Nyt Strands : Welcome to today’s crossword adventure! The September 11 New York Times crossword, crafted by Barbara Lin, is a delightful challenge for seasoned solvers and newcomers alike. The theme revolves around a clever twist on familiar expressions: spoonerisms. If you’re feeling a bit tangled up in the clues or just want to understand the theme better, you’re in the right place. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate today’s puzzle.
Today’s Theme: Spoonerisms Unveiled
Today’s crossword is built around spoonerisms—a form of wordplay where the initial sounds of two words are swapped. For example, “crolving saucewords” instead of “solving crosswords.” Barbara Lin’s puzzle takes this playful concept and applies it to idiomatic expressions, leading to some amusing results.
Example Entries:
- 17A: [Swim around, scare some people, ram a boat …?] — The clue leads to LIFE OF JAWS, but the more familiar expression is Jaws of Life.
- 22A: [Good quality for a midwife?] — The answer LOVE OF LABORS transforms into the well-known phrase Labors of Love when reversed.
- 59A: [Jacket sleeves?] — Solves to ARMS OF COAT, which cleverly fits the clue as Arms of Coat.
Tricky Clues and How to Solve Them
Every puzzle has its challenges, and today’s is no exception. Here are some tricky clues and tips for tackling them:
- 12A – [Not now]
- The clue might lead you to think of a common phrase like “If not now, when?” However, it’s asking for a straightforward opposite of “now.” The answer is THEN.
- 27A – [Some ring decisions, in brief]
- The clue points towards an abbreviation related to boxing rather than jewelry. TKOS, short for Technical Knockouts, is the answer.
- 36A – [High dudgeon]
- This phrase describes a state of deep offense or resentment. The answer, which might not be familiar, is IRE.
- 3D/31A – [Like problems a schoolteacher might deal with]
- The answer is BEHAVIORAL, which is a longer word crossing through difficult themed entries. It intersects with OUTS, which could also be guessed as BUTS.
- 35D – [# # #]
- Represents a series of SHARPS in musical notation. It’s also known as hashes or pounds, fitting the clue’s requirements.
Constructor Insights
Barbara Lin’s puzzle cleverly uses spoonerisms to create a playful and engaging experience. The challenge was to find amusing and fresh examples of spoonerisms that fit well within the puzzle format. The theme not only tests solvers’ wordplay skills but also their ability to recognize familiar phrases when reversed.
Why This Puzzle Stands Out
The charm of today’s crossword lies in its innovative theme and the humorous twist it provides. Spoonerisms add a layer of complexity and fun that enhances the solving experience. It’s a perfect example of how wordplay can elevate a crossword puzzle beyond the usual format.
Get Involved
If today’s puzzle piqued your interest, join the conversation about New York Times Games and get more help with tricky puzzles. Check out the NYT Crossword page for tips and submission guidelines if you’re interested in creating your own puzzles.
For more help and tips, visit the New York Times Games page and explore their crossword solving guide. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned solver, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy.
Happy solving, and may your spoonerisms be as delightful as today’s crossword!
