3 Down

NYT Daily • September 1, 2025

Word after hot or lightning

Answer:

ROD

Hint:

Not available

Explanation:

This clue hints at a word that commonly follows "hot" or "lightning" in everyday phrases. "Hot rod" refers to a modified car, while "lightning rod" is a metal rod that protects buildings from lightning strikes. The answer is simply the shared word in both terms: "rod.

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