Desires a do-over

Latest answer — August 30, 2026

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Clue explained

Rues means regrets or wishes one could redo something, so it fits “desires a do-over.” It is the third-person singular present-tense form of rue.

Clue type:
Word form
Person reflecting regretfully on a past decision

USA Today Crossword

This clue's Sunday, August 30, 2026 appearance

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Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.

Across

  1. 1___ top (midriff-exposing shirt)
  2. 5Cause of some trips
  3. 8Parts of processes
  4. 13Queen of Olympus
  5. 14Grain storage structure
  6. 15"A little bird told me . . ."
  7. 16Plugging away
  8. 17Give off, like rays
  9. 18Running total
  10. 19It requires a delicate balance
  11. 22College, to a Brit
  12. 23Surgeons' workplaces (Abbr.)
  13. 24"Finders keepers, ___ weepers"
  14. 28Country with a famous canal
  15. 30Film that might have someone wired?
  16. 32Capitol Hill group
  17. 34"Makes no difference to me," in texts
  18. 35Bubble tea morsels
  19. 40"So cute!"
  20. 41"I'm gonna pass"
  21. 42Perches for frogs
  22. 46H Mart and Kmart
  23. 50___ card (ATM directive)
  24. 51Nintendo consoles with Nunchuks
  25. 52911 responder
  26. 53Money from the fire department?
  27. 57Strums, like a guitar
  28. 60Type of bean used as a pho garnish
  29. 61Agitate
  30. 62Summer camp boat
  31. 63It might help you choose sides?
  32. 64"___ of Dogs" (Wes Anderson film)
  33. 65Teapot part
  34. 66"Don't delay!"
  35. 67Loch with a cryptid

Down

  1. 1Talk to
  2. 2Scannable eye part
  3. 3Starting point
  4. 4Garden walkway
  5. 5Long rides?
  6. 6Lose your footing
  7. 7Be adoring
  8. 8"Arrested Development," e.g.
  9. 9"You don't say?"
  10. 10Long, narrow fish
  11. 11Pen ___ (snail-mail friend)
  12. 12Texter's "Whoops"
  13. 14Hotter cousin of a jalapeno
  14. 20Marisa who played Aunt May
  15. 21Raisman with three Olympic gold medals
  16. 25Malicious
  17. 26Unburdens
  18. 27Short instant
  19. 29Venomous viper
  20. 30Palindromic math subject, for short
  21. 31___ up (invigorates)
  22. 33___-washed jeans
  23. 35Bed size for one person, ironically
  24. 36Tools for making belt holes
  25. 37Becoming less harsh
  26. 38Bit of hijinks
  27. 39Apt rhyme for "Pooh"
  28. 40"Dear Girls" memoirist Wong
  29. 43Possible response to "Who, me?"
  30. 44Like one's favorite radio stations, often
  31. 45Off-road ride
  32. 47Restful state
  33. 48Contacts via Google or Yahoo
  34. 49Fashions, trends or fashion trends
  35. 51Casual "Shall we?"
  36. 54"The Crown" actor Corrin
  37. 55Desires a do-over
  38. 56CNN host Burnett
  39. 57Non-Mac computers
  40. 58Track meet unit
  41. 59"Sorry, it's ___ from me"

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. ___ top (midriff-exposing shirt) — Answer: CROP. Hint: This fashion item reveals the midriff. 👚
  2. 5. Cause of some trips — Answer: LSD. Hint: This psychedelic substance can produce vivid hallucinations. 🌈
  3. 8. Parts of processes — Answer: STEPS. Hint: A process is often broken into these stages. 🪜
  4. 13. Queen of Olympus — Answer: HERA. Hint: This Greek goddess is married to the ruler of the gods. 👑
  5. 14. Grain storage structure — Answer: SILO. Hint: This tall farm structure keeps harvested grain dry. 🌾
  6. 15. "A little bird told me . . ." — Answer: IHEAR. Hint: This phrase playfully suggests that secret gossip revealed the news. 🤫
  7. 16. Plugging away — Answer: ATIT. Hint: It means continuing to work steadily without quitting. 💪
  8. 17. Give off, like rays — Answer: EMIT. Hint: Rays do this when they send energy outward. ☀️
  9. 18. Running total — Answer: TALLY. Hint: This is a count that tracks a growing score. 🔢
  10. 19. It requires a delicate balance — Answer: TIGHTROPEACT. Hint: A circus performance demanding poise and steady footing fits the bill. 🎪
  11. 22. College, to a Brit — Answer: UNI. Hint: A Brit may use this casual term for higher education. 🎓
  12. 23. Surgeons' workplaces (Abbr.) — Answer: ORS. Hint: These hospital rooms host surgical procedures. 🏥
  13. 24. "Finders keepers, ___ weepers" — Answer: LOSERS. Hint: The missing word refers to those who do not keep the found item. 😢
  14. 28. Country with a famous canal — Answer: PANAMA. Hint: This Central American nation is crossed by a celebrated waterway. 🌎
  15. 30. Film that might have someone wired? — Answer: SPYMOVIE. Hint: A film featuring covert agents and hidden surveillance might fit this genre. 🎬
  16. 32. Capitol Hill group — Answer: SENATE. Hint: This upper chamber debates and passes national laws. 🏛️
  17. 34. "Makes no difference to me," in texts — Answer: IDC. Hint: This texting shorthand says the matter does not concern the sender. 📱
  18. 35. Bubble tea morsels — Answer: TAPIOCAPEARLS. Hint: These chewy spheres rest at the bottom of a milk tea drink. 🧋
  19. 40. "So cute!" — Answer: AWW. Hint: A tiny puppy might prompt this affectionate exclamation. 🐶
  20. 41. "I'm gonna pass" — Answer: ITSANO. Hint: This casual phrase is a way to decline an invitation. 🙅
  21. 42. Perches for frogs — Answer: LILYPADS. Hint: Frogs often sit on these broad floating pond leaves. 🐸
  22. 46. H Mart and Kmart — Answer: STORES. Hint: Both are examples of retail shopping places. 🛍️
  23. 50. ___ card (ATM directive) — Answer: INSERT. Hint: The machine may display this command before accepting your card. 💳
  24. 51. Nintendo consoles with Nunchuks — Answer: WII. Hint: These motion-friendly gaming systems pair controllers with a distinctive secondary wand 🎮
  25. 52. 911 responder — Answer: EMT. Hint: This trained professional provides urgent medical help before the hospital. 🚑
  26. 53. Money from the fire department? — Answer: SEVERANCEPAY. Hint: A firefighter’s parting compensation might be described with this workplace term 🚒
  27. 57. Strums, like a guitar — Answer: PLAYS. Hint: A guitarist does this across the strings 🎸
  28. 60. Type of bean used as a pho garnish — Answer: MUNG. Hint: These small green legumes often add crunch to Vietnamese noodle soup 🍜
  29. 61. Agitate — Answer: ROIL. Hint: To stir up trouble or emotions is to do this 🌪️
  30. 62. Summer camp boat — Answer: CANOE. Hint: Campers may paddle this lightweight boat across a quiet lake 🛶
  31. 63. It might help you choose sides? — Answer: MENU. Hint: It may help you pick between fries, salad, or both 🍟
  32. 64. "___ of Dogs" (Wes Anderson film) — Answer: ISLE. Hint: The film title places a group of dogs on a small piece of land 🎬
  33. 65. Teapot part — Answer: SPOUT. Hint: This teapot feature directs a stream of hot tea into your cup 🫖
  34. 66. "Don't delay!" — Answer: ASAP. Hint: A terse request for immediate action uses this abbreviation ⏱️
  35. 67. Loch with a cryptid — Answer: NESS. Hint: This famous Scottish lake is known for a legendary creature that may or may not be swimming around! 🐉

Down

  1. 1. Talk to — Answer: CHATUP. Hint: You can do this when you strike up a conversation with someone 💬
  2. 2. Scannable eye part — Answer: RETINA. Hint: This light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye can be scanned 👁️
  3. 3. Starting point — Answer: ORIGIN. Hint: Think of where a journey or idea begins. 🚩
  4. 4. Garden walkway — Answer: PATH. Hint: A garden may wind along this narrow walking route 🌿
  5. 5. Long rides? — Answer: LIMOS. Hint: These lavish vehicles can make an ordinary trip feel formal 🚘
  6. 6. Lose your footing — Answer: SLIP. Hint: A moment of lost balance may cause you to do this 🧊
  7. 7. Be adoring — Answer: DOTE. Hint: To lavish affection on someone is to do this 💕
  8. 8. "Arrested Development," e.g. — Answer: SITCOM. Hint: This TV genre mixes recurring characters with humorous situations 📺
  9. 9. "You don't say?" — Answer: THATSO. Hint: This can express surprised agreement with a playful response 😮
  10. 10. Long, narrow fish — Answer: EEL. Hint: This elongated swimmer often hides in mud or rocky crevices 🐟
  11. 11. Pen ___ (snail-mail friend) — Answer: PAL. Hint: A friend who exchanges letters with you is your correspondence companion ✉️
  12. 12. Texter's "Whoops" — Answer: SRY. Hint: A casual, abbreviated apology fits this texting mishap. 😅
  13. 14. Hotter cousin of a jalapeno — Answer: SERRANO. Hint: Look for a slender Mexican pepper with extra heat. 🌶️
  14. 20. Marisa who played Aunt May — Answer: TOMEI. Hint: This Oscar-winning actress also starred in My Cousin Vinny. 🎬
  15. 21. Raisman with three Olympic gold medals — Answer: ALY. Hint: She was a celebrated member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. 🥇
  16. 25. Malicious — Answer: EVIL. Hint: Think wicked, harmful, or downright nasty. 😈
  17. 26. Unburdens — Answer: RIDS. Hint: This means removes a load or frees someone from a worry. 🧳
  18. 27. Short instant — Answer: SEC. Hint: A tiny unit of time is all that’s needed here. ⏱️
  19. 29. Venomous viper — Answer: ASP. Hint: This small snake was famously associated with Cleopatra. 🐍
  20. 30. Palindromic math subject, for short — Answer: STATS. Hint: This data-focused field reads the same in either direction. 📊
  21. 31. ___ up (invigorates) — Answer: PEPS. Hint: The missing word means energizes or livens up. ⚡
  22. 33. ___-washed jeans — Answer: ACID. Hint: Think of a retro denim style created with a bleaching treatment. 👖
  23. 35. Bed size for one person, ironically — Answer: TWIN. Hint: This narrow bed size has a name suggesting two. 🛏️
  24. 36. Tools for making belt holes — Answer: AWLS. Hint: Leatherworkers use these pointed implements to pierce material. 🧰
  25. 37. Becoming less harsh — Answer: EASINGUP. Hint: This phrase describes conditions growing gentler. 🌤️
  26. 38. Bit of hijinks — Answer: ANTIC. Hint: A playful prank or bit of mischief fits the bill. 😜
  27. 39. Apt rhyme for "Pooh" — Answer: ROO. Hint: Think of the young kangaroo from the Hundred Acre Wood. 🦘
  28. 40. "Dear Girls" memoirist Wong — Answer: ALI. Hint: This comedian and writer penned a candid book addressed to her daughters. 📚
  29. 43. Possible response to "Who, me?" — Answer: YESYOU. Hint: Confirm that the person asking is indeed being addressed. 👉
  30. 44. Like one's favorite radio stations, often — Answer: PRESET. Hint: They may already be programmed into the dashboard buttons. 📻
  31. 45. Off-road ride — Answer: ATV. Hint: Picture a sturdy recreational vehicle built for rough trails. 🏞️
  32. 47. Restful state — Answer: REPOSE. Hint: This describes peaceful relaxation or rest. 😌
  33. 48. Contacts via Google or Yahoo — Answer: EMAILS. Hint: These are digital messages sent through online services. 📧
  34. 49. Fashions, trends or fashion trends — Answer: STYLES. Hint: Think of the looks and patterns that are currently in vogue. 👗
  35. 51. Casual "Shall we?" — Answer: WANNA. Hint: This informal phrase suggests doing something together. 😊
  36. 54. "The Crown" actor Corrin — Answer: EMMA. Hint: This performer portrayed Princess Diana in the royal drama. 👑
  37. 55. Desires a do-over — Answer: RUES. Hint: Someone feeling regret may wish to try again. 🔄
  38. 56. CNN host Burnett — Answer: ERIN. Hint: This journalist anchors a prominent CNN news program. 📰
  39. 57. Non-Mac computers — Answer: PCS. Hint: These are common personal computers that do not run macOS. 💻
  40. 58. Track meet unit — Answer: LAP. Hint: One trip around the track is measured this way. 🏃
  41. 59. "Sorry, it's ___ from me" — Answer: ANO. Hint: This phrase gently declines the proposal. 🙅

The answer to “Desires a do-over” in the USA Today crossword is RUES — a 4-letter word. It most recently appeared in the USA Today crossword on August 30, 2026, a Sunday puzzle, at 55-Down. Below you'll find why that fill fits, every other answer we've recorded for this clue, and links into the puzzle it came from.

“Desires a do-over” answer

RUES (4 letters)

Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is RUES.

What does RUES mean?

Reading the plain dictionary sense of RUES is often the fastest way to see why it answers this clue.

(verb)

  • bitterly regret (something one has done or allowed to happen) and wish it undone

When else has “Desires a do-over” appeared?

USA Today reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up, and what the answer was each time — handy when you're checking whether today's fill is the only one.

August 30, 2026 (most recent) → RUES. We haven't indexed another appearance of this exact clue yet.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Desires a do-over”?

The answer is RUES, a 4-letter word. It most recently appeared in the USA Today crossword on August 30, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Desires a do-over”?

4 letters: RUES.

When did this clue appear?

Most recently in the USA Today crossword on August 30, 2026 (a Sunday puzzle), at 55-Down.

Can “Desires a do-over” have a different answer?

Yes — USA Today sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.

Where can I find the rest of this day's USA Today answers?

The full grid for August 30, 2026 is on the USA Today answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

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