NYT Crossword Answers for Dec. 18, 2024

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WEDNESDAY PUZZLE — In some ways, I’m what you’d name a risk-averse particular person: I keep away from curler coasters, I received’t move vehicles on a two-lane street … and I by no means gamble, except you depend my option to forgo journey insurance coverage.

That stated, I’d don’t have any qualms about betting on the success of a crossword collaboration between Jeffrey Martinovic and Will Nediger. These constructors have collaborated simply as soon as earlier than in The New York Times, and it resulted in a humdinger of a Tuesday puzzle. So after I noticed their byline above in the present day’s grid, I used to be able to take my probabilities. And reader: The danger was nicely definitely worth the reward.

Today’s Theme

If you CONSIDER THE ODDS, it signifies that you [Think before placing a bet]. Interpreted one other method, nonetheless, this expression hints at hidden layers within the entries to the starred clues. At 18-Across, for example, [Mendel studied them] solves to GREEN PEAS. By specializing in the odd letters of this phrase, we get GENES — what Mendel’s research of peas was all about. The [Book designer’s concern] at 46-Across is FOOTNOTE, however with odd letters solely it’s FONT. (Gray-shaded squares point out the odd letters in every theme entry, so you can also make sure you’re wanting in the best place.)

Odds bodkins! Or, as we are saying in fashionable instances, I can’t even.

Tricky Clues

51A. You don’t want any [Morel support?] except you’re a wide range of mushroom, the supporting a part of which is a STEM.

70A. I’m constantly amazed at constructors’ creativity in cluing (say that thrice quick). The [Response during an eye exam] is WORSE, as in the way you would possibly characterize your sight whereas the optometrist adjusts lenses.