21 Across

NYT Daily • September 6, 2025

Stop working, say

Answer:

TAKE TEN

Hint:

Think of a phrase workers might say when stepping away for a short rest, often during a busy shift.

Explanation:

Stop working, say" hints at taking a break, which is exactly what "take ten" means—a short pause from work. The phrase plays on the idea of literally "taking" ten minutes to rest, while "say" suggests this is just one example of how someone might stop working. It’s a casual, idiomatic expression often used in workplaces or informal settings.

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