Resembling - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Resembling," is a classic piece of crossword vocabulary that points to a very common three-letter answer. While the clue itself is a simple English word, the answer is a loanword that has become a staple for puzzle constructors and a must-know for solvers. Let's break it down.

Clue Analysis

The clue "Resembling" asks for a word or phrase that means "in the style of" or "like." The answer, ALA, is a French prepositional phrase, short for a la mode de, which translates to "in the manner of" or "in the style of." This is a direct, albeit slightly indirect, definition.

In English, we often see it in culinary terms:

Pie a la mode: Pie served in a particular style, specifically with ice cream.
Chicken a la King: Chicken prepared in the style of a king (i.e., in a rich cream sauce).

Therefore, ALA is a perfect fit for "Resembling."

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, solvers can use a few different strategies:

Synonym Ladder: Start with the clue "Resembling." Think of synonyms: like, similar to, akin to. Broaden the scope to phrases: in the style of, in the manner of. This last phrase is a direct translation of the answer.
Pattern Recognition: Experienced solvers will see a three-letter answer for a clue like "Resembling," "In the style of," or "Like, in Lyon," and their minds will immediately jump to ALA. It's one of the most common pieces of crosswordese due to its friendly vowel-consonant-vowel structure (A-L-A).
Consider the Context: Think about where you've seen a word that means "resembling" or "in the style of." Menus are a great place to start. This might trigger memories of phrases like "a la carte" or "a la mode," leading you to the answer.
Use the Crosses: Because it's so short, even one crossing letter can confirm the answer. If you have the middle 'L' or one of the 'A's, ALA becomes a very strong candidate.

Background Context

The phrase "a la" is borrowed directly from French. Its prevalence in crosswords is a testament to its utility in grid construction. The A-L-A pattern is incredibly versatile, allowing constructors to connect words vertically and horizontally with ease. Learning short, common foreign words and phrases like ALA, ETUI, and ESNE is a key step in moving from a beginner to an intermediate solver.

Conclusion

"Resembling" is a straightforward clue that tests a solver's knowledge of foundational crossword vocabulary. Recognizing it quickly not only gives you a confidence boost but also provides three crucial letters to help unlock the surrounding, potentially trickier, parts of the puzzle. Commit this one to memory; you are guaranteed to see it again!

Hints

Hint 1: Think of a phrase used in cooking or fashion to describe a particular style.
Hint 2: This three-letter term is French in origin.
Hint 3: It's often seen in phrases like 'pie ___ mode' or 'chicken ___ king'.
Hint 4: It literally means 'in the manner of'.