Universal Crossword

ACROSS 1 Category of noun

“So you confess!” MA, IN, LA, ND, etc. Three to one, for one Detective Diaz of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” Chew (on) Lottery come-on Move, in real estate speak “The Handmaid’s Tale” or “The Hunger Games” Natural hairstyles, informally Leaves speechless Expansive view TV writer’s proposal Tennessee Titans’ org. Birdhouse at the zoo

T, to Theseus Cute nickname for a ghost? “Don’t forget to write!” Century ___ (aged Chinese delicacy) Many moons ___

“Big Nate” cartoonist Loudly cry What involves one’s quest for a mate? 6 9 12 13 15 16

18 19 21 22 23 27 30 32

34 35

36 40 41 42

43 44

Decreases, as pain Car’s RPM gauge Tailor-made, say? Parent’s unhelpful reason Tibetan bovines Deterioration of old city buildings “Can’t argue there” Healing ointment Midwestern birthplace of Malcolm X Psychic’s “gift” “What did I tell you?” Certain water lily

DOWN

1 Race requiring a swimsuit, a helmet and running shoes, for short “Can you give me a ___?” Teeny-tiny Petty quibbles Place where you might feed someone else’s kids? “Creative” genre for Fiona Apple “In what universe could that have happened?!” 3 4 20 23 31 33

Kyrgyzstan’s locale Women’s gymnastics event Company’s merchandise movers? Unaccounted for, militarily TV journalist Curry Reach new heights Neither this ___ that “Pass” Carnation containers “No need to shout!” Provide vocal support Trifling amount Confucian ideal Astrological divider Mine deposits “You got that right!”

Answers to yesterday’s puzzle

What tree rings denote Billie Eilish or Olivia Rodrigo MI6 : U.K. :: ___ : U.S. “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon Seed used to make tahini Detective’s project Obi-___ Kenobi Data storage unit Quiznos offering Chapters in history Aspiring musician’s CD Jazz improv style Where to surf Hawaii’s Banzai Pipeline Cry to a drag queen