3 Down
NYT Daily • August 25, 2025
A smile, perhaps
Answer:
POKERTELL
Hint:
It might reveal more than just happiness at a card table.
Explanation:
"A smile, perhaps" hints at a tell—a subtle, often unintentional sign that reveals someone’s true feelings or intentions. In poker, a "tell" like a nervous smile can give away a player’s hand, so "poker tell" fits perfectly. The clue plays on the double meaning of "tell" as both a verbal confession and a physical giveaway, making the answer a clever blend of wordplay and poker lingo.