Tough and lean WSJ Crossword Clue

By Narcissa Kh / December 26, 2025

Crossword Answer

1 ? W

2 ? I

3 ? R

4 ? Y

Hint

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Hint 1

hint

Reveal Hint

Think of a structure that is slim yet surprisingly strong, much like a certain type of frame or build.

Hint 2

meaning

Reveal Hint

???? means being lean, strong, and tough, resembling wire in strength and slenderness.

Hint 3

explanation

Reveal Hint

The word '????' describes something that is both tough and lean, often used to describe a person's physique that is strong yet slender. The clue directly points to these characteristics without any wordplay.

Hint 4

another clue

Reveal Hint

Strong and sinewy, Lean and flexible, Like the coats of many terriers

Clue Analysis

The clue “Tough and lean” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated December 26 2025, the definitive 4-letter answer is: WIRY.

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.

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Your Questions, Answered by Experts.

At Daze Puzzle, we understand that every clue is a puzzle within a larger puzzle. Our team of dedicated human experts and puzzle lovers solves these challenges daily to help you succeed. Below, we answer common questions about this specific clue.

A: The most common and recent 4-letter answer for "Tough and lean" is WIRY.

A: The word 'wiry' describes something that is both tough and lean, often used to describe a person's physique that is strong yet slender. The clue directly points to these characteristics without any wordplay.

A: This clue was last seen in the WSJ Crossword on December 26, 2025.

A: Wiry means being lean, strong, and tough, resembling wire in strength and slenderness.

A: Strong and sinewy, Lean and flexible, Like the coats of many terriers

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Tough and lean WSJ Crossword Clue

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Clue Analysis

Your Questions, Answered by Experts.

Q1: What is the most likely answer for the crossword clue "Tough and lean"?

Q2: Why is "WIRY" the answer to the clue "Tough and lean"?

Q3: In which puzzle was the clue "Tough and lean" last seen?

Q4: What does the word "WIRY" mean in this context?

Q5: What are some other crossword clues that share the same answer?

Today's Crossword Answers

Tough and lean WSJ Crossword Clue

Crossword Answer

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Unlock the puzzle's secrets with Daze's progressive hints!

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Hint 4

WSJ Crossword December 26 2025 Answers

Across

Down

Clue Analysis

Your Questions, Answered by Experts.

Q1: What is the most likely answer for the crossword clue "Tough and lean"?

Q2: Why is "WIRY" the answer to the clue "Tough and lean"?

Q3: In which puzzle was the clue "Tough and lean" last seen?

Q4: What does the word "WIRY" mean in this context?

Q5: What are some other crossword clues that share the same answer?

Today's Crossword Answers

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