Special trip away from the house - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Special trip away from the house," is a perfect example of a straightforward, definitional clue often found in early-week puzzles. It's designed to be accessible and give solvers a confident start. Let's break down how to arrive at the answer.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be deconstructed into a few key components:

• "trip": This is the core concept. We're looking for a word that means a journey or excursion.
• "away from the house": This reinforces the idea of going out somewhere.
• "Special": This qualifier suggests it's not a routine errand like going to the store, but rather a planned event for pleasure or recreation.

Putting these pieces together, we're looking for a common noun that describes a planned, enjoyable trip that takes you out of your home, usually for a relatively short period.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, a direct synonym-based approach is most effective.

1. Brainstorm Core Concepts: Start with the main idea: "trip." What are other words for a trip? Excursion, jaunt, journey, tour, getaway.
2. Apply the Qualifiers: Now, filter those words using "away from the house" and "special." A "journey" can be long and arduous. A "getaway" or "tour" often implies a longer vacation. The clue feels more like a day trip.
3. Consider Common Phrases: Think about how you'd describe a fun day at the park or a picnic. You might call it a "family trip" or a "school excursion." The word we're looking for fits perfectly into these phrases.
4. Use Crossings: As always, crossing letters are your best friend. If you have a few letters from other answers, a simple, common word like this one will quickly snap into focus.

Background Context

The answer is a very common English word derived from the verb "to go out." It encapsulates the idea of a short, pleasurable excursion. While the word can have other, more serious meanings in different contexts (such as in journalism or social issues), the crossword clue's phrasing points squarely to its most familiar and everyday definition related to recreation.

Conclusion

This clue is a classic example of a clear and concise definition. It tests basic vocabulary without any tricks or wordplay, making it a great entry point into the puzzle. By breaking the clue down into its component parts, solvers can confidently land on the correct and satisfying answer.

Hints

1. Hint 1: A general term for an excursion or a short journey.
2. Hint 2: This often describes a planned recreational activity, like a picnic or a day at the beach.
3. Hint 3: It's a noun that can also be used as a verb form (gerund) related to going outside.
4. Hint 4: This word is often associated with group activities, like a 'family ____' or a 'school ____'.

The answer is OUTING.