several major newspapers over the last couple of years.  You might say she is having quite a field day!  Today she treats us to a field day as well, with four echoing theme clues, and no reveal.  The theme clues and answers, symmetrically placed in rows Across, are:

20. Field: GRASSY PASTURE.  A straightforward type of field.

27. Field: LINCOLN ACTRESS.  Sally Field played Mary Todd Lincoln in the 2012 Spielberg film.

43. Field: CATCH A GROUNDER.  Scoop up a baseball that is rolling on the ground and return it to play.

51. Field: BRANCH OF STUDY.  Discipline, area, specialty, subject, domain.

Having fielded these clues, it's time to dig into the rest of them.

Across:

1. Oodles and oodles (of): GOBS.

5. Language of poet Nima Yooshij: FARSI.  Nima Yooshij (1895 - 1960) is considered the father of modern Persian poetry.

Nima Yooshij

10. Future esq.'s exam: LSAT.  Law School Admission Test.

14. Share a border: ABUT.

15. Sweet sandwiches: OREOS.

16. Empire centered at Cuzco: INCA.

17. iPhone speaker: SIRI.

18. Marner of fiction: SILAS.  Silas Marner is a novel published in 1861 by English author George Eliot, pen name of Mary Ann Evans.  The main character is a humble weaver who suffers various misfortunes, but whose life is given new meaning when he adopts a little orphan girl. The novel impressed me a lot when I was a young girl given to reading Victorian novels. 

19. Extol the good points of: TOUT.

20. [Theme clue]

23. Cooling syst. meas.: BTU.  British Thermal Unit is a measure of heat.

25. Jockey (for): VIE.

26. Rite place: ALTAR.

27. [Theme clue]

32. Furnish with funds: ENDOW.

33. Tortilla dough: MASA.  Masa is dough made from corn that has been soaked in limewater, washed, and hulled.  The dried corn is ground up and reconstituted with water to make dough for tortillas.

34. "The Banana Boat Song" opener: DAY-O.  Harry Belafonte and others adapted this Jamaican song about dock workers loading bananas onto ships at night and looking forward to daylight when they could go home.

     Day-o, day-o

     Daylight come and me wan' go home ...

     Work all night on a drink of rum

     Daylight come and me wan' go home

     Stack banana till de morning come

     Daylight come and me wan' go home

35. Marinade of vinegar and spices: ADOBO.  Adobo is an indigenous Filipino cooking process in which meat, seafood, or vegetables are browned in oil, and then marinated and simmered in vinegar, salt or soy sauce, and garlic.  Spanish or Mexcian adobo is a red chili sauce.  The two types of adobo take their names from the Spanish adobar, to marinate.

37. Tracy Marrow's stage name: ICE T.  We've seen Ice T here a few times recently.  He looks tough, but is apparently grid-friendly.

Ice T

41. Words of clarification: AS IN.  

42. Flip out: GO APE.

43. [Theme clue]

48. Like some seals: EARED.  True seals, like harbor seals, have no external ear flaps.  Eared seals like sea lions and fur seals do have external ear flaps.  But all seals have ear openings.

49. Sharing word: OUR.

50. Cozy burrow: DEN.

51. [Theme clue]

56. Microsoft's web browser: EDGE.

57. Contact, in a way: EMAIL.

58. Spa supplies: OILS.

61. Barrel of laughs: RIOT.

62. Pasta often served alla vodka: PENNE.  Penne (a tube shaped pasta) is served with a sauce of heavy cream, tomatoes, and a splash of vodka.  

penne alla vodka

63. Simple fastener: SNAP.

64. Weight units for whales: TONS.

65. Emotional state: ANGST.

66. Like some batters: EGGY.

Down:

1. Fun time: GAS.

2. Kimono sash: OBI.

A woman wearing a kimono with an obi at her waist.

3. Dry red wine: BURGUNDY.

4. __ the pot: STIR.

5. Accessory brand known for watches: FOSSIL.  When youngest daughter was in high school, she longed for a nice watch.  I pictured something dainty, but she chose something like this:

6. No longer in bed: ARISEN.

7. Lean (on): RELY.

8. Stuff available in bars: SOAP.

9. Rae of "American Fiction": ISSA.  I remember her from her HBO show, Insecure.  And from crossword puzzles.

10. Younger, as a sibling: LITTLE.  No matter how old you get, your little sister is your little sister.

11. Rooting parts: SNOUTS.

12. Legends, for example: ACURAS.  Honda introduced its luxury car brand, Acura, with the Legend sedan in 1985.  It was manufactured through 1995.

13. Home run, in baseball slang: TATER.  Perhaps from hitting a ball over the fence into the potato fields, back in the day.

21. Declare without shame: AVOW.

22. Indie pop duo Tegan and __: SARA.  CanadianEh!, do you know these Canadian twin sisters?

Tegan and Sara

23. Came out in the wash?: BLED.

24. Jukebox musical whose second act begins with "Private Dancer": TINA.  A jukebox musical is a stage musical or musical film in which most of the songs are well-known popular songs, rather than original music composed for the musical.  Tina: The Tina Turner Musical depicts her life from humble beginnings to rock 'n roll superstar.  It's been on stages around the world since 2018.

28. Baby's noise: COO.

29. In the middle of: AMONG.

30. Hailed ride: CAB.

31. "The Search for General __": food documentary: TSO.  I learned from puzzles about the Chinese American dish called General Tso's chicken.

35. Hosiery shade: ASH.  This vintage package says the color is Ash.  I guess I'd call it taupe.

36. Domingo, por ejemplo: DIA.  Sunday, for example:  Day.  (Spanish.)

37. Physicist's particle: ION.

38. Summer gig for an aspiring golfer, perhaps: CADDYING.

39. Foil kin: ÉPÉE.  Types of swords used in fencing.

40. Beach bird: TERN.

41. Current options: AC/DC.

42. Buddhist teacher: GURU.

43. Elliptical workout, e.g., informally: CARDIO.  Cardiovascular exercise elevates your heart rate.  An elliptical machine allows you to achieve that while being gentle on your joints.

44. Old kingdom of Spain: ARAGON.

45. Core convictions: TENETS.

46. Prepares to bow: ROSINS.  Violin rosin is made from pine resins.  A violinist applies rosin to his bow -- or "rosins" the bow -- to create friction between the bow hair and the strings, and thereby create sound.

NaomiZ on cello, big brother and little sister on violin, 1966

47. Retail store: OUTLET.

48. Longtime "At the Movies" co-host: EBERT.

52. Filter letters: HEPA.

53. Prophetic sign: OMEN.

54. Venom source: FANG.

55. Capful, perhaps: DOSE.

59. Trail behind: LAG.

60. Figure in a covert op: SPY.

Here's the grid:

Solvers, did you have a field day with Caroline's puzzle?

Was it a GAS?  Or did it cause you ANGST?

I am on the EDGE of my seat waiting to know.

-- NaomiZ

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Joe Deeney

Theme:  Polish, garnish, embellish - all to make it better.  Let's start with the unifier.

61. Details that make things perfect, and what 18-, 24-, 39-, and 53-Across have: FINISHING TOUCHES.  Final details or actions completing and enhancing a piece of work.   The final word of each theme fill is a type of physical touch - thus, the finishing touch.

18. Wildflower with showy red bracts: INDIAN PAINT BRUSH.  Also, a BRUSH is a a slight and fleeting touch.

The Legend

24. Mockumentary about "one of England's loudest bands": THIS IS SPINAL TAP.  The comedy film satirizes the behavior and musical pretensions of rock bands and the hagiographic tendencies of serious rock documentaries.  It was Rob Reiner's feature directorial debut.  Also, a TAP is a quick light blow,

39. Line in Hamlet's "To sleep, perchance to dream" soliloquy: THERE'S THE RUB.   This means "that's the difficulty" or "that's the obstacle". It comes from the famous "to be or not to be" soliloquy in Hamlet, where Hamlet is contemplating suicide but is held back by the fear of the unknown afterlife.  Also, a RUB is the movement of one's hand, a cloth, or another object back and forth over a surface.

53. Style in a swimming medley: BUTTERFLY STROKE.   A swimming stroke characterized by both arms moving forward over the water simultaneously, while the legs perform a synchronized "dolphin" kick. It is the second-fastest swimming stroke and is known for its difficulty, requiring a rhythmic, wave-like body motion for propulsion and breathing.  Also, a STRoKE is the action of  passing the hand over something with a light, gentle pressure.

Hi gang, JazzBumpa here, fully enjoying the feel of this theme.  Let's move along and see what else touches us.

Across:

1. Debit card feature: CHIP.  A small computer on a card that encrypts transaction data to provide enhanced security against fraud. Unlike a magnetic stripe, which provides static information, the chip generates a unique, one-time code for each transaction, making it much harder for criminals to clone the card

5. Petro-Canada rival: ESSO.  The petroleum brand owned by ExxonMobil, used outside the United States.

9. God, in the Haggadah: ADONAI.  God is called Adonai because it is a Hebrew word meaning "Lord" or "Master," used to signify God's absolute sovereignty and authority over all of creation. 

15. Frost: HOAR.   Grayish white; by analogy to gray or gray-haired with age. [Like me.]

16. Flirty growl: RAWR.   If you say so.

17. Swerve dangerously: CAREEN.

21. Only: MERE.   That is solely or no more or better than what is specified.

22. MIT Sloan deg.: MBA. Master of Business Administration.

23. Photoreceptor cell: ROD.

All About Vision

30. "__ so fast!": NOT.  An informal idiom meaning to slow down, wait, or reconsider something because a conclusion or action is premature, or unwise. 

31. With 1-Down, martial art involving slow movements: TAI.  As described - TAI CHI is a Chinese martial art and system of calisthenics, consisting of sequences of very slow controlled movements.

32. Leaves partway through: BAILS.    Quit, leaves, or cancels plans, often suddenly. For example, someone might say, "I'm going to bail on this party," which means they are leaving.

33. Unexpected turn: TWIST.   As in the plot of a book or movie.

36. French article: LES.  Meaning "the."

38. Fabrication: LIE.   Something made up.

43. Peace activist Yoko: ONO.   A Japanese multimedia artist, singer, songwriter, filmmaker, and peace activist. A prominent figure in the Fluxus movement and avant-garde art scene, Ono's work blends visual and performing arts to explore themes of feminism, violence, joy, and human resilience.

44. Sigma follower: TAU.  Greek letters.

45. Ice cream utensil: SPOON.   An implement consisting of a small, shallow oval or round bowl on a long handle, used for eating, stirring, and serving food.

48. Fairy tale fiends: OGRES.    A hideous giant of fairy tales and folklore that feeds on human beings : monster. 

50. Gravel size: PEA.   Pea gravel is a type of landscaping material made of small, naturally rounded stones about the size of a pea. Its smooth, pea-sized pieces make it a popular choice for decorative purposes like pathways and garden beds, as it is comfortable to walk on and offers good drainage.

52. Mare's meal: HAY.   Grass that has been mown and dried for use as fodder.

58. Boxer Muhammad: ALI.   Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. [1942 – 2016] was an American professional boxer and activist. A global cultural icon, widely known by the nickname "the Greatest", he is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time

59. Sweets: BAE.   The acronym "BAE" has several full forms depending on the context, but most commonly it means "before anyone else" and is used as a term of endearment for a significant other.

60. McDonald's magnate Ray: KROC.   Raymond Albert Kroc [1902 - 1984] sometimes called "fast food's founding father", was a businessman who played a key role in McDonald's becoming the world's most successful fast food chain. While not the founder, Kroc was a milkshake mixer salesman who convinced the McDonald brothers to franchise their restaurant nationwide in 1955. He served as CEO from 1967–1973 and developed the McDonald's Corporation franchising program. 

68. Timing of many first steps: AGE ONE.  Development stage for infants.  A somewhat misleading clue, since it could also refer to the first step of a process.

69. Ashram adviser: GURU.  In Hinduism and Buddhism, a spiritual teacher, especially one who imparts initiation.

70. Box __: KITE.    A type of cellular kite with a rigid, three-dimensional structure made of sticks and cloth or plastic, designed to be stable and strong. Unlike simpler flat kites, it uses multiple surfaces to generate lift, often in a box-like or cellular shape, which makes it highly stable in strong winds and typically eliminates the need for a tail. 

71. Good thinking: REASON.   The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments by a process of logic.

72. Cranky state: SNIT.   A fit of irritation; a sulk.

73. "Get outta here!": SCAT.   Go away; leave.

Down:

1. See 31-Across: CHI.   TAI CHI is a Chinese martial art and system of calisthenics, consisting of sequences of very slow controlled movements.

2. Sweets: HON.   BAE.

3. Fault line?: I ADMIT IT.  I did it, and I'm glad!  Clever clue about owning up to some action.

4. Gets too personal: PRIES.   Inquires too closely into a person's private affairs.

5. "Ready Player One" author Cline: ERNEST.  Ernest Christy Cline is an American science fiction novelist, slam poet and screenwriter. He wrote the novels Ready Player One, Armada and Ready Player Two, and co-wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of Ready Player One, directed by Steven Spielberg. 

6. Tree goo: SAP.   The vital, sugary fluid that moves through a tree's internal tissues to transport water, nutrients, and energy. It can be collected for products like maple syrup, used as a natural adhesive or sealant.

7. Most bogged down?: SWAMPIEST.     The most boggy, marshy, miry, mucky, muddy, quaggy, sloppy, sloughy, soggy, squashy, waterlogged.  

8. Savanna grazer: ORIBI.   The oribi is a small antelope found in eastern, southern and western Africa. The sole member of its genus, it was described by the German zoologist Eberhard August Wilhelm von Zimmermann in 1783. While this is the only member in the genus Ourebia, eight subspecies are identified.

9. Do something: ACT.  As defined.

10. Blot: DAB.  To dry or lightly touch with blotting paper or a towel. 

11. NHL great Bobby: ORR.   Robert Gordon Orr OC [b. 1948] is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest players of all time. Orr used his skating speed, scoring, and play-making abilities to revolutionize the position of defenceman.

His most famous moment

12. Like brain activity: NEURAL.   Relating to a nerve or the nervous system.

13. __ Fables: AESOP'S.    Aesop [c. 620–564 BCE] was a Greek fabulist and storyteller credited with a number of fables now collectively known as Aesop's Fables. Although his existence remains unclear and no writings by him survive, numerous tales credited to him were gathered across the centuries and in many languages in a storytelling tradition that continues to this day. Many of the tales associated with him are characterized by anthropomorphic animal characters.

14. With crisp resolution: IN HD.  High-Definition, referring to a higher resolution than standard definition for video, audio, and images, resulting in clearer and more detailed content

19. D-backs, on a scoreboard: ARI.  For Arizona, the location of their home field.

20. Photographer Goldin: NAN.  Nancy Goldin [b. 1953]  is an American photographer and activist. Her work explores in snapshot-style the emotions of the individual, in intimate relationships, and the bohemian LGBT subcultural communities, especially dealing with the devastating HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

24. Big bang letters?: TNT.  Tri-Nitro Toluene, an explosive compound.  Another clever clue.

25. "That shouldn't have been possible!": HOW?  Inquiry into an extraordinary event.  

26. Holiday weekend retail event, often: SALE.  A period during which a retailer sells goods at reduced prices.

27. In a position (to): ABLE.   Having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something.

28. Hideouts: LAIRS.   Secret or private places in which a person, especially a criminal or enemy, takes refuge.

29. Bog down: TIE UP.   Have obstacles or impediments to progress.

34. Curt: SHORT.  Using or expressing in few words, in a way perceived as rude.

35. Article of faith: TENET.   A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.

37. Roofer's tool: STAPLE GUN.   A handheld mechanical tool for driving staples into a hard surface.

40. Followed a standing order?: ROSE.  Stood up, as requested.  Clever clue.

41. Lewis in the News: HUEY.   Hugh Anthony Cregg III [b. 1950] known professionally as Huey Lewis, is an American actor and former singer-songwriter. Lewis sang lead and played harmonica for his band, Huey Lewis and the News, until being forced into retirement due to hearing loss in 2018; he also wrote or co-wrote many of the band's songs.

42. Fashion style related to luxe grunge: BOHO CHIC.   A style that blends the free-spirited, unconventional elements of "bohemian" with the elegant, fashionable aspect of "chic," resulting in an eclectic look that is both free-spirited and curated.   First I've heard of it.

46. Bourbon barrel wood: OAK.   Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. It’s a critical step in developing bourbon’s distinct flavor.  Freshly distilled bourbon doesn’t look anything like what you use to make an Old Fashioned. When it comes out of the still, it’s crystal clear, and smells and tastes like funky raw grain. Most of a bourbon’s character, and all of its color, come from the cask itself.  As the bourbon ages in the barrel, it soaks up flavor, aroma, and pigment from the oak. All barrels used to age beverages are heat-treated in some way, since raw wood has an unpleasantly green and sappy flavor. Wine barrels are usually toasted, while bourbon barrels are always charred, giving them a sweet, smoky tinge. 

47. Dec. 31: NYE.   New Year's Eve, the last day of the calendar year. 

48. Do a kindness for: OBLIGE.    Do as someone asks or desires in order to help or please them.

49. Liberia neighbor: GUINEA.   Guinea is a country in West Africa, bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, in the southeast. The reserve protects a forested mountain range rich in native plants and animals, including chimpanzees and the viviparous toad. On the coast, the capital city, Conakry, is home to the modern Grand Mosque and the National Museum, with its regional artifacts. 

51. Invite to coffee, say: ASK OUT.  Request for someone to accompany you someplace.

54. Slugger's stat: RBI.  Runs Batted In, A statistic credited to a batter for driving in a run for their team. It's a key metric for evaluating offensive performance..

55. Viper teeth: FANGS.  Generally, the biting mouthpart of an animal; more specifically, the tooth of a venomous snake, by which poison is injected.

56. "Ur not wrong": TRU.  Short for true or correct.

57. Is awesome: ROCKS.   As a slang verb, "rocks" means something is very good, enjoyable, or impressive, 

58. In the distance: AFAR.  Over yonder.

62. Apple platform: IOS.   An operating system used for mobile devices manufactured by Apple Inc.

63. Commercial prefix that evokes winter weather: SNO-.  A common abbreviation for "snow" or "snowy". 

64. Female lobster: HEN.   This is the standard term for a female lobster.  When a female lobster is carrying eggs, she is specifically called a "berried hen".

65. Three-legged race, briefly?: TRI.  Generally, a prefix indication for three of anything.  Here, an abbrev.

66. Best guess as to when, initially: ETA.   Estimated Time of Arrival.

67. Matching game with diamonds, squiggles, and ovals: SET.   A real-time pattern-recognition game where players race to identify a "set" of three cards from a layout of 12. 

So this set, and this Wednesday, come to a close.  Thanksgiving day is next week.  Hope yours is joyous and food-full.  We'll have a house full of family members and significant others.

Cool Regards!

JzB  

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 C.W. Steward

The Doors.  The last word of each theme answer is a device that protects a door.

16-Across. Linked-together homemade decoration: PAPER CHAIN.

24-Across. Noisy flash of lightning: THUNDER BOLT.

49-Across. Tool needed for some needlecraft: CROCHET HOOK.

58-Across. Arm-twisting wrestling hold: HAMMER LOCK.

And the Unifier:

35-Across. Quaint warning of impending danger, and a hint to the implements at the ends of 16-, 24-, 49-, and 58-Across: KATIE BAR THE DOOR.  What does really mean?

Here's the Grid so you can see the door safety mechanisms:

Across:

1. Short-term office workers: TEMPS.

6. __ and weave: BOB.

9. Installs turf: SODS.

13. Brownstone porch: STOOP.

14. Not false: TRUE.

15. Slip-on shoe: CROC.

18. The Chicago Marathon, for one: RACE.  The Chicago Marathon takes place in October.  It is one of the seven World Marathon Majors.  Can you name the other 6 cities?

19. Native of New Zealand: MĀORI.  A history of the Māori.  Street signs in New Zealand are written in both English and the Māori language.

20. Add to the mix: PUT IN.  Not to be confused with Vladimir.

21. Black's opponent in checkers: RED.

27. Hypercorrect "Yes, indeedy!": IT IS SO.

29. From __ Z: A TO.

30. Hi or low follower, in graphics: RES.  As in Resolution.

31. Staircase part: STEP.

32. Geometric figure with no sides or corners: CIRCLE.

41. Sparkling toppers: TIARAS.

42. Division word: INTO.  Today's Math lesson.

43. Weep loudly: SOB.

46. Test for Ph.D. hopefuls: GRE.  As in the Graduate Records Examinations.

47. Sharp-witted: ASTUTE.

53. Name on a box by the sink: SOS.  //  And 9-Down. Clean with effort: SCRUB.

54. Grown-up: ADULT.

55. Belly button type: INNIE.

57. List of dishes: MENU.

63. Walk off one's anxiety, perhaps: PACE.

64. __ vera gel: ALOE.

65. Consume fully: USE UP.

66. Snow glider: SLED.

67. Beaver creation: DAM.

68. Uncool sorts: NERDS.

Down:

1. Recipe amt.: TSP.  As in a TeaSPoon.

2. GPS prediction: ETA.  As in Estimated Time of Arrival.

3. Cleaning tool that may be dry or wet: MOP.

4. Bard's creation: POEM.

5. Nursery rhyme couple with restricted 23-Downs: SPRATS.  //  And 23-Down:  23. Food regimen: DIET.

Jack Sprat could eat no fat, his wife could eat no lean; And so between the two of them, they licked the platter clean.

6. Cranium organ: BRAIN.

7. French "yes": OUI.  Today's French lesson.

8. Filmmaker Affleck: BEN.  Benjamin Géza Affleck (b. Aug. 15, 1972) first gained recognition for his 1997 film Good Will Hunting, which he co-wrote with his friend Matt Damon (b. Oct. 8, 1970).

10. Grand speaker: ORATOR.

11. Like animals in a petting zoo, ideally: DOCILE.

12. Aromatherapy choices: SCENTS.

14. Drive-__ car wash: THRU.

17. Pacific salmon: COHO.  Coho salmon are a species of Pacific salmon that live in both fresh and saltwater.  

20. Member of the working class: PROLE.  The word comes from the Latin proletarius, "citizen of the lowest class," used in ancient Rome to describe the group of people who didn't own property and whose only contribution to society was having children.

21. Investment consideration: RISK.

22. "At Last" singer James: ETTA.  Etta James (née Jamesetta Hawkins; Jan. 25, 1938 ~ Jan. 20, 2012) makes frequent guest appearances in the crossword puzzles.

25. Pub game with sharp projectiles: DARTS.  Seems like a safe game to play while consuming vast quantities of alcohol.

26. Inscribe with acid: ETCH.

28. Barbecue rod: SPIT.

32. Proofreader's insertion mark: CARET.

33. 401(k) kin: IRA.

34. Prepare to publish: EDIT.

36. Number of legs on some arthropods: EIGHT.

37. Naked: BARE.

38. Burden: ONUS.

39. Miranda of "Homeland": OTTO.  Miranda Otto (b. Dec. 16, 1967) didn't appear in Homeland until season 5.  She portrayed Allison Carr, the Berlin chief of station.

40. Some sushi toppers: ROEs.  Yummers!

43. Little rascals: SCAMPS.

44. Trying experience: ORDEAL.

45. Name on a box by the dryer: BOUNCE.

47. Top-notch: A-ONE.

48. Aspen trail: SKI RUN.

50. Like some word puzzles: CLUED.

51. Greeting to a parent: HI, MOM!

52. "Looks like the joke's __": ON ME.

56. "If all __ fails ... ": ELSE.

58. Consumed: HAD.

59. Pie __ mode: À LA.  More of today's French lesson.

60. Above, in odes: O'ER.

61. Cattle chew: CUD.

62. Mil. mess duties: KPs.  As in Kitchen Patrol.  Probably not as fun as it sounds.

*  Berlin, Boston, London, New York, Sydney and Tokyo.

חתולה