It falls in the fall - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "It falls in the fall," is a delightful and classic example of crossword wordplay. It's the kind of clue that often brings a smile to a solver's face once the penny drops. It relies on the double meaning of a single word to create a simple yet elegant puzzle.

Clue Analysis

The brilliance of this clue lies in its repetition of the word "fall." Let's break it down:

• "It falls...": This part of the clue uses "falls" as a verb, meaning "to drop or descend from a higher place."
• "...in the fall": This part uses "the fall" as a noun, referring to the season of autumn.

The clue is essentially asking, "What is a thing that descends from a higher place during the season of autumn?" By parsing the two different meanings of "fall," the solver can pinpoint exactly what the clue is looking for.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue with a repeated word, your wordplay senses should start tingling. Here's a step-by-step process to solve it:

1. Identify the repeated word: In this case, it's "fall."
2. Brainstorm meanings: What are the different ways "fall" can be used?
   • As a verb: to tumble, to drop, to descend.
   • As a noun: the season, a collapse, a waterfall (like Niagara Falls).
3. Substitute the meanings: Rephrase the clue in your head. "What drops in the autumn?"
4. Visualize the answer: This rephrased question immediately brings to mind images of trees in autumn, with their colorful foliage dropping to the ground. This mental image leads directly to the answer.

Background Context

The phenomenon described in the clue is a fundamental part of the life cycle of deciduous trees. In autumn, as days get shorter and temperatures drop, trees prepare for winter by shedding their foliage. This process, known as abscission, conserves water and energy. The resulting cascade of color is a major cultural and tourist event in many parts of the world, particularly in regions like New England, where "leaf peeping" is a popular seasonal activity.

Conclusion

"It falls in the fall" is a perfect entry-level wordplay clue. It's accessible, clever, and provides a satisfying "aha!" moment without being overly complex. It teaches solvers to be on the lookout for words with multiple meanings, a crucial skill for tackling more difficult puzzles.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about what happens to many trees during autumn.
2. Hint 2: This is a part of a plant.
3. Hint 3: It's often collected into piles for jumping in or raking up.
4. Hint 4: In some places, people go "peeping" to see these change color.

The answer is LEAF.