“It protects the heart” crossword clue
Answer
R
I
B
C
A
G
E
•••••••RIBCAGE
Reveal the answer to see why it works and where this clue has appeared before.RIBCAGE is the answer to the New York Times crossword clue “It protects the heart”. It was last seen in the puzzle of January 4, 2026, where it runs at 1 Across and fills 7 squares. It crosses 7 other entries in that grid — those are listed below and are the quickest way to confirm the letters you already have.
Crossing entries
Jan 4, 2026 grid1DKelly of morning TV4 ltrs›2D"Come on and let loose for a while!"9 ltrs›3DName of Ohio State's buckeye mascot6 ltrs›4DWrinkly fruits7 ltrs›5DParts of many online handles3 ltrs›6DDavis of "Thelma & Louise"5 ltrs›7D"___ quam videri" (North Carolina's motto)4 ltrs›
More clues from this puzzle
Jan 4, 20268AEgyptian god of the underworld6 ltrs›14ADr.'s order?3 ltrs›17ASubstances found in cured meats and explosives8 ltrs›18ATheme park with attractions like The Count's Splash Castle and Oscar's Rusty Rotten Rockets11 ltrs›21AHigh marks8 ltrs›22A"That's enough bickering!"12 ltrs›24AValletta's land5 ltrs›25ASci-fi protagonist who says "I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life"3 ltrs›
Back to the full Jan 4, 2026 answer list, or browse the puzzle archive.