tidy up nyt crossword

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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23-02-2025

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The New York Times crossword puzzle, a daily ritual for many, often throws curveballs. One such curveball is the deceptively simple, yet sometimes frustrating, clue: "Tidy up." While seemingly straightforward, this clue can lead to a variety of answers, depending on the crossword's overall theme and the available crossing letters. Let's unravel the complexities behind this common crossword clue.

Understanding the Nuances of "Tidy Up"

The clue "Tidy up" doesn't necessarily imply a single, concrete action. It's a broad term encompassing various ways to restore order and cleanliness. This ambiguity is what makes it a challenging, yet rewarding, clue to solve. The solver must consider different interpretations and levels of tidying.

Common Answers for "Tidy Up"

Depending on the word length required, "tidy up" can have several valid answers:

• NEATEN: This is a common and straightforward answer, suggesting a mild degree of tidying. It works well in many contexts.
• CLEAN: A more thorough tidying, implying a deeper level of cleanliness. This is a suitable option if the clue suggests more intense cleaning.
• ORDER: This implies arranging items in a systematic way. It's ideal when the context relates to organization rather than mere cleanliness.
• ORGANIZE: Similar to "ORDER," but suggests a more comprehensive systematization of items.
• STRAIGHTEN: This answer focuses on straightening objects, making it suitable if the crossword's context relates to physical objects.
• REARRANGE: This implies a more significant alteration of the arrangement of items.

Advanced Techniques for Solving "Tidy Up"

Sometimes, the clue "Tidy up" might be more cryptic. Here are some advanced strategies:

• Consider the Crossings: Pay close attention to the letters revealed by intersecting words. This can often narrow down the possibilities considerably.
• Look for Themes: The overall theme of the crossword can provide valuable clues. A crossword focused on household chores, for instance, might favor "CLEAN" or "NEATEN."
• Think Figuratively: In rare cases, "tidy up" might refer to a metaphorical tidying, such as resolving a conflict or clarifying a situation.
• Check the Word Count: The number of letters required by the clue will significantly narrow the possibilities.

Examples from NYT Crosswords

Let's examine some hypothetical examples to illustrate how "tidy up" can be used in different contexts:

Example 1:

• Clue: Tidy up (5 letters)
• Answer: NEATEN

This is a straightforward example, the most common answer given the letter count.

Example 2:

• Clue: Tidy up the garage (6 letters)
• Answer: ORGANIZE

Here, the added context of the garage suggests a more comprehensive organizational task.

Example 3: (More Cryptic Example)

• Clue: Tidy up the loose ends (7 letters)
• Answer: RESOLVE

This example uses "tidy up" metaphorically to indicate resolving outstanding issues.

Conclusion: Mastering the "Tidy Up" Clue

The seemingly simple clue "tidy up" in the NYT crossword can be deceptively challenging. By understanding its nuances, employing strategic solving techniques, and considering the context provided by the crossword itself, you'll increase your chances of successfully tackling this common yet versatile clue. Remember to utilize the crossing words, watch for themes, and consider both literal and figurative interpretations. Happy puzzling!