61 Across

NYT Daily • August 18, 2025

Question that might precede "Try me!"

Answer:

WOULDI

Hint:

Think of a polite way to ask if someone is up for a challenge.

Explanation:

This clue plays on a common phrase where someone asks "Would I?" as a sarcastic or playful response before saying "Try me!"—like challenging someone’s doubt. The answer is "WOULDI," which is a shortened, informal way of writing "Would I?" often seen in texting or casual speech. The trick is recognizing that the clue hints at a question, not a statement, and the answer is the abbreviated version of that question.

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