Clear Indication
FRIDAY PUZZLE — Claire Rimkus and Brooke Husic have been constructors in the crossword community for a while, and they have both had puzzles published in The New York Times.
This, however, is the first time they are collaborating in The Times, and I love to see it. Both Ms. Rimkus and Ms. Husic bring a fresh perspective to the entries and cluing in crosswords. A prime example: their cluing of the entry LIPA — previously clued as a medical term for fat or a Philippine city — as the “Future Nostalgia” singer, Dua. For the record, the singer’s given name, Dua, and her full name have each been in the Crossword once.
But the long entries are what really charmed me. ON TIPPY TOE, WANNA TRADE, I CAN RELATE, STARTER KIT and the central ON THE BACK BURNER — these are exciting phrases to write into a grid. And be sure to take note of the double stacks of 10-letter entries as well.
Tricky Clues
14A. Even if you are not an advanced Spanish speaker, the answer will most likely be obvious because of the translation in parentheses. “De segunda ___ (secondhand: Sp.)” is MANO, because that is the Spanish word for “hand.”