This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Saturday, January 17, 2026 (36 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Saturday puzzles are the hardest of the week and themeless, so clues are often deliberately misleading.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
S _ _ _
First and last letters
S _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
SAPS as a word: (South Africa) Initialism of South African Police Service; (electricity) Initialism of stand-alone power system/supply.
SAPS has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 17, 2026.
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