18 Across

NYT Daily • August 2, 2025

Statement of resignation

Answer:

IMDOOMED

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n*\"What a cartoon character might dramatically exclaim when all hope is lost.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the informal, exaggerated tone of the answer without directly giving it away. It also ties into the cultural reference of dramatic resignation."]

Explanation:

The clue **"Statement of resignation"** leads to the answer **"IMDOOMED"** through a combination of wordplay and a cultural reference. 1. **Wordplay Breakdown**: - **"Statement"** suggests a phrase or declaration. - **"Resignation"** implies giving up or accepting defeat, often expressed with a sigh or dramatic tone. 2. **Cultural Reference**: - The phrase **"I'm doomed"** is a humorous, exaggerated way to express resignation or inevitable failure. - The answer is written in a stylized, informal way (**"IMDOOMED"**) to mimic how someone might type or exclaim it in frustration, emphasizing the dramatic tone. Thus, the clue cleverly points to a common, informal expression of resignation, with the answer reflecting its casual, exaggerated form.

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