NY Times Crossword 

May 17, 2026

Derirck Niederman 

DOUBLE MEANINGS

 

Split each clue into two parts. Find a synonym (or loose synonym) for each half. Then put those synonyms together to get a recognizable word or phrase. For example, LOTTERY COMMISSION could be re-phrased as DRAWING BOARD. The phrases are listed in random order as hints below the clues.

 

1. Prison terms

2. Shower stall

3. Automates

4. Battle cry

5. Yellow submarine

6. Stolen base 

7. Blood vessel

8. Fire starter

9. Padlock

10. Confidence men

 

HINTS:
a. Rain delay

b. Kinship

c. Can opener

d. Mattress

e. Pen names

f. Hotfoot

g. Carpals

h. Chicken sandwich

i. Trust busters

j. Warrant

 

Answers:

 

1. Prison terms - e - Pen names

2. Shower stall - a - Rain delay

3. Automates - g - Carpals

4. Battle cry - j - Warrant

5. Yellow submarine - h - Chicken sandwich

6. Stolen base - f - Hotfoot

7. Blood vessel - b - Kinship

8. Fire starter - c - Can opener

9. Padlock - d - Mattress

10. Confidence men - i -Trust busters