60 Across

NYT Daily ? September 17, 2025

Time when streetlights turn on

Answer:

DUSK

Hint:

Think of the brief period between daylight and darkness when the sky takes on a soft, dim glow and shadows lengthen. It’s often called the "glowing hour" by poets.

Explanation:

"Dusk" is the period of twilight just after sunset when the sky starts to darken, which is when many streetlights automatically switch on. The clue plays on this common real-world connection—cities often use light sensors to trigger streetlights at dusk. There’s no hidden wordplay here; it’s a straightforward definition linking a natural daily event to urban infrastructure. If you’ve ever noticed lights flickering on as daylight fades, you’ve seen this in action.

More Clues from This Puzzle

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General solving tip

'Perhaps,' 'maybe,' or 'e.g.' usually signal an example, not the category name. You're looking for one member of a broader set.

More tips → General Hints