54 Across

NYT Daily ? September 17, 2025

Title nickname in a classic 1984 sports film

Answer:

KARATEKID

Hint:

This young hero learns martial arts from a wise handyman to stand up to bullies in a coming-of-age story set in California.

Explanation:

This clue refers to the beloved 1984 movie The Karate Kid, where the main character, Daniel LaRusso, earns the nickname "Karate Kid" as he trains in martial arts. The title itself is a playful nod to his journey, blending "karate" with "kid" to highlight his youth and newfound skill. Since the answer is written as one word ("KARATEKID"), it matches how the nickname is often stylized in pop culture references.

More Clues from This Puzzle

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Variety

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Start of a joke

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One might hit it or raise it, metaphorically

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General solving tip

Markers like 'var.' or 'alt. sp.' mean a variant spelling. Consider alternate forms (GRAY/GREY, EON/AEON) that fit the grid.

More tips → General Hints