In New York Times crossword puzzles, the phrasing this clue signals a self-referential instruction that directs how you should interpret a particular entry. This guide explains how to recognize, decode, and act on this clue when it appears, covering common formats, solver expectations, and reliable strategies to resolve ambiguity. Whether you encounter this clue on theme answers, abbreviation prompts, or pattern-dependent squares, the explanations below help you build repeatable habits for accurate, efficient solving.
What This Clue Typically Means in Context
This clue is used by constructors and editors to highlight a specific square or answer that requires unusual interpretation. It commonly appears in puzzles where an answer must be read differently than its surface definition suggests. You may see this wording when the constructor intends a meta or structural instruction, such as treating an entry as an abbreviation, reversing its letters, or recognizing a hidden pattern. Because this clue can refer to multiple types of deviations from standard surface reading, always consider the surrounding grid and explicit instructions before assuming a particular action.
Common Formats and Varieties
Editors and constructors employ several familiar formats when signaling a special interpretation. Recognizing these recurring templates reduces guesswork and supports consistent decisions. Below are frequently used variants paired with their practical implications.
- “This clue” followed by a short directive (e.g., ‘this clue: reversed’ or ‘this clue: abbreviation’). Indicates a targeted operation on the answer or part of it.
- “This answer” or “this entry” used to highlight a single intersecting answer that behaves differently from others.
- Clue text that explicitly references grid mechanics, such as ‘Take the letters in reverse’ or ‘Ignore the definition’.
Abbreviation and Hidden Word Prompts
When a clue asks you to treat an answer as an abbreviation, focus on initialisms or shortened forms that fit intersecting checks. If the prompt mentions a hidden word, locate a consecutive sequence of letters within a longer answer string that matches the target entry. These variants rely on pattern recognition rather than strict dictionary definitions, so verify that the proposed solution aligns with crossing letters before finalizing it.
Reversal and Anagram Signals
Some variants instruct solvers to reverse the order of letters or rearrange them into a new sequence. Reversal is often indicated by explicit language such as ‘backwards’ or ‘read in reverse.’ Anagram cues typically include terms like ‘mixed’ or ‘scrambled.’ In both situations, compare the transformed letters against crossing entries to confirm that the resulting word or phrase satisfies all intersecting constraints.
How to Decode This Clue in Practice
Effective decoding starts with locating external confirmation points in the grid. Use already-filled, high-confidence answers to narrow possible interpretations. Next, isolate the specific phrase or word in question and test each plausible variant—abbreviation, reversal, hidden segment, or partial anagram—against its crossings. Favor solutions that cleanly satisfy multiple checks rather than forcing a single square to fit an incompatible word. When uncertainty persists, revisit the puzzle’s opening clues or theme to reanchor your understanding of the intended pattern.
Step-by-Step Solver Approach
- Identify which answer or portion of the answer is flagged by this clue.
- Check the exact wording of the clue text for verbs such as ‘reverse,’ ‘abbreviate,’ or ‘hide’.
- Review intersecting entries to determine which candidate letters are fixed.
- Apply the intended transformation only to the flagged segment.
- Confirm that the revised answer aligns with all crossing solutions.
Pitfalls and Misinterpretation Risks
Misreading this clue is common when solvers assume a uniform surface strategy across the entire grid. Over-reliance on dictionary meanings, premature commitment to a single letter sequence, and ignoring subtle directive language can all lead to errors. Because this clue may reference different mechanics in separate puzzles, avoid hard-coding a single interpretation. Instead, treat every occurrence as a fresh decision informed by current grid constraints and explicit clue phrasing.
Strategic Habits for Consistent Resolution
Building reliable interpretation habits improves both speed and accuracy. Maintain a shortlist of standard directive words and their meanings, and refer to it whenever you encounter this clue. Periodically audit your assumptions by comparing flagged entries with recent puzzle themes and editor notes. When you document patterns that recur in a specific constructor’s work, you create a personalized playbook that reduces repeated ambiguity and supports more confident, independent solving.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Directive Types | Abbreviation, reversal, hidden word, anagram, segment extraction | Standard NYT crossword conventions |
| Clue Phrasing Patterns | “This clue: …” or “This answer …” followed by an action verb | Constructor and editor guidelines |
| Solver Priority | Confirm crossings before committing to a transformed answer | Best practice in cryptic-style solving |
Related Concepts and Variants
Understanding related clue styles strengthens your ability to handle this clue. Many puzzles use surface reads that mask alternate functions, so familiarity with abbreviation prompts, reversal signals, and hidden-word instructions is broadly useful. While some puzzles emphasize playful misdirection, the NYT generally favors transparent, rule-based variants that reward methodical pattern recognition. Compare this approach with standard cryptic techniques to see where conventions overlap and where NYT style diverges.
When and Why This Clue Appears
This clue tends to appear in puzzles with explicit instructional intent, often in themes that revolve around decoding or transforming information. Constructors use it to introduce a controlled deviation that remains fair and solvable with careful observation. It supports a cleaner solving experience by signaling when a non-literal reading is required, thereby balancing difficulty and accessibility. Recognizing its purpose helps you allocate mental effort efficiently and avoid misinterpreting straightforward segments as cryptic.
Improving Long-Term Solving Consistency
Consistency grows from systematic practice and clear decision rules. Establish a routine for handling flagged entries: pause, check for explicit verbs in the clue, verify crossings, and only then lock in an answer. Periodically review puzzles where this clue led to errors, extract patterns, and update your personal playbook. Over time, these habits reduce ambiguity, speed resolution, and increase accuracy across diverse puzzles and constructors.
By treating this clue as a controlled instruction rather than a puzzle-specific anomaly, you build a durable skill set that transfers across themes and difficulty levels. Combine pattern literacy with disciplined verification to resolve this and similar clues with confidence, making each solving session more efficient and more enjoyable.