NYT Crossword Answers for Dec. 16, 2024

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MONDAY PUZZLE — I often hear solvers refer to taking shortcuts or asking for help on a crossword as “cheating.” Looking up trivia to solve a clue? Cheating. Asking a friend how to spell an entry word? Cheating! Such assessments are reductive, and they strike fear into the hearts of beginners everywhere. Friends of mine still balk at the idea that they’re capable of “actually” solving.

I say that there’s no dishonesty in making an honest assessment of your knowledge. I have as much respect for the spartan solvers who mentally muscle their way through themeless grids as I do for those who prefer to solve on Autocheck. Whatever makes you a better solver is fair and square(s).

While solving today’s puzzle, constructed by Ailee Yoshida, I had to ask for help from the internet. Stuck at intersection of 64A and 51D (I temporarily forgot the word ILIUM), I had to look up the name of Phil SIMMS. Was that cheating? You can say so, and we’ll agree to disagree. But I’d offer that, if you insist on swearing off shortcuts and lifelines, you might just be cheating yourself.

Today’s Theme

How do you take your COFFEE BREAK (34A)? If you’re like Ms. Yoshida, you might simply “break” a coffee beverage across a pair of entries in a crossword puzzle.

A certain caffeinated beverage with steamed milk forms between 17A and 18A, for example, with SPLAT/TELL. Combine a [Hi-___ image] (22A) with a [Department handling media inquiries] (23A) and you’ve got a strong shot of RES/PRESS OFFICE. Two drinks remain to be discovered, but my break is over and it’s back to work, so I’ll leave the sleuthing to you.