51 Across
NYT Daily • September 1, 2025
Annoying fee added to a price
Answer:
NUISANCE TAX
Hint:
Not available
Explanation:
The clue plays on the literal meaning of "annoying fee" to hint at the answer. "Nuisance" directly describes something irritating, while "tax" refers to an added charge, making the phrase a straightforward definition. There’s no hidden wordplay—it’s a simple, literal combination where both words in the answer reinforce the idea of an unwanted extra cost. Think of things like resort fees or service charges that feel unnecessary.