The New York Times crossword puzzle is one of the most popular and challenging daily puzzles out there. Many avid puzzlers love the Times crossword for its clever best effort nyt crossword clue and often tricky clues. One term you might come across while solving these clues is “best effort.” But what exactly does this term mean in the context of crossword puzzles?
In short, “best effort” is a phrase used in a crossword clue to indicate that the answer may not be a perfect match for the clue, but it’s the closest possible answer. This means that the answer may be a bit of a stretch, or it may require some creative thinking to arrive at the correct solution.
For example, let’s say the clue is “Shape of some chins” and the answer is “jowly.” While “jowly” may not perfectly match the clue, it is the best possible answer given the context of the puzzle. In other words, the answer “jowly” is a “best effort” solution.
When you come across a “best effort” clue in a crossword puzzle, it’s important to keep an open mind and think creatively. Sometimes, the answer may seem a bit odd or unexpected, but it’s the best possible match for the clue. Other times, you may need to consider synonyms, alternate meanings, or even homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings) to arrive at the correct solution.
Of course, not all crossword puzzles use the “best effort” term. Sometimes, a clue may simply ask for a synonym or a related word. In these cases, the answer should be a closer match to the clue.
To give another example of a “best effort” clue, let’s say the clue is “Ponderosa tree” and the answer is “pine.” While “pine” may not perfectly match the clue, it is the best possible answer given the context of the puzzle. The word “Ponderosa” is a type of pine tree, so “pine” is a “best effort” solution.
Sometimes, “best effort” clues may also involve wordplay or puns. For example, a clue might read “Tennis court divider” and the answer might be “net.” While “net” does not exactly divide a tennis court in half, it is a necessary component of the court that separates the two halves. In this case, “net” is a “best effort” answer that relies on wordplay and creative thinking.
One thing to keep in mind when solving “best effort” clues is that the answer should still make sense in the context of the puzzle. While it may not be a perfect match for the clue, the answer should still be a plausible and logical choice.
In summary, “best effort” is a term used in NY Times crossword clues to indicate that the answer may not be a perfect match for the clue, but it’s the closest possible answer. Solving “best effort” clues often requires creative thinking and an open mind, but it can also be a fun and rewarding challenge for crossword enthusiasts.
In conclusion, “best effort” is a term used in NY Times crossword clues to indicate that the answer may not be a perfect match for the clue, but it’s the closest possible answer. Solving “best effort” clues requires a bit of creativity and an open mind, but it can also be a fun and rewarding challenge for avid crossword puzzlers.
