44 Down

NYT Daily ? September 30, 2025

Fly catcher

Answer:

WEB

Hint:

Think of what a spider crafts to ensnare its prey, often found glistening in corners or between branches.

Explanation:

"Fly catcher" is a clever play on words. A fly can mean the insect, but it also refers to a baseball player who catches fly balls—though here, the answer isn’t about sports. Instead, think of what literally catches flies: a spider’s web, so the answer is "WEB." The clue tricks you by making you consider different meanings of "fly."

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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