NYT Daily • August 3, 2025
Overzealous sort
Answer:
NUT
Hint:
["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n**\"Fanatic or enthusiast, in slang\"**\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the informal meaning of the answer without directly repeating the original clue or giving it away. It’s easier than the original but still requires the solver to make the connection."]
Explanation:
The clue **"Overzealous sort"** leads to the answer **"NUT"** through a combination of definition and informal usage. - **Definition:** The word "nut" can colloquially refer to someone who is overly enthusiastic, obsessive, or extreme in their behavior—essentially an "overzealous sort." - **Wordplay:** While there isn’t direct wordplay like an anagram or homophone, the clue relies on the informal meaning of "nut" as a slang term for an eccentric or fanatical person. Thus, the answer fits the clue by capturing the idea of someone who is excessively passionate or extreme in their actions.