38 Across
NYT Daily • August 30, 2025
Not say something in jest
Answer:
MEAN IT
Hint:
Not available
Explanation:
The clue "Not say something in jest" plays on the idea of speaking seriously instead of joking. "In jest" means as a joke, so the opposite would be to truly intend what you say—which is to "mean it." The answer is a straightforward phrase where "mean" refers to serious intent, not the other definition of being unkind.