like old chestnuts nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "like old chestnuts nyt crossword". We provide answers across all possible word lengths to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "like old chestnuts nyt crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
TRITE: This answer perfectly describes something that is overused and lacks originality, very much like an old chestnut of a story or phrase.
STALE: Implying a lack of freshness or newness due to being old or overused, 'stale' is a fitting description for something 'like old chestnuts'.
CORNY: Often referring to something overly sentimental, old-fashioned, or unsophisticated, a 'corny' joke is a classic example of an old chestnut.
8 Letters
OVERUSED: Directly implying that something has been used too often to the point of losing its impact or novelty, a perfect fit for the clue.
9 Letters
HACKNEYED: This is a top answer for 'like old chestnuts', meaning a phrase or idea is lacking significance or originality because it has been overused.
More About "like old chestnuts nyt crossword"
The phrase "like old chestnuts" refers to something that is very familiar, often to the point of being tiresome or unoriginal. It typically describes jokes, stories, or proverbs that have been repeated so many times they've lost their initial appeal. In crossword puzzles, clues like this often seek synonyms for concepts such as banality, commonness, or lack of freshness.
Understanding this idiom is key to solving such clues. The NYT crossword, known for its clever wordplay and diverse vocabulary, frequently uses idiomatic expressions to test a solver's knowledge of nuanced meanings. When you encounter "like old chestnuts," think about what makes something feel 'old' and 'familiar' in a negative sense – usually, it's the element of overuse or predictability.
This clue is a great example of how crosswords intertwine general knowledge with vocabulary. It's not just about knowing a synonym for 'old,' but understanding the specific connotation of 'old chestnuts' as something trite or hackneyed. Keeping a mental library of common idioms and their associated meanings can significantly boost your crossword solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "like old chestnuts," don't just think of literal 'old'. Consider the idiomatic meaning. Is it about being common, unoriginal, or simply outdated?
- Check Cross-References: If stuck, look at the intersecting words. Sometimes, one letter from another clue can unlock the entire answer, especially for trickier idioms.
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Antonyms: Once you grasp the core meaning (e.g., 'unoriginal' for 'old chestnuts'), brainstorm a list of synonyms. Also, consider antonyms if the clue has a negative or positive spin.
- Consider Letter Count Carefully: Always double-check the expected number of letters. This is your most reliable constraint and can immediately eliminate many possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'like old chestnuts' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'like old chestnuts' refers to something that is very old, familiar, and often overused, similar to a worn-out joke or story. Common answers include synonyms for unoriginal, stale, or common.
Why are 'chestnuts' used to describe something old and familiar?
The phrase 'old chestnut' refers to a story, joke, or piece of information that is very old and has been told or used many times. It's often associated with something that has lost its novelty and freshness due to overuse.
How can I improve my crossword vocabulary for idiomatic clues?
To improve, consistently read widely, especially classic literature and common phrases. Maintain a journal of new words and idioms you encounter in puzzles. Online crossword dictionaries and idiom resources can also be invaluable for expanding your knowledge.