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.

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