TUESDAY PUZZLE — The New York Times Crossword for January 28, 2025, crafted by Dan Margolis, brings forth not just clever clues but cultural references, particularly revolving around rye bread, which holds significant ties to Jewish heritage.
Margolis, who returns to the NYT puzzle scene after several years, has constructed today's theme with humor, utilizing homophones to enrich the solving experience. When the phrase "ALL RISE" is read aloud, it phonetically transforms to "all ryes," leading to themed entries rich with rye references.
Among the cleverly devised clues, one of the highlights includes 28-Across, defined as "Michelangelo’s David and the Venus de Milo, for two" which cleverly connects to the famed MARBLE STATUES and nods to the iconic marble rye bread made famous by the television show “Seinfeld.” This nod to pop culture intertwined with culinary heritage adds layers to the crossword, making it more than just words on paper.
Understanding the thematic nuances, it becomes clear why Margolis refers to rye bread as "an acquired taste,” echoing the diverse opinions about this classic deli fare. While some may hesitate at the thought of rye, the puzzle invites them to embrace it, opening up avenues for discussion on food, culture, and nostalgia among its solvers.
One particularly tricky clue, 11-Across, uses zeugma, unraveling meanings through the term MAD, which signifies both eccentricity and franticness, demonstrating Margolis’ creative use of language. Such linguistic puzzles are not only fun but also veiled ways to challenge the solver's thinking.
19-Across introduces another clever insight: "Quick drink" solves to NIP, rooted historically as short for nipperkin, which presents the opportunity to engage readers with historical knowledge, wrapping them up with practicality and wit.
Crosswords thrive on layers and dual meanings. For example, with the clue 33-Across, “A, in Aachen,” solvers are led to EIN, showcasing the clever incorporation of foreign languages which can often stump even seasoned players.
The exploration of various clues continues with 5-D's "Stop running," which may initially seem alarming but cleverly refers to the functioning of machinery, explaining the art of crossword crafting to readers not versed in the crosswords' lexicon.
The editorial notes from Margolis reveal his excitement at returning after several years, expressing gratitude to the Times puzzle editors for assisting him through revisions to shape the crossword effectively. "Happy to be back in The New York Times after a long dry spell!" he writes, illustrating the camaraderie present among puzzle creators.
All elements are strategically interwoven, aiming to guide solvers through the intricacies of the language as they surface each layer of meaning. The thematic structure encourages community interaction, with each solve serving as fodder for humor and shared experiences, especially when tied to cultural staples like rye bread.
For enthusiasts who wish to deepen their crossword experience, the New York Times provides resources to improve their skills, including guides and mini-puzzles. Submitting one's own creations also showcases the community spirit for breeding new talent, inviting experiences to flourish alongside traditional skills.
Join the conversation around this week’s puzzle as solvers share insights on crosswords and culinary traditions. The joy of solving unites various communities through language and heritage, proudly continuing the legacy of crosswords as both entertainment and education.