NYT Daily • July 30, 2025
15 to 29, for "American Idol"
Answer:
AGELIMIT
Hint:
["**Hint:** \"Contestants must fall within this numerical range to audition.\"\n\nThis hint guides the solver by emphasizing the idea of a required range (the numbers 15 to 29) and its relevance to participation, without explicitly stating \"age limit.\" It keeps the focus on the concept of a boundary or restriction tied to the show."]
Explanation:
The clue **"15 to 29, for 'American Idol'"** leads to the answer **"AGELIMIT"** through the following reasoning: 1. **"15 to 29"** – This refers to a range of ages, specifically from 15 to 29 years old. 2. **"for 'American Idol'"** – This indicates that the age range is a requirement or restriction for participants on the TV show *American Idol*. 3. **Wordplay/Definition** – The phrase describes an **age limit**, which is a rule setting the minimum and maximum ages allowed for contestants. Thus, the answer **"AGELIMIT"** directly combines the idea of an age range (15 to 29) and its function as a restriction on the show. No additional wordplay or puns are involved—it's a straightforward definition-based clue.