70 Across

NYT Daily • August 3, 2025

Hands-on professional?

Answer:

MASSEUR

Hint:

["**Hint:** This practitioner might help you relax with their skilled touch.\n\n*(This hint guides the solver toward the idea of a professional who works with their hands in a therapeutic or relaxing context, without directly stating the answer.)*"]

Explanation:

Certainly! Here's a clear and concise explanation of how the clue leads to the answer: **Clue:** "Hands-on professional?" **Answer:** "MASSEUR" **Explanation:** The clue uses a straightforward definition with a hint of wordplay. A "hands-on professional" refers to someone whose job involves physically working with their hands. A *masseur* (or masseuse) is a professional who provides massages, which inherently requires a hands-on approach. The question mark in the clue suggests a playful or slightly indirect definition, but the connection is direct—highlighting the tactile nature of the profession. No complex wordplay or puns are involved here; the clue relies on the literal meaning of "hands-on" to point to the answer.