The New York Times Crossword · 57-Across · 13 letters
Hides one’s central point, in a way ... with a doubly homophonic hint to 20-, 30-, 38- and 48-Across The New York Times Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 19, 2026
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What to notice
Think of the idiom for hiding the main point, then listen for “berries” and “lead.”
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Answer
How the trick resolves
BURIES THE LEDE means hiding the main point. Its two homophones produce BERRIES THE LEAD: GOOSE, ELDER, STRAW and BLACK each form a berry name and appear at the lead of the four referenced answers.
Continue this puzzlePrivate sleeping accommodations? →The turn in the clue
The ellipsis and cross-references announce a theme revealer, while “doubly homophonic” requires two sound substitutions.
The answer in plain English
Delays or obscures the most important point instead of presenting it prominently.
Where this clue appeared
57-Across in The New York Times Crossword puzzle for August 19, 2026.
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