12 Down
NYT Daily • August 18, 2025
Bother, as a bear
Answer:
POKE
Hint:
Prodding lightly might wake something that’s hibernating or just curious.
Explanation:
"Bother, as a bear" plays on the idea of a bear literally poking at something—like swiping at a beehive or nudging an object. The word "poke" fits because it means to prod or annoy, which aligns with how a bear might irritate or disturb something. It’s a straightforward definition with a slight visual hint, imagining a bear’s clumsy but persistent poking.