Semiaquatic amphibian - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Hello solvers! Today we're tackling a classic crossword clue: "Semiaquatic amphibian". This is a true staple of the puzzle world, a straightforward definitional clue that rewards a solid base of general knowledge, particularly in biology. It's the kind of clue that can give you a confident start to a puzzle.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a direct, two-part definition. Let's break it down:

• "Amphibian": This immediately narrows the field to a specific class of cold-blooded vertebrates, which includes frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians.
• "Semiaquatic": This qualifier is crucial. It means the creature lives partly in water and partly on land. While this applies to many amphibians, it's a defining characteristic of the answer.

There's no wordplay, pun, or misdirection here. The clue is asking for a specific animal that fits this scientific description.

Thinking Approaches

For a definitional clue like this, a good approach is to brainstorm and then narrow down your options.

1. Brainstorm the Category: Think of all the amphibians you know. Frog, toad, salamander.
2. Apply the Qualifier: All of these can be considered semiaquatic, but one specific type of salamander is particularly known for this lifestyle and is extremely common in crosswords.
3. Consider the Grid: The number of letters is your best friend. If you know the answer is four letters long, you can test your brainstormed words. FROG and TOAD fit, but a more specific answer is often preferred. The answer we're looking for is a crossword constructor's favorite.
4. Use Crossings: If you have even one or two letters from intersecting clues, a four-letter word like this often reveals itself quickly. For example, if you had E _, the answer would become much clearer.

Background Context

The answer refers to a group of salamanders belonging to the subfamily Pleurodelinae. Newts are fascinating for their life cycle, which often involves an aquatic larval stage, a terrestrial juvenile stage (known as an "eft"), and a return to the water for an aquatic adult life. This complex life history makes "semiaquatic" a perfect descriptor.

They are also a minor pop culture figure. Many might remember the pivotal scene in Roald Dahl's Matilda where the formidable Miss Trunchbull is terrified by a newt placed in her water jug.

Conclusion

"Semiaquatic amphibian" is a great example of an easy, accessible crossword clue. It's a vocabulary check that relies on common biological knowledge. Recognizing these direct definitions is a key skill for any solver, allowing you to fill in parts of the grid with confidence and build a framework for solving the trickier, more complex clues.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This creature is often found in or near ponds and streams.
2. Hint 2: It's a type of salamander with a distinct, multi-stage life cycle.
3. Hint 3: Think of a small, lizard-like animal whose name is a common four-letter crossword entry.
4. Hint 4: A memorable scene in Roald Dahl's "Matilda" involves one of these in a water jug.

The answer is: [NEW/T]