This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, January 1, 2026 (17 Across). 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.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
R _ _ _
First and last letters
R _ _ E
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About the answer
RUSE as a word: (countable, by extension) An action intended to deceive; a trick; (uncountable) Cunning, guile, trickery.
RUSE has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 1, 2026.
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