chestnuts nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the New York Times crossword and are stuck on the clue "chestnuts nyt crossword," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible solutions, categorized by length, along with explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "chestnuts nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GAGS: Old, tiresome jokes or stories, often referred to as "old chestnuts."
5 Letters
HOARY: Referring to something very old or cliché, like an old joke, synonymous with an "old chestnut."
BROWN: A common color associated with chestnuts.
6 Letters
MAROON: A reddish-brown color, typical of chestnuts, especially roasted ones.
TRIVIA: Facts or information of little importance, often repeated, much like an old chestnut.
ROASTS: What one often does to chestnuts, especially in autumn or holiday seasons.
9 Letters
ANECDOTES: Short, amusing or interesting stories about a real incident or person, which can become old "chestnuts" if told too often.
More About "chestnuts nyt crossword"
"Chestnuts" in a crossword clue often plays on its double meaning. While literally referring to the edible nuts or the tree they come from, it's very commonly used in the idiomatic sense of "an old chestnut," meaning a stale joke, story, or piece of information that has been repeated many times and is no longer fresh or interesting. The NYT crossword, known for its clever wordplay and common idioms, frequently leverages this dual interpretation.
When you encounter this clue, consider both possibilities. The surrounding letters and the theme of the puzzle will usually guide you to the correct answer. For instance, if the puzzle has a food theme, the answer might be related to the actual nuts. If the theme is about humor or storytelling, the answer will likely be an idiom. This clue challenges solvers to think beyond the literal, a hallmark of excellent crossword design.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Idioms: For clues like "chestnuts," always think about common idioms or phrases that include the word. Many crossword clues hinge on such figurative language.
- Check Cross-References: Don't force an answer. If your initial thought for "chestnuts" doesn't fit with intersecting words, reconsider. The intersecting letters are your best friend for ambiguous clues.
- Think Broadly: If the literal meaning of "chestnuts" doesn't yield an answer, expand your thought process to related concepts: colors (maroon, brown), actions (roasts), or general terms for old things (hoary, trivia, gags).
- NYT Style: The New York Times crossword often favors elegant, concise answers. If you're considering a very long or obscure word, it might be less likely than a more common synonym or idiom.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "chestnuts" usually mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "chestnuts" often refers to old jokes or stories (e.g., "an old chestnut"). It can also refer to the nuts themselves, the tree, or the color.
How do I approach clues with multiple meanings like "chestnuts"?
Look for context from intersecting words. Consider different interpretations: literal (the nuts, the tree), figurative (old stories/jokes), or even colors. The puzzle's theme or difficulty level can also provide hints.
Are there common synonyms for "old chestnuts" in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include "GAGS," "HOARY," "TRIVIA," or "ANECDOTES," depending on the letter count and specific nuance.