41 Across
NYT Daily • August 19, 2025
Nonexpert
Answer:
LAYMAN
Hint:
This term describes someone who lacks professional training in a particular field.
Explanation:
"Nonexpert" is a straightforward definition clue pointing to someone without professional or specialized knowledge. The answer "LAYMAN" fits perfectly because it’s a common term for an ordinary person in a given field—someone who isn’t a trained expert. There’s no hidden wordplay here; it’s a direct synonym match, often used in contexts like "explain it in layman’s terms." The word itself comes from "lay" (meaning non-clerical or non-professional) plus "man," reinforcing the idea of an everyday person.