Give in - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Give in," is a classic example of a short, common phrase pointing to an equally short and common answer. It's a straightforward clue that relies on understanding a specific, widely known context. The answer, FOLD, is a four-letter word that perfectly captures the essence of the clue, especially for those familiar with card games.

Clue Analysis

The clue "Give in" is a verb phrase that means to surrender, yield, or cease to resist. While words like YIELD or QUIT might come to mind, they don't fit the letter count that the puzzle requires for this entry. The key to solving this is recognizing that the clue is often used idiomatically. The New York Times Crossword frequently uses terms from popular culture and games, and this clue is a prime example.

The answer, FOLD, is a direct synonym for "give in" within the context of Poker and other card games. To fold is to withdraw from the current hand, effectively giving in to the other players.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like "Give in," a good strategy is to brainstorm synonyms and related concepts:

1. Direct Synonyms: Your first thoughts might be surrender, capitulate, yield, or submit. Check the letter count. If none of these fit, it's time to pivot.

2. Contextual Pivot: Ask yourself, "In what specific situation would I use the phrase 'give in'?" This can lead you down different paths. Is it an argument? A competition? A game?

3. Game Terminology: The context of a game is very fruitful here. In many games, especially card games, there's a specific term for giving up on a round. This line of thinking quickly leads to poker, where the primary term for giving in is to FOLD your hand.

4. Use the Crosses: If you're stuck, getting even one or two letters from intersecting clues can be a huge help. For a four-letter word like FOLD, seeing an 'F' at the beginning or a 'D' at the end would likely make the answer click into place immediately.

Background Context

The term "fold" has its roots in poker, where a player who wishes to drop out of a hand physically folds their cards and places them face down on the table. This action signifies that they are forfeiting any chance to win the current pot.

Over time, this specific term has entered the general lexicon. It's now common to hear about a business that "folded" due to financial trouble or a project that "folded" from lack of support. This widespread use makes it an excellent and fair clue for a general audience, even for those who have never played a hand of poker.

Conclusion

"Give in" is a great clue that tests a solver's ability to shift from literal meanings to idiomatic ones. By recognizing the connection to the world of card games, the answer FOLD becomes clear. It's a reminder that in crosswords, context is everything.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about actions in a card game.
2. Hint 2: This action signifies that you are dropping out of the current round.
3. Hint 3: It's the opposite of 'call' or 'raise' in poker.
4. Hint 4: You might do this with a bad hand of cards.