44 Down
NYT Daily • September 4, 2025
Traffic director
Answer:
CONE
Hint:
This bright orange item is often seen at construction sites, guiding vehicles around hazards with its pointed top. You might also spot it marking lanes during roadwork.
Explanation:
Traffic director" hints at something that guides or controls the flow of vehicles, and a bright orange "cone" does exactly that on roads and construction sites. The wordplay is straightforward—no tricks—since a cone literally directs traffic by marking lanes or hazards. It’s a common sight, so the clue relies on real-world association rather than a pun or hidden meaning. Think of those plastic cones you see at roadwork or parking lots.