Stops lying, say - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Stops lying, say," is a wonderful example of the playful misdirection that makes crosswords so enjoyable. At first glance, it seems to be about honesty, but a key word in the clue points us in a completely different, and more literal, direction.

Clue Analysis

The most important word in this clue is "say." In the world of crosswords, words like "say," "perhaps," "maybe," or a concluding question mark often signal that the clue is not to be taken at face value. They are indicators of wordplay, puns, or homophones.

The phrase "Stops lying" has two primary interpretations:

1. Figurative: To cease telling falsehoods; to become truthful.
2. Literal: To cease being in a prone, or lying down, position.

Given the indicator "say," we should strongly suspect the second, more physical interpretation is the one the puzzle constructor intended. The clue is asking for a word that means to get up from a lying position.

Thinking Approaches

For a solver encountering this clue, the process might look like this:

1. Identify the Indicator: The first step is to spot "say" and immediately switch your brain into wordplay mode. Don't get locked into the most obvious meaning of "lying."
2. Brainstorm Alternate Meanings: Ask yourself, "What else could 'lying' mean?" This leads you from the concept of dishonesty to the physical act of reclining.
3. Rephrase the Clue: Mentally rephrase the clue based on the alternate meaning. "Stops lying down" becomes "Gets up" or "Ascends."
4. Find the Synonym: Look for a word that fits the rephrased clue. A five-letter word for "gets up" could be STANDS, AWAKES, or RISES. Considering common crossword fill, RISES is a very strong candidate.
5. Check with Crossings: As always, use the crossing letters from other answers to confirm your choice. If you have an 'S' at the end, RISES becomes a near certainty.

Background Context

This type of clue is a staple of modern crosswords. It relies on a common phrase whose words have multiple meanings. The constructor uses an indicator to nudge the solver toward the less common interpretation, creating a satisfying "aha!" moment. This technique tests a solver's ability to think flexibly and see beyond the obvious.

Another example of this might be a clue like "Makes a point, perhaps" for SHARPENS. The clue plays on the figurative idea of making an argument versus the literal action of creating a physical point.

Conclusion

"Stops lying, say" is a classic piece of crossword misdirection. By recognizing the wordplay indicator "say," a solver can pivot from the abstract concept of truthfulness to the simple physical action of getting up. It's a great reminder to always read clues carefully and be on the lookout for those subtle hints that unlock the puzzle's cleverness.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue is a play on words. Don't think about telling the truth.
2. Hint 2: Think about a physical action. What does one do to stop being in a horizontal position?
3. Hint 3: It's what the sun does in the morning, or what dough does with yeast.
4. Hint 4: The word means 'gets up'.