The answer to “Bygone spray” in the NYT Crossword is ALAR — a 4-letter plant growth regulator once sprayed on apple orchards, banned in 1989. Why ALAR? Alar (chemical name daminozide) was sprayed on apples to regulate growth and keep…

The answer to “___-bitty” in the NYT Crossword is ITTY — the 4-letter word that completes the playful phrase “itty-bitty,” meaning tiny. Why ITTY? “Itty-bitty” is a rhyming reduplication — a phrase where a word is repeated with a small…

The answer to “PC key” in the NYT Crossword is ESC — the 3-letter Escape key found in the top-left corner of every keyboard. Why ESC? ESC (short for “Escape”) is the universal “get me out of here” key —…

The answer to “Cosmetics alternative to Essie” is OPI — the 3-letter nail polish brand that appeared as 18-Down in the December 4, 2025 NYT Crossword by Stephan Prock & Jeff Chen. Why OPI? Essie is one of the most…

The answer to “Aromatherapy destination, say” is SPA — the 3-letter word for the wellness retreats where aromatherapy treatments are offered. Why SPA? Two little words do the heavy lifting here. “Say” signals that the answer is one example of…

The answer is CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM — a 16-letter phrase that appeared as 18-Across in the May 24, 2025 Saturday NYT Crossword by Gene Louise De Vera. Why CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM? The clue is a textbook definition clue: it describes the feeling…

The answer to “Fanatical groups” in the NYT Crossword is CULTS — a 5-letter word describing groups known for extreme, fanatical devotion to a leader or belief system. Why CULTS? The clue breaks down neatly: “fanatical” points to extreme, unquestioning…