NYT Mini Answer for Dec 3, 2024

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Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Physicians' degrees

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

MDS MDS MDS MDS MDS

4-Across. Good name for a theology professor

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE FAITH CLERG PRIES BENSO

6-Across. Space-related prefix

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

ASTRO SPACE ORBIT GEOSA COSMI

7-Across. Still in bed

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE NOTUP WOKEN ALIVE AWAKE

8-Across. Garden figurine in a pointy hat

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

GNOME HOUSE STORK FLUTE SPITE

1-Down. Worker with bricks and mortar

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

BRICK MASON LABOR STONE CRAFT

2-Down. "Me, too!"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE DITTO MEETS ALIKE TOGET

3-Down. Play, as a mandolin

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

PLUCK STRUM PICKS TUNES STRIN

4-Down. One of two in a king cobra's mouth

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

FANG TIPS TEAR TONG FANG

5-Down. Good name for an optimist

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

HOPE BEST TRUE FAIR LIVE

Based on the hints provided, have you managed to deduce the solution? If you're still struggling, please refer to the answers listed below.

Today's Answers Explained

Physicians' degrees

The hint "Physicians' degrees" is related to the word "MDS in English" because MDS stands for Medical Doctor of Surgery, which is a degree earned by physicians.

Good name for a theology professor

The word "FAITH" in English is related to the hint "Good name for a theology professor" because "Faith" is a common name for a theology professor, as it is a concept central to many religious and theological studies.

Space-related prefix

The relationship between the hint "Space-related prefix" and the word "ASTRO" in English is that "ASTRO" is a prefix that refers to space or astronomy. It is derived from the Greek word "αστρον" (astron), meaning "star."

Still in bed

The hint "Still in bed" is related to the word "NOTUP" in English because it is a play on words.

"NOT UP" can be interpreted as not getting out of bed, which is the meaning of "Still in bed".

Garden figurine in a pointy hat

The hint "Garden figurine in a pointy hat" is related to the word "GNOME" in English because a gnome is a type of mythical creature often depicted as a small, bearded man wearing a pointy hat and living in gardens or forests.

Worker with bricks and mortar

The hint "Worker with bricks and mortar" is related to the word "MASON" in English because a mason is a skilled worker who lays bricks, stones, and mortar to construct buildings, walls, and other structures. They use bricks and mortar as primary materials for their work.

"Me, too!"

The phrase "Me, too!" is an idiomatic expression used to express agreement or solidarity with someone else. It is often used in informal settings to show that the speaker shares the same opinion or experience as the person being addressed.

The word "DITTO" is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase "idem" or "idem ipsum," which means "the same." In English, "DITTO" is often used as a written equivalent of "me too" or "same here." It is commonly used in formal or written contexts, such as in surveys, questionnaires, or official documents.

The relationship between the two is that "DITTO" is a more formal or written equivalent of the informal phrase "Me, too!" Both expressions convey the same meaning of agreement or solidarity, but "DITTO" is often used in more formal or written contexts, while "Me, too!" is more commonly used in informal spoken language.

Play, as a mandolin

The word "STRUM" in English is related to the hint "Play, as a mandolin" because to play a mandolin, one typically uses their fingers or a pick to strum the strings, producing sound. The action of strumming is a common technique used to play the mandolin, hence the connection between the hint and the word "STRUM".

One of two in a king cobra's mouth

The hint "One of two in a king cobra's mouth" is related to the word "FANG" in English because a king cobra has two fangs in its mouth, which are used to inject venom into its prey.

Good name for an optimist

The word "HOPE" in English is related to the hint "Good name for an optimist" because "HOPE" is a word that embodies the concept of optimism. An optimist is someone who has a positive outlook on life and expects good things to happen. The word "HOPE" itself represents the idea of expecting or looking forward to a positive outcome or a better future. Therefore, "HOPE" can be seen as a fitting name for an optimist.