This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Saturday, July 18, 2026 (57 Across). 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: 5 squares
First letter
B _ _ _ _
First and last letters
B _ _ _ O
Show the answer
About the answer
BONGO as a word: Either of a pair of small drums of Cuban origin, played by beating with the hands; (intransitive) To play the bongo drums.
BONGO has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 20, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
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- Go down swinging, perhaps (56 Across)
- Company bought by Tempur-Pedic in 2012 (58 Across)
- W.W. II-era occupation for baseball's Moe Berg, following his playing career (59 Across)
- Rides (60 Across)
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