The 21,728th page of 1989’s 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a fantastic example of how crossword constructors can use hyper-specific, intimidating-looking facts to point to a very simple, common word. At first glance, it seems to require impossibly niche knowledge. However, the solution lies not in the details, but in the concept they represent. This is a classic piece of misdirection designed to reward lateral thinking.

Clue Analysis

The clue is: "The 21,728th page of 1989's 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary". Let's break it down:

• "1989's 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary": This establishes the subject, the second edition of the famously comprehensive Oxford English Dictionary (OED). The mention of its massive size (20 volumes) is a key part of the setup.
• "The 21,728th page": This is the crucial piece of information. A quick search confirms that the second edition of the OED does indeed have 21,728 pages. The constructor isn't asking for a word on this page. Instead, they are using this fact to tell you that this is the very last page of the entire dictionary.

The clue, therefore, can be rephrased as: "What is a word for the last page of a book?"

Thinking Approaches

A solver's journey with this clue might look like this:

1. Initial Panic: "Do I need to be a librarian or lexicographer to solve this? Am I supposed to know a specific word like zythum or Zyzzyva that might appear last?" This is the intended trap.
2. Logical Reassessment: The NYT Crossword, even on a Saturday, rarely requires such esoteric knowledge without some form of wordplay. Expecting a solver to know the content of a specific page from a 35-year-old dictionary is highly improbable. There must be another way to interpret the clue.
3. The "Aha!" Moment: The key is to stop focusing on the content of the page and start focusing on its position. Page 21,728 is the final page. The clue is asking for a word that means "the final part" or "the conclusion."
4. Finding the Answer: A simple, three-letter word for a conclusion or termination fits perfectly. If you have a crossing letter or two, this realization will likely come much faster.

Background Context

The factual accuracy of the clue is what makes it so brilliant. The Second Edition of the OED, published in 1989, is a monumental work of scholarship. By citing its exact page count, the clue grounds its misdirection in reality, making it more potent. This technique elevates a simple definition clue into a memorable and satisfying challenge. It's a test of whether you can see the forest (the concept of finality) for the trees (the specific numbers and publication details).

Conclusion

This clue is a masterclass in crossword construction. It uses a verifiable but obscure fact to lead the solver on a wild goose chase, only to reveal that the answer was a simple, conceptual word all along. It's a powerful reminder to always question the most obvious interpretation of a clue and to look for the underlying idea.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue describes the final page of a very large book.
2. Hint 2: Ignore the specific number and focus on what that page represents conceptually.
3. Hint 3: What is a common term for the conclusion or termination of something?
4. Hint 4: This three-letter word is a synonym for 'finish' or 'finale'.