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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStarred clues in the Across sections are the theme entries. For example, 1-Across (To succeed<\/a>) solves to DWELL<\/strong>. Or 18-Across (Public messages of appreciation) and 37-Across (New England-style chowder, for one) are SHUTOUTS<\/strong> and CLAM SUP<\/strong> respectively. Finally, 54-Across (Long-legged wader) solves to FLAMING<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you may have noticed, all these answers are weirdly wrong and don\u2019t make much sense. However, the big hint comes at the 58-Across revealer: \u201cProvide comfort, in a way \u2026 or a hint to the answers to the four starred Across clues.<\/a>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first revealer of the grid is GIVE A HUG<\/strong>. Did you get the hint of a \u201chug\u201d with the starred clues? The shape of the letter O<\/strong> is like hugging someone. Now, add an O<\/strong> to the Across answers and they become meaningful: DO WELL<\/strong>, SHOUTOUTS<\/strong>, CLAM SOUP<\/strong> and FLAMINGO<\/strong>. Try it yourself and see the magic trick!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the Down clues, you have to do the reverse. To be much clearer, you have to omit something. I was stuck on this hint for about 10 minutes. God bless me for giving you the direct hints and saving your time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5-Down (Behind in payment) and 11-Down (Forevermore<\/a>) are two of the four starred Down clues which solve to LATEX<\/strong> and EXTERNALLY<\/strong> respectively. The other two are 29-Down (Word appearing 51 times in the New Testament) and 52-Down (Severely harm) whose answers are AXMEN<\/strong> and MAXIM<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like the Across clues, these answers are not related to the questions. The key to the grid lies in 26-Down: “Quickly smooch \u2026 or a hint to the answers to the four starred Down clues.<\/a>” This solves to STEAL A KISS<\/strong>. All you have to do is \u201csteal\u201d an X (the symbol for a kiss) from the entries to reach the true answers: LATE<\/strong>, ETERNALLY<\/strong>, AMEN<\/strong>, and MAIM<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After finding the main theme of the NYT Crossword of Feb 12, I was excited to see how a crossword can be linked to everything in our world. To me, crosswords are a testament to the power of words, which are, in fact, our main way of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did the “Steal a Kiss” mechanic trip you up or did you find the hidden “O” hugs right away? Let me know your favorite romantic clue in the comments!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need the answers for daily crossword puzzles like the NYT Crossword<\/a> or the NYT Mini<\/a>, make sure to check Daze Puzzle<\/a> every day to find the solutions you need in record time.<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n