LA Times Crossword · 31-Across · 3 letters

Short time? LA Times Crossword clue

Editorially reviewed September 1, 2026

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3 letters

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What to notice

Use the three-letter abbreviation for a single unit on a clock.

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Answer

SEC

How the trick resolves

SEC answers both parts of the wordplay: it is a short form of “second,” and a second is a short time. The question mark signals the double use of “short.”

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The turn in the clue

The question mark indicates that “short” describes both the duration and the abbreviated answer form.

The answer in plain English

Sec. is a common abbreviation for second, a short unit of time.

Where this clue appeared

31-Across in LA Times Crossword puzzle for September 1, 2026.

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