49 Across
NYT Daily • August 22, 2025
Blowout
Answer:
ROMP
Hint:
A lopsided victory where one side plays freely, like a horse running wild.
Explanation:
"Blowout" here hints at a one-sided victory, like a game where one team dominates completely. In slang, a "romp" means an easy, lopsided win—think of a team "romping" over their opponent. The wordplay ties the idea of a decisive, effortless triumph (a blowout) to the casual term for it (romp). It’s a straightforward definition clue with no hidden tricks.