Crossword puzzles are a fun and engaging way to pass the time while also exercising your brain. For many people, the New York Times crossword is the ultimate challenge, with its clever clues and wide range of topics. However, even the most experienced crossword solver can get stuck sometimes. That’s where 12 crossword clue NYT comes in. In this article, we’ll explore 12 of the most common crossword clues you might encounter while doing the New York Times crossword, along with tips and tricks for cracking them.
1. Three-letter words
One of the most common types of crossword clues is the three-letter word. These can be tricky because there are so many possibilities, but there are a few strategies you can use to narrow down your options. First, look for clues that indicate the word’s meaning, such as “small” or “bird.” Then, try to think of common three-letter words that fit that description, such as “ant” or “owl.”
2. Four-letter words with a repeated letter
Another common trick in crossword puzzles is to use four-letter words that have a repeated letter. For example, the clue might be “speedy” and the answer might be “swift.” In these cases, it can be helpful to look for patterns in the clue that suggest a repeated letter, such as “zippy” or “fast.”
3. Long, obscure words
Sometimes, crossword clues will use long, obscure words that you might not be familiar with. In these cases, it can be helpful to break the word down into smaller parts and look for clues that relate to each part. For example, if the clue is “part of the brain,” and the answer is “amygdala,” you might break the word down into “amygdal” and “a,” and then look for clues that relate to each part.
4. Two-word phrases
Another common type of clue is a two-word phrase, where the first word gives a clue to the second word. For example, the clue might be “dog’s best friend,” and the answer might be “man.” In these cases, it can be helpful to look for clues that relate to the first word and then try to think of a word that fits the pattern.
5. Anagrams
Anagrams are clues where the letters of one word are rearranged to form another word. For example, the clue might be “listen” and the answer might be “silent.” In these cases, it can be helpful to look for clues that suggest an anagram is involved, such as “rearranged” or “mixed up.”
6. Double definitions
Double definitions are clues where two different definitions are given for the same word. For example, the clue might be “a type of tree” and “a type of bear,” and the answer might be “oak.” In these cases, it can be helpful to look for clues that suggest two meanings are involved, such as “dual” or “twofold.”
7. Homophones
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings. For example, the clue might be “to put up with” and the answer might be “bear.” In these cases, it can be helpful to look for clues that suggest a homophone is involved, such as “sounds like” or “auditory.”
8. Foreign words
Sometimes, crossword clues will use words from other languages. In these cases, it can be helpful to look for clues that indicate the language, such as “in Paris” or “Spanish for ‘water.'” If you don’t know the language, you can try to use context clues to figure out the meaning.
9. Abbreviations
Abbreviations are common in crossword clues, especially in the New York Times crossword. Look for clues that indicate the abbreviation, such as “for short” or “acronym for.” You can also try to use context clues to figure out the meaning of the abbreviation.
10. Quotes and references
Sometimes, crossword clues will reference quotes or other cultural references. In these cases, it can be helpful to use context clues to figure out the source of the reference. For example, if the clue is “‘To be or not to be’ speaker,” the answer is “Hamlet.”
11. Rhymes
Rhymes are clues where the answer is a word that rhymes with another word in the clue. For example, the clue might be “feline cry” and the answer might be “meow.” In these cases, look for clues that suggest a rhyme is involved, such as “sounds like” or “rhymes with.”
12. Pop culture references
Finally, crossword puzzles often include pop culture references. These can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the person, movie, or TV show being referenced. In these cases, you can try to use context clues to figure out the answer, or you can simply skip the clue and come back to it later.
With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be well on your way to solving even the most challenging New York Times crossword puzzles. Happy puzzling!