This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, January 16, 2026 (54 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
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: 4 squares
First letter
F _ _ _
First and last letters
F _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
FIVE as a word: The digit/figure 5; A banknote with a denomination of five units of currency. See also fiver.
FIVE has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 24, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Assume, as costs (47 Across)
- Do some cleaning (48 Across)
- Market for currencies, informally (51 Across)
- Financial aid basis (52 Across)
- Ian : Scotland :: ___ : Wales (55 Across)
- One might help you hitch a ride (56 Across)
- Parmesan cheese feature (58 Across)
- Novel whence the line "Four legs good, two legs bad" (59 Across)
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