Sat Apr 19 08:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Times Crossword Puzzle Offers Intriguing Wordplay and a Touch of Morbidity

**New York, NY** – Alex Tomlinson’s second crossword puzzle for the New York Times, released this Saturday, is a challenging yet rewarding experience for solvers. Building on the success of his debut, Tomlinson’s puzzle incorporates dry humor and cleverly misdirects solvers with clues incorporating science trivia and office jargon.

The puzzle features several standout clues. One particularly clever clue, “[Post-meeting to-do],” misleads solvers by playing on the double meaning of “to-do,” ultimately leading to the answer “ACTION ITEM.” Another example of wordplay involves the clue “[Lightly cut?],” which solves to “LASE,” referencing both laser hair removal and the scientific principle of Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The clue “[Walking stick]” provides another surprising solution: “INSECT,” referring to the largest insect in North America, rather than hiking equipment. Finally, the clue “[Go off a cliff, maybe]” is answered by “BASE JUMP,” an acronym Tomlinson uses to subtly introduce the extreme sport.

While some clues proved initially challenging, leading to a slower solve time for some, the overall puzzle is praised for its enjoyable wordplay and quirky facts woven into the clues. The puzzle’s subtle undercurrent of morbidity, referencing office life and potentially dangerous activities, adds an unexpected layer of interest. Tomlinson’s puzzle is a testament to his skill in creating a stimulating and engaging crossword experience.

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