8 Across

NYT Mini • September 13, 2025

“Look, here’s the thing …”

Answer:

LISTEN

Hint:

This word is often used to grab someone’s attention before sharing important advice or a key point. Think of what you might say to encourage focus before speaking.

Explanation:

This clue mimics how someone might start a conversation to grab your attention—like saying "Look, here’s the thing…" to signal they’re about to make an important point. The answer "LISTEN" fits because it’s what you’d expect the speaker to want from you in that moment. The phrasing plays on the idea of a direct, slightly urgent opener that demands focus, making the solution both literal and thematically smooth.

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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