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.

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