“___ dolce ___” (Italian saying) - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "“___ dolce ___” (Italian saying)", is a classic fill-in-the-blank that tests your knowledge of common foreign phrases. This type of clue is a staple in many crosswords, rewarding solvers who have a bit of trivia or language knowledge up their sleeve.

Clue Analysis

The clue presents us with a partial Italian phrase: "___ dolce ___". The parenthetical "(Italian saying)" is a crucial piece of information, confirming the language and that we're looking for a well-known expression.

The structure is symmetrical, with the same word filling both blanks. The word dolce translates to "sweet". So, we're looking for an Italian word that fits the pattern "___ sweet ___". This structure strongly points to a direct translation of a common English idiom.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Knowledge: The most direct path to the answer is simply recognizing the phrase. "Casa dolce casa" is one of the more famous Italian sayings, equivalent to the English "Home sweet home". If you've heard it before, you can fill this in instantly.

2. Translation and Association: If you don't know the phrase but know a little Italian, you can work it out.

   • Recognize dolce as "sweet".
   • Think of common English sayings that use the pattern "X sweet X". The most prominent one is "Home sweet home".
   • Translate "home" into Italian. The word for "home" or "house" in Italian is casa.

3. Using Crossings: For a four-letter word, even one or two crossing letters can be a massive help. If you get the 'C' and 'S' from perpendicular clues, C_S_ makes CASA a very strong candidate, especially given the Italian context.

Background Context

The full saying is "Casa dolce casa". It is the Italian equivalent of the English expression "Home sweet home". The sentiment expresses the comfort and joy one feels upon returning to one's own home.

The word casa means "house" or "home" in both Italian and Spanish, making it a familiar term for many English speakers. This phrase is often found on plaques, doormats, and other decorative items in Italian households, much like its English counterpart. It reflects a universal appreciation for the comfort and security of one's personal space.

Conclusion

This clue is a great example of a straightforward foreign language fill-in-the-blank. By either recognizing the phrase directly or by using a simple translation strategy, solvers can arrive at the answer with confidence. It's a satisfying solve that relies on a small but common piece of cultural knowledge.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The saying is the Italian equivalent of “Home sweet home”.
2. Hint 2: The missing word is an Italian noun.
3. Hint 3: The word you're looking for means “house” or “home” in Italian.
4. Hint 4: The word is the same in both Italian and Spanish.