96 Down

NYT Daily ? September 21, 2025

Music protector, of a sort

Answer:

CDCASE

Hint:

Think of where you might store a disc to keep it safe from scratches—this four-letter container often sits on a shelf.

Explanation:

A "music protector" hints at something that holds or safeguards music, like a CD case. The "of a sort" part signals it’s not literal—CD cases don’t actively protect music but keep discs safe. The answer plays on the idea of storage as a form of protection, with "CD" standing for the music format and "CASE" as the container. It’s a straightforward definition with a slight twist in framing.

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General solving tip

If the clue shows an abbreviation (org., dept., inits.), the answer usually does too. Mirror the clue's form with initials or a shortened form.

More tips → General Hints