This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Sunday, February 8, 2026 (82 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Sunday puzzles are large (21 by 21) and themed, about as hard as a Wednesday or Thursday.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
H _ _
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About the answer
HOE as a word: (when not otherwise specified) An agricultural and horticultural hand tool consisting of a long handle with a flat blade fixed perpendicular to it at the end...; Any of various tools for scraping, scratching, digging, or stirring soil or other materials.
HOE has been an answer 9 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 16, 2025.
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