117 Across

NYT Daily • August 3, 2025

"___ a broken heart" (Emily Dickinson poem)

Answer:

UNTO

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n*\"This preposition often precedes 'thee' in poetic or archaic language.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the answer by focusing on the word's common usage in literature (especially poetry) and its grammatical role, without directly referencing the poem or giving away the answer. It’s easier than the original clue but still requires some thought."]

Explanation:

The clue ""___ a broken heart" (Emily Dickinson poem)" leads to the answer **"UNTO"** through a direct reference to the opening line of Emily Dickinson's poem *"Me from Myself – to banish –"* (Fr423), which begins: *"Me from Myself – to banish –* *Had I the art –* *Unto thee – my Love – I'd vanish* *From my own Heart –"* Here, the phrase *"Unto thee"* appears in the poem, making **"UNTO"** the correct completion for the blank in the clue. The wordplay relies on familiarity with Dickinson's work, as the clue explicitly cites her poetry. There is no additional wordplay or pun—just a straightforward literary reference. **Summary:** The answer is derived from the exact wording of a well-known Dickinson poem.