This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (21 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
L _ _ _
First and last letters
L _ _ N
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About the answer
LIEN as a word: (law) A right to take possession of a debtor’s property as security until a debt or duty is discharged; (uncommon, possibly obsolete) The spleen.
LIEN has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 2, 2026.
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