“Lemme square up later” note - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "“Lemme square up later” note", is a fantastic example of how crossword constructors keep classic answers fresh. It takes a familiar, three-letter entry and wraps it in modern, colloquial language, requiring the solver to bridge the gap between slang and a formal concept.

Clue Analysis

Let's break down the clue's components:

• "Lemme square up later": This is a casual, spoken phrase. "Lemme" is a contraction of "let me," and "to square up" is slang for settling a debt or making things even. So, the phrase essentially means, "Let me pay you back at a later time."
• "note": This is the definitional part of the clue. We are looking for a type of written note that signifies this promise to pay later.

The quotation marks are a subtle hint. They often signal that the clue is a spoken phrase, which can point towards a phonetic answer or a well-known saying. In this case, it's the former.

Thinking Approaches

A solver might approach this clue in a few steps:

1. Translate the Slang: The first task is to decode "Lemme square up." Recognizing this as "Let me settle the debt" is key. The clue now reads as "a note promising to settle a debt later."
2. Brainstorm Synonyms: What do you call a note that acknowledges a debt? Words like chit, tab, or promissory note might come to mind. However, these don't quite fit the informal tone.
3. Consider Abbreviations and Phonetics: Short, common crossword answers are often abbreviations or phonetic spellings. Think about the phrase that this note represents: "I owe you."
4. Make the Connection: The sounds of the letters I, O, and U perfectly match the phrase "I owe you." This phonetic representation is a classic piece of crossword fill.
5. Use the Crossings: If you're stuck, getting even one letter from a crossing clue can be a huge help. If you have I?? or ??U, the answer IOU often becomes immediately apparent for any clue related to debt.

Background Context

An IOU is an informal document that acknowledges a debt. Its name is a phonological representation of the phrase "I owe you." Unlike a more formal promissory note, an IOU is typically not a legally binding negotiable instrument. It's simply a written agreement or reminder between two parties.

Because of its common letters (two vowels and a common consonant) and short length, IOU is a frequent entry in crossword puzzles, a classic piece of what solvers call "crosswordese."

Conclusion

This clue is a great piece of construction. It takes the well-worn answer IOU and gives it a fresh coat of paint with the modern slang "square up." It tests not just your vocabulary but also your ability to interpret contemporary language and connect it to a familiar concept. It's a gentle reminder that even the most common crossword answers can be clued in new and interesting ways.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This is a written acknowledgment of a debt.
2. Hint 2: It's an informal promise to pay someone back.
3. Hint 3: The name of this note is a phonetic representation of a three-word phrase.
4. Hint 4: The letters sound out the phrase "I owe you."

The answer is IOU.