This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, January 16, 2026 (35 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
C _ _ _ _
First and last letters
C _ _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
CHOPS as a word: (informal, by extension) One's skill at any endeavor; ability, talent; competency; (slang) Jaws, lips, mouth.
CHOPS has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
More clues from this puzzle
- Molecule that can self-splice (28 Across)
- Enthusiasm-curbing (29 Across)
- "Here we go!" (32 Across)
- Uncovered (34 Across)
- Tennis great who had a tennis scholarship from U.C.L.A. (37 Across)
- Place for trading stories? (38 Across)
- Diverts (40 Across)
- It takes a long time to get this (42 Across)
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