Idea for a pair of trick-or-treaters - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Idea for a pair of trick-or-treaters," is a delightful and straightforward entry that likely brought a smile to many solvers' faces. It points directly to a popular modern tradition associated with Halloween. This is a classic example of a definitional clue where the wording describes the answer almost perfectly, making it a great foothold in the puzzle.

Clue Analysis

Let's break down the clue's components:

• "Idea for...": This phrase sets us up to look for a concept or a category of thing.
• "...a pair...": This is the numerical core of the clue, indicating something designed for two people.
• "...of trick-or-treaters": This phrase provides the crucial context, locking the theme into Halloween.

Putting it all together, the clue is asking for the name of a Halloween getup designed for two people. The answer, COUPLESCOSTUME, is the precise term for this concept.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, a few solving strategies come to mind:

1. Direct Association: The most efficient path is to connect the keywords. "Trick-or-treaters" immediately brings "costume" to mind. "Pair" suggests "couple" or "duo." Combining these thoughts leads you directly to the answer.
2. Building the Answer: If you get one part of the answer from crossing letters, you can often deduce the rest. For instance, if you had the COSTUME part filled in, you could ask yourself, "What kind of costume is for a pair?" The word "couples" would likely come to mind quickly.
3. Visualization: Picture two people trick-or-treating in a coordinated theme. What do you call that? You might think of famous pairs like peanut butter and jelly, or salt and pepper. The general term for these ideas is the answer.

Background Context

The concept of a COUPLESCOSTUME has grown in popularity over the years, especially with the rise of social media where sharing photos of clever and coordinated outfits is common. While the term includes "couples," it's often used more broadly to include any pair, whether they are romantic partners, friends, or family members. These costumes often rely on puns, famous duos from pop culture, or complementary objects for their effect.

Conclusion

This clue serves as a perfect example of a simple, definitional entry that is both fun and accessible. By identifying the key components of the clue--"pair" and "trick-or-treaters"--solvers can quickly arrive at the common term for this Halloween tradition. It's a satisfying solve that relies on everyday cultural knowledge rather than tricky wordplay.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about Halloween traditions.
2. Hint 2: This refers to a coordinated getup for two people.
3. Hint 3: It's not just for romantic partners; friends or family members might wear one too.
4. Hint 4: The answer is a compound word describing this type of themed outfit.