119 Across

NYT Daily • September 7, 2025

Home makeover, in brief

Answer:

RENO

Hint:

Think of the three-letter term contractors use when updating a house—it’s short for a process that often involves hammers and paint.

Explanation:

Home makeover, in brief" is a straightforward abbreviation clue. The full phrase would be "home renovation," but "reno" is a common short form for it—like how people say "reno" instead of "renovation" in casual conversation. The clue hints at this by using "in brief," signaling the answer is a shortened version of the longer term. It’s a simple play on everyday language.

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