Days of anticipation - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Days of anticipation," is a classic example of a straightforward definition that plays on a common cultural concept. It asks us to think about specific periods of time that are defined by the excitement of what's to come.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken down into two key parts:

• "Days": This immediately signals that we are looking for a plural noun. This is a crucial grammatical hint that helps narrow down the possibilities.
• "of anticipation": This is the core of the definition. What do we call the time spent waiting for a big event, a holiday, or a celebration?

The combination points directly to the periods just before significant dates. The feeling of anticipation is highest in the moments leading up to something special.

Thinking Approaches

A solver might approach this clue in a few ways:

1. Word Association: The phrase "anticipation" often brings to mind major holidays. What are the days before Christmas or New Year's called? This leads you to "Christmas Eve" and "New Year's Eve."
2. Focus on the Definition: Think of a synonym for "the day before." The word "eve" is a perfect fit.
3. Apply the Plural: Combining the insights from the first two approaches, you take the word "eve" and, remembering the "Days" part of the clue, make it plural: EVES.
4. Use Crossings: This is a short, four-letter word with common letters. If you have even one or two crossing letters, like an 'E' or a 'V', the answer often snaps into place quickly.

Background Context

The word "eve" comes from "even," which is an old poetic term for "evening." Historically, many important festivals and holy days began at sunset on the preceding day. This practice is why the evening before the main day took on such significance.

While we most commonly associate it with holidays like Christmas Eve, All Hallows' Eve (Halloween), and New Year's Eve, the term is used more broadly. For example, a journalist might write about "the eve of an election" to describe the final day of campaigning and suspense before the vote.

Conclusion

"Days of anticipation" is a well-crafted, accessible clue. It relies on a shared understanding of how we mark time around important events. By paying attention to the plural "Days" and connecting "anticipation" to the time before an event, solvers can confidently arrive at the answer.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about the time just before a major holiday or event.
2. Hint 2: These are the nights or days preceding something important.
3. Hint 3: Examples include the night before Christmas or New Year's.
4. Hint 4: The answer is the plural form of the word for the day before a holiday.