take a breather nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "take a breather" from the NYT Crossword, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "take a breather nyt crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
REST: To cease work or activity in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength.
5 Letters
PAUSE: A temporary stop in action or speech.
RELAX: Make or become less tense or anxious.
6 Letters
UNWIND: To relax after a period of work or tension.
7 Letters
CHILLAX: A colloquial blend of 'chill' and 'relax,' meaning to calm down or take it easy.
More About "take a breather nyt crossword"
"Take a breather" is a common idiomatic expression, often appearing in crosswords to test a solver's vocabulary of synonyms for relaxation, rest, or temporary cessation. The New York Times Crossword frequently uses such phrases, requiring solvers to think beyond the literal meaning and consider various shades of an action or state. This type of clue encourages you to explore a wider range of vocabulary, from formal synonyms like 'pause' to more modern or colloquial terms like 'chillax'.
Understanding the nuance of these phrases is key to mastering NYT puzzles. While 'take a breather' might literally mean to take a moment to breathe, its common usage implies stopping for a short period to rest or relax, often after effort or stress. This makes words like REST, PAUSE, RELAX, UNWIND, and CHILLAX perfect candidates for the answer, depending on the number of letters required and the surrounding letters you've already filled in.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Is the clue formal or informal? 'Take a breather' leans informal, suggesting answers like CHILLAX might be valid alongside more standard ones like REST.
- Consider All Synonyms: Don't just think of the first synonym that comes to mind. Brainstorm a list of words that mean to rest, stop, or relax, and then check which ones fit the given letter count.
- Look at Neighboring Letters: The letters you've already filled in from intersecting words are your best friends. They'll narrow down the possibilities significantly, especially for clues with multiple potential answers.
- Think About Context: While not always apparent for a single clue, sometimes the theme of the puzzle or the day of the week (NYT puzzles get harder through the week) can give hints about the type of answer expected.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'take a breather' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'take a breather' refers to pausing, resting, or relaxing. Common answers include synonyms like REST, PAUSE, RELAX, or more colloquial terms like CHILLAX.
How do I find crossword answers for phrases like 'take a breather'?
When facing a multi-word clue like 'take a breather', think about single words or short phrases that convey the same meaning. Consider common idioms or everyday expressions. Also, check the surrounding letters you already have filled in for clues about word length.
Are New York Times crossword clues usually literal?
The New York Times crossword is known for its cleverness, and clues are often not literal. They can involve puns, wordplay, idioms, or require you to think outside the box for synonyms or related concepts. 'Take a breather' is a good example of an idiomatic clue.