A Time To Dye? ... Crossword Clue
Last edited: April 17, 2025
Looking for the answer to the punny "A time to dye?" clue featured in the April 17, 2025 New York Times Mini crossword? We've cracked this wordplay-based puzzle and identified the perfect 6-letter solution for you. If you prefer a more hands-on approach to solving, check out our letter-by-letter reveal feature, or browse our selection of helpful hints that may include an anagram, alternative clue with the same answer, or detailed explanation to guide your thought process. We've also simplified navigation between related clues from this puzzle for a comprehensive solving experience. Ready to enhance your wordplay recognition and crossword skills? Let's explore this clever holiday-related pun!
Crossword Answer:
About This Clue
The April 17, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "A time to dye?" with the answer EASTER. This clue is a clever play on words, utilizing the homophone pair "dye" and "die" to create a pun. While the phrase "a time to die" might be familiar from Ecclesiastes in the Bible or from literature, the clue substitutes "dye" to hint at the Easter tradition of coloring eggs. The question mark signals to solvers that wordplay is involved, indicating that they should be thinking of a time associated with dyeing or coloring rather than a literal interpretation.
Holiday Explanation
Easter is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, typically in March or April. Beyond its religious significance, Easter has many cultural traditions, including the decorating of Easter eggs. This practice dates back thousands of years, with eggs symbolizing new life and rebirth across many cultures. The tradition of dyeing eggs specifically for Easter became popular in the 13th century, with red initially symbolizing the blood of Christ. Today, brightly colored Easter eggs in various hues are a central element of Easter celebrations worldwide, making Easter indeed "a time to dye" as the crossword clue cleverly suggests.
NYT Mini Crossword Tips
When solving wordplay clues in crosswords, especially those with question marks, look for puns, homophones, or alternate meanings of words. In this case, the clue plays on the identical pronunciation of "dye" (to color) and "die" (to cease living), twisting the familiar phrase into a holiday reference. For clues containing question marks, always consider that something tricky or non-literal is happening. Also, pay attention to the season or time of year when the crossword was published—holiday references are common around their respective times of year. Since this April 17 puzzle appeared close to Easter, that seasonal context provides another helpful hint toward the answer.
Related Crossword Answers
BUNNY
Clue: Easter hopper
BASKET
Clue: Easter egg container
EGGS
Clue: Things that might be hidden on a lawn in April
LENT
Clue: Period before Easter
More Clues & Answers For The New York Times Mini (April 17, 2025)
ACROSS
- 1. Person, ___ or thing
- 6. Like someone you shouldn't trust with fragile objects
- 7. A time to dye?
- 8. Dangle a carrot in front of
- 9. Class for a cognitive science major, for short