38 Down

NYT Daily ? September 28, 2025

Li'l

Answer:

ITSY

Hint:

Think of a tiny adjective often paired with "bitsy" in a classic nursery rhyme about a spider.

Explanation:

"Li'l" is a casual, shortened way to say 'little,' often used in informal speech or writing. The answer "ITSY" fits because it’s a playful, old-fashioned term meaning 'very small,' like in the phrase 'itsy-bitsy.' Both words capture the idea of something tiny, with 'itsy' being a more whimsical version of the clue’s hint."

More Clues from This Puzzle

6 Down

9 letters

Moves elsewhere

14 Down

9 letters

Reasoned conclusion

16 Down

3 letters

Bulldog fan in Connecticut

36 Down

3 letters

Small inlet

General solving tip

Words like 'said,' 'reportedly,' or 'sounds like' point to homophones—an answer that sounds like another word or phrase. Read the clue aloud in your head.

More tips → General Hints