Are you staring at today’s Fox News crossword after completing the NYT Mini crossword with a mixture of determination and frustration? I understand because I do the same with pencil in hand, coffee growing cold, and that one stubborn clue refusing to reveal itself. Put down that eraser because I’ve decoded all the answers to today’s puzzle!
The Sunday, March 23, 2025, Fox News Daily crossword offers a delightful blend of cultural references, wordplay, and general knowledge that makes for a satisfying mental workout. Let’s check out the complete solution set with explanations.
Across Clues Solved
1. Govt. lender for some start-ups Answer: SBA
The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides loans and financial assistance to entrepreneurs and small business ventures across the United States, serving as a crucial government lifeline for many start-ups.
4. Massage Answer: RUB
A simple but effective answer—to massage is to “RUB,” applying pressure in a circular or linear motion to relieve tension or pain.
7. Blunder Answer: ERR
To “ERR” is human, as they say. This concise term captures any mistake or misstep we might make.
8. — buddy Answer: PEN
A “PEN buddy” refers to a pen pal—someone you correspond with through written letters, though in today’s digital age, this charming practice has largely gone electronic.
10. Recluse Answer: HERMIT
A “HERMIT” lives in isolation, withdrawing from society by choice. Think of the wise mountain hermit or the eccentric recluse in literature.
11. European peninsula Answer: IBERIA
“IBERIA” refers to the peninsula containing Spain and Portugal in southwestern Europe, named after the Ebro River.
13. Portrayer of Sister Benedict in “The Bells of St. Mary’s” Answer: INGRID
The answer is “INGRID” Bergman, who starred opposite Bing Crosby in this 1945 classic film.
16. Guitar great Paul Answer: LES
“LES” Paul was not just a legendary guitarist but also an innovator who pioneered the solid-body electric guitar and recording techniques still used today.
17. Winter woes Answer: ICES
When winter comes, roads and pathways “ICES” over, creating hazardous conditions—definitely a seasonal woe!
18. Granada gold Answer: ORO
“ORO” is Spanish for gold, and Granada is a city in Spain—hence “Granada gold.”
19. Overdue Answer: LATE
When something is “LATE,” it’s past the expected time of arrival or completion—like my tax returns most years!
20. General — chicken Answer: TSO
General “TSO’s” chicken is a popular American Chinese dish, named after Zuo Zongtang, a Qing dynasty statesman and military leader.
21. Church cries. Answer: AMENS
“AMENS” are exclamations of agreement or affirmation commonly heard in religious services.
23. Birdlike Answer: AVIAN
“AVIAN” relates to birds, describing anything bird-related or bird-like in nature.
25. Sneeze syllable Answer: ACHOO
“ACHOO” is the onomatopoeic representation of a sneeze sound in English.
26. Dutch export Answer: EDAM
“EDAM” cheese, known for its distinctive red wax coating, is a famous export from the Netherlands.
27. Invoice fig. Answer: AMT
“AMT” is an abbreviation for “amount,” the figure you’ll find on an invoice that indicates how much you owe.
Down Clues Solved
1. Karaoke selections Answer: SONGS
At karaoke bars, participants choose “SONGS” to perform, often with lyrics displayed on a screen.
2. Dutch word for “farmer” Answer: BOER
“BOER” is the Dutch term for farmer, also historically associated with Dutch-speaking settlers in South Africa.
3. From Nigeria or Togo, e.g. Answer: AFRICAN
Someone from Nigeria or Togo would be “AFRICAN,” as both countries are located on the African continent.
4. Judicially clad Answer: ROBED
Judges are “ROBED” when they don their official judicial attire before presiding over the court.
5. Software customers Answer: USERS
People who purchase and utilize software products are commonly referred to as “USERS.”
6. McEnroe’s rival Answer: BORG
Björn “BORG” was John McEnroe’s legendary tennis rival during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
7. Vanished Answer: ERASED
Something that has “ERASED” has disappeared or been removed from existence—like my weekend plans when work calls!
8. Sacred text Answer: PSALM
A “PSALM” is a sacred song or poem, particularly in religious texts like the Bible.
9. Brunch cocktail Answer: MIMOSA
A “MIMOSA,” typically made with champagne and orange juice, is a popular brunched choice.
10. Like Abner Answer: HILLBILLY
This refers to Li’l Abner, a comic strip character who was depicted as a “HILLBILLY.”
12. Vice President Burr Answer: AARON
“AARON” Burr served as the third Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson.
14. Specks Answer: DOTS
“DOTS” are tiny marks or spots—the smallest visual elements that sometimes catch our attention.
15. Refusals Answer: DENIALS
“DENIALS” are rejections or refusals to accept something as true.
19. Summer sign Answer: LEO
“LEO” is a zodiac sign for those born between July 23 and August 22, during the height of summer.
20. Allen or Curry Answer: TIM
“TIM” Allen is an actor known for “Home Improvement,” while “TIM” Curry starred in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.“
21. Sportscaster Rashad Answer: AHMAD
“AHMAD” Rashad is a former professional football player who became a sportscaster.
22. Guiding maxims Answer: SAWS
“SAWS” in this context refers to old sayings or maxims that offer wisdom or guidance.
Conclusion
Crossword puzzles are like mental gymnastics—they stretch our thinking, test our knowledge, and occasionally leave us humbled and triumphant. Today’s Fox News crossword offered a satisfying mix of straightforward clues and those requiring more lateral thinking. Whether you’re a daily puzzler or an occasional dabbler, I hope these solutions helped you complete today’s challenge!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crosswords
Start with the shorter words and fill-in-the-blank clues, as these are typically easier. Then, use the letters you’ve placed to help solve the more challenging intersecting words. Always work with a pencil (or erasable pen) to allow corrections.
Puzzle creators need certain letter combinations to make their grids work. Words like “etui” (needle case) or “adit” (mine entrance) appear frequently because they contain helpful letter patterns that help constructors build interconnected words.
There’s no correct answer! Mini puzzles might take 5-10 minutes, while larger puzzles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. The New York Times Sunday puzzle is famously challenging and can be a multi-hour endeavor for many solvers.
Absolutely! Research suggests regular crossword solving may improve vocabulary, enhance pattern recognition, boost memory, and possibly even delay cognitive decline. Plus, there’s the satisfaction of completion!
American crosswords typically have more intersecting letters and fewer black squares. British crosswords (cryptic crosswords) often contain wordplay and require solving a mini-puzzle within each clue. American puzzles focus more on definitions and general knowledge.
