NYT Daily • August 3, 2025
Sound of a wardrobe malfunction
Answer:
RIP
Hint:
["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n**\"It might be heard when fabric gives way unexpectedly.\"**\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the idea of tearing fabric without directly repeating the original clue or giving away the answer. It’s easier than the original but still requires a small leap of logic."]
Explanation:
The clue "Sound of a wardrobe malfunction" leads to the answer **"RIP"** through a playful combination of wordplay and literal interpretation. 1. **Literal Meaning**: A "wardrobe malfunction" refers to clothing tearing or breaking, often humorously or embarrassingly. The sound associated with fabric tearing is commonly represented onomatopoeically as **"rip."** 2. **Double Meaning**: "RIP" also stands for "Rest in Peace," but in this context, the clue focuses on the sound rather than the acronym, making it a straightforward yet clever play on words. Thus, the answer fits the clue by directly referencing the audible result of a wardrobe mishap.