NYT Crossword

"What took so long?!" NYT Crossword Clue

54D | 9 letters

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Answer

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ABOUTTIME

Explanation

Why This Answer Fits

ABOUTTIME is the 9-letter answer for the clue "What took so long?!". 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 54D, so the crossing entries help verify the exact spelling.

  • Grid entry: ABOUTTIME in the grid.
  • Answer pattern: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
  • Clue type: Reference clue.
  • ABOUTTIME has 9 letters, matching the required slot for 54D.

Answer history

Other NYT Crossword Clues Using ABOUTTIME

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

View all ABOUTTIME clues

Hint

This clue leans on a named person, work, title, or quoted phrase. Identify the reference, then fit it into a 9-letter slot.

How to solve it

Read the clue type first

For the clue "What took so long?!", 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 9-letter slot.
  • The answer slot has 9 letters, which narrows the clue to a specific grid shape.
  • This clue appears at 54D in the NYT Crossword, so check the Across crossings for confirmation.
Position 54D
Answer length 9
Puzzle type Daily
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History

Clue History

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