It's buried to make peace - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "It's buried to make peace," is a classic example of how crossword puzzles tap into our shared cultural and linguistic knowledge. It's a straightforward clue that points directly to a very common English idiom. For many solvers, this will be a quick and satisfying fill.

Clue Analysis

The clue presents a definition in two parts: an action ("It's buried") and a result ("to make peace"). The puzzle is asking for the object that is buried to achieve this result. The entire phrase is a literal description of the idiomatic expression "to bury the hatchet," which means to end a quarrel or conflict and become friendly. The answer is the noun at the center of this idiom.

Thinking Approaches

1. Idiom Recognition: The most direct path to the answer is recognizing the idiom. When you read "buried to make peace," your brain might immediately complete the phrase: "bury the...". The word that fits is the answer.

2. Keyword Association: If the idiom doesn't come to mind right away, focus on the keywords. What weapon is symbolically associated with ending a conflict? The idea of burying a weapon to signify peace is a powerful image, and one particular small axe is famously linked to this concept.

3. Using Crossings: If you're stuck, getting a few letters from intersecting clues can be a huge help. For example, if you have the first letter, H, and maybe a T near the end, the answer will likely click into place.

Background Context

The phrase "bury the hatchet" has its roots in a literal practice. It is widely believed to have originated from a custom among some Native American tribes, particularly those of the Iroquois Confederacy. To signify a peace agreement, war chiefs would ceremonially bury their weapons - including tomahawks or hatchets - in the ground.

This powerful symbol of peace was observed by European colonists and entered the English language as a figure of speech in the 17th or 18th century. You can read more about its origins on its Wikipedia page.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of an "easy" entry that feels good to solve. It doesn't rely on tricky wordplay or obscure trivia, but on a well-known expression that's deeply embedded in the English language. It's a reminder that sometimes the most direct path is the right one.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This clue refers to a common English idiom for ending a conflict.
2. Hint 2: The idiom involves symbolically putting a weapon away.
3. Hint 3: The weapon in question is a type of small axe.
4. Hint 4: This object is often associated with Native American warriors in historical contexts.

The answer is HATCHET.