51 Down

NYT Daily • September 3, 2025

Discover by chance

Answer:

HIT ON

Hint:

Think of a phrase used when someone suddenly realizes the solution to a problem or stumbles upon a good idea.

Explanation:

Discover by chance" hints at stumbling upon something unexpectedly, which aligns with the phrase "hit on." Here, "hit on" doesn’t mean flirting—it’s an informal way to say you’ve suddenly found or realized something, like hitting on a great idea. The clue plays on the double meaning of "hit," where it can imply both a physical action and a moment of discovery. Think of it like striking gold by accident.

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