24 Down

NYT Daily • August 2, 2025

It can spice up your holidays

Answer:

CLOVE

Hint:

["**Hint:** This aromatic bud is often found in holiday recipes, like ham or pumpkin pie.\n\n*(This hint guides the solver toward the culinary use of the answer without directly stating it, making it easier than the original clue while still requiring some thought.)*"]

Explanation:

Certainly! Here's a clear and concise explanation of the clue and answer: **Clue:** "It can spice up your holidays" **Answer:** "CLOVE" **Explanation:** The word "clove" has a double meaning here. First, it refers to the aromatic spice often used in holiday cooking and baking, such as in mulled wine or gingerbread. Second, "clove" can also mean a segment of garlic, but in this context, the spice meaning is more relevant. The phrase "spice up your holidays" directly hints at the spice "clove," making it a straightforward yet clever play on words. No complex wordplay is involved—just a simple pun on the word "spice" leading to the answer. The clue relies on the solver recognizing "clove" as both a spice and something that can enhance holiday flavors.

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