21 Down

NYT Daily ? November 30, 2025

"Quit whining, dude!"

Answer:

MANUP

Hint:

Think of a slangy command that combines "man" with a word meaning to toughen up or take responsibility.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the phrase "man up," a casual (though sometimes criticized) way to tell someone to stop complaining and act tougher. The exclamation "Quit whining, dude!" mirrors that idea, pushing the solver toward the slangy command. The answer drops the space to fit crossword style, turning "man up" into "MANUP." It’s a bit old-school in tone but fits the clue’s blunt, dismissive vibe.

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General solving tip

Quoted clues often indicate a spoken phrase, interjection, or a title. Think of something you'd say out loud or see as a headline.

More tips → General Hints