49 Down

NYT Daily • August 18, 2025

Hardly any

Answer:

FEW

Hint:

Think of a small number that’s more than one but still feels scarce.

Explanation:

"Hardly any" is a straightforward clue pointing to a word that means a small number or amount. The answer is "FEW," which directly fits that definition—it’s a simple synonym with no hidden wordplay. If you think of phrases like "few people" or "few options," it’s clear how the clue and answer match up. No tricks here, just a direct connection between the idea of scarcity and the word itself.

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