Reference
Reference Notes
This clue appears to lean on a named reference or quoted wording in "It's a no-brainer", so spelling and context are important.
NYT Crossword
It's a no-brainer NYT Crossword Clue
Use the hint first, then reveal the answer only if you need it.
Hint
Identify the named person, title, quote, or cultural reference before checking the grid length.
How to solve it
Read the clue type first
Classify this as a reference clue and verify that the 16 letters answer fits both the clue wording and the grid position.
- Start with the clue's literal meaning, then test a 16-letter synonym or phrase against the crossings.
- At 16 letters, this is a longer entry; look for phrase structure as well as a direct definition.
- This clue appears to lean on a named reference or quoted wording in "It's a no-brainer", so spelling and context are important.
- Long entries often include phrase structure, so check word breaks mentally even if the grid removes spaces.
- This clue appears at 42A in the NYT Crossword, so check the Down crossings for confirmation.
Reveal Answer Hide Answer
HEADLESSHORSEMAN
Explanation
Why This Answer Fits
HEADLESSHORSEMAN is the 16-letter answer for "It's a no-brainer" in the NYT Crossword. The clue relies on a specific name, title, quote, or cultural reference, so exact spelling matters more than broad synonym matching.
- Grid entry: HEADLESSHORSEMAN in the grid.
- Answer pattern: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
- Clue type: Reference clue.
- This is Across at 42A, so use the Down crossings to confirm HEADLESSHORSEMAN.
- HEADLESSHORSEMAN has 16 letters, matching the required slot for 42A.
Answer history
Other NYT Crossword Clues Using HEADLESSHORSEMAN
We have not seen many previous NYT clues for this answer yet.
View all HEADLESSHORSEMAN clues Position 42A
Answer length 16
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 42A, so use the Down crossings to confirm HEADLESSHORSEMAN.
Editor note
Editorial Note
Classify this as a reference clue and verify that the 16 letters answer fits both the clue wording and the grid position.
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History
Clue History
May 5, 2026 Daily / 42A / 16 letters
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