Looking to tackle the USA Today crossword for September 30, 2024? You’re in the right place! Today’s puzzle promises to challenge your wits and tickle your brain with a blend of clever clues and engaging themes. Whether you're a seasoned crossword enthusiast or just starting your puzzle-solving journey, we’ve got the answers you need to conquer today’s challenges. Dive in and discover the solutions to help you complete your puzzle with confidence!

USA Today Crossword Answers September 30, 2024

Across

Seized car, briefly: REPO
(Short for repossession, when a vehicle is taken back due to non-payment.)

"Aw, heck!": DANG
(An exclamation of disappointment or annoyance.)

Action movie FX: CGI
(Computer-generated imagery used in films.)

___ so slightly: EVER
(A phrase indicating a very small amount or degree.)

Jon Arbuckle's dog: ODIE
(The name of the dog in the "Garfield" comic strip.)

Lowly laborers: PEONS
(Workers with low status or rank.)

Poker winnings: POTS
(The amount of money won in a poker game.)

"___ leave me hanging!" ("I'm trying to high-five you!"): DONT
(A phrase indicating that someone should not leave you without acknowledgment.)

On the ___ (running free): LOOSE
(A term used to describe something that is not restrained.)

Strenuous physical effort: ELBOWGREASE
(A colloquial term for hard work or labor.)

Lion's home: DEN
(A shelter or lair where lions live.)

Baltic or Ventnor, in Monopoly (Abbr.): AVE
(Abbreviation for Avenue, referring to properties in the game.)

Proponent's vote: AYE
(A term used to indicate approval or agreement in voting.)

Color of Mushu in "Mulan": RED
(The color associated with the dragon character in the film.)

Exam-grading helpers: TAS
(Teaching assistants who assist in grading exams.)

Ushered through the entryway: LEDIN
(A past participle form of "lead," meaning guided into a place.)

"Before long . . .": SOON
(A term indicating that something will happen in a short time.)

Misplace: LOSE
(To fail to keep track of something.)

Beer cellar container: KEG
(A large container used for storing beer.)

___ by a long shot: NOT
(A phrase indicating that something is far from the case.)

Swelled heads: EGOS
(A term referring to inflated self-importance.)

"Terminator: Dark Fate" actress: LINDAHAMILTON
(The actress who reprised her role as Sarah Connor in the film.)

Food sometimes filled with carnitas: TACO
(A traditional Mexican dish made of a folded tortilla filled with various ingredients.)

Hiking gear retailer: REI
(An outdoor retail store specializing in camping and hiking gear.)

Capture: NAB
(To seize or catch someone or something.)

Once again: ANEW
(A term indicating doing something again, often in a different way.)

Name hidden in "solar system": LARS
(The name "Lars" is embedded within the phrase.)

Email button: REPLY
(A button used to respond to an email message.)

Docs' degrees: MDS
(Abbreviation for Doctor of Medicine degrees.)

Lend a hand to: AID
(To help someone in need.)

Score that's one worse than a birdie: PAR
(A golf term indicating the standard score for a hole.)

Be a fibber: LIE
(To make an untrue statement.)

Sound booster at a heavy metal concert: AMP
(A device used to amplify sound.)

Easily frightened folks: SCAREDYCATS
(A colloquial term for people who are easily frightened.)

Sprinkles or showers: RAINS
(Forms of precipitation.)

___slaw (raw cabbage dish): COLE
(A type of salad made primarily from finely shredded raw cabbage.)

Against: ANTI
(A prefix meaning opposed to or against.)

Scarflike neckwear: ASCOT
(A type of necktie or scarf often worn with formal attire.)

Place for skiing: HILL
(A slope or hill used for skiing activities.)

Banjoist Fleck: BELA
(Béla Fleck, an acclaimed banjo player.)

Make a kilt, say: SEW
(To join fabric pieces together, typically using a needle and thread.)

"Who ___ did you tell?": ELSE
(A word used to inquire about additional people.)

Bok choy part: STEM
(The edible part of the bok choy plant.)

Down

Legally annul: REPEAL
(To revoke or cancel a law or act.)

Develop like a Pokemon: EVOLVE
(A term used to describe the transformation of Pokémon into a more advanced form.)

Place for a dog or cat to sleep: PETBED
(A designated sleeping area for pets.)

Ish: ORSO
(A suffix used to indicate approximation or vagueness, often seen in expressions like "greenish" or "big-ish.")

Suspicious, to a Brit: DODGY
(A British slang term for something that is questionable or untrustworthy.)

Just LOVES: ADORES
(To love someone or something very much.)

Number of candles on a hanukkiah: NINE
(The total number of candles on the menorah used during Hanukkah.)

"Quit smooching in front of me!": GETAROOM
(A phrase telling a couple to find privacy.)

Mpumi Madisa, for Bidvest Group: CEO
(Chief Executive Officer, the highest-ranking person in a company.)

Ready for the trip, say: GOODTOGO
(A phrase indicating readiness for departure.)

Like peaches during the summer: INSEASON
(Indicating that a fruit is at its peak of ripeness and flavor.)

Begged: PLED
(The past tense of plead, to ask for something earnestly.)

Becomes aware of: SENSES
(To perceive or become aware of something.)

Gradually got smaller: WANED
(To diminish in size, amount, or intensity.)

Submitted by mail: SENTIN
(An incomplete form of "sent in," indicating something has been mailed.)

"This isn't new information for me": IKNOW
(A phrase used to express prior knowledge about a subject.)

Broadcast booth sign: ONAIR
(A sign indicating that a show or broadcast is currently being aired.)

Don't bother: LETBE
(A phrase meaning to leave something alone.)

Ingredient in aioli and pesto: GARLIC
(A key ingredient that adds flavor to these sauces.)

Afro-Eurasia or Antarctica: LANDMASS
(A large, continuous area of land.)

"Deli" rapper: ICESPICE
(A rapper known for her distinctive style, potentially a play on "ice spice.")

Something treated by Tylenol: HEADACHE
(A common condition for which Tylenol is often used as a remedy.)

Sly and the Family Stone bassist Graham: LARRY
(Larry Graham, the bassist known for his work with Sly and the Family Stone.)

Powerlifter Walcott: TAMARA
(Tamara Walcott, an accomplished powerlifter.)

Witches' incantations: SPELLS
(Magical words or phrases believed to have supernatural power.)

Arrakis or Naboo: PLANET
(A celestial body in space, specifically those featured in science fiction.)

"A ___ bird told me . . .": LITTLE
(A phrase used to introduce a piece of information or gossip.)

Response to "Are you?": YESIAM
(A confirmation of existence or state.)

Helper (Abbr.): ASST
(Abbreviation for assistant.)

"Skyfall" singer: ADELE
(Adele, a famous singer known for her powerful vocals.)

Stir up: ROIL
(To disturb or agitate, often referring to water or emotions.)

Alternatives to Lyfts: CABS
(Taxis that serve as a form of transportation.)

"This minute!": NOW
(A term indicating the present time.)

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

As we wrap up our journey through the USA Today crossword answers for September 30, 2024, we hope you found the solutions helpful and enriching. Crosswords not only provide a great way to pass the time but also sharpen your mind and expand your vocabulary. Whether you breezed through the clues or faced a few challenges along the way, remember that each puzzle is a chance to learn and grow. Keep honing your skills, and don’t hesitate to return for more answers and tips in the future. Happy puzzling!