26 Down
NYT Daily • September 11, 2025
Something one might slice
Answer:
TEESHOT
Hint:
["Think of the first swing in a game where precision matters—it’s not in the kitchen but on the fairway."]
Explanation:
The clue plays on the double meaning of "slice." In golf, a "slice" is a shot that curves sharply, often unintentionally, and a "tee shot" is the first stroke on a hole—something a golfer might slice. The wordplay tricks you into thinking of kitchen slicing before revealing the sports term. It’s a classic misdirection where the answer fits an unexpected context.