56 Down

NYT Daily • July 31, 2025

"Location, location, location," to many real estate agents

Answer:

MANTRA

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue:\n\n*\"A repeated phrase often used for focus or emphasis.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the idea of a repetitive saying without directly referencing real estate or the specific phrase. It keeps the answer accessible while still requiring a bit of thought."]

Explanation:

The clue ""Location, location, location," to many real estate agents" leads to the answer **"MANTRA"** through the following reasoning: 1. **Literal Meaning**: The phrase "location, location, location" is a well-known mantra in real estate, emphasizing the importance of a property's location in determining its value. 2. **Definition of "Mantra"**: A mantra is a repeated word or phrase, often used in meditation or as a guiding principle. In this context, the phrase is treated as a mantra because it is frequently repeated and central to real estate philosophy. 3. **Wordplay**: The clue plays on the dual meaning of the phrase—both as literal advice and as a repetitive, almost ritualistic saying (a mantra). Thus, the answer **"MANTRA"** fits because it describes the nature of the phrase itself.

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