NYT Crossword Answers for July 24, 2024

Jump to: Today’s Theme | Tricky Clues

WEDNESDAY PUZZLE — Some solvers may refer to the arcade game hiding in the theme of today’s crossword, constructed by Shaun Phillips, with words from another recent puzzle’s theme: “What a racket!” If you are one of those people, I share your skepticism. The game is almost certainly rigged against us.

But for the purpose of solving Mr. Phillips’s crossword — his first for The New York Times — I recommend leaving your suspicions at the door. I can assure you that this grid is every bit as delightful as it presents itself to be, and that solving it is within your grasp.

Today’s Theme

You’ve heard of the long arm of the law. How about the long arm of the crossword? That’s what you’ll find in this puzzle, if you look closely: the arm of a CLAW MACHINE GAME (35A), reaching from the top of the grid to grasp a little cluster of black squares below it. A synonym for [“Wait!”] is HOLD ON A MINUTE (5D), a hopeful directive to the claw as it grasps a prize, maybe for long enough to reach the deposit slot. Oh, and as for a [Professional who might expect to do well with a 35-Across?], that would be a CRANE OPERATOR (10D).

I can proudly state that I have won prizes from at least two CLAW MACHINE GAMEs. Granted, I have lost countless more to their pits, but I choose to focus on the claw–sitive. And is the [Setting for a 35-Across] really called an AMUSEMENT ARCADE (54A)? That seems redundant. But maybe there are plenty of serious arcades where business is conducted. “Step into my claw–ffice,” and so on.

Tricky Clues

8A. [Some experts on viruses] of a computer nature are TECHIES — not to be confused with experts on a certain sci-fi series, known as Trekkies.