Spy’s info-gathering mission - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Spy’s info-gathering mission," is a classic example of a straightforward definition clue. It points directly to a common term used in the worlds of espionage and military operations. For solvers familiar with spy thrillers or military jargon, this clue likely felt like a welcome foothold in the puzzle.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken down into two key parts:

• "Spy's": This immediately sets the context. We're in the realm of intelligence, covert operations, and secrets.
• "info-gathering mission": This is the core definition. The clue is asking for the specific name given to a mission whose primary purpose is to collect information.

The answer is a well-known, shortened term for this exact type of operation. Crosswords often use these common abbreviations because they are concise and fit neatly into the grid.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, a good first step is to brainstorm synonyms and related concepts.

1. Think about the world of spies. What words come to mind? Surveillance, intel, covert op, scouting.
2. Focus on "info-gathering." What are other ways to say this? Scouting, surveying, observation.
3. Combine the two concepts. A spy's scouting mission. This line of thinking often leads directly to the answer, which is a clipped form of a longer, more formal word.
4. If you're stuck, wait for crossing letters. With a relatively short answer, even one or two crossing letters can make the word immediately obvious.

Background Context

The answer is a clipped form of the word reconnaissance. This term, derived from French, means "recognition" or "exploration." In a military or intelligence context, reconnaissance is the exploration of an area to gain information about enemy forces, terrain, and other strategic features.

The shortened form has become so common in English, particularly in the United States military, that it's now a standard term in its own right. You'll hear it constantly in movies, TV shows, and video games, often in phrases like "send in a recon team" or "go on a recon mission."

Conclusion

"Spy’s info-gathering mission" is an excellent example of an "easy" difficulty clue. It's a direct definition of a term that has permeated popular culture, making it accessible to a wide range of solvers. It rewards general knowledge and the ability to recognize common abbreviations, a key skill in crossword solving.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This term describes a preliminary survey, often done covertly.
2. Hint 2: It's a common term in military and espionage contexts.
3. Hint 3: The word is a shortened form of a much longer term meaning 'military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features.'
4. Hint 4: It's often paired with the word 'mission' or 'op.'

The answer is RECON.