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.

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