top of the order nyt crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

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Solutions for "top of the order nyt crossword clue" by Letter Count

7 Letters

LEADOFF: Refers to the leadoff hitter in baseball, who bats first in the lineup, literally at the 'top of the order'. This is a very common answer for this type of clue in the NYT crossword.

5 Letters

FRONT: Indicates the foremost or initial position, as in being at the 'front' of a line or group. It's a more general interpretation of 'top of the order'.

FIRST: Signifies the initial position or rank, often used to describe the primary element or start of a sequence. A common, straightforward answer.

4 Letters

HEAD: Can refer to the beginning or leading part of something, such as 'head of the class' or 'head of the queue'. Another general option depending on the crossing letters.

More About "top of the order nyt crossword clue"

The clue "top of the order" in a New York Times crossword puzzle often cleverly points to the world of baseball. In this context, the "order" refers to the batting order, and the "top" signifies the first position. Hence, the most frequent and specific answer is "LEADOFF," short for leadoff hitter. This player is crucial as they are the first to bat in each inning for their team, setting the pace for the offensive lineup.

However, depending on the number of letters and the crossing words, the clue can sometimes be interpreted more generally. "Top of the order" can also mean simply the beginning, the front, or the initial part of anything. This flexibility is characteristic of crossword clues, where common phrases might have a specific niche meaning within a particular domain like sports, but also broader, more literal interpretations.

When encountering such clues, it's always beneficial to consider both the most common specific answers (especially for the NYT, which loves baseball) and general synonyms for the core concept of being first or foremost.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Think in Context: For clues like "top of the order," consider common idioms or phrases within specific fields like sports (baseball, golf), music (orchestra seating), or even culinary arts. NYT crosswords love these specialized contexts.
Check Letter Count First: Always note the required letter count immediately. This helps eliminate many possibilities and narrows down your choices significantly. For "top of the order," if it's 7 letters, "LEADOFF" is a strong candidate; if it's 5, "FRONT" or "FIRST" become viable.
Utilize Crossing Letters: The most powerful tool in your crossword arsenal is using the letters from intersecting words. Even one confirmed letter can unlock a difficult clue, confirming or disproving your guesses for "top of the order."
Consider Synonyms and Homophones: If a direct answer isn't apparent, think of synonyms that fit the letter count. Also, be aware of homophones (words that sound alike but have different spellings/meanings), a common trick in trickier clues.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'top of the order' mean in a crossword context?

'Top of the order' most frequently refers to the 'LEADOFF' hitter in baseball, the player who bats first in the lineup. It can also broadly refer to anything that is 'FIRST', at the 'FRONT', or the 'HEAD' of a sequence or group.

How do NYT crossword clues often hint at sports terms like 'top of the order'?

NYT crosswords frequently use wordplay or indirect references to sports. For 'top of the order,' the inclusion of 'order' can subtly point to a batting order in baseball. Often, if a clue seems to have a common idiom, consider its specific application in sports, music, or other specialized fields.

What should I do if 'LEADOFF' doesn't fit for 'top of the order'?

If 'LEADOFF' doesn't fit the letter count or the crossing letters, consider more general synonyms for 'first' or 'beginning'. Common alternatives include 'FRONT' (5 letters), 'FIRST' (5 letters), or 'HEAD' (4 letters). Always check the surrounding letters and the overall theme of the puzzle.