45 Across

NYT Daily ? September 10, 2025

The biggest and most loving of hugs, say

Answer:

MOTHER SMOTHER

Hint:

Think of an affectionate but overwhelming embrace that might come from someone who raised you—it’s a playful rhyme.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the phrase "mother smother," which humorously describes an overly tight, affectionate hug—like how a mom might squeeze her kid with love. The word "biggest" hints at the intensity, while "most loving" reinforces the maternal connection. "Say" signals that the answer is a playful, informal expression rather than a literal definition.

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General solving tip

'Perhaps,' 'maybe,' or 'e.g.' usually signal an example, not the category name. You're looking for one member of a broader set.

More tips → General Hints