10 Down

NYT Daily • August 1, 2025

Finished with hair and makeup, say

Answer:

CAMERAREADY

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue:\n\n**\"Like a model just before stepping on set\"**\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the idea of being fully prepared for a visual medium without directly giving away the answer. It suggests a state of readiness associated with appearances, nudging them toward \"CAMERAREADY.\""]

Explanation:

The clue **"Finished with hair and makeup, say"** leads to the answer **"CAMERAREADY"** through the following breakdown: 1. **Definition/Straight Clue**: The phrase *"finished with hair and makeup"* suggests that someone or something is fully prepared, particularly in a visual or performance context. The word *"say"* implies that this is one possible example of such a state. 2. **Wordplay/Connection**: The answer **"CAMERAREADY"** is a compound adjective meaning fully prepared for filming or photography, which directly aligns with being finished with hair and makeup. The term is commonly used in media and entertainment industries to describe when a subject is polished and ready to be captured on camera. 3. **Cultural Reference**: The phrase *"camera-ready"* is widely recognized in film, television, and photography, making it a fitting answer for a clue about preparation in a visual medium. Thus, the clue cleverly hints at the answer by describing a state of readiness that is specifically associated with being prepared for a camera.

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