5 Down

NYT Daily ? September 13, 2025

What are ahead of their times?

Answer:

EVES

Hint:

Think of the days before major holidays or celebrations—these evenings often mark the start of something new.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the phrase "ahead of their times" by interpreting "times" as the plural of time (a synonym for an era or period) and also as Times Square—the famous NYC landmark. The "ahead" part hints at what comes before (or is "ahead of") the word "Times," which is "Eves," referring to New Year’s Eves celebrated there. It’s a clever double meaning where "Eves" fits both as the events leading up to midnight and as the literal letters preceding "Times."

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

A question mark usually flags wordplay or a non-literal reading. Expect a pun, a twist, or a definition that's one step removed from the surface meaning.

More tips → General Hints