Make a choice - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Welcome, solvers! Today we're looking at a classic crossword clue: "Make a choice." This is the kind of straightforward, definition-based clue you'll often find in early-week puzzles like a Monday or Tuesday NYT. It's a great example of how the simplest phrases can lead you directly to the answer, serving as a solid foothold to help you solve the surrounding grid.

Clue Analysis

The clue "Make a choice" is an imperative phrase asking for a verb that means exactly that. There's no hidden wordplay, pun, or trickery here. The puzzle is simply asking for a synonym. When you see a clue this direct, your first instinct should be to trust it and start brainstorming words with the same meaning. The answer will be a verb that fits the letter count required by the grid.

Thinking Approaches

1. Synonym Brainstorm: Your mind should immediately jump to synonyms for "choose." What are other ways to say it? Select, pick, decide. If the grid calls for a three-letter word, one particular synonym should pop out.

2. Common Phrases: Think about how you use words related to choosing in everyday language. You might "opt in" to a mailing list or "opt out" of a program. The root word in those common phrases is the answer we're looking for.

3. Using Crossings: For short, common words, crossing letters are your best friend. If you have even one letter, say the initial 'O' or the final 'T', the answer often becomes immediately obvious. For a three-letter word, a single cross can reduce the possibilities from many to just one.

Background Context

The word OPT comes from the Latin verb optare, which means "to choose, wish, or desire." This root is also found in words like option and adopt. In modern English, "opt" is almost always used to signify making a selection from a range of possibilities, often followed by "for," "in," or "out." Its brevity and useful letter combination (a common vowel followed by two common consonants) make it a favorite among crossword constructors. You'll see it time and time again, so it's a great one to lock into your memory.

Conclusion

"Make a choice" is a quintessential easy crossword clue. It tests your basic vocabulary and your ability to find a direct synonym. Recognizing these straightforward clues is a key skill for building speed and confidence as a solver. Once you see it, you can fill it in quickly and use it to unlock the more challenging clues around it.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of a verb related to decision-making.
2. Hint 2: This word is often followed by "for" or "out of".
3. Hint 3: It's a short, three-letter word.
4. Hint 4: It's a synonym for "select" or "choose".

The answer is OPT.