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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.

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