15 Across

NYT Daily • August 3, 2025

Working without ___

Answer:

ANET

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue \"Working without ___\":\n\n*\"This phrase is often used in high-risk performances, where safety is usually a priority.\"*\n\nThis hint points toward the context of the phrase (e.g., circus acts) without directly giving away the answer or repeating the original clue. It nudges the solver to think of expressions related to performing without safety measures."]

Explanation:

The clue "Working without ___" leads to the answer **"ANET"** through the following wordplay: 1. **Common Phrase Reference**: The clue hints at the phrase **"working without a net"**, which means performing a task (often a high-risk one) without any safety measures or backup. This phrase is commonly used in circus or performance contexts. 2. **Abbreviation**: The answer **"ANET"** is derived by taking the first letters of the words in the phrase: - **"A"** (from "a") - **"NET"** (from "net") 3. **Clue Structure**: The blank in the clue suggests that the missing word is part of a well-known expression, and the solver must recognize the phrase to deduce the abbreviation. Thus, the answer **"ANET"** is a concise representation of the full phrase **"a net"**, fitting the clue perfectly.