“I get it, I get it!” - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "“I get it, I get it!”", is a great example of how crossword puzzles capture the nuances of everyday speech. It's not asking for a dictionary definition, but for a common, conversational phrase that matches the tone and sentiment of the clue. This type of entry adds a lively, modern feel to the grid.

Clue Analysis

The clue is presented in quotation marks, indicating that we are looking for something that someone would say. The key here is the repetition: "I get it, I get it!". A single "I get it" simply means "I understand." Repeating it, however, adds a layer of impatience or exasperation. The speaker is communicating that the other person is over-explaining or being persistent, and they want them to stop.

The answer will be a phrase that conveys this exact feeling of "Okay, I've heard you, you can stop now." In crosswords, multi-word phrases like this are almost always entered as a single, continuous string of letters.

Thinking Approaches

1. Tone Translation: The first step is to translate the tone of the clue. What's the feeling behind "I get it, I get it!"? It's annoyance, impatience, and a desire for the conversation to move on. Brainstorm phrases that fit this mood: "Okay, okay," "I know, I know," or "Enough already." This last one is very close.

2. Synonym Ladder: Start with "I understand." Move to a more emphatic version: "I understand completely." Now add the impatience: "I understand, please stop talking." What's a common phrase for that? This path leads directly to the answer.

3. Use the Crossings: This is a long answer, so getting even a few letters from intersecting clues (the "crossings") will be a huge help. If you see it starts with ALR... and ends with ...EADY, your brain might quickly fill in the familiar phrase. The length itself is a clue that you're looking for a multi-word answer.

Background Context

Colloquialisms and spoken phrases are staples of modern crossword puzzles, especially in the NYT. They test a solver's cultural literacy and familiarity with informal language, not just their vocabulary. The convention of running words together (e.g., IDO, ASIF, ONCEANDFORALL) is fundamental to crossword construction. Recognizing that "“I get it, I get it!”" is looking for a long, run-together phrase is half the battle. The answer, ALRIGHTALREADY, is a perfect example of this, a phrase so common it almost feels like a single word when spoken quickly.

Conclusion

Solving this clue required moving beyond the literal meaning of the words and interpreting the exasperated tone implied by the repetition. By thinking about what you might actually say in this situation, and by being prepared for the crossword convention of merging words into one entry, the answer reveals itself. It's a satisfying solve that relies on real-world language rather than obscure knowledge.

Hints

1. Hint 1: An expression of exasperation or impatience.
2. Hint 2: It's a two-word phrase often spoken quickly, as if it were one word.
3. Hint 3: The speaker is signaling that they've heard enough and understand the point.
4. Hint 4: A slightly informal way of saying, 'Okay, enough! I understand!'