21 Down

NYT Daily ? September 24, 2025

Word aptly hidden in "unspoiled enclave"

Answer:

EDEN

Hint:

Think of the biblical garden often described as pristine and untouched, where the first humans were said to live. The answer is a four-letter name starting with "E."

Explanation:

This clue uses a "hidden word" trick where the answer is buried inside the phrase. Look closely at "unspoiled enclave"—the letters E-D-E-N appear in order within those words ("unspoiled enclave"). "Eden" fits because it’s a legendary unspoiled paradise, tying back to the clue’s wording. The "aptly" hints that the hidden word also matches the meaning.

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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