Clever Clue of the Month

October 2026
Clue: They wave their wands so you can fly, for short...TSA
Constructors: Jeff Chen & Bharati Hemmady; Editor: Will Shortz
NYT, Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Clever Clue Nominees

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

They're stretched out before some workouts...MATS
Relatively helpful business practice?........NEPOTISM
They benefit from curses!....................SWEARJARS
Full-groan person?...........................PUNSTER
Party focused on righting class struggles?...STUDYGROUP
They wave their wands so you can fly, for
short........................................TSA

Clever Clue of the Month

September 2026
Clue: Ones who have trouble finishing sentences?...ESCAPEES
Constructor: Jeff Stillman; Editor: Will Shortz
NYT, Thursday, September 24, 2026

Clever Clue Nominees

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

Rolled out unannounced?....................TPED
Appetite suppressant?......................SNACK
People you might have chemistry with?......CLASSMATES
French or Italian destination?.............SALADBAR
Where split decisions are made.............ICECREAMPARLORS
Ones who have trouble finishing sentences?..ESCAPEES

Clever Clue of the Month

August 2026
Clue: One who tries not to overshadow the star?....MAKEUPARTIST
Constructors: Barbara Lin & Jess Rucks; Editor: Patti Varol
LAT, Saturday, August 15, 2026

Clever Clue Nominees

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

Dead zones?................................TOMBS
Science fiction channel?...................WORMHOLE
It isn't not a feature of this clue........DOUBLENEGATIVE
People hold complicated positions on it....TWISTERMAT
One who tries not to overshadow the star?..MAKEUPARTIST
They might raise your kids.................BOOSTERSEATS

Clever Clue of the Month

July 2026
Clue: Slice of Life or nick of Time?................PAPERCUT
Constructors: Gus Bloxham & Bharati Hemaddy
Editor: Will Shortz
NYT, Tuesday, July 14, 2026