NYT Daily ? September 9, 2025
One on Santa’s team
Answer:
CUPID
Hint:
This Roman god of love is often depicted with a bow and arrow, and shares a name with a chubby, arrow-shooting figure in Valentine’s lore.
Explanation:
Santa’s team usually refers to his reindeer, but this clue plays on another group he’s associated with—his elves. "Cupid" is a clever twist because while it sounds like a name for an elf, it’s actually the Roman god of love, sneaking in as a punny misdirection. The wordplay relies on the idea that Santa’s "team" could include whimsical helpers beyond just reindeer, tricking solvers into thinking outside the sleigh.
More Clues from This Puzzle
General solving tip
When a clue says 'informally,' 'slangily,' or 'casually,' think slang, clipped forms, or texting abbreviations. Try the short casual word you'd use in speech or a message.
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