What does "what a little birdie told me" imply in a crossword clue?

This common idiom in crossword clues suggests a piece of information, often a rumor, secret, or unconfirmed report, that was obtained informally or discreetly. It points to answers like RUMOR, GOSSIP, SECRET, or SCOOP.

How can I approach solving idiom-based crossword clues?

For idiom-based clues, try to understand the figurative meaning. Think of synonyms or related concepts to the idiom's true intent. Sometimes, breaking down the idiom into its core components can help; for 'little birdie,' think 'small,' 'secret,' 'told,' 'information'.

Are answers to "little birdie" clues usually short or long?

Answers can vary in length. Common answers like RUMOR (5 letters), GOSSIP (6 letters), or SECRET (6 letters) are relatively short. However, less common but still valid answers could be longer, such as INSIDERINFO (11 letters) or WORDOFMOUTH (11 letters), depending on the specific puzzle's constraints and the desired nuance.

what a little birdie told me nyt crossword – All Crossword Answers

Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the New York Times crossword clue "what a little birdie told me nyt crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.

Solutions for "what a little birdie told me nyt crossword" by Letter Count

5 Letters

RUMOR: An unconfirmed story or piece of information circulated informally, often fitting the idea of something heard discreetly.

6 Letters

GOSSIP: Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as true.

SECRET: Something kept from the knowledge of others, often whispered or told in confidence.

7 Letters

WHISPER: A soft or secret utterance, implying information passed quietly, much like a "little birdie" might tell you something.

11 Letters

INSIDERINFO: Privileged information, often confidential, obtained from someone within an organization or group, akin to a private tip.

More About "what a little birdie told me nyt crossword"

The phrase "what a little birdie told me" is a charming and common idiom used to introduce a piece of information that was heard informally or discreetly, often a rumor or a secret. In the context of a crossword puzzle, this clue often points to answers related to unconfirmed news, private communications, or confidential tips. The "little birdie" metaphor beautifully conveys the idea of a source that cannot be explicitly named, or information that is not yet public knowledge.

Crossword constructors love these types of idiomatic clues because they require solvers to think beyond the literal meaning of the words. Instead, you need to delve into the cultural understanding and implications of the phrase. When you see such a clue, consider words that describe secrets, hearsay, gossip, or privileged information. The New York Times crossword, known for its clever and often challenging clues, frequently uses such expressions to test a solver's general knowledge and linguistic agility.

Understanding this idiom can unlock a range of potential answers, from the straightforward to the more nuanced. Always consider the letter count provided in the puzzle, as this is your most important guide in narrowing down the possibilities. For this particular clue, answers like RUMOR, GOSSIP, and WHISPER are often strong contenders due to their direct alignment with the idiom's meaning of discreetly shared information.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Idiom Interpretation: When faced with an idiom, try to rephrase it in simpler, literal terms. "What a little birdie told me" can be thought of as "secretly heard information" or "an unconfirmed report." This often helps reveal synonyms.
Consider the Source: For a clue like this from the NYT, remember they often use clever, well-known phrases. Think about common English expressions and what they truly signify beyond their surface meaning.
Check Cross-References: If you have a few letters filled in from crossing words, use them to narrow down the possibilities. Even one correct letter can significantly help in guessing the correct idiomatic answer.
Brainstorm Synonyms: Once you understand the idiom's core meaning, brainstorm as many synonyms as possible for those concepts (e.g., for "secret": confidential, private, hidden, covert, etc.).

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "little birdie" mean in everyday language?

In everyday language, "little birdie" is a whimsical way to refer to an anonymous or unnamed source of information, usually something that is a secret or a piece of gossip. It implies that the information was shared informally and discreetly, without revealing the identity of the person who told you.

How common are idiom clues in NYT crosswords?

Idiomatic clues are quite common in New York Times crosswords, especially in the later-week puzzles (Thursday through Saturday) which tend to be more challenging and rely on wordplay, puns, and figurative language. They add a layer of intellectual challenge and often lead to delightful "aha!" moments when solved.

Can this clue have multiple answers for the same puzzle?

No, within a single crossword puzzle, a clue will only have one correct answer for a specific number of letters. However, the same clue (like "what a little birdie told me") might appear in different puzzles on different days, and depending on the puzzle's theme or other crossing words, it could lead to different valid answers (e.g., RUMOR in one puzzle, GOSSIP in another).