13 Across
NYT Daily • September 6, 2025
Swing states?
Answer:
OPEN MARRIAGES
Hint:
Think of relationships where both partners might explore other options, much like how certain states can shift political allegiance.
Explanation:
This clue plays on the double meaning of "swing states." Politically, swing states are places where elections can go either way, but here it hints at "swinging" in relationships—couples who explore non-monogamy. "Open marriages" fits because they’re relationships that aren’t fixed to one partner, much like how swing states aren’t locked into one political party. The pun ties the political term to a cheeky reference about modern relationship dynamics.