Check out - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

The clue "Check out" is a common English phrase that can have several meanings. In the world of crosswords, clues like this often hinge on finding the less common, but still valid, interpretation. This particular clue is a great example of a phrasal verb acting as a synonym for a simple, single word.

Clue Analysis

The phrase "Check out" can mean:

1. To settle your bill and leave a hotel.
2. To borrow an item from a library.
3. To look at or notice someone or something, often with interest.
4. To examine, inspect, or evaluate something to see if it's satisfactory.

Crossword constructors love using these multi-meaning phrases. The answer, TEST, directly corresponds to the fourth meaning. When you "check out" a new piece of software, you TEST it. When you "check out" a theory, you TEST it.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a common phrase as a clue, a good strategy is to brainstorm single-word synonyms for its various meanings.

1. Start by listing the different ways you use the phrase in daily life.
2. For each meaning, try to substitute a single verb. For "check out a hotel," you might think leave or depart. For "check out a book," you might think borrow.
3. For "check out that car," you might think look or admire.
4. For "check out the microphone," you'd likely land on words like try, examine, or test.

By running through these possibilities, you can see which one fits the letter count and crossing entries in your grid. In this case, the four-letter answer points strongly toward TEST.

Background Context

Phrasal verbs (a verb combined with an adverb or preposition, like "check out," "give up," or "run into") are a staple of English and, therefore, a rich source for crossword clues. They often serve as a form of light wordplay, requiring the solver to pivot from the most common usage of the phrase to a more concise, synonymous one. This clue doesn't rely on deep trivia or obscure knowledge, but rather on a flexible understanding of everyday language.

Conclusion

"Check out" is a classic example of a straightforward synonym clue disguised as a casual phrase. It rewards solvers who can mentally cycle through the different definitions of a term to find the one that fits the puzzle's constraints. It's a simple but elegant piece of cluing that reminds us to consider all angles of our language.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Consider what you do to see if a new gadget works.
2. Hint 2: This word can be a noun for an exam or a verb for the act of examining.
3. Hint 3: It's a process of evaluation or trial.
4. Hint 4: Synonyms include 'try out,' 'evaluate,' and 'examine.'