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NYT Daily • August 10, 2025

___ idéal

Answer:

BEAU

Hint:

This French word means "beautiful" and fits perfectly in the blank.

Explanation:

The clue "___ idéal" is a fill-in-the-blank hint where the answer completes a common French phrase. "Beau idéal" translates to "ideal beauty" or "perfect standard," making "BEAU" the correct fit. The wordplay relies on recognizing this well-known expression, often used in art and philosophy to describe an ultimate form of beauty. If you're familiar with French phrases, this one should click right away.

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