This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, January 9, 2026 (64 Across and 23 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
NYT Crossword, January 9, 2026, 64 Across
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
I _ _ _
First and last letters
I _ _ E
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About the answer
IDLE as a word: Not engaged in any occupation or employment; unemployed; inactive; doing nothing in particular; Not being used appropriately; not occupied; (of time) with no, no important, or not much activity.
IDLE has been an answer 11 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 9, 2026.
NYT Crossword, January 9, 2026, 23 Down
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
L _ _ _
First and last letters
L _ _ F
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About the answer
LOAF as a word: (also loaf of bread) A block of bread after baking; Any solid block of food, such as meat or sugar.
LOAF has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 24, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Led the charge (54 Across)
- Prepares for a wild night, maybe (57 Across)
- Monopoly token retired in 2017 (60 Across)
- He's great for the time being (61 Across)
- "Beats me!" (65 Across)
- Jazz coda? (66 Across)
- Unpack for the night, in a way (67 Across)
- Small bit, in Bogotá (1 Down)
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