Likely to buy an obvious lie - NYT Mini-Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue from the NYT Mini, "Likely to buy an obvious lie," is a classic example of a definitional clue. It's asking for a single adjective that perfectly encapsulates the phrase. These types of clues are great for building confidence and getting a foothold in the puzzle, as they rely on vocabulary rather than tricky wordplay.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken down into two parts:

• "Likely to buy...": In this context, "to buy" is a colloquialism for "to believe" or "to accept as true."
• "...an obvious lie": This refers to a falsehood that most people would easily recognize as untrue.

Putting it together, the clue is looking for a word that describes a person who readily believes things that are clearly false. This points to a specific personality trait characterized by a lack of skepticism or worldly experience.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, a few strategies can lead you to the answer:

1. Direct Association: The most efficient method is to read the clue and let your brain find the single best word. What do you call someone who believes anything? Words like gullible, credulous, or innocent might come to mind, leading you to the correct synonym.

2. Synonym Ladder: If the direct word doesn't come to you, start with a related concept. You might think of the word "trusting." Is there a word that means too trusting? This can lead you down a path of synonyms until you land on one that fits the letter count and crossings.

3. Using Crosses: In a crossword, you're never solving in a vacuum. If you had a few letters from intersecting clues, say N_I_E, the answer would become much clearer. The distinct vowel pattern is a big giveaway.

Background Context

The answer to this clue is a word derived from the French word naif, meaning "natural, artless, or unpretentious." While it can sometimes have a gentle connotation, suggesting innocence or a childlike wonder, it more often carries a slightly negative implication of being easily fooled or lacking critical judgment. This concept is a common trope in storytelling, often embodied by a character who must learn about the harsh realities of the world.

Conclusion

This clue is a straightforward and well-phrased definition, making it a perfect fit for the fast-paced nature of the NYT Mini. By understanding the colloquial meaning of "to buy a lie," solvers can quickly identify the required adjective. Recognizing these direct definitional clues is a fundamental skill for improving your crossword-solving speed and accuracy.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This word describes someone who is easily tricked or persuaded.
2. Hint 2: It suggests a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment.
3. Hint 3: Synonyms include 'gullible,' 'innocent,' and 'unsophisticated.'
4. Hint 4: The word contains three different vowels: A, I, and E.

The answer is NAIVE.