31 Down
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.