39 Across

NYT Daily • August 4, 2025

"Keep dreaming!"

Answer:

AINTGONNAHAPPEN

Hint:

["Think of a casual phrase that means \"it won't occur.\""]

Explanation:

The clue "Keep dreaming!" is a colloquial way of telling someone that what they are hoping for or expecting is unlikely to happen. The phrase implies that the person should continue to imagine or wish for something because it is not going to become a reality. The answer "AINTGONNAHAPPEN" is a playful, informal way of expressing the same sentiment. "Ain't gonna happen" is a contracted form of "is not going to happen," which directly conveys the idea that the desired outcome is not realistic. The connection between the clue and the answer lies in their shared meaning: both suggest that something is improbable or impossible. The clue uses an encouraging tone to convey this message, while the answer uses a more straightforward, blunt expression. This wordplay between the encouraging tone of the clue and the blunt response of the answer makes the connection clear and humorous.

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