De squeaked as a bike chain — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 17, 2025)
Maintenance vocabulary takes the fourth down slot, steering solvers toward the verb that removes squeaks from bicycle components. Below you will verify why OILED is the accurate fill, how Word Tips hints support it, and how the crossings seal the answer. All apostrophes render as ' and quotation marks as " to maintain HTML excellence.
4 Down
De squeaked as a bike chain
Word Tips highlights the same answer and provides an anagram (oldie) for memorization. In puzzle parlance, OILED succinctly captures the maintenance action: applying lubricant to silence the chain.
Crossing Validation
- 7-Across EXILE guarantees the letters O I L E D in order.
- 8-Across CEDED guarantees the letters O I L E D in order.
- 9-Across SLEDS guarantees the letters O I L E D in order.
- 5-Down FEEDS guarantees the letters O I L E D in order.
Cycling Context
Practical Definition
To oil a chain means to apply lubricant, restoring smooth motion and eliminating squeaks. Crossword editors deploy OILED frequently because it is short, common, and avoids ambiguous endings.
Pattern Tip
The word uses only two vowels and three consonants in alternating sequence. Recognizing the OI opener helps you drop the answer in instantly.
Beyond Word Tips
Our coverage underscores the link between OILED and the nearby clue FEEDS, showing how the constructor pairs everyday verbs for sonic balance.
Speed Strategy
Any clue phrased as de hyphen action typically aims for past tense fix verbs like oiled, greased, or lubed. Check letter count first and commit swiftly.