Abbr. on bygone phones WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh /

Crossword Answer

1 ? O
2 ? P
3 ? E
4 ? R
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      Hint 1

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      Think of who you'd call to connect you before smartphones took over.

      Hint 2

      meaning
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      ???? is an abbreviation for 'operator,' a person who assists with telephone connections.

      Hint 3

      explanation
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      The clue refers to an abbreviation often found on older telephone keypads, where '????' stands for 'Operator.' In the past, calling the operator was a common practice for assistance or connecting calls, and '????' was a shortcut on rotary phones and early push-button phones.

      Hint 4

      another clue
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      Person reached by dialing 0: Abbr., Abbr. not found on most smartphones, Letters on a zero button, “Die Zauberflöte,” zum Beispiel, abbreviation seen near "0"

      Clue Analysis

      The clue “Abbr. on bygone phones” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated February 14 2026, the definitive 4-letter answer is: OPER.

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      Abbr. on bygone phones Crossword Clue