___ horse - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "___ horse," is a classic example of a fill-in-the-blank that relies on a very well-known phrase from mythology and history. This type of clue is a welcome sight for many solvers, as it often provides a solid anchor in a grid, tapping into common cultural knowledge rather than obscure trivia or tricky wordplay.

Clue Analysis

The clue presents us with a blank followed by the word "horse." The structure immediately signals that we are looking for the first word of a common two-word phrase. The solver's task is to access their mental database of famous phrases involving horses. Possibilities might include "dark horse," "sea horse," or "high horse," but the most legendary and story-rich option is the one sought here.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue this direct, most solvers will have an immediate flash of recognition. Here's a breakdown of the thought process:

1. Direct Association: The brain hears "___ horse" and instantly completes the phrase with the most famous example: "Trojan horse."
2. Contextual Filtering: If other phrases come to mind, a solver might consider the typical content of a crossword puzzle. Phrases rooted in literature, history, and mythology are extremely common. This helps prioritize the correct answer over more colloquial phrases.
3. Using Crossings: If you're momentarily stuck, even a single crossing letter can be a huge help. An initial 'T' or a 'J' in the middle would almost certainly lock in the answer immediately.

Background Context

The phrase refers to the Trojan Horse, a pivotal element in the story of the Trojan War. According to Greek mythology, after a fruitless 10-year siege of the city of Troy, the Greeks constructed a massive wooden horse and left it as a supposed offering. The Trojans, believing it to be a victory trophy, pulled the horse into their city. That night, Greek soldiers hidden inside emerged, opened the city gates for the rest of their army, and conquered Troy.

The story is a powerful symbol of deception and strategic cunning. The term has also entered modern language, most notably in computing, where a "Trojan horse" is a type of malicious software that disguises itself as a legitimate program to gain access to a user's system.

Conclusion

"___ horse" is a quintessential easy crossword clue. It's a fair and accessible piece of general knowledge that rewards a basic familiarity with Western culture. Its presence in the grid provides a confident starting point, allowing solvers to build momentum and tackle more challenging clues elsewhere.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of a famous story from ancient Greek mythology.
2. Hint 2: This story involves a clever trick used to win a long war.
3. Hint 3: The trick involved hiding soldiers inside a large wooden animal statue.
4. Hint 4: The horse was a 'gift' to the people of Troy.

The answer is TROJAN.