54 Across

NYT Daily ? September 16, 2025

Not bad, but not great

Answer:

SOSO

Hint:

Think of a casual way to describe something that’s just average—like a meal that doesn’t impress but doesn’t disappoint either. It’s a simple, two-syllable phrase you might text a friend.

Explanation:

The clue "Not bad, but not great" is a straightforward definition for a casual phrase meaning average or mediocre. "SOSO" fits perfectly because it’s a common slang term used to describe something that’s just okay—neither good nor bad. There’s no hidden wordplay here; it’s a direct hint pointing to a simple, everyday expression. Think of it like rating something a 5 out of 10.

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General solving tip

Short grid glue often mirrors map or address abbreviations (ENE, AVE, ST). If the clue looks abbreviated, the answer probably is too.

More tips → General Hints