53 Across

NYT Daily • August 3, 2025

8.5" x 11": Abbr.

Answer:

LTR

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue:\n\n*\"Standard paper size, briefly.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward thinking about paper sizes and abbreviations without directly stating \"letter\" or \"LTR.\" It’s easier than the original clue but still requires the solver to make the connection."]

Explanation:

The clue **"8.5" x 11": Abbr."** leads to the answer **"LTR"** through the following reasoning: 1. **"8.5" x 11"** refers to the standard paper size in the U.S., commonly known as **"letter size."** 2. The abbreviation for "letter" in this context is **"LTR."** 3. The clue specifies that the answer is an abbreviation (indicated by "Abbr."), confirming that we're looking for a shortened form of the word. Thus, the connection is straightforward: the dimensions point to "letter," and "LTR" is its standard abbreviation. No wordplay or puns are involved—just a direct reference to a common paper size.