51 Down

NYT Daily ? September 21, 2025

"… actually, let's go to plan B"

Answer:

ORNOT

Hint:

Think of a phrase that suggests reconsidering the original idea, often heard in casual debates or when weighing options. The answer is a short contraction that implies an alternative choice.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the phrase "plan B," which sounds like the letter "B" when spoken aloud. The answer "ORNOT" comes from the full expression "plan B or not," mimicking the hesitation in the clue ("...actually, let's go to plan B"). It’s a pun where "plan B" is treated as a literal choice between "B" and "not B," with "or not" completing the answer.

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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