Jump to: Tricky Clues
FRIDAY PUZZLE — Before we start, I want to direct readers’ attention to a new weekly newsletter that will help solvers get a leg up on Friday puzzles. It’s written by Christina Iverson, a puzzle editor, and features an easier set of clues for the first themeless of the week. If you would like to take a peek before signing up, I’m going to show you a few of the easy-mode clues (behind links, because spoilers) below. So if you want to try one of the hardest puzzles of the week, but clued more at an intermediate level, please take a look.
Carly Schuna has the best day job that I am aware of, second only to crossword columnist, of course. Mx. Schuna, who uses she/they pronouns, is a circus performer and coach. Before we do anything else, please watch them on the German wheel.
That’s stunning, isn’t it?
And Mx. Schuna makes crossword puzzles, too. Fortunately for us, their grids are just as fearless as they apparently are.
I think most people will really like this one.
How can you not like a grid that contains such delicious entries as BITE ME, HELL TO THE NO, THAT IS SUCH A MOOD (which their puzzle definitely is) and I MEAN REALLY? In addition, there is a nice balance of misdirection and straightforwardness in the clues. Mx. Schuna’s crossword is a spirited way to move into our weekend.
Tricky Clues
1A. “Crash protection?” might be a seatbelt if you are in a car, but in Mx. Schuna’s puzzle, AUTOSAVE is protecting us from a computer crash.
17A. This “Service provider?” is not a company that provides internet service, but a RECTOR who delivers a religious service.
23A. It doesn’t get more terse than a clue such as “Up.” The word can be used in quite a few contexts, but today it means AT BAT.
26A. TIL (Today I Learned) that the state name IDAHO is not only made up (like the ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs), but that its lore “translates” the name as “gem of the mountains.”
28A. When you see a clue such as “Go out for a bit?” remember that the “Go out” part usually refers to losing consciousness or going to sleep. In this case, “a bit” means a short sleep, otherwise known as a NAP.
59A. Bow ties may be required at a black-tie event, but as a “dining option” they may be part of a PASTA BAR.
2D. Normally, asterisks in a crossword would indicate that a clue is theme content. But today, “*Gulp*” has stars to emphasize the word. If you “gulp” strongly, you might be thinking UH OH.
11D. I love this clue. “French thinker?” does not refer to a philosopher. The “thinker” is the head, and because the word “French” is used, we must use that language in our answer. The word for “head” is TETE.
34D. Another TIL! The original recipe for the S’MORE was in a 1927 book called “Tramping and Trailing With the Girl Scouts.” They were originally called “Some Mores,” but apparently that name took longer to say than it did to actually to eat the things, so someone shortened it to the contraction.
47D. Note the spelling of “out line” in this clue. It’s rendered as a two-word phrase here, which means it is not the skeleton or outline of a written document. This clue should be read as “What short phrase would I say if I am out of a game?” The answer is I LOSE.
Constructor Notes
This grid has a lot of attitude, which seems appropriate because so do I. My primary job is as a circus coach and performer. I always try to be kind to my students, but I do like messing with them sometimes. “You call that a straight leg?” “Come on, all I’m asking you to do is hang by your heels. You think that’s too hard? I MEAN REALLY!”
Fridays are my favorite solving day of the week. I absolutely love themeless puzzles. It’s probably taboo for a constructor to say this, but I have never liked themes. Swapping out letters? Circling special words? No. Stop messing with my puzzle. My hatred of themes is unfortunate, because it turns out themeless puzzles are really hard to make. Every one I successfully create feels like a small miracle.
Thank you to Dana Edwards for test solving this one, and thanks always and forever to Will Nediger for his generous mentorship when I started making puzzles.
Don’t Fear the Fridays: About the Easy Mode Newsletter
Once a week, Christina Iverson, a puzzle editor, will send solvers a list of more accessible crossword clues. This newsletter is for those who would like to try the Friday puzzles but have heard all about how hard they are.
If you solve the early-week puzzles but feel as if you don’t have the experience to go any further, think of this as a set of cruciverbal training wheels. Use the easy-mode clues until you don’t need them anymore, and then tell a friend struggling like you were about how you prevailed over Fridays. Maybe they can benefit from this newsletter too.
The links below are the clue numbers that will run in the Friday puzzle. When you click on them, you will see both the version that will run in the puzzle and the easier version.
Not so tough, right? You can definitely solve a Friday puzzle. You may just need some practice before you’re conquering them on your own.
To sign up for the Easy Mode newsletter, click the link here or at the top of the column.
Want to Submit Crosswords to The New York Times?
The New York Times Crossword has an open submission system, and you can submit your puzzles online.
Note: Submissions are temporarily closed. They will reopen on July 17. The puzzle editors will review already submitted puzzles during that period, so you may still hear from them while submissions are closed.
For tips on how to get started, read our series “How to Make a Crossword Puzzle.”
The Tipping Point
Almost finished solving but need a bit more help? We’ve got you covered.
Spoiler alert: Subscribers can take a peek at the answer key.
Trying to get back to the main Gameplay page? You can find it here.
