January 2026
Clue: Spoiler alerts?...................SELLBYDATES
Constructor: Emily Biegas; Editor: Patti Varol
LAT, Saturday, January 17, 2026

Clever Clue Nominees

Please vote for the best clue from January. The Clever Clue of the Month will be announced in a few days.

Scenario just before a board takeover?.......MATEINTWO

Have no reception, say.......................ELOPE
Coming-out party?............................BABYSHOWER
Spoiler alerts?..............................SELLBYDATES
Demonstrated sound judgment?.................TSKED
They may trick or treat?.....................PLACEBOS

Clever Clue of the Month

December 2025
Clue: Key to some character assasinations?.......DEL
Constructor/Editor: Brendan Emmet Quigley
Brendan Emmet Quigley's Crossword, Monday, December 29, 2025

Clever Clue Nominees

Please vote for the best clue from December. The Clever Clue of the Month will be announced in a few days.

Second grade opportunity.....................MAKEUPTEST

They'll make it up to you?...................LIARS
I'm rooting for myself!......................OINK
Parks in front of a bus?.....................ROSA
One might include some color commentary!.....ARTLESSON
Key to some character assassinations?........DEL

Clever Clue of the Month

 

November 2025
Clue: Outdoor elevator............................................TEE
Constructor/Editor: 'Lester Ruff' (Stan Newman)
Newsday, Saturday, November 1, 2025

Clever Clue Nominees

Please vote for the best clue from November. The Clever Clue of the Month will be announced in a few days.

Outdoor elevator.............................TEE

They mean the world to us....................GLOBES
It's the thought that counts.................MENTALMATH
Biker bars?..................................SPOKES
Baseball game players?.......................ORGANISTS
Traveler's check, in brief?..................NBAREF

Clever Clue of the Month

October 2026
Clue: Becomes unlocked?..................................GOESBALD
Constructor: Aimee Lucido; Editor: Liz Maynes-Aminzade
New Yorker, Tuesday, October 28, 2025