deducted from nyt crossword

Sandra Almird

2 min read

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02-01-2025

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The New York Times crossword puzzle, a daily brain teaser for millions, often uses clever wordplay to challenge solvers. One recurring theme is clues that hint at subtraction or deduction, often using phrases like "deducted from," "taken from," or similar wording. Let's explore this common clue type, drawing inspiration from and giving proper attribution to examples found on CrosswordFiend (crosswordfiend.com - a fantastic resource for crossword enthusiasts!). While I won't directly quote their answers, I'll analyze the type of clues they offer and expand on the concept.

Understanding "Deducted From" Clues:

These clues typically present a larger number or concept, and the answer is what remains after something is subtracted. The challenge lies in identifying what is being subtracted. This often requires understanding wordplay, abbreviations, or even a bit of outside knowledge.

Example Clue Types and Analysis:

Let's imagine a few hypothetical examples inspired by the spirit of CrosswordFiend's clue structures:

• "Deducted from a baker's dozen" This clue would lead to the answer 12. A baker's dozen is 13, and subtracting one leaves 12. This highlights how a common phrase can be the basis for a simple subtraction puzzle. It's crucial to recognize the idiom "baker's dozen" to solve this.

• "Deducted from a gross" This is a slightly trickier one. "Gross" can refer to a total amount before deductions (like a gross salary), or it can mean 144. The answer would depend on the context of the surrounding clues within the crossword. If the answer needed to be a number, 144-1 = 143 is a possibility. It could even refer to the removal of one item from a gross, leading to a different answer depending on the puzzle's constraints.

• "Deducted from 'the big apple' (Abbr.)" This uses geographical knowledge. "The big apple" refers to New York City. The abbreviation could be NYC, and the answer would be based on what is subtracted from that. This type of clue requires recognizing a common phrase and its abbreviation.

• "Deducted from Shakespeare's birthplace (Abbr.)" This draws on historical knowledge. Shakespeare's birthplace is Stratford-upon-Avon. If the clue asks for something "deducted from," the answer might be an abbreviation referencing the removal of part of this name (e.g., "Stratford"). The specifics would depend entirely on the answer length required by the crossword.

Solving Strategies for "Deducted From" Clues:

1. Identify the "whole": First, pinpoint the larger number, phrase, or concept mentioned in the clue.
2. Consider subtractions: Think about what could logically be subtracted from the "whole". Consider common abbreviations, synonyms, or parts of words.
3. Check the answer length: Pay close attention to the number of squares allocated to the answer in the crossword grid.
4. Use cross-referencing: If you're stuck, try to fill in some of the intersecting words to deduce letters. This can provide valuable hints.

Beyond the Numbers:

The beauty of crossword clues lies in their creative ambiguity. "Deducted from" clues aren't always purely mathematical. They can involve removing letters from a word, omitting syllables, or even subtracting concepts. The key is to carefully analyze the clue's phrasing and consider all possible interpretations.

By understanding the different forms and strategies involved, you'll be better equipped to tackle the "deducted from" clues and conquer the New York Times crossword puzzle with confidence. Remember to always look for the underlying wordplay and contextual clues!