NYT Daily • July 30, 2025
Word after sand or speed
Answer:
TRAP
Hint:
["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue \"Word after sand or speed\":\n\n**\"It might catch you off guard, whether on a golf course or a highway.\"**\n\nThis hint subtly references the contexts where \"trap\" is used (golf and traffic enforcement) without directly giving away the answer. It nudges the solver toward thinking about scenarios where the word applies."]
Explanation:
The clue "Word after sand or speed" leads to the answer "TRAP" through the following reasoning: 1. **"Word after sand"**: The phrase "sand trap" is a common term in golf, referring to a hazard filled with sand. Here, "trap" follows the word "sand." 2. **"Word after speed"**: The phrase "speed trap" refers to a location where law enforcement monitors and catches speeding vehicles. In this case, "trap" follows the word "speed." Thus, "trap" is the word that can come after both "sand" and "speed," making it the correct answer. The clue relies on recognizing these common compound phrases.