NYT Crossword

"The gloves are off!" NYT Crossword Clue

25A | 6 letters

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ITSWAR

Explanation

Why This Answer Fits

ITSWAR is the 6-letter answer for the clue "The gloves are off!". The clue points to a specific reference rather than a broad synonym, which is why exact spelling matters. In this NYT Crossword, it appears at 25A, so the crossing entries help verify the exact spelling.

Grid entry: ITSWAR in the grid.
Answer pattern: _ _ _ _ _ _.
Clue type: Reference clue.
ITSWAR has 6 letters, matching the required slot for 25A.

Answer history

Other NYT Crossword Clues Using ITSWAR

We have not seen many previous NYT clues for this answer yet.

View all ITSWAR clues

Hint

This clue leans on a named person, work, title, or quoted phrase. Identify the reference, then fit it into a 6-letter slot.

How to solve it

Read the clue type first

For the clue "The gloves are off!", first identify whether the wording is direct, referential, abbreviated, or playful. This one is best treated as a reference clue.

This clue leans on a named person, work, title, or quoted phrase. Identify the reference, then fit it into a 6-letter slot.
The answer slot has 6 letters, which narrows the clue to a specific grid shape.
This clue appears at 25A in the NYT Crossword, so check the Down crossings for confirmation.

Position 25A

Answer length 6

Puzzle type Daily

View full puzzle answers

Clue History

July 25, 2026 Daily / 25A / 6 letters

Puzzle clues

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