46 Down

NYT Daily ? September 16, 2025

Rodeo rope

Answer:

LASSO

Hint:

Think of the tool a cowboy twirls overhead to catch livestock—it’s also a verb meaning to catch something with this looped rope.

Explanation:

"Rodeo rope" is a straightforward clue pointing to a tool used in rodeos to catch livestock. The answer is "LASSO," which is a long rope with a sliding noose at one end, commonly associated with cowboys. The word itself comes from Spanish lazo, meaning "tie" or "snare," and it’s a key part of rodeo events like calf roping. No wordplay here—just a direct reference to a classic Western item.

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General solving tip

Quoted clues often indicate a spoken phrase, interjection, or a title. Think of something you'd say out loud or see as a headline.

More tips → General Hints