40 Down

NYT Daily ? September 8, 2025

Superficially attractive sort

Answer:

EYE CANDY

Hint:

Think of someone or something that’s visually appealing but lacks depth—often used to describe a person who catches your attention without much substance.

Explanation:

Superficially attractive sort" hints at something pleasing to look at but lacking depth. "Eye candy" fits perfectly—it’s a casual term for someone or something visually appealing, like a flashy movie star or a sleek gadget, without implying substance. The wordplay is straightforward: "eye" ties to vision, and "candy" suggests something sweet but not nourishing, reinforcing the shallow charm. It’s a term often used in pop culture for stylish but lightweight entertainment.

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General solving tip

A question mark usually flags wordplay or a non-literal reading. Expect a pun, a twist, or a definition that's one step removed from the surface meaning.

More tips → General Hints