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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