Affinity for something, so to speak NYT Crossword Clue

By Date: AUG 12, 2026 Follow on Google

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Clue

The most common and recent 4-letter answer for "Affinity for something, so to speak" is NOSE.

The clue uses a play on words where 'affinity for something' suggests a natural inclination or talent, which can be metaphorically described as having a 'nose' for it, like having a 'nose for news.' The phrase 'so to speak' indicates that the answer is figurative or idiomatic.

This clue was last seen in the NYT Crossword on August 12, 2026.

Nose: A keen sense of smell or the ability to detect or notice things easily.

What spectacles rest on, Missing part of the Great Sphinx of Giza, Silly spot to balance a treat on a dog, Plane part, Carrot, for 6-Across

4-letter answer to Affinity for something, so to speak in NYT Crossword August 12 2026 is NOSE

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The clue tells you the shape of the answer

  • An abbreviated answer gets signalled in the clue, either by an abbreviation, an “Abbr.” tag, or a phrase like “for short” or “briefly.”
  • A question mark at the end means wordplay, not a definition.
  • Quotation marks usually mean somebody says it out loud, unless the clue names a title.
  • Square brackets usually mean the answer is a sound or a gesture rather than words.
  • Tense, number and degree always agree.

The day of the week is a difficulty setting

Monday is nearly literal. Puns arrive Wednesday. Thursday is the trick day, where rebus squares hold several letters in one box. Friday and Saturday are almost always themeless and wide open, with Saturday the hardest of the week.

Sunday confuses people. At 21×21 it’s nearly twice the area of a weekday grid, but it’s edited to roughly Wednesday or Thursday difficulty. Long isn’t the same as hard.