40 Across
NYT Daily • September 7, 2025
Overdone
Answer:
TRITE
Hint:
Think of a word that describes something so frequently used it has lost its original impact or freshness.
Explanation:
Overdone" hints at something that’s been used too much or lacks originality. In crosswords, this often points to "trite," which describes ideas or phrases that have become stale from overuse. The clue plays on the literal meaning of "overdone" (like overcooked food) while nudging toward the figurative sense of being clichéd or worn out. It’s a straightforward definition with no hidden wordplay—just a synonym swap.