35 Across
NYT Daily • September 11, 2025
Treats, as a sprain
Answer:
ICES
Hint:
["Think of what you might wrap around an injury to reduce swelling and numb the pain—it’s often kept in the freezer."]
Explanation:
The clue "Treats, as a sprain" points to "ICES" because icing is a common first-aid method for sprains to reduce swelling. The word "treats" here means "handles medically," not "gives rewards," which is a slight twist in meaning. It’s a straightforward definition with no hidden wordplay—just a direct reference to how you’d care for an injury.