8 Across
NYT Daily • August 14, 2025
Loose-limbed
Answer:
LITHE
Hint:
Graceful like a dancer’s effortless movement or a willow swaying in the breeze.
Explanation:
"Loose-limbed" describes someone who moves with graceful flexibility, and "lithe" fits perfectly as it means exactly that—lean, supple, and agile. The clue plays on the physical sense of the word, avoiding any hidden wordplay or tricks. If you picture a dancer or gymnast, their easy, fluid motion is what "lithe" captures. It’s a straightforward definition where the answer matches the clue’s plain meaning.