NYT Crossword Answers for Aug. 28, 2024

Jump to: Today’s Theme | Tricky Clues

WEDNESDAY PUZZLE — Is it wrong to covet someone else’s brain? I’m asking because, after solving today’s crossword, I really wish I had Jesse Goldberg’s. How he managed to craft his grid’s theme is beyond me, even with the inspiration cited in his constructor notes. Maybe I can offer up my brain in exchange for his — I’ll get his brilliance, and he’ll get my disturbingly weird dreams.

This is Mr. Goldberg’s fourth puzzle for The New York Times. I’m looking forward to seeing where his enviable imagination takes us next.

Today’s Theme

When you’re already stumped by the first clue of a crossword puzzle, you know there’s something special in store. At 1-Across, [Chicken par_ _ _ _ _ in fat] seems to be asking us to fill in its blanks. But with what? My first thought was “boiled,” which didn’t fit. Also, I have a feeling that parboiling chicken in fat might be absurd.

We get an easier hint at 9-Across: The ending of [Hurdles for doct_ _ _ _ _tudents]. The ending looks as if it should be “students,” and the first part could be “doctoral.” Here’s where the magic happens: If we fill the clue’s missing letters into our entry squares, we get ORALS. And the oral defense of a dissertation can be a hurdle for a doctoral student. Another example, at 65-Across: The missing letters [Pitcher’s positio_ _ _ _ _e lineup, historically] should make this clue read “Pitcher’s position in the lineup, historically.” That position — at least before the introduction of designated hitters — is spelled out by the missing letters: NINTH.

That [Chicken part high in fat], by the way, is a THIGH.

Between identifying the letters of several words within the clue, writing the letters into an entry as a single word, and then making sure that the entry word actually solves the clue, I think I gave myself whiplash. (And the only prescription is more Crossword.)