For crossword enthusiasts, the New York Times Crossword is the gold standard of wordplay and wit. Every day, thousands of solvers around the world challenge themselves with clues ranging from clever puns to deeply obscure trivia. Among these, one clue that has sparked curiosity is “Start to fall” in the NYT Crossword.
If you’re stuck on this clue or just want to improve your crossword-solving skills, you’ve come to the right place. In this complete guide, we’ll explain:
- The possible answers to “Start to fall NYT”
- Why the clue is tricky
- Solving strategies for similar wordplay
- Tips for improving your NYT crossword game
- FAQs for crossword solvers
Understanding the Clue: “Start to fall”
The New York Times crossword often uses “Start to ___” or “End of ___” phrasing. These clues usually mean:
- Take the first letter of the word given (in this case, “fall”).
- Or, think of synonyms and metaphors related to “start” and “fall.”
So, the clue “Start to fall” may have different possible answers depending on the puzzle’s length and context.
Possible Answers for “Start to Fall NYT”
Here are the most common crossword answers that fit this clue:
F
- The most straightforward solution.
- “Start to fall” = the first letter of the word fall.
TRIP
- To “start to fall” literally means to trip or stumble.
- Commonly used in action-related crossword clues.
SLIP
- Similar to “trip,” it implies the beginning of a fall.
DROP
- Another synonym that may appear depending on the crossword length.
AUTUMN
- Since Fall is also the American word for the season, “Start to fall” could cleverly point to the beginning of autumn.
LEAF
- As leaves are the first signs of the fall season starting.
The correct answer always depends on the number of squares available and the surrounding intersecting words.
Why This Clue Is Tricky
The NYT crossword is famous for deceptive brevity. At first glance, “Start to fall” looks like it’s talking about tripping. But seasoned solvers know that “start to” often just means “the first letter.”
This dual interpretation is what makes clues like this challenging — and fun.
How to Solve “Start to Fall” in the NYT Crossword
- Check Letter Count – Most crossword apps and print versions will show how many letters the answer needs.
If it’s 1 letter: the answer is likely F.
If it’s 4–5 letters: think TRIP, SLIP, or DROP.
If it’s 6+ letters: possibly AUTUMN or LEAF.
- Look at Crossing Clues – Fill in other answers that intersect with the word. They often eliminate multiple wrong guesses.
- Think Literally and Figuratively – NYT clues love wordplay. “Fall” can mean:
To drop physically.
The autumn season.
A stumble or mistake.
- Use Context – A Monday puzzle is easier, so the answer may be F. A Saturday puzzle (the hardest) may twist the clue into something like AUTUMN.
NYT Crossword Solving Strategies
Start Easy, Then Work Hard
- Mondays are easiest; Saturdays are hardest.
- If you’re a beginner, build confidence early in the week.
Look for Fill-in-the-Blank Clues
- These are often the most straightforward.
- Example: “Gone with the ___” → WIND.
Watch Out for Question Marks
- A “?” at the end of a clue means it’s a pun or joke.
- Example: “Cold shoulder?” → SLEEVE.
Master Common Crosswordese
Words like Oreo, Etna, Erato, Asta, Epee appear often. Knowing them gives you quick wins.
Use Letter Patterns
If you know the second and fourth letters, many online solvers or crossword dictionaries can help narrow choices.
Improving Your Crossword Skills
- Practice Daily – The more you solve, the more clue patterns you’ll recognize.
- Expand Vocabulary – Read broadly; NYT puzzles include references to literature, pop culture, and history.
- Learn Wordplay Styles – Palindromes, anagrams, and hidden words are common.
- Check Solutions – Reviewing completed puzzles helps reinforce learning.
Other Common “Start to ___” NYT Clues
If you master this pattern, you’ll see it again and again. Some examples:
- Start to cry → C
- Start to shiver → S
- Start to yawn → Y
- Start to fall apart → UNRAVEL
Recognizing this structure will make you faster and more confident.
Why People Love the NYT Crossword
- Mental Exercise – Sharpens vocabulary, memory, and pattern recognition.
- Stress Relief – Engaging without screens or distractions.
- Community – Millions of solvers share tips online and in forums.
- Satisfaction – The joy of finally cracking a tough clue is unmatched.
Conclusion
The “Start to fall NYT” crossword clue may seem confusing at first, but once you understand the patterns, it becomes a rewarding challenge. The answer could be as simple as F or as clever as AUTUMN — depending on the puzzle’s difficulty and context.
By combining logical reasoning, letter counts, and a bit of creativity, you’ll not only solve this clue but also improve your overall crossword-solving skills.
So the next time you see “Start to fall” in the NYT Crossword, remember: think both literally (tripping, slipping) and figuratively (autumn, first letter F). The right answer is waiting for you to piece it together.
FAQs
1. What is the most common answer for “Start to fall” in the NYT Crossword?
The single-letter F is the most common solution.
2. Can “Start to fall” mean autumn?
Yes, in trickier puzzles, it may refer to the beginning of the fall season → AUTUMN.
3. Is the NYT Crossword always this tricky?
No — Mondays are easier, and Saturdays are the hardest.
4. How long does it take to solve an NYT Crossword?
Beginners may take 30–60 minutes, while experienced solvers often finish in under 15 minutes.
5. Where can I solve the NYT Crossword online?
You can subscribe through the official New York Times Games app or website.