Sunday October 5, 2025 Zachary David Levy

Theme: "IT'S NOT LIKE THAT"  - Each common phrase is re-imagined as description of two things being contrasted.

22. Ice versus Stone?: AGE DISPARITY.

30. Cotton versus silk?: MATERIAL DIFFERENCE.

46. Dibbling versus broadcasting?: SOWING DISSENT.

67. Stilton versus cheddar?: SHARP CONTRAST.

90. Octopus versus starfish?: ARMED CONFLICT.

105. Foil versus saber?: POINTS OF CONTENTION. Both have pointed tips.

118. Agar versus broth?: CULTURE CLASH.

I got a chuckle out of ARMED CONFLICT clue. I didn't know "dibbling" is a planting method or that "broadcasting" can mean scattering seeds.

In each theme entry, the first word is taken literally instead of in its usual figurative sense. That shift lets the phrases capture the "verse" setup in the clues.

Across:

1. Be a nuisance: IMPOSE. For 3 or 4 days last week, I didn't get any of your comments in my email box due to a blog glitch.

7. Natters: GABS.

11. Places to kick back: SPAS.

15. Reservoir structure: DAM.

18. Xylophone tool: MALLET.

19. Comic strip unit: PANEL.

20. __ in a blanket: PIGS.

21. JFK fig.: ETA.

24. Lena of "Romeo Is Bleeding": OLIN. Don't know the movie.

25. Good bit of French?: BON. "Good" in French. 

26. Brewer's supply: YEAST.

27. Date tree: PALM. Chinese dates just grow on trees.

28. Penalty kick target: GOAL.

29. Common sacrifice: BUNT.

35. Italian beer brand: PERONI. Named after the founder Francesco Peroni.

38. Sticks together: CLEAVES. Or Splits apart.

39. "Family Matters" nerd: URKEL.

40. Pequod captain: AHAB.

41. Zilch: NIL.

44. Talked privately, for short: DM'e

45. __ Arbor, Michigan: ANN.

50. Inheritance law subjects: ESTATES.

54. Jacked, slangily: SWOLE.

55. With great skill: ABLY.

56. Lower leg fronts: SHINS.

58. Have another go: REDO.

59. Pet in a 51-Down: NEWT. 51. Home for a pet skink: TERRARIUM.

61. Impossibly long stretches: EONS.

63. Dec. 31: NYE.

64. Tiny amount: DRIB.

65. __ tai: MAI.

72. "The Crying Game" actor Stephen: REA. He was married to an IRA bomber. 

73. Cupid counterpart: EROS.

75. Finish off: EAT.

76. Unadorned: BARE.

77. Hindu god: SIVA.

79. Port, e.g.: WINE.

80. __ Canyon National Park: BRYCE. 83. Utah city northeast of 80-Across: MOAB.

85. Pumps (up): FIRES.

88. Final leg: LAST LAP.

93. Bygone space station: MIR. In operation from 1986 to 2001. 

94. Director Kazan: ELIA. Saw his "East of Eden".

95. __ polloi: HOI.

96. Pixar film set by the Ligurian Sea: LUCA. 2021 movie.

97. Massage targets: ACHES.

100. Five-time Emmy winner Laurence: OLIVIER.

103. Seinfeld neighbor: KRAMER.

109. Country where the Amazon originates: PERU.

110. __ tikki: potato patties: ALOO.

111. Taylor-Joy of "Emma": ANYA.

112. Got together: MET UP.

116. Poetic preposition: ERE.

117. Deli side: SLAW.

121. "The Late Great Johnny __": Paul Simon tune: ACE.

122. "That's a __ order": TALL.

123. Inuit craft: UMIAK. They also gave us Kayak.

124. Worked, as clay: MOLDED.

125. Article in a French paper?: LES. Definite article.

126. Bygone organizers, for short: PDAS.

127. Abandon ship: BAIL.

128. Smudges: SMEARS.

Down:

1. "It's possible": I MAY.

2. Sorcerer: MAGE.

3. Court response: PLEA.

4. Carmaker whose last new model was the Alero: OLDSMOBILE.

5. Meat substitute: SEITAN. Made from gluten. We call it mianjin in Chinese.

6. Sci-fi figures: ETS.

7. Cook's clove: GARLIC. And 37. Sliced burger toppings: RAW ONIONS.

8. Cracker shape: ANIMAL.

9. Casino action: BET.

10. Foxy: SLY.

11. Lampooned: SPOOFED.

12. Rice sides: PILAFS.

13. Light on one's feet: AGILE.

14. 1040 fig.: SSN.

15. Put to bed, as a rumor: DEBUNK.

16. En masse: AT ONCE.

17. "The Mirror & the Light" novelist Hilary: MANTEL. The last of the Cromwell trilogy. This is the first one. 

 

19. Pre-Carson host of "The Tonight Show": PAAR.

23. 120-Down's face shields, masks, etc.: Abbr.: PPE. Personal Protective Equipment. And 120. Ambulance crew, briefly: EMS.

28. Hand out, long ago: GIVETH.

29. Saint __: dog breed: BERNARD.

31. Sound that may ring a bell?: TING. Bell sound.

32. Intro, in journalism jargon: LEDE.

33. Curses: DAMNS.

34. Smallest of a litter: RUNT.

35. "No thanks": PASS.

36. DIY help site: eHOW.

42. Nev. neighbor: IDA.

43. New York WNBA team: LIBERTY.

45. Put a value on: ASSESS.

47. Ticker info: NEWS.

48. Food in a trough: SLOP.

49. Bring into alignment: SYNC.

50. Singer born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin: ENYA.  Seal even has a longer name.

52. Falco of "Nurse Jackie": EDIE.

53. Noodles in dashi: SOBA. I like cold soba.

57. At hand: IN REACH.

60. Future lawyer's hurdle, colloquially: THE BAR.

62. Cry loudly: SOB. And 65. Cry softly: MEWL.

66. Opera highlight: ARIA.

68. Senior advocacy group: AARP.

69. Driver's license line: NAME.

70. Walked over: TROD.

71. Little disagreement: TIFF.

74. Prix fixe feature: SET MENU.

78. "Killing Eve" assassin played by Jodie Comer: VILLANELLE. Learning moment for me. This image looks like AI-generated.

81. Patchy cat: CALICO.

82. "Wicked" actress Cynthia: ERIVO.

84. "You stink, ump!": BOO.

86. __ homo: ECCE.

87. Headliner: STAR.

89. Planning aid: LIST.

91. Water source: MAIN.

92. Director Caro of 2020's "Mulan": NIKI. New Zealander. 

94. Tiny predatory birds: ELF OWLS.

97. Post-verdict challenge: APPEAL.

98. Strong-arm: COERCE.

99. People brought on board: HIREES.

100. "Well, look at you!": OO LA LA.

101. Latin "and others": ET ALII.

102. Many a prom tux: RENTAL.

104. "The Hating Game" genre: ROM COM.

106. Food from a bar: SALAD.

107. Stooge's signature laugh: NYUK.

108. Paving gunk: TAR.

113. "That was my trick!": TA DA.

114. __ interface: USER.

115. Advanced postgrad degs.: PHDS.

117. Oil treatment brand: STP.

118. Ursa minor?: CUB. Cute.

119. Thurman of Hollywood: UMA.

C.C.

 

Sunday September 28, 2025 Gary Larson & Amy Ensz

Theme: "GAME CHANGERS" - Each common phrase is reinterpreted as a customized edition of a board or card game.

23A. Genius edition of a popular word game?: HARD SCRABBLE.

29A. Extended-family edition of a popular conquest game?: RELATIVE RISK.

70A. Solitaire edition of a popular board game?: SORRY FOR ONESELF.

113A. Trivia edition of a popular strategy game?: FACT CHECKERS.

124A. Bodybuilding edition of a popular card game?: MUSCLE MEMORY.

33D. Personalized edition of a popular strategy game?: GO YOUR OWN WAY.

43D. Easy edition of a popular board game?: TROUBLE LIGHT.

Two of the Down theme entries intersect SORRY FOR ONESELF. I love when this happens. I can picture the glee on Gary's face. 

Intersection often makes the filling easier, but it also creates its constraints. Like today's placement of  23/29 and 113/124. Thankfully there are only 3 letters overlap and the fill doesn't suffer at all.

Across:

1. Everypooch: BOWSER.

7. Sudden burst: SALVO.

12. David of "Starsky & Hutch": SOUL. Wikipedia says he had a daughter named China Soul.

16. __ race: RAT.

19. Colorful songbird: ORIOLE.

20. Former: PRIOR.

21. __ Domini: ANNO.

22. Egg cells: OVA.

25. Rheinland refusal: NEIN. German for Rhineland.

26. Karate level: DAN.

27. Nondairy spread: OLEO.

28. __ Lingus: AER.

32. Baseball player Jose with the hit song "OMG": IGLESIAS. Chart-topping Latin pop hit. I think this is Patti's clue. She's a diehard Mets fan.

35. Bummed: SAD.

36. Picnic pests: ANTS.

37. Jon Favreau holiday film: ELF.

40. Bygone: OLDEN.

41. Some volcanic rocks: BASALTS.

44. Like some jokes: CORNY.

46. Spanish home: CASA.

49. Place to work on Wikipedia drafts: USER PAGE. Read more here.

53. Chocolaty cereal brand: OREO OS.

55. "South Pacific" song: BALI HAI. Sung by Bloody Mary.

57. "Are you sure you're right about that?": DOES IT?

58. Batting in the bottom of the ninth: LAST UP.

59. Complex dwelling: UNIT.

60. Channel launched in 1981: MTV. 1981 is also the first time we had light bulbs. 

62. Intercontinental mountain range: URALS.

63. Gets: INHERITS.

65. Spot for valuables: SAFE.

67. BOLO alternative: APB.

69. Foot the bill: PAY.

74. Street of nightmares: ELM.

77. Very small: WEE.

78. Les États-__: UNIS.

79. Like the 18th Amendment: REPEALED. The 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages for beverage purposes, launching the Prohibition Era. Learning moment for me. 

83. Take in: LEARN.

85. Bro's counterpart: SIS.

87. Luminous ball of plasma: STAR.

89. In the previous month: ULTIMO.

90. Tropical birds: MACAWS.

92. Tidies: NEATENS.

94. Keyed instruments: PIANOS.

95. Met topper: OPERA HAT.

97. Cold War satellites, briefly: SSRS. Soviet Socialist Republics

98. Squat target, for short: GLUTE.

99. Artificial tear: EYE DROP.

101. O Magazine mogul: OPRAH.

105. Struck (out): X'ED.

106. Brief December celebration: XMAS. And 12. December costume: SANTA SUIT. Missing our own Santa. 

109. By way of: VIA.

110. Agrees (to): CONSENTS.

117. Vader, as a boy: ANI.

118. Turn over __ leaf: A NEW.

122. Shiba __: INU.

123. Daughter of Cronus: HERA.

127. "That is a __ to take in": LOT.

128. Right on the map: EAST.

129. Manner of speaking: IDIOM.

130. Indifferent to right and wrong: AMORAL.

131. Before, in old odes: ERE.

132. Unleash: FREE.

133. Swarms (with): TEEMS.

134. Act as a go-between: LIAISE. I always associate this word with Kissinger. 

Down:

1. __ chic: BOHO.

2. Not written down: ORAL.

3. Electrician's supply: WIRE.

4. "Me too": SO DO I.

5. Raised trains: ELS.

6. Take back: RECALL.

7. Scant: SPARSE.

8. Wall St. figure: ARB. Arbitrator. 

9. First sign of fall: LIBRA.

10. Field mice: VOLES.

11. Former pitcher Hershiser: OREL.

13. Five Nations members: ONEIDAS.

14. Pt. of NYU: UNIV.

15. Set apart: LONE.

16. The Thinker's sculptor: RODIN.

17. Nautical "Halt!": AVAST.

18. Loses on purpose: TANKS.

24. Saxophone insert: REED.

30. Butterfield of "Sex Education": ASA.

31. One with a gravelly voice: RASPER.

34. Ancient Andean: INCAN.

37. Gut bacteria: E COLI.

38. Navigation acronym: LORAN. Long Range Navigation.

39. Field-to-table, say: FRESH.

41. "Poppycock!": BAH.

42. Had an edge: LED.

45. Staff members: NOTES.

47. Brie of "GLOW": ALISON.

48. Musicians who may be accompanied by tabla and tambura players: SITARISTS. Left to right: sitar, tabla and tambura.

50. Pronto: ASAP.

51. __ monster: GILA.

52. Site for artisans: ETSY.

54. Steeple: SPIRE.

55. In use: BUSY.

56. Sound from a flock: AMEN. Now I just cross my arms for a blessing (rather than receiving the Eucharist) and say "Amen". In my innocent days while accompanying Boomer, I'd eat the host and said "Thank you" to Father Charlie. 

61. Flower holder: VASE.

64. "__ chic!": TRES.

66. Encourage: FOSTER.

68. Make perky: PEP UP.

71. Melt together: FUSE.

72. Transgresses: ERRS. Father Charlie never corrected me though. 

73. Like some flaws: FATAL.

74. Toy that's more than tickled pink: ELMO.

75. Spring: LEAP.

76. Nutmeg spice: MACE.

80. PC OS choice: LINUX.

81. Chew the scenery: EMOTE.

82. Given medicine: DOSED. Need to see the RA doctor again soon. And my regular infusion. 

84. Least cooked: RAREST.

86. Rather complicated: INTRICATE.

88. "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" actor Mount: ANSON.

91. "That's all __ wrote": SHE.

93. Cleopatra biter: ASP.

96. Unfavorable: ADVERSE.

100. Wine cask wood: OAK.

102. Old Testament book: PSALMS.

103. Actress Russo: RENE.

104. Bear or hare: ANIMAL.

106. Case for Scully and Mulder: X FILE.

107. Grand estate: MANOR.

108. Not quite right?: ACUTE. Angle-wise.

110. Unrefined: CRUDE.

111. Actor/activist Davis: OSSIE.

112. Pago Pago's land: SAMOA.

114. Many a cookbook author: CHEF.

115. When repeated, cry of approval: HEAR.

116. Radiate: EMIT.

119. Onigiri seaweed: NORI. This is Chinese nori. We call zi cai. 

120. Noted times: ERAS.

121. "The Pitt" actor Noah: WYLE.

125. URL ending: COM.

126. Classic record label: EMI.

C.C. 

Sunday September 21, 2025 Katy Steinmetz & Rich Katz

Theme: "CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?" - Each phrase you might hear during a bad cell connection is humorously reinterpreted in a non-call context.

22. "There's not enough chocolate for the both of us!": I ONLY HAVE ONE BAR.

30. "Our waiter's wearing leopard-print pants!": THE SERVICE IS SPOTTY.

43. "Stop switching lanes so aggressively!": YOU'RE CUTTING IN AND OUT.

65. "We could get separated in this crowd!": I MIGHT LOSE YOU.

83. "Our next flight leaves 10 minutes after we land!": WE HAVE A BAD CONNECTION.

99. "I've been to more enjoyable weddings!": THE RECEPTION IS WEAK.

110. "It sounds like that relationship is over!": YOU'RE BREAKING UP.

This is a fun set. The static is replaced with humor. Super tight theme. 

This marks the fourth collaboration from Katy and Rich, the third Sunday. Both of them seem to be fond of this type of rephrasing theme.

Across:

1. Facing the pitcher: AT BAT.

6. Closely guarded areas in soccer: SHINS.

11. Korean-style __: BBQ. I just call it Korean BBQ. They often use lettuces and perilla leaves as wraps.

14. Brunch side: HASH.

18. Sunday singers: CHOIR. 

19. Window parts: PANES.

20. __ deco: ART.

21. Alexander of "Rizzoli & Isles": SASHA.

25. Up to: UNTIL.

26. Failure: DUD.

27. __ firma: TERRA.

28. Not trans: CIS.

29. Give heart to: ASSURE.

34. Former NPR host Norris: MICHELE. Soothing voice. She's born in Minneapolis.

37. Frosts: ICES.

38. Main ideas: THEMES.

39. Workout reminders?: ACHES.

40. Opera set in Egypt: AIDA.

42. Viewed: SEEN.

51. "My treat!": ON ME.

52. Elderly: AGED.

53. Wax-coated cheese: EDAM.

54. Sandwich choice: WRAP.

56. Spot for a pot: SILL.

58. Following: AFTER.

60. Big batteries: D CELLS.

62. Moody genre: EMO.

69. Board alternative: SKI. OK, snowboard. 

70. Coco Gauff's sport: TENNIS.

72. MeTV fare: RE-RUN.

73. German auto: AUDI.

75. __-Cola: COCA.

76. Singer Halliwell: GERI. Ginger Spice.

77. Gentlemen: SIRS.

79. __ terrier: SKYE.

89. Nearly all: MOST.

90. Bygone GM line: OLDS.

91. Drummer Starr: RINGO.
 
92. Portmanteau pastry: CRONUT. Croissant & donut.

95. Swit co-star: ALDA.

97. Steering committee's output: AGENDAS.

103. Salad slice: RADISH. Have any of you tried watermelon radishes? Very pretty. They taste like daikon radishes.

104. Due-in hr.: ETA.

105. Gets bogged down: MIRES.

106. "__ Twist, Scientist": kid-lit bestseller: ADA.

109. Start: ONSET.

114. Rather wee: TEENY.

115. Spot for the night: INN.

116. Intended: MEANT.

117. Standards flouted by rebels: NORMS.

118. Blind part: SLAT.

119. TV's "Science Guy": NYE.

120. Arm bones: ULNAS.

121. Purple flavor: GRAPE.

Down:

1. Low-pH stuff: ACID.

2. The old you?: THOU.The Ten Commandments are part of my classes.

3. No fighter: BOND.

4. Suffer: AIL.

5. "Have a few samples": TRY THESE. These go well with your Korean BBQ. Banchan.

6. Few and far between: SPARSE.

7. Le __: French port: HAVRE.

8. Like some headsets: IN EAR.

9. Keanu role: NEO.

10. W-2 fig.: SSN.

11. Some pediatric patients: BABIES.

12. Luca of "The Godfather": BRASI. Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes.

13. NBA div.: QTR. Quarter.

14. Horse-drawn carriage: HANSOM.

15. Insightful: ASTUTE.

16. Skins' opponents: SHIRTS.

17. Jay and Gloria's oldest grandchild on "Modern Family": HALEY.

21. Leave dangling: SUSPEND.

23. Stiletto, for one: HEEL.

24. Latin "behold": ECCE.

29. Wan: ASHEN.

30. "__ no easy way to say this ... ": THERE'S.

31. Center of a historic boast: VIDI.

32. Declaration of ability: I CAN.

33. Cook dim sum, say: STEAM. Any of you are Costco members? Their Prawn Hacao are amazing.

34. Subway spread: MAYO.

35. Touchscreen image: ICON.

36. Fish used to fish for other fish: CHUM.

40. Chowed down: ATE.

41. "__ be my pleasure": IT'D.

42. Trap: SNARE.

44. Soothes: CALMS.

45. Fruit that sounds unattractive: UGLI.

46. "All aboard!": GET ON.

47. March day for a historic coup: IDES.

48. Face late charges, maybe: OWE.

49. Browser links: URLS.

50. "__ is cheap": TALK.

55. Tire meas.: PSI.

57. Junior's junior: III.

58. Heart parts: ATRIA.

59. Winter bug: FLU. So relieved that my cough is almost gone. Almost a repeat of my ordeal last summer.

60. Drench: DOUSE.

61. Meadow mouthful: CUD.

62. "Yada yada" abbr.: ETC.

63. Copy cats?: MEOW. The clue is 66. Awesome: GREAT.

64. Frost's "__ by the Pacific": ONCE.

67. Sage, for one: HERB. 

68. Raw material for some bees: YARN.

71. "Hard pass": NAH.

74. Self-critical remark: I STINK.

76. Noble deed of yore: GESTE.

77. Supply that might be ready to roll: SOD.

78. __ and outs: INS.

80. Ilk: KIND.

81. Lenovo laptop whose screen bends over backward: YOGA. Not famliar with this.

82. Actress Mireille: ENOS.

84. Blanket forgiveness: AMNESTY. Margaret said all my sins will be forgiven when I'm baptized. Sounds like the ultimate Control + Alt + Delete for the soul.

85. __ for: attest to: VOUCH.

86. "Ice Age" bird: DODO.

87. Family: CLAN.

88. Folding: CREASING.

92. French fashion house: CHANEL.

93. Biblical site of long division?: RED SEA. Parting the Red Sea.

94. Get one's bearings: ORIENT.

95. Unify, in a way: ATTUNE.

96. Perjurer: LIAR.

97. "That's a shame": AW RATS.

98. Nerd (out): GEEK.

99. Unlikely gaits out of the starting gate: TROTS. Ha.

100. Garden flower: PEONY.

101. Former Pakistan prime minister __ Khan: IMRAN.  He was a pro cricketer.

102. Tuscan city that's home to the oldest bank in the world: SIENA. Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena. Founded in 1472. Learning moment for me.

106. Taj Mahal site: AGRA.

107. Garbage truck destination: DUMP.

108. Sanctuary area: APSE.

110. Yang counterpart: YIN.

111. Big bird: EMU.

112. __ canto: BEL.

113. Scand. kingdom: NOR.

C.C.

Sunday September 14, 2025 Michael Torch & Andrea Carla Michaels

Theme: "POSITIVELY CHARGED" - ION is added to each common phrase.

23. Literary takeaway?: READERS DIGESTION. Reader's Digest.

31. Riches of the Vatican?: PAPAL BULLION. Papal bull.

48. Blessing over breakfast?: EGGS BENEDICTION. Eggs Benedict.

64. Strong affection for school auditoriums?: HALL PASSION. Hall pass. 

81. Drink to forgive and forget?: ABSOLUTION VODKA. Absolut Vodka. 

91. Army of Istanbul?: TURKEY LEGION. Turkey leg.

107. Lamaze class lectures?: CONTRACTION TALKS. Contract talks.

Two IONs are added to the end of the first words, five are added to the last words. 

It's hard to believe, but our label shows that this is Andrea's first LAT Sunday. Michael had his last Sunday puzzle in March, a collaboration with Kevin Christian, who's a frequent collaborator of Andrea. 

Across:

1. Give for free: COMP.

5. Carpenter's compressor: C CLAMP. Quite a few letter entries: 41. Letter-shaped construction piece: I BAR. 36. City NNW of H-Town: BIG D. 61. Letter-shaped construction piece: H BEAM.

11. Chow: EATS.

15. Fall blooms, for short: MUMS.

19. Olympic fencing event: EPEE.

20. Card carrier?: DEALER. Playing cards. 

21. Yankee preceder in the NATO alphabet: X-RAY.

22. "Gotcha": ON IT.

26. Sorry! or Scrabble: GAME.

27. Poison remedies: ANTIDOTES. I often confuse this word with ANECDOTES.

28. Cut (down): PARE.

29. Carpenter's drill: AUGER.

30. Vellani of "The Marvels": IMAN.

34. Spheres of influence: ORBITS.

38. Courses: WAYS.

39. New Year's __: EVE.

40. Soviet first lady Gorbacheva: RAISA. She was born in Siberia. 

43. Combed: SEARCHED.

53. Feudal baron: THANE.

54. Bronze finishers: MEDALISTS.

55. JFK postings: ARRS.

56. Cutting edges: BLADES.

57. Kin of -kin: ETTE.

58. Zone: AREA.

59. Postpone the inevitable: BUY TIME.  Also love these few entries: 75. Past the point of no return: IN TOO DEEP. 101. "We're doomed!": ALL IS LOST.

60. Salsa support: CHIP.

67. River Achilles was dipped into: STYX.

68. Rubs the wrong way: ABRADES.

70. Buck passers?: ATMS. Fun clue. See also: 88. Oxford heads?: LOOS. 117. Rolls out the green carpet?: SODS.

71. Lena of "Chocolat": OLIN.

73. Farm machine: REAPER.

74. Put up, in poker: ANTE.

80. "Hasta la vista": LATER.

83. Retired professor's designation: EMERITUS. Emerita for our Misty. 

85. Gorilla expert Fossey: DIAN.

86. Sitcom actress Georgia: ENGEL.

87. __-eyed: DOE.

90. Isn't colorfast: BLEEDS.

97. Avianca airlines destination: CALI. Avianca is the largest airline in Colombia. Learning moment for me.

99. Swings around: SLUES.

100. Not fake: REAL.

106. Last Stuart queen: ANNE.

110. Amtrak track: RAIL.

111. The Jonas Brothers, e.g.: TRIO.

112. Appeared ominously: LOOMED. Always large.

113. Cry for worms: PEEP.

114. D.C. group: SENS.

115. "That remains to be __": SEEN.

116. Convent superior: ABBESS. Here are my classes for the next few months. I already had a video lesson with Bill & Margret yesterday. Four more next week.  

Down: 

1. "Arrested Development" star Michael: CERA.

2. Tournament type: OPEN.

3. Spam, lamb, or ham: MEAT.

4. Cab prefix: PEDI.

5. Old PC drive inserts: CD ROMS.

6. Jai alai basket: CESTA. Very athletic. 

7. Weighed down: LADEN.

8. Boxers Muhammad and Laila: ALIS.

9. Storage unit, for short: MEG.

10. Settle in advance: PRE-PAY.

11. Overdramatic: EXTRA.

12. Mermaid who sings "I wanna be where the people are": ARIEL.

13. Philosophy often translated as "way": TAO. Dao in Mandarin.

14. Thesaurus entry: Abbr.: SYN.

15. Business bigwig: MOGUL.

16. Eel in nigiri: UNAGI.

17. Old-fashioned copier, briefly: MIMEO.

18. Back in the navy?: STERN. Navy ship.

24. Ready for making emends?: EDITABLE.

25. Drains, as strength: SAPS.

29. With ears pricked up: ALERTLY.

31. __-mutuel: PARI.

32. "How've ya __?": BEEN.

33. The Cavaliers of the NCAA: UVA.

34. City near Utah Lake: OREM. Next to Provo. 

35. Indignation: RAGE.

37. Actress Rae: ISSA.

38. Fistfuls of dollars: WADS.

41. Accounts on the 'gram: INSTAS. 

42. Palm with chewable nuts: BETEL.

43. "I need a rescue" letters: SOS.

44. Gabs: CHATS.

45. "I've __ with you!": HAD IT.

46. Archrival: ENEMY.

47. Neuter: DESEX.

49. "Take your pick": EITHER.

50. Sweet popcorn coating: CARAMEL.

51. Ringlet, maybe: TRESS. Margaret took me to her favorite stylist Angie on Tuesday. My new do. 

52. Nest egg funds, for short: IRAS.

56. Toe woe: BUNION.

58. Likely will, with "is": APT TO.

59. "Said I Loved You ... But I Lied" singer Michael: BOLTON. He was super popular when I lived in Shanghai. 

60. "The Very Busy Spider" writer/illustrator: CARLE.

62. Seeing red: IRATE.

63. Origami medium: PAPER.

65. PC connections: LANS.

66. Ancient Greek region: IONIA. AI Overview: In ancient Greece, Ionia was the central region of the west coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

69. Lampoons: DERIDES.

72. Storyteller: NOVELIST.

74. V-up muscles: ABS.

75. "No kidding?": IT IS.

76. Kaput: DONE.

77. Jigsaw puzzle starting point, often: EDGE.

78. Squeezed (out): EKED.

79. Chums: PALS.

81. "Clan of the Cave Bear" author: AUEL.

82. Japanese noodle: UDON.

84. Cracker Jack bonus: TOY.

88. "That's not true!": LIAR.

89. "C'est magnifique!": OO LA LA. Andrea speaks fluent French. 

90. Hunters' hideaways: BLINDS.

91. Winter Palace rulers: TSARS.

92. Arm bones: ULNAE.

93. Quarrel: RUN IN.

94. Collapses, with "over": KEELS.

95. Muppet who is fond of bubble baths: ERNIE.

96. Climb aboard: GET ON.

97. Atmosphere: CLIME.

98. Burn-soothing plants: ALOES.

101. From __: one step: A TO B.

102. Places for napkins: LAPS.

103. Plant-based spread: OLEO.

104. Quick itinerary?: SKED. Schedule.

105. Baking soda amts.: TSPS.

107. Short change?: CTS. Short indicates an Abbr.

108. Resource in Minecraft or Catan: ORE.

109. Male swan: COB.

C.C.

Sunday September 7, 2025 Chandi Deitmer

Theme: "SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES" - A chemical element is added to each common phrase. This element pairs nicely with the following word to form a valid phrase also. 

22. *Cowardly Lion or Scarecrow, probably?: TIN MAN'S BEST FRIEND. Tin Man. Man's best friend. 

33. *Question on a history test about westward migration in the 1840s?: WHY THE BIG GOLD RUSH. Why the big rush. Gold rush. 

49. *Surviving Victorian society, for a Dickens character?: COPPERFIELD GOAL. Copperfield. Field goal. 

65. *Useful download for archaeologists?: CARBON DATING APP.  Carbon dating. Dating app. 

87. *Plea for a way to advertise a business that is open all night?: GIVE ME A NEON SIGN. Give me a sign. Neon sign. 

100. *Primate habitat banner when the zoo acquires a new gorilla?: WELCOME SILVERBACK. Welcome back. Silverback. 

Reveal:

112. Unexpected twist, or what's found in the answers to the starred clues: ELEMENT OF SURPRISE.

Husker Gary mentioned a while ago that Chandi is a full-time puzzler out of Cambridge, MA. Her puzzles are always fun and witty. 

Have any of you solved the Slate crosswords? Chandi is one of the regular constructors there. 

Across:

1. Climb: ASCENT.

7. Fancy car upgrades: RIMS.

11. One who's crossed a line?: SCAB. Picket line.

15. Old AOL missives: IMS.

18. How crêpe suzette is served: FLAMBE.

19. Stew-thickening pod: OKRA.

20. __ platter: PU PU. Never heard of this until I started solving crosswords.

21. Wray of "King Kong": FAY.

26. Feminine concept in Taoism: YIN. I eat a ton of Yin food in the summer: cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. Time for Yang food now: sweet potatoes, kabocha squash, etc.  

27. Whirling water: EDDY.

28. MMA decision: TKO.

29. Hit the jackpot: WIN.

30. Kevlar creator: DUPONT.

32. Marina del __, California: REY.

38. Surface: ARISE.

40. Solemnly swear: AVOW.

41. Cease and __: DESIST.

42. Used a "Safe!" word?: UMPED. Also loved this clue: 59. Square figure?: AREA. 

44. Kapoor of Hindi cinema: ANIL. Wikipedia says he has appeared in more than 100 films. 

45. Membership fees: DUES.

47. Actress Kate or Rooney: MARA.

53. Tinkered (with): TOYED.

54. Laze about: LOLL.

55. Stately 110-Downs: ELMS. 110. Shade provider: TREE.

56. Words of warning: OR ELSE.

58. __ trombone: SAD.

60. __ check: GUT.

61. Some critical care pros: EMTS.

63. Witch costume props: BROOMS. I saw a few guys digging stuff near our post office. The company is called "Ditch Witch".

70. Eager student's cry: ME ME ME.

73. Preternatural glow: AURA.

74. Poetic preposition: O'ER. This is the only word where V's is contracted, right?

75. Parliament members?: OWLS.

79. Language suffix: ESE.

80. Font option: ITALIC.

83. Cat's "Thanks for petting me": PURR.

84. Mule, e.g.: SHOE.

85. Group of eight: OCTAD.

91. "Storage __": reality TV show: WARS.

92. Document option: SAVE.

93. Omar of "House": EPPS.

94. Exposed: OUTED.

95. Many a soda can: POP TOP.

97. Without charge: FREE.

98. Tundra or taiga: BIOME.

104. Scot's denial: NAE.

107. Glinda portrayer: ARIANA. Ariana Grande. Ethereal. 

108. Savings option, for short: IRA.

109. Computing pioneer Lovelace: ADA.

110. Word in sloth names: TOED. Three-toed sloth. 

111. Peyton or Eli, to Archie: SON. Time for Arch to shine.

118. "Lenore" poet: POE.

119. Shortcut image: ICON.

120. One who's really trying?: BRAT. Stressful "trying".

121. Applies to: USES ON.

122. Texting tech: SMS.

123. High-grade: A ONE.

124. Organization that chases Carmen Sandiego: ACME.

125. Makes tea: STEEPS.

Down:

1. Renovation photo caption: AFTER.

2. Waterpark feature: SLIDE.

3. Sticky carnival treat: CANDY APPLE. We eat candied hawthorns during Chinese New Year. 

4. Primetime award: EMMY.

5. Org. for James and Durant: NBA.

6. Dimes, to dollars: TENTHS.

7. Alicia Vikander's "Ex Machina" role: ROBOT. Learning moment for me. 

8. 1950s prez: IKE.

9. "And here's to you, __ Robinson": MRS.

10. Parked it: SAT.

11. Bit of thyme: SPRIG.

12. Prompting an actor: CUING.

13. Chimp, e.g.: APE.

14. Heaps: BUNDLES.

15. "Suuuuure": IF YOU SAY SO. And 16. Opposite of indie: MAINSTREAM.  71. Activity where people are really locked in?: ESCAPE ROOM. 72. Subway network: METRO LINES. Two pairs of paralleled 10's. Amazing grid work. 

17. EDM instrument: SYNTH.

23. Inner Hebrides isle: SKYE.

24. Texter's "This might be useful": FWIW. For What It's Worth. 

25. Getup: DUDS.

31. Top-ranked: PRIMO.

33. Like a panoramic view: WIDE.

34. Fruit of the Loom rival: HANES.

35. Very bad: EVIL.

36. Font option: BOLD.

37. NFL star __ Beckham Jr.: ODELL.

39. Swap out: REPLACE.

42. Jackie Robinson Stadium sch.: UCLA.

43. Tie up, as a boat: MOOR.

44. Have the objective of: AIM TO.

45. Latissimus __: back muscle: DORSI.

46. Fed. with artificial archipelagos known as the Palm Islands: UAE. This looks surreal.

48. Contributes: ADDS.

50. Feel sorry for: REGRET.

51. Drop the ball: FLUB.

52. "You __ try this!": GOTTA.

53. U. of Maryland athlete: TERP.

57. Food court pizza chain: SBARRO.

61. Evoke: EDUCE.

62. Make a dent in: MAR.

64. American marsupial: OPOSSUM.

66. Among: AMID.

67. Not world-weary: NAIVE.

68. People, places, things, etc.: NOUNS.

69. "Sommersby" star: GERE. Not familiar with the movie.

70. Cat's "Please pet me": MEOW.

76. Neutral sound that may be a sleep aid: WHITE NOISE. Been a blissful few months. No weed. No noise. The company that owns 5501 decided to sell the house. Pending right now.

77. Theater section: LOGE.

78. Chat box button: SEND.

81. Visibly shocked: AGAPE.

82. Actress Tyler: LIV.

83. Rock, __, Scissors: PAPER.

86. Rescue rehoming org.: ASPCA.

88. Game show creator Griffin: MERV.

89. Fencing option: EPEE. The pride of Hong Kong: Vivian Kong. She won gold in women's epee in Paris.

90. Cozy reading spot: NOOK.

92. Kenya neighbor: SOMALIA.

96. "Don't you take that __ with me!": TONE.

97. Custard dessert: FLAN.

98. Singer Erykah: BADU.

99. High-flying guy of myth: ICARUS. His wings melted. 

100. Winged stingers: WASPS.

101. Pegg of "The Boys": SIMON.

102. Sherlock adversary Adler: IRENE.

103. Roast turkey instruction: BASTE.

105. Greek fabulist: AESOP.

106. Unblemished spots: EDENS.

113. Green prefix: ECO.

114. Abbr. on an unfinished schedule: TBA.

115. Hobbit enemy: ORC.

116. Nearest and dearest, colloquially: FAM.

117. Oregon hrs.: PST.

C.C.