You’re halfway through your New York Times crossword, coffee cooling beside you, when 17-Across halts your progress: “Statesman.” Five letters. You scribble “leader,” but it doesn’t fit. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. The “statesman” clue is a crossword staple—and a notorious trap for overthinkers. Let’s decode it together.
Why “Statesman” Tricks Solvers (And How to Outsmart It)
Crossword constructors love ambiguity. “Statesman” could refer to:
- Historical figures (e.g., Churchill, Gandhi)
- Modern diplomats (e.g., Kissinger, Albright)
- Generic terms (e.g., envoy, elder)
But the NYT crossword often leans on classic names. Here’s how to narrow it down:
The Time-Tested Answers
| Answer | Clue Context | Recent Puzzle Date |
|---|---|---|
| ELDER | Generic term, often 5 letters | July 2023 |
| KISSINGER | Cold War-era diplomat (9 letters) | March 2022 |
| ATTLEE | Post-WWII British PM (6 letters) | November 2021 |
Think Beyond Politics
A “statesman” might also be:
- A fictional character (e.g., Lincoln in a Spielberg-themed puzzle)
- A synonym play (e.g., “diplomat” → “envoy”)
- A historical nickname (e.g., “The Great Compromiser” for Henry Clay)
The Crossword Constructor’s Playbook
NYT editors favor:
Recurring names (e.g., ADLAI Stevenson, a mid-20th-century diplomat)
Compact answers (e.g., ARAFAT for “Mideast statesman”)
Cultural references (e.g., LINCOLN in a President’s Day puzzle)
Pro Tip: Use XWord Info to track how often a clue appears.
Your Crossword Toolkit: 3 Strategies to Try Today
- Crossing Letters First: Solve intersecting clues to reveal key letters.
- Era Awareness: Is the puzzle themed around a historical period? Think relevant figures.
- Beware Red Herrings: “Statesman” might hint at non-human answers (e.g., “OAK” for a “tree statesman” in a nature-themed grid).
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Conclusion
Every clue is a tiny history lesson. When you solve “statesman,” you’re not just filling a grid—you’re connecting with legacies of diplomacy, conflict, and leadership.
Next time “statesman” stumps you, pause. Is it a timeless leader? A modern negotiator? Or a clever play on words? Share your hardest solve below—we’ll crack it together.
FAQs
What’s the most common answer for “statesman” in the NYT crossword?
ELDER (5 letters) and KISSINGER (9 letters) dominate, depending on puzzle size.
Could “statesman” refer to a non-political figure?
Rarely, but context matters. A 2020 puzzle used “POET” for “literary statesman” in a poetry-themed grid.
How do I handle foreign statesmen?
Focus on widely recognized names (e.g., MANDELA, DE GAULLE).
Is there a gender bias in these clues?
Historically, yes—but recent puzzles increasingly use names like Albright or Meir.
What if the answer feels too obscure?
Double-check crossings. Constructors rarely use overly niche names without fair hints.
