The clue “Chill out, or a hint to the ends of 18-, 24-, 38- and 49-Across” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated September 21 2026, the definitive 8-letter answer is: KICKBACK.
Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.