1 Across

NYT Daily ? September 24, 2025

Light touches

Answer:

DABS

Hint:

Think of gently pressing a sponge to soak up small amounts of liquid, like when cleaning a delicate surface.

Explanation:

"Light touches" hints at gentle, quick presses—like when you pat something dry with a soft motion. The word "dabs" fits because it means exactly that: light, brief touches, often with a cloth or fingers. It’s also a straightforward definition without hidden wordplay, making the clue a simple double-check of the solver’s vocabulary.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints