50 Across
NYT Daily • August 10, 2025
Run-down
Answer:
RATTY
Hint:
Think of a word describing something worn and shabby, like old fabric or a scruffy animal.
Explanation:
"Run-down" hints at something worn out or shabby, which directly describes "ratty," a term often used for things that look old and tattered. The wordplay here is straightforward—no hidden meanings or puns—just a simple definition leading to the answer. Think of a "ratty" old sweater or a "run-down" building to see the connection.