This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (24 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
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
R _ _ _
First and last letters
R _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
REFS as a word: (British police slang) A scheduled meal break during a shift.
REFS has been an answer 4 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 10, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Come clean, with "up" (14 Down)
- Eightsome (17 Down)
- Belted out (19 Down)
- Comes into play (23 Down)
- It's for "cookie," to Cookie Monster (25 Down)
- Sides (26 Down)
- Inducing goose bumps (27 Down)
- Worth exploring (28 Down)
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