89 Across

NYT Daily • September 7, 2025

Toady

Answer:

YES-MAN

Hint:

This person eagerly agrees with everything their superior says, often to gain favor rather than offer honest opinions. Think of a two-word term for someone who never says no.

Explanation:

Toady" is a term for someone who flatteringly obeys another, often to gain favor—just like a "yes-man," who blindly agrees with everything. The clue plays on the idea of a sycophant, where "toady" (from "toad-eater," an old insult for a fawning servant) directly hints at the answer. It’s a straightforward definition with no hidden wordplay, relying on the shared meaning of both words.

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