27 Across

NYT Daily • August 3, 2025

Take up space

Answer:

EXIST

Hint:

["Hint: \"To be, in the most fundamental sense.\"\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the idea of existence without directly stating the answer, making it easier than the original clue while still requiring some thought."]

Explanation:

The clue **"Take up space"** leads to the answer **"EXIST"** through a straightforward yet clever interpretation. - **"Take up space"** can be read literally as occupying physical or conceptual space, which is a fundamental aspect of existence. - The word **"EXIST"** means to have being or reality, which inherently involves occupying space in some form—whether physically, mentally, or metaphorically. - There is no complex wordplay here, but the clue relies on the solver recognizing the abstract connection between existence and the idea of "taking up space." Thus, **"EXIST"** fits as the answer because to exist is to occupy space in the broadest sense.