49 Down
NYT Daily • September 4, 2025
With 7-Down, worker who likely knows the ropes
Answer:
WINDOW …
Hint:
This person might be seen high above the ground, often handling glass and frames with skill. Look for a word that pairs with "washer" to complete the job title.
Explanation:
This clue hints at a two-part answer where "WINDOW" is the first half, paired with 7-Down to form a familiar job title. The phrase "knows the ropes" suggests someone experienced, and combining "WINDOW" with the likely 7-Down answer ("WASHER") gives "WINDOW WASHER"—a worker who literally handles ropes or squeegees on high-rise buildings. The wordplay relies on splitting the compound term across two clues, a common crossword trick.