42 Across
NYT Daily • August 5, 2025
Competition that offers a lot of bucks?
Answer:
RODEO
Hint:
["Think of a wild, western event where you might see some bucking animals."]
Explanation:
The clue "Competition that offers a lot of bucks?" leads to the answer "RODEO" through a play on words. In this context, "bucks" has a double meaning. On one hand, "bucks" can refer to money, suggesting a competition with significant financial rewards. On the other hand, "bucks" can also refer to male deer or antelope, which are commonly associated with rodeo events. A rodeo is a competitive event featuring activities like bull riding and roping, often involving animals like bulls and horses. Thus, the clue cleverly uses the dual meaning of "bucks" to point to "RODEO" as the answer.