Testing the limits, say

AVANTGARDE

["**Hint:** \"This term describes those who push boundaries in art or culture, often ahead of their time.\"\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the idea of innovation and forward-thinking without directly repeating the original clue or giving away the answer. It also ties into the French roots of the word (\"avant\" meaning \"before\") while keeping it accessible."]

Certainly! Here's a clear and concise explanation of how the clue leads to the answer: **Clue:** "Testing the limits, say" **Answer:** "AVANTGARDE" **Explanation:** The clue uses a bit of wordplay to hint at the answer. "Testing the limits" suggests pushing boundaries or being at the forefront of innovation, which is a key characteristic of the *avant-garde*—a term used in art, culture, and other fields to describe cutting-edge or experimental work. The phrase "say" indicates that the answer is a synonym or a term that fits this description. Thus, "AVANTGARDE" is the answer, as it directly embodies the idea of pushing limits in creative or intellectual pursuits. Additionally, "AVANTGARDE" can be broken down into "AVANT" (French for "before" or "forward") and "GARDE" (meaning "guard"), reinforcing the idea of being ahead or leading the way—another nod to "testing the limits." In summary, the clue cleverly combines the concept of boundary-pushing with a term that represents it, leading to "AVANTGARDE."