30 Across
NYT Daily • September 3, 2025
Cry of defeat
Answer:
I LOST!
Hint:
This exclamation might be shouted after a board game or sports match when someone admits they didn’t win. Think of a three-word phrase starting with "I" that expresses surrender.
Explanation:
The clue "Cry of defeat" is a straightforward definition pointing to a phrase someone might shout when they’ve been beaten in a game or competition. The answer "I LOST!" fits because it’s a direct, exclamatory admission of losing, often said with frustration or dramatic flair. No wordplay or hidden meanings here—just a simple match between the clue’s meaning and the answer’s literal interpretation. You’d hear this in everything from kids’ board games to sports matches.