Holding the biggest grudge - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Holding the biggest grudge," is a fantastic example of how the NYT Crossword plays with language. It's not looking for a direct definition but rather a clever interpretation of a common feeling. Let's break down how to unravel this figurative puzzle.

Clue Analysis

The clue hinges on understanding two parts: the idiom "holding a grudge" and the superlative adjective "biggest."

First, let's consider "holding a grudge." This means to feel persistent resentment or ill will. A common, informal way to describe someone feeling this way is to say they are sore about something (e.g., a "sore loser").

Next, we look at the word "biggest." This is a superlative, indicating the highest degree of a quality. In grammar, this often translates to adding an "-est" suffix to an adjective.

By combining these two ideas, the clue is asking for the superlative form of "sore." Someone who is "holding the biggest grudge" is the most sore about it.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, a good strategy is to deconstruct it:

1. Identify the core concept: The central idea is "holding a grudge."
2. Brainstorm synonyms: What are other ways to say someone is resentful or bitter? Words like angry, bitter, mad, or sore might come to mind.
3. Look for grammatical cues: The word "biggest" is a major signpost. It's a superlative. This should immediately make you think of adjectives ending in "-est" or preceded by "most."
4. Combine and test: Apply the superlative form to your list of synonyms.
   • Angriest? Plausible.
   • Bitterest? Also plausible.
   • Sorest? This fits perfectly with the informal usage of "sore" to mean resentful. It has a certain linguistic snap that feels very "crossword-y."
5. Use Crossings: If you have a few letters from intersecting answers, you can quickly confirm which option is correct. For a six-letter word, S_R_S_ would strongly point towards the right answer.

Background Context

The word "sore" has a fascinating dual meaning that makes it a favorite for puzzle constructors. Its primary meaning relates to physical pain or tenderness. However, its secondary, figurative meaning of being emotionally hurt, offended, or resentful is widely used in English. Phrases like "don't be a sore loser" or "he's still sore about that comment" are common. This clue cleverly exploits that figurative meaning and then applies a literal grammatical rule (the superlative) to it.

Conclusion

"Holding the biggest grudge" is a beautifully constructed clue that rewards solvers who can connect an idiomatic expression with a grammatical rule. By translating "holding a grudge" to being "sore" and "biggest" to the "-est" suffix, the answer reveals itself as a simple yet elegant piece of wordplay.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This clue describes an emotional state in its most extreme form.
2. Hint 2: While the word can describe physical pain, here it refers to resentment or hurt feelings.
3. Hint 3: Think of the term for someone who complains after losing a game. The clue asks for the superlative version of that feeling.
4. Hint 4: The answer is a six-letter superlative adjective ending in "-est".

The answer is SOREST.