NY Times Crossword 

February 12, 2026

Kareem Ayas

 

HUGS AND KISSES

 

The answers to the across and down clues below do not make sense, but do follow a certain pattern. Can you determine the pattern and make sense of the answers? The puzzle title is a hint. 

 

Across:

1. Succeed - DWELL

2. Public messages of appreciation - SHUTOUTS

3. New England-style chowder - CLAMS UP

4. Long-legged wader - FLAMING

 

Down:

1. Behind in payment - LATEX

2. Forevermore - EXTERNALLY 

3. Word appearing 51 times in the New Testament - AXMEN 

4. Severely harm - MAXIM 

 

HINT: 

Once upon a time, letter writers used to use X for kiss and O for hug to sign off in a loving way.   

 

Answer:

The Across answers will make sense if you give each one a hug (add an O), and the Down answers will make sense if you steal a kiss (drop an X):  

 

Across:

1. Succeed - DO WELL

2. Public messages of appreciation - SHOUTOUTS

3. New England-style chowder - CLAM SOUP

4. Long-legged wader - FLAMINGO

 

Down:

1. Behind in payment - LATE

2. Forevermore - ETERNALLY

3. Word appearing 51 times in the Old Testament - AMEN

4. Severely harm - MAIM  

 

[Note from JA: IMO an elegant and very clever theme]