This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, January 1, 2026 (3 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
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: 5 squares
First letter
I _ _ _ _
First and last letters
I _ _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
ISSUE as a word: The action or an instance of flowing or coming out, an outflow, particularly:; Someone or something that flows out or comes out, particularly:.
ISSUE has been an answer 6 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 24, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Bore (69 Across)
- Idly pluck, as a banjo (1 Down)
- It always wins, they say (2 Down)
- Driver of some engines (4 Down)
- Like most oysters served with mignonette (5 Down)
- Some Bavarian cries (6 Down)
- Majestic (7 Down)
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