Tilt

Answer:

JOUST

Hint:

Think of a medieval contest where knights on horseback might lean forward dramatically to strike their opponent.

Explanation:

"Tilt" hints at "joust" because it’s a play on the phrase tilting at windmills—a reference to Don Quixote’s famous battle with imaginary foes. In medieval jousting, knights would tilt (charge with lances) at each other, making "joust" a direct fit. The clue cleverly uses the double meaning of "tilt" as both a verb (to lean or charge) and a nod to the iconic literary scene.

More Clues from This Puzzle

16 Across

15 letters

Italian pianist who composed the scores for "Nomadland" and "The Father"

32 Across

5 letters

Province in the names of many Chinese restaurants

35 Across

5 letters

Rounded, in a way

42 Across

3 letters

Network

General solving tip

If the clue shows an abbreviation (org., dept., inits.), the answer usually does too. Mirror the clue's form with initials or a shortened form.

More tips → General Hints