9 Down

NYT Daily ? September 14, 2025

Overhead light?

Answer:

STAR

Hint:

Think of a celestial body that shines brightly in the night sky, often used metaphorically to describe fame or brilliance.

Explanation:

"Overhead light" plays with the double meaning of "light." In a literal sense, it could refer to a ceiling lamp, but here it hints at a celestial source of light. The word "star" fits because stars are natural lights seen overhead in the sky, making it a clever twist on the phrase. The clue relies on the solver thinking beyond everyday objects to something cosmic.

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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