NY Times Crossword 
October 12, 2025

Michael Schlossberg

 

The clues below have something in common that reflects the theme of this puzzle - hinted at by the last clue. Can you determine what it is?

 

MINE ALL MINE             

FENNEL BULBS

GALILEO GALILEI 

WENT FIFTY FIFTY 

 

NOT FROM CNTRATE

TO WHOM IT MAY CRN

STAND REMONY

CDING DEFEAT

 

Carpenter's adage 

 

Hint:

In the first group of clues, look for abbreviations. 

 

Answer:

 

Each clue in the first group contains the same two abbreviations:

MINe all MINe

fenneL BuLBs 

GALileo GALilei

went fiFTy fiFTy - - - two measures in each clue

 

Each clue in the second group is missing the letters ONCE:

not from cONCEntrate

to whom it man cONCErn

stand ON CEremony

cONCEding defeat - - - ONCE is cut from each clue

 

Carpenter's adage:

MEASURE TWICE - CUT ONCE