Not Get Rid Of ... Crossword Clue
Last edited: April 17, 2025
Looking to solve the straightforward "Not get rid of" clue from the April 17, 2025 New York Times Mini crossword? We've decoded this antonym-style clue and identified the exact 4-letter answer you need. Our interactive letter-by-letter reveal tool provides a hands-on solving experience, or you can explore our range of hints including potential anagrams, similar clues with the same answer, or detailed explanations to guide your thinking process. We've also implemented easy navigation between related clues from this puzzle to streamline your solving journey. Ready to enhance your vocabulary and crossword skills? Let's uncover this everyday verb together!
Crossword Answer:
About This Clue
The April 17, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "Not get rid of" with the answer KEEP. This clue uses a common crossword technique of defining a word by its opposite or negation. Here, the phrase "get rid of" (meaning to discard, dispose of, or eliminate) is negated to hint at its antonym: KEEP. This type of negation-based clue is straightforward once you recognize the pattern, as it directly points to the semantic opposite of the given phrase. The four-letter answer KEEP fits perfectly, providing a simple yet effective solution that represents the action of retaining something rather than discarding it. This clue exemplifies how crossword constructors often use negations to create clear, direct clues that are accessible to solvers of various experience levels.
Word Usage & Variations
The verb "keep" is a fundamental word in English with multiple meanings and uses. Its primary definition is to retain possession of something, but it extends to many contexts: maintaining a condition ("keep quiet"), continuing an activity ("keep working"), storing something ("keep in a box"), or preserving something ("keep a secret"). The word has Germanic origins, deriving from the Old English "cēpan," which meant to observe or take notice. Over time, it evolved to encompass the broader concept of retention and maintenance. "Keep" also appears in numerous idioms and phrases, such as "keep up with," "keep at bay," "keep in mind," and "for keeps." As a noun, it can refer to the strongest part of a medieval castle, designed to be the last defensive position—highlighting its connection to preservation and protection. The versatility of "keep" makes it one of the most frequently used verbs in English, appearing in contexts ranging from casual conversation ("Keep the change") to formal directives ("Keep confidential"). Its semantic opposite, "discard" or "get rid of," provides the contrast that makes this crossword clue work effectively.
NYT Mini Crossword Tips
When tackling negation-based clues in the NYT Mini Crossword like "Not get rid of," it helps to develop a strategy for quick recognition and solution. First, identify that the clue is using a negation (words like "not," "without," "lacking," etc.) to signal that you're looking for an antonym or opposite. Then, focus on the core action or concept being negated—in this case, "get rid of." Consider common antonyms or phrases that mean the opposite, keeping in mind the likely length of the answer based on the crossword grid. For short answers like in the Mini Crossword, simple, common words are most likely. The 4-letter word KEEP fits perfectly as the opposite of "get rid of." This type of clue is relatively straightforward in the Mini Crossword, as the editors tend to use clear, accessible language rather than obscure references. When you encounter similar negation clues, look for the most direct and commonly used antonym that fits the required letter count. With practice, these patterns become easier to recognize, allowing for quicker solving.
Related Crossword Answers
SAVE
Clue: Preserve for future use
HOLD
Clue: Maintain one's grip on
RETAIN
Clue: Continue to have or use
STORE
Clue: Put away for safekeeping
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