Here are the most difficult NYT Crossword of the week. As we all know, The New York Times presents the extreme mode of its puzzle on Sunday. There is a strange element in today’s crossword which is really hard to reach. However, the constructor put the hint for solving the puzzle in front of your eyes. But I do not tell you where the hint is. Let me unpack the NYT Crossword of Jan. 11 which to me is one the best puzzles in the recent weeks.
The First thing that struck players is the circular shape in the middle of the grid; a circle with a vertical line that there are two T-shaped symbols above and below it. For those familiar with Greek alphabet, it is a regular sign. But for players who are strangers to Greek letters, it will be really hard to decipher the hint.
Take a step back and look at the crossword; Circular shape, two T elements and a vertical line. It is the Greek letter Φ which sounds phi. By knowing this crucial hint, let’s get to the most interesting riddles of crossword.
Section 46-Across contains rebus (crossword elements with multiple letters in one square); however, with Φ sign, you need just one letter. The question is: Birthstone before opal. I know it is Sapphire, but let’s do it in a Greek way: replace phi with Φ and boom, you have the answer. It is SAPΦRE.
Section 32-Across is bit trickier than the previous one. The question is Game on some kids’ menus. For analyzing this riddle, I should give you the answer which is CRΦSSPUZZLE (Criss Cross puzzle). Wait a minute, you might have asked why Φ sign is replaced with O and I? take a closer look and I would say; it is similar to O and I letter in English language. If you are surprised by this trick, wait for the next one.
111-Across shows a pattern which is also present in section 38D. The question is: Tupac and Eminem, for two. It is as clear as crystal that they are hip-hop artists. However, in the crossword we have only one square. So what should we do? Now you are witnessing one of the nicest tricks: Use Φ once for I (in Hip) and as O (in Hop) and the answer is with you: HΦPARTISTS.
In fact, Φ can be used as phi, I or O and also a combination of I/O. It is a nice trick for crossword lovers, isn’t it? The beauty of today’s puzzle is how the Φ symbol forces you to look at the grid not just as a collection of letters, but as a map of shapes. I won’t ruin the joy of finding the remaining Phi-based riddles. Head over to the grid and see if you can spot where else this Greek letter is hiding! Let us know in the comments.
If you need the answers for daily crossword puzzles like the NYT Crossword or the NYT Mini, make sure to check Daze Puzzle every day to find the solutions you need in record time.
