20 Across

NYT Daily • August 2, 2025

Genealogists' handiwork

Answer:

TREES

Hint:

["**Hint:** They map out branches of the family.\n\n*(This hint subtly points toward the idea of a \"family tree\" by referencing \"branches,\" which are part of a tree, while keeping the focus on genealogy.)*"]

Explanation:

The clue **"Genealogists' handiwork"** leads to the answer **"TREES"** through a clever play on words. - **Genealogists** are professionals who study family histories and lineage, often visually representing them in the form of **family trees**. - The word **"handiwork"** suggests something created or crafted, reinforcing the idea of a constructed diagram or chart. - Thus, the "handiwork" of genealogists is a **"tree"**—specifically, a **family tree**, which is a common term for a genealogical chart. The answer is a straightforward yet clever reference to the visual representation of ancestry, making **"TREES"** the perfect fit.

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