This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, December 18, 2025 (26 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
L _ _
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About the answer
LYE as a word: Potassium or sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); An alkaline liquid made by leaching ashes (usually wood ashes).
LYE has been an answer 7 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 10, 2025.
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