NYT Crossword Answers for Feb. 13, 2024

Jump to: Today’s Theme | Tricky Clues

TUESDAY PUZZLE — I was asked on a recent evening to participate in a comedy show in which panelists gave slide show presentations on topics of their choosing. I opted for a language-focused segment (obviously) about clichés in reality television, inspired by my longtime fascination with the “Bachelor” franchise.

One of my cohorts, a commercially successful actor, presented a lighthearted review of the many odd jobs he’d had on the road to his career. It got me thinking about the language (obviously) of the gig economy, which commodifies our qualities. I have learned to describe myself, for example, as a self-starter — which is a fancy way of saying I’m a morning person.

One of these work-force-ready qualities can be found at the heart of today’s crossword, which was constructed by Peter Gordon. As with any crossword theme, the phrase requires a different interpretation to apply to the rest of the puzzle. In corporate terms, it’s versatile and adaptable to new environments!

Shall we clock in and get to work?

Today’s Theme

Are you a sports fan? If not, today’s theme might not have hit home for you. Appreciating it requires a knowledge of “Ones unconcerned with individual achievements” — that is to say TEAM PLAYERS. Each themed entry is made up of two sports team names; the leagues the teams belong to are appended in brackets.

An “Indication that a gas stove is functioning properly” (3D), for instance, is a BLUE FLAME — for the St. Louis BLUEs and the Calgary FLAMEs of the N.H.L. Remember “Clarence in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’” (54A)? He’s a GUARDIAN ANGEL, made up of the Cleveland and Los Angeles baseball teams in the American League of the M.L.B.