“Sad to say …” - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "“Sad to say …”", is a classic example of a phrase-to-word translation often found in crossword puzzles. It's a straightforward clue that points to a common, slightly archaic interjection. For many regular solvers, this type of clue is a welcome and familiar sight, often leading to one of the first words filled into the grid.

Clue Analysis

The clue is presented in quotation marks, which is a strong signal that the puzzle is looking for a spoken equivalent or a direct synonym for the phrase itself. "Sad to say ..." is an introductory remark used to express regret or to preface bad news. The answer we're looking for is a single word that accomplishes the same thing. The ellipsis (...) suggests the phrase is incomplete, further emphasizing its role as an opener.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter this clue, several thought processes can lead you to the answer:

1. Direct Substitution: Ask yourself, "What single word can I use instead of 'Sad to say' at the beginning of a sentence?" If you were to say, "Sad to say, we are out of ice cream," you could also say, "[Answer], we are out of ice cream."

2. Identify the Part of Speech: The phrase functions as an interjection—a word that expresses emotion. This narrows down the possibilities to other common interjections.

3. Crosswordese Recognition: This is a very common four-letter answer in American crosswords. Experienced solvers often have a mental Rolodex of these short, vowel-heavy words. Recognizing the pattern of the clue and its likely length can trigger the memory of this specific word.

4. Use the Crosses: For a short word like this, even one or two crossing letters can make the answer immediately obvious. If you had the first 'A' and the 'S' at the end, the answer would likely jump right out.

Background Context

The answer, ALAS, is an interjection used to express grief, pity, or concern. It has its roots in Old French (a las), meaning roughly "ah, wretched." While it might sound a bit dramatic or literary for everyday conversation today, it's perfectly at home in literature, poetry, and, of course, crossword puzzles. Its frequent appearance in the works of authors like Shakespeare has cemented its place in the English language.

Its combination of common letters (two A's, an L, and an S) and its convenient four-letter length make it a go-to for crossword constructors when they need to fill a tricky spot in the grid.

Conclusion

"“Sad to say …”" is a textbook clue for the answer ALAS. It's a simple, direct definition that tests a solver's vocabulary and familiarity with common crossword conventions. It's a satisfying clue to solve quickly, helping to build momentum for the rest of the puzzle.

Hints

1. Hint 1: A word expressing grief or regret.
2. Hint 2: It's an interjection, often used at the beginning of a sentence.
3. Hint 3: Think of a word you might hear in a Shakespearean play to express sorrow.
4. Hint 4: It's a palindrome.