Coaching axiom suggested by 17-, 27- and 49-Across - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a classic example of a "revealer" in a themed crossword puzzle. A revealer clue's answer explains the gimmick or wordplay found in other, longer answers within the grid. Solving this clue is often the key to unlocking the entire theme and can lead to a very satisfying "aha!" moment.

Clue Analysis

The clue has two distinct parts:

1. "Coaching axiom": This tells us we are looking for a common phrase, motto, or piece of advice often attributed to a sports coach or manager.
2. "suggested by 17-, 27- and 49-Across": This is the crucial instruction. It directs the solver to examine the answers in those specific grid locations. The answers at those locations will contain a shared pattern or trick, and the revealer answer will describe that trick.

Essentially, the puzzle is asking: "What famous coaching phrase describes the wordplay happening in the theme entries?"

Thinking Approaches

A solver's path to this answer typically follows these steps:

1. Solve the Themers First: The most direct approach is to solve the entries at 17-, 27-, and 49-Across. You might not be able to solve them completely at first, but getting a few letters via crossing words is a good start.
2. Identify the Pattern: Once you have one or more of the theme answers filled in, you'll likely notice something is off. They will probably be familiar phrases that appear to be misspelled. The key is to spot what, specifically, is different. In this case, you would notice that the letter 'I' has been removed from each of the original phrases.
3. Connect the Pattern to the Clue: With the pattern identified (the removal of 'I'), you can now return to the revealer clue. You're looking for a "coaching axiom" that talks about the absence of the letter 'I'.
4. Deduce the Phrase: The most famous aphorism that fits this description is the one about teamwork and the lack of a certain letter within that word. Even with just a few crossing letters, the commonness of the phrase should make it fall into place.

Background Context

The phrase "There's no 'I' in 'team'" is a widely known aphorism used to promote teamwork and collective effort over individual ambition. While its exact origin is debated, it became popularized in American sports culture in the mid-20th century. The saying serves as a simple, memorable reminder that the success of the group depends on the cooperation of its members, not the ego of any single person. Its use has since expanded beyond sports into business management, motivational speaking, and general group dynamics.

Conclusion

This clue and its answer form the backbone of the puzzle's theme. It's a clever construction where the revealer doesn't just exist as a standalone phrase but also functions as a literal instruction for understanding the puzzle's gimmick. By finding the missing 'I's in the theme entries, the solver is led directly to this classic coaching axiom.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The answer is a well-known saying about the importance of collaboration.
2. Hint 2: This phrase is often heard in sports or business settings to discourage selfishness.
3. Hint 3: The phrase literally describes what is missing from the three theme entries mentioned in the clue.
4. Hint 4: The saying points out a specific letter that is absent from a word meaning 'a group of players'.

The answer is THERESNOIINTEAM.