Wednesday’s version of the NYT Crossword is famous for its theme and wordplay. Today’s puzzle also contains wordplay which is sharply different from the previous grids. In fact, if you want to understand the theme behind the puzzle, you must read some entries wrong! If that sounds confusing, let me explain it to you in today’s NYT Crossword analysis.
Section 37-Across surprises us with a surreal situation: “Relatives in a sty?” How can we possibly find the answer for this clue? After solving the crossing entries, I reached PIGSKIN. For a couple of minute, I was thinking to how relate Pig Skin with relative in a sty. Then the wordplay struck me like a bolt of lightning: Shift “s” to the possessive position and the answer shines: Pig’s Kin.
Another example of the theme is Section 17-Across: “Article of furniture on which a plate of oats might be set.” The question is weird enough, but the answer is much more interesting: HORSETABLE. At the first look, it seems meaningless; however, let me show you the magic trick. Once again, Shift “s” letter one step back and turn it into a possessive. Now it looks right: Horse’s Table.
Section 56-Across question show a sad situation for turtles (or metaphorically, human race): “Being flipped on its back, e.g.?” The answer is TURTLESHELL. I think you have learned the magic trick of Jan 28 NYT Crossword, so I will get to the correct phrase straight: Turtle’s Hell.
You may also like: NYT Crossword Analysis (Jan 27, 2026): Fly High, Free Bird!
I don’t want to ruin the enjoyment of solving the remaining theme clues of NYT crossword. Therefore, if you haven’t checked the puzzle yet, go through the grid and find the theme clues!
Worth Mentioning!
47-Down clue (Painter Matisse) is about one of the towering figures of French art: Henri Matisse. Without any doubt, he is one of the artists who shed light on revolutionary visual arts and helped to foster modern painting and sculpture. Do yourself a favor: check out his paintings (especially Women with a Hat) and enjoy the dance of colors!
The ‘S-shift’ had me scratching my head on HORSETABLE for a while! Did you catch the trick early on, or did a specific clue finally give it away? Let’s talk wordplay 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.
