This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, December 19, 2025 (6 Down). 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: 3 squares
First letter
A _ _
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About the answer
ALE as a word: A beer produced by so-called warm fermentation and not pressurized; A festival in English country places, so called from the liquor drunk.
ALE has been an answer 22 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 4, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
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