43 Across
NYT Daily • September 9, 2025
Beyond repair, say
Answer:
TOTALED
Hint:
["Think of what an insurance company might declare about a car after a major accident. The word starts with \"T\" and sounds like it's been completely added up."]
Explanation:
"Beyond repair, say" hints at something so damaged it can’t be fixed, which is often described as "totaled"—a term commonly used for cars after a severe crash. The word "say" signals this is an example, not the only meaning. "Totaled" fits because it literally means completely ruined or destroyed beyond recovery.