Tummy-toning tool - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Tummy-toning tool," is a great example of a modern, descriptive clue that points to a specific piece of equipment. It's a straightforward definition, but the answer itself might not be on the tip of everyone's tongue, making it a fun challenge. Let's break down how to tackle this one.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be neatly divided into two parts:

• "Tummy-toning": This is the functional part of the clue. It immediately brings to mind exercises that target the abdominal muscles, or "abs" for short. The word "toning" reinforces the idea of a fitness-related item.
• "tool": This tells us we're looking for a noun, specifically a device or implement used for the purpose described.

So, the puzzle is asking for the name of a fitness device used for working out the abs.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, there are a few ways to approach it:

1. Brainstorming Synonyms and Related Concepts: Start by listing things associated with "tummy-toning." You might think of crunches, sit-ups, a crunch machine, a yoga mat, or a medicine ball. Then, you'd check which of these fits the letter count and any crossing letters you have.

2. Deconstructing the Clue for a Compound Word: The phrasing "Tummy-toning tool" often points to a compound word or a portmanteau. The solver can break it down:

   "Tummy" -> "Abdominal" -> AB "tool" that moves back and forth -> ROLLER

   Combining these two ideas leads directly to the answer. This is a common construction in both product naming and crossword puzzles.

3. Using Crossings: If you're stuck, getting a few letters from the crossing clues is invaluable. If you had A_R______, the "AB" prefix might become more obvious. If you had ___R_LLER, the "ROLLER" suffix would be a huge giveaway, and you could work backward to figure out what kind of roller it is.

Background Context

The device in question is the ab roller, also known as an ab wheel. It's a simple but notoriously challenging piece of exercise equipment consisting of a wheel with a handle on each side. The user kneels, holds the handles, and rolls the wheel forward and backward, engaging their core muscles intensely. It gained significant popularity as an effective tool for home workouts. Its name is a perfect, descriptive portmanteau, making it excellent crossword fodder.

Conclusion

This clue is a satisfying solve because it's direct yet requires a specific piece of knowledge. By breaking the clue into its component parts ("tummy" and "tool") and thinking about how they might combine, solvers can piece together the answer. It's a great reminder that sometimes the most literal interpretation is the right one.

Hints

1. Hint 1: It's a piece of exercise equipment.
2. Hint 2: It's specifically designed for core workouts.
3. Hint 3: This device consists of a wheel with handles on either side.
4. Hint 4: The name is a portmanteau of the muscle group it targets and its rolling action.

The answer is ABROLLER.