Wordplay
Wordplay Notes
For a blank clue, the missing entry should make the full phrase sound natural, not merely match a dictionary definition.
NYT Crossword
BAD ___ER MOVE NYT Crossword Clue
Use the hint first, then reveal the answer only if you need it.
Hint
Read the phrase aloud and look for a 15-letter entry that completes the blank naturally.
How to solve it
Read the clue type first
Classify this as a fill-in-the-blank and verify that the 15 letters answer fits both the clue wording and the grid position.
- The blank is doing most of the work here. Look for a 15-letter entry that completes the phrase naturally.
- At 15 letters, this is a longer entry; look for phrase structure as well as a direct definition.
- For a blank clue, the missing entry should make the full phrase sound natural, not merely match a dictionary definition.
- Long entries often include phrase structure, so check word breaks mentally even if the grid removes spaces.
- This clue appears at 17A in the NYT Crossword, so check the Down crossings for confirmation.
Reveal Answer Hide Answer
CARELESSMISTAKE
Explanation
Why This Answer Fits
CARELESSMISTAKE is the 15-letter answer for "BAD ___ER MOVE" in the NYT Crossword. The clue is a fill-in-the-blank phrase, so the answer works by completing the wording naturally while matching the grid slot at 17A.
- Grid entry: CARELESSMISTAKE in the grid.
- Answer pattern: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
- Clue type: Fill-in-the-blank.
- This is Across at 17A, so use the Down crossings to confirm CARELESSMISTAKE.
- CARELESSMISTAKE has 15 letters, matching the required slot for 17A.
Answer history
Other NYT Crossword Clues Using CARELESSMISTAKE
We have not seen many previous NYT clues for this answer yet.
View all CARELESSMISTAKE clues Position 17A
Answer length 15
Puzzle type Daily
Solver context
Extra Notes for This Clue
Trap
Common Trap
Long entries often include phrase structure, so check word breaks mentally even if the grid removes spaces.
Crossings
Crossing Notes
This is Across at 17A, so use the Down crossings to confirm CARELESSMISTAKE.
Editor note
Editorial Note
Classify this as a fill-in-the-blank and verify that the 15 letters answer fits both the clue wording and the grid position.
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History
Clue History
May 7, 2026 Daily / 17A / 15 letters
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