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NYT Daily • August 3, 2025

"Our window is closing for escape w-elocity!," as [circled letters] might say

Answer:

WEHAVETOMAKETHISQUICK

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint:\n\n*\"Think of a panicked phrase where the first two letters are circled in the clue, and the rest conveys a sense of urgency to act fast.\"*\n\nThis hint:\n- References the circled letters (\"w\" and \"e\") without explicitly stating them.\n- Suggests the tone of the answer (urgency) without repeating the original clue.\n- Encourages the solver to think of a common phrase that fits the scenario."]

Explanation:

This clue is a playful and cryptic way to lead to the answer "WEHAVETOMAKETHISQUICK." Here's how it works: 1. **"Our window is closing for escape w-elocity!"** – This phrase suggests urgency, implying that time is running out and action must be taken quickly. The word "w-elocity" is a pun on "velocity" (speed), with the "w" hinting at the start of the answer ("WE..."). 2. **", as [circled letters] might say"** – The circled letters in the clue are the "w" in "w-elocity" and the "e" in "escape." These letters are the first two letters of the answer: "WE." 3. **Combining the elements**: - The urgency of the situation ("window is closing," "escape," "velocity") suggests the phrase "WE HAVE TO MAKE THIS QUICK." - The circled letters ("w" and "e") confirm the start of the answer. - The answer is written in all caps, matching the style of a frantic or emphatic statement. The clue cleverly uses wordplay (the "w" in "w-elocity") and thematic hints (urgency, escape) to lead to the answer. The circled letters serve as a direct pointer to the beginning of the phrase.