Complete - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

The clue "Complete" is a classic example of how crossword puzzles often lean on idiomatic expressions rather than direct, literal synonyms. At first glance, it seems straightforward, but the answer requires a small leap in logic that is very common in the world of crosswords.

Clue Analysis

The word "Complete" asks for a synonym, but not in the way you might first think. Instead of words like ENTIRE or TOTAL, the puzzle is looking for a phrase that means "completely" or "comprehensively." The answer, ATOZ, is a compact representation of the idiom "from A to Z."

This idiom signifies covering a subject or range of items thoroughly, from the very beginning to the very end, just as A and Z bookend the English alphabet. In crosswords, prepositions and spaces are often omitted to fit the grid, turning "A to Z" into the four-letter entry ATOZ.

Thinking Approaches

When faced with a simple, one-word clue like "Complete," a good solver runs through a few possibilities:

1. Direct Synonyms: Your first instinct might be to think of synonyms like WHOLE, FULL, or UTTER. If the letter count doesn't match, it's time to change tactics.
2. Idiomatic Expressions: Ask yourself, "What common phrases mean 'complete'?" You might think of "soup to nuts," "lock, stock, and barrel," or, crucially, "from A to Z."
3. Pattern Recognition: Experienced solvers will recognize this clue as a common signal for ATOZ. It's a piece of what's often called "crosswordese" - terms and abbreviations that appear frequently in puzzles. Seeing a four-letter answer for a clue like "Completely" or "The whole shebang" should immediately bring ATOZ to mind.
4. Check the Crossings: If you're stuck, getting even one or two crossing letters can be a huge help. A 'Z' in the final position is a massive giveaway for this particular answer.

Background Context

The phrase "from A to Z" has been used for centuries to denote comprehensiveness. Its power lies in the universally understood structure of the alphabet as a finite and ordered set. By invoking the first and last letters, the speaker implies that everything in between is also included.

This type of answer is a staple of crossword construction because it's playful and requires the solver to think laterally. It tests not just vocabulary, but also knowledge of common cultural phrases and puzzle conventions.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect entry point into a key crossword-solving skill: thinking beyond the dictionary definition. "Complete" doesn't just mean entire; it can also mean the entire range of something. Recognizing this idiomatic leap is what turns a potentially tricky clue into a quick and satisfying fill.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of an idiom for covering a full range of something.
2. Hint 2: This phrase often involves the alphabet.
3. Hint 3: It describes the entire span from the first letter to the last.
4. Hint 4: The answer is a common, compact representation of a three-word phrase.

The answer is ATOZ.