“Feeling described as "hoping for the best, but fearing the worst"” crossword clue
Answer
C
A
U
T
I
O
U
S
O
P
T
I
M
I
S
M
••••••••••••••••CAUTIOUSOPTIMISM
Reveal the answer to see why it works and where this clue has appeared before.CAUTIOUSOPTIMISM is the answer to the New York Times crossword clue “Feeling described as "hoping for the best, but fearing the worst"”. It was last seen in the puzzle of May 24, 2025, where it runs at 18 Across and fills 16 squares. It crosses 16 other entries in that grid — those are listed below and are the quickest way to confirm the letters you already have.
Crossing entries
May 24, 2025 grid1DRiver that once marked the boundary of the Wild West5 ltrs›2DLocation where a video game character starts (or restarts) a level10 ltrs›3DIncredulous reply to a daring scheme10 ltrs›4DSummer hrs. in Iowa3 ltrs›5DMary I, to Henry VIII4 ltrs›6DFinds another purpose for6 ltrs›7DQuick start?5 ltrs›8DOld muscle cars4 ltrs›9D"Human Concretion" sculptor3 ltrs›10DNice thing to hear from one's dining partner7 ltrs›11DXenomorph who can produce humanoid offspring10 ltrs›12DHeld another session5 ltrs›13DYounger contemporary of Virgil4 ltrs›14DMinus4 ltrs›15DWater-resistant wood3 ltrs›19DExposed5 ltrs›
More clues from this puzzle
May 24, 20251ACourse on behavior, for short5 ltrs›6ASong and dance10 ltrs›16ALyrical piece5 ltrs›17ALike many jobs for recent grads10 ltrs›20A"That stings!"3 ltrs›21ABecomes inoperable, in a way5 ltrs›22ASources of wind sounds5 ltrs›23ANeck, in Newcastle4 ltrs›
Back to the full May 24, 2025 answer list, or browse the puzzle archive.