Word after grand, body or poetry - NYT Mini-Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Word after grand, body or poetry," is a classic example of a common crossword construction, particularly in faster-paced puzzles like the NYT Mini. This type of clue asks the solver to find a single word that can follow three different words to form three distinct, well-known phrases. It's a fun test of your knowledge of common collocations.

Clue Analysis

The structure of the clue is straightforward: find a word that fits into these blanks:

• grand _____
• body _____
• poetry _____

The key is that the same word must complete all three phrases. This requires you to access different parts of your general knowledge, from sports to pop culture to the arts. The challenge lies in finding the common link.

Thinking Approaches

A great strategy for this type of clue is to start with the word that feels most familiar to you.

1. Start with one phrase: Let's take "grand." What words commonly follow "grand"? You might think of grand piano, grand canyon, or grand slam.
2. Test your candidates: Now, test these possibilities with the next word in the clue, "body."
   • body piano? Doesn't make sense.
   • body canyon? Nope.
   • body slam? Yes! That's a very common phrase from wrestling.
3. Confirm with the final word: Now, check your promising candidate with the last word, "poetry."
   • poetry slam? Absolutely. A poetry slam is a popular type of performance poetry event.

Since "slam" works for all three, you've found your answer. This method of generating possibilities and then systematically eliminating them is a powerful tool for any crossword solver.

Background Context

The three phrases formed by the answer come from very different fields, which is what makes the clue so clever.

• Grand Slam: This term is most famous in sports. In tennis, it refers to winning the four major championships in a single year. In baseball, it's a home run hit with the bases loaded, scoring four runs. The term also exists in the card game bridge. You can read more about it on its Wikipedia page.
• Body Slam: A well-known move in professional wrestling where a wrestler lifts their opponent and throws them to the ground, typically onto their back.
• Poetry Slam: A competitive event in which poets perform their work and are judged by members of the audience. It's a vibrant and energetic part of the contemporary literary scene.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect example of an "easy" but well-constructed puzzle element. It's accessible, relies on common knowledge, and rewards a logical thought process. By connecting disparate concepts from sports, entertainment, and the arts, it provides a satisfying "aha!" moment for the solver.

Hints

1. Hint 1: A word for a forceful impact or a decisive victory.
2. Hint 2: This word is often associated with sports like baseball, tennis, and wrestling.
3. Hint 3: In baseball, it's a home run with the bases loaded.
4. Hint 4: It's also a type of competitive event for spoken-word artists.