Welcome to your daily brain teaser! The USA Today Crossword for September 21, 2024, promises to challenge and entertain you with a fresh set of clues that will test your word skills and knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned crossword enthusiast or just starting out, today’s puzzle offers a mix of easy and tricky clues, ensuring a fun experience for everyone. Grab your pencil, warm up those brain cells, and let’s dive into the world of words!

USA Today Crossword Answers September 21, 2024

Across

• You're the ___ ("Just tell me what to do"): BOSS

  (An expression where someone is called the leader or decision-maker.)

• That true?: IS IT

  (A question used to confirm the truth of something.)

• "Sorry Sorry" singer ___ Bird: TOWA

  (Refers to Towa Bird, an artist known for the song "Sorry Sorry.")

• Hawaiian island: OAHU

  (A major island of Hawaii, home to Honolulu.)

• Steamed Tibetan dumpling: MOMO

  (A popular Tibetan and Nepali dish.)

• Feet bottoms: SOLES

  (The underside of a foot or shoe.)

• Mix: STIR

  (To combine ingredients or elements by moving them around.)

• ___ platter: PUPU

  (A tray of assorted appetizers, especially in Hawaiian cuisine.)

• The Tortured ___ Department: POETS

  (A phrase referring to the trope of emotionally complex or sensitive poets.)

• "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" artist: CHAPPELL ROAN

  (Singer-songwriter Chappell Roan known for this song.)

• Cool, dude: RAD

  (Slang for something awesome or excellent.)

• Theater chains: AMCS

  (Refers to AMC Theatres, a large movie theater chain.)

• Cheer syllable: RAH

  (A common cheer used at sporting events.)

• Goosebumps author R.L.: STINE

  (R.L. Stine, known for the Goosebumps book series.)

• Org. for teachers: NEA

  (National Education Association, an organization for educators.)

• Smidgen: IOTA

  (A very small amount.)

• Bring up: RAISE

  (To elevate or nurture.)

• ___-Alt-Del: CTRL

  (Refers to the keyboard shortcut used for various functions on computers.)

• Powdery precipitation: SNOW

  (Frozen water vapor that falls in flakes.)

• Hard same: I FEEL YA

  (Slang phrase meaning strong agreement or empathy.)

• Fashion runway: CATWALK

  (The platform where models showcase fashion.)

• Setting for the board game Agricola: FARM

  (Themed around farming and agriculture.)

• Egyptian cross: ANKH

  (An ancient symbol representing life.)

• Water sources: WELLS

  (Structures used to access underground water.)

• Family diagram: TREE

  (A graphical representation of family relationships.)

• Weeding tool: HOE

  (A tool used in gardening for removing weeds.)

• Enjoys "Bad Behavior," say: READS

  (To take pleasure in reading the book "Bad Behavior.")

• Neve's "Scream" character, for short: SID

  (Short for Sidney Prescott, the main character in Scream.)

• Bear who said "Some people care too much. I think it's called love": POOH

  (Refers to Winnie the Pooh.)

• Spot for a stud: EAR

  (A common place for wearing earrings.)

• 19-Across song with the lyric "You'd have to stop the world to stop the feeling": GOOD LUCK BABE

  (A song by Chappell Roan.)

• Like forbidden stuff: TABOO

  (Something prohibited or restricted by social custom.)

• Stay in your ___: LANE

  (A phrase meaning to focus on your own responsibilities.)

• Mongolian tent: YURT

  (A traditional portable round tent used by nomads in Mongolia.)

• Emotionally distant: ALOOF

  (Detached or unfriendly.)

• "And I hope I never lose you, hope it never ___": ENDS

  (Lyric possibly referring to a song or expression of lasting love.)

• Midmonth day: IDES

  (Refers to the middle of the month in the Roman calendar, especially March 15.)

• Mean Girls star Renee: RAPP

  (Renee Rapp, an actress known for her role in Mean Girls.)

• Vaya con ___: DIOS

  (Spanish phrase meaning "Go with God.")

• Not messy: TIDY

  (Neat and organized.)

Down

• Pear variety: BOSC

  (A type of pear known for its firmness.)

• Pledge: OATH

  (A solemn promise.)

• Branch of Islam: SHIA

  (One of the two main branches of Islam.)

• I want you to decide: SURPRISE ME

  (A phrase used when leaving the decision to someone else.)

• Get in the way of: IMPEDE

  (To obstruct or interfere with progress.)

• Heart and ___: SOUL

  (A phrase meaning the core or essence of something.)

• Fix securely: IMPLANT

  (To embed or insert firmly.)

• Stuff often sold in tents at concerts: TOUR MERCH

  (Merchandise related to a musical or performance tour.)

• Animated character: TOON

  (Short for cartoon character.)

• Spanish cheer: OLE

  (A shout of approval in Spanish-speaking countries.)

• Like some burritos: WET

  (Covered in sauce, typically referring to burritos.)

• Stubborn animal: ASS

  (A donkey or a person who is obstinate.)

• Self-care spots: SPAS

  (Places offering wellness treatments.)

• Comic Con event: PANEL

  (A discussion or interview session at a convention.)

• Florida city hidden in "local anesthetic": OCALA

  (A city in Florida.)

• Clown mascot McDonald: RONALD

  (Ronald McDonald, the mascot of McDonald's restaurants.)

• Coral islands: ATOLLS

  (Ring-shaped coral reefs or islands.)

• Some winged predators: HAWKS

  (Birds of prey known for hunting.)

• Apple web browser: SAFARI

  (The default web browser on Apple devices.)

• Like theater seating: TIERED

  (Arranged in levels or layers.)

• You can't go wrong with this: I SWEAR BY IT

  (A phrase expressing strong belief in something.)

• Deep divides: RIFTS

  (Serious breaks or splits, often in relationships.)

• Kissed and cuddled lovingly: CANOODLED

  (To engage in affectionate behavior.)

• Google rival: YAHOO

  (Another internet search engine.)

• Alter slightly: TWEAK

  (To make small adjustments.)

• The Way and "After Hours" singer: KEHLANI

  (An R&B singer.)

• Break that may be indoors in Arizona: RECESS

  (A pause or break in a formal setting.)

• 2000s-style "hair bump" feature: POOF

  (A raised portion of hair near the front.)

• Gloppy gunk: GOOP

  (A thick or sticky substance.)

• Reverse: UNDO

  (To undo or reverse an action.)

• German car maker: AUDI

  (A luxury automobile manufacturer.)

• Born and ___: BRED

  (Raised or nurtured in a specific environment.)

• Website where you might buy a Femininomenon embroidered tank top: ETSY

  (An online marketplace for handmade and vintage items.)

• Paving gunk: TAR

  (A thick substance used in road construction.)

• Arroz ___ tumbada: A LA

  (A dish of rice, often meaning "in the style of.")

• Catchy song: BOP

  (A slang term for an upbeat, catchy song.)

Thanks for Checking Out Today’s USA Today Crossword Answers!  

As you wrap up the USA Today Crossword for September 21, 2024, take a moment to reflect on the clues you found particularly engaging or challenging. Whether you completed it solo or collaborated with friends, each puzzle is an opportunity to expand your vocabulary and enhance your problem-solving skills. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for a new set of clues to keep the fun going. Happy puzzling!