clear cut nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You're looking for solutions to the New York Times crossword clue "clear cut". Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with their brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "clear cut nyt crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PLAIN: Easily seen or understood; clear.
7 Letters
EVIDENT: Clearly seen or understood; obvious.
OBVIOUS: Easily perceived or understood; clear, self-evident, or apparent.
PRECISE: Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail.
8 Letters
EXPLICIT: Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
DEFINITE: Clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful.
More About "clear cut nyt crossword"
"Clear cut" is a versatile phrase that can appear in crosswords with several nuances. Literally, it refers to a method of logging where most or all trees in an area are uniformly cut down. However, in the context of a crossword clue, it most frequently refers to something that is unambiguous, distinct, or easily understood. This duality is a classic characteristic of crossword clues, often leading solvers down one path while the answer lies in another common meaning of the phrase.
When "clear cut" appears in the New York Times crossword, the constructors are typically looking for synonyms of 'obvious', 'explicit', 'definite', or 'unambiguous'. The challenge often lies in matching the exact synonym to the available letter count and the intersecting letters. It's a clue that tests your vocabulary for precision and clarity, steering away from words that imply ambiguity or vagueness.
Understanding the common contexts of such clues can significantly speed up your solving time. Is the puzzle leaning towards a literal interpretation of 'cutting trees' (less common for this specific phrasing as a clue itself), or is it testing your grasp of synonyms for 'plain' or 'evident'? In the NYT, the latter is almost always the intended direction for "clear cut".
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For phrases like "clear cut," consider all possible meanings. Is it literal, metaphorical, or idiomatic? The NYT often uses everyday phrases to mean their most common, non-literal interpretation in crosswords.
- Check Letter Count First: Before brainstorming words, look at the blank spaces. Knowing the exact number of letters immediately narrows down your options, making it easier to recall the correct synonym (e.g., EVIDENT vs. EXPLICIT).
- Use Intersecting Letters: If you have one or two letters already filled in from crossing words, use them as anchors. This is the most crucial tip for verifying potential answers and eliminating incorrect ones quickly.
- Consider Common Crossword Synonyms: Certain concepts have favorite crossword answers. For "clear cut," common synonyms like OBVIOUS, EVIDENT, PLAIN, EXPLICIT, and DEFINITE are highly probable candidates. Keep a mental list of these.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do NYT crosswords reuse clues like 'clear cut'?
The New York Times crossword puzzle often reuses common words and phrases as clues or answers, especially for more straightforward concepts like 'clear cut'. However, the specific wording or the overall puzzle theme can vary, giving new life to familiar terms. They strive for a balance between familiarity and novelty.
What's the best way to approach a 'clear cut' clue if I'm stuck?
If you're stuck on 'clear cut', consider synonyms for 'obvious', 'definite', 'unambiguous', or 'plain'. Also, look at the letter count given for the answer, and any intersecting letters you might already have. Sometimes, thinking about the antonym first (e.g., vague, uncertain) can help you pivot to the correct answer.
Are there common crossword tricks related to clues about clarity or certainty?
Yes, clues about clarity or certainty often lead to answers that are straightforward synonyms. However, sometimes constructors might use wordplay. For example, 'clear cut' could refer to a logging term, or it could be a pun. Always consider both the literal and a potential lateral interpretation, especially in a Sunday puzzle.