47 Down

NYT Daily ? August 29, 2025

Stable mate

Answer:

MARE

Hint:

Think of a female horse often found in a barn alongside stallions and geldings. This one starts with the same letter as "mother.

Explanation:

Stable mate" is a playful hint for "mare," since a mare is a female horse often found in stables. The word "mate" suggests a companion or fellow animal, reinforcing the idea of another horse. It’s a straightforward definition with a slight pun—"mate" hints at pairing, while "stable" directly points to where horses live.

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Bit of a how-to

General solving tip

Words like 'said,' 'reportedly,' or 'sounds like' point to homophones—an answer that sounds like another word or phrase. Read the clue aloud in your head.

More tips → General Hints