43 Across

NYT Daily ? September 5, 2025

Bang into

Answer:

RAM

Hint:

Think of a forceful action often done by a male sheep or a heavy vehicle used in construction.

Explanation:

Bang into" is a playful hint for "RAM," since "ram" can mean to strike something forcefully, like a car crashing into another. It also works as a double meaning—the word "ram" itself is a male sheep known for charging headfirst, reinforcing the idea of a hard collision. The clue keeps it simple by focusing on the action rather than the animal.

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General solving tip

Words like 'said,' 'reportedly,' or 'sounds like' point to homophones—an answer that sounds like another word or phrase. Read the clue aloud in your head.

More tips → General Hints