drops the ball nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "drops the ball nyt crossword," helping you swiftly complete your puzzle and understand the logic behind the answers.
Solutions for "drops the ball nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
ERRS: Makes a mistake; often used in a more general sense of error.
5 Letters
FAILS: Does not succeed in doing something or performing a duty.
6 Letters
SLIPUP: A minor mistake or error, often due to carelessness.
7 Letters
BLUNDER: To make a foolish or careless mistake, often a significant one.
More About "drops the ball nyt crossword"
The clue "drops the ball" is a common idiomatic expression that signifies a failure to perform an expected duty or an oversight that leads to a negative outcome. In crosswords, clues based on idioms often require you to think about the core meaning or direct synonyms of the expression. For this particular clue, solvers should consider words that mean 'to make a mistake,' 'to fail,' or 'to neglect a responsibility.'
New York Times crosswords are known for their clever wordplay and diverse clueing styles. When encountering an idiomatic clue like "drops the ball," it's essential to not only consider literal interpretations but also the many ways the phrase can be synonymously expressed. This can range from simple verbs like ERRS or FAILS to more descriptive nouns or verbs such as BLUNDER or SLIPUP, depending on the number of letters required.
Understanding the nuances of such idioms is key to mastering crossword puzzles. By recognizing that "drops the ball" points to a type of error or failure, you can narrow down potential answers and quickly complete the grid. Always cross-reference with surrounding letters to confirm your choice.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Idiomatic Meanings: Many crossword clues, like "drops the ball," are idioms. Learn to think about their underlying meaning (e.g., 'to fail,' 'to make a mistake') rather than a literal interpretation.
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Always double-check the number of letters you've identified for an answer against the grid. This clue might have multiple valid answers of different lengths, so be precise.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct answer isn't coming to mind, brainstorm synonyms for the core concept of the clue (e.g., for 'drops the ball,' think 'mistake,' 'failure,' 'oversight'). Sometimes, thinking of antonyms can also spark ideas.
- Check for Consistency: Once you fill in an answer, ensure it makes sense with intersecting words. This helps confirm your choice and prevents errors from propagating through the puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are idiomatic clues in NYT crosswords?
Idiomatic clues are quite common in the NYT crossword, especially on themed days. They add a layer of challenge and often lead to satisfying 'aha!' moments when the solver deciphers the wordplay.
What's the difference between a 'blunder' and an 'error' in crosswords?
While both indicate a mistake, 'blunder' often implies a more significant, perhaps foolish, or clumsy mistake, whereas 'error' is a more general term for any deviation from correctness. Crossword constructors use these distinctions to guide solvers to specific answer lengths and meanings.
Why does 'NYT crossword' appear in the clue?
The "NYT crossword" part of the clue is a meta-reference, indicating that the clue is specifically from a New York Times puzzle. While it doesn't change the answer to "drops the ball," it helps search engines direct users looking for solutions to that specific puzzle source.