28 Across

NYT Daily • August 1, 2025

"Come on, stop dreaming"

Answer:

BEREAL

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue **\"Come on, stop dreaming\"** with the answer **\"BEREAL\"**:\n\n*\"A modern phrase urging authenticity—think of it as a two-word command blended into one.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the idea of a combined phrase meaning \"be genuine\" without outright giving away the answer. It also nods to the slang context, making it easier than the original clue while still requiring some thought."]

Explanation:

The clue **"Come on, stop dreaming"** leads to the answer **"BEREAL"** through a combination of wordplay and phrasing. 1. **"Come on"** – This is a common phrase used to urge someone to act or be realistic, which can be interpreted as **"be real."** 2. **"Stop dreaming"** – Reinforces the idea of being realistic or grounded, further hinting at **"be real."** When combined, the clue suggests the phrase **"be real,"** which is phonetically represented as **"BEREAL."** The answer plays on the idea of encouraging someone to stop fantasizing and face reality. Additionally, **"BEREAL"** is a modern slang term (popularized by social media) meaning to be authentic or genuine, which aligns with the clue's meaning. The wordplay relies on interpreting the phrase as a direct command rather than separate words.

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