57 Across

NYT Daily • August 24, 2025

Provides assistance

Answer:

AIDS

Hint:

Think of a four-letter word for support that’s also a medical acronym.

Explanation:

The clue "Provides assistance" points to the word "AIDS," which is a homophone for the acronym AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) but here refers to the verb "aids," meaning to help or support. The wordplay relies on the double meaning—while AIDS is commonly associated with the medical condition, the clue uses its lesser-known verb form. It’s a straightforward definition where the answer sounds like a familiar term but fits the hint as a verb. The trick is recognizing that "aids" can function as both a noun and a verb in English.

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