Side (with) - NYT Mini-Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's NYT Mini-Crossword features a clever clue that hinges on a small but crucial piece of information: "Side (with)". This type of clue is a great example of how crossword constructors use parentheticals to guide solvers toward a specific meaning of a common word.

Clue Analysis

The core of the clue is the word "Side". On its own, "side" can be a noun with many meanings: a surface of an object, a team in a conflict, or a part of the body. However, the addition of "(with)" in parentheses completely changes the game. It signals that we're looking for a verb that is synonymous with the phrase "to side with".

The phrase "to side with" means to support, align with, or express concurrence with a person or an opinion, especially in a dispute. The puzzle is asking for a single word that captures this idea of alignment and support.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, here's a good way to approach it:

1. Read the Whole Clue: Don't just focus on "Side". The parenthetical "(with)" is the most important part. It tells you to think of the phrase "side with".
2. Generate Synonyms: What are other ways to say "I side with you"? You might think of:
   • I support you.
   • I concur with you.
   • I'm on your team.
   • I agree with you.
3. Check the Crossings: Once you have a few candidates, look at the letters you've already filled in from other clues. If the answer slot is five letters long and the second letter is a 'G', "AGREE" becomes a very likely candidate.
4. Test the Fit: Does the candidate word fit the clue's meaning perfectly? To "agree with" someone is a direct and common synonym for "to side with" them. It's a perfect match.

Background Context

The use of parentheticals is a common and useful convention in crossword clues. They often provide a preposition that typically follows the answer word, forming a common phrase. For example, a clue for RELY might be "Depend (on)". This technique helps narrow down the possibilities for words that can have multiple meanings. In this case, it steers us away from the noun "side" and toward the verbal phrase.

Conclusion

This clue is a fantastic lesson in paying attention to the details. The simple addition of "(with)" transforms a potentially ambiguous clue into a very direct one. By recognizing this construction, solvers can quickly pivot to the correct meaning and find the answer. It's a reminder that in crosswords, every character counts!

Hints

1. Hint 1: To share an opinion or viewpoint.
2. Hint 2: To be in accord or harmony.
3. Hint 3: The opposite of 'dispute' or 'contest'.
4. Hint 4: When you 'side with' someone, you do this with their argument.

The answer is AGREE.