5 Across

NYT Daily ? September 23, 2025

Teacher for just a day, informally

Answer:

SUB

Hint:

Think of the short-term stand-in who might take over when your regular instructor is out—often found in schools or offices.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the informal term for a substitute teacher—someone who fills in for the regular teacher, often just for a single day. "Teacher for just a day" hints at the temporary role, while "informally" signals the answer is a casual or shortened word. "Sub" fits perfectly as both a common abbreviation for "substitute" and a quick, everyday way to refer to the job.

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General solving tip

When a clue says 'informally,' 'slangily,' or 'casually,' think slang, clipped forms, or texting abbreviations. Try the short casual word you'd use in speech or a message.

More tips → General Hints