“Metaphor for a challenging puzzle” crossword clue
Answer
T
O
U
G
H
N
U
T
••••••••TOUGHNUT
Reveal the answer to see why it works and where this clue has appeared before.TOUGHNUT is the answer to the New York Times crossword clue “Metaphor for a challenging puzzle”. It was last seen in the puzzle of February 19, 2026, where it runs at 3 Down and fills 8 squares. It crosses 8 other entries in that grid — those are listed below and are the quickest way to confirm the letters you already have.
Crossing entries
Feb 19, 2026 grid1APunk rocker Joan4 ltrs›14A"Up and ___!" (catchphrase for a physicist)4 ltrs›18ACourting disaster, slangily18 ltrs›21AFraternity party order3 ltrs›25ASound of disapproval4 ltrs›29AUses a shampoo bottle as a microphone, perhaps16 ltrs›34ASwindled5 ltrs›37AJot down4 ltrs›
More clues from this puzzle
Feb 19, 20265AChoctaw or Chickasaw5 ltrs›10ADesign detail4 ltrs›15AIn possession of6 ltrs›17ATibetan title4 ltrs›22ASymbol of protection3 ltrs›23APart of a window above the apron4 ltrs›24AOne-half of a golf partnership, perhaps3 ltrs›27AConcludes6 ltrs›
Back to the full Feb 19, 2026 answer list, or browse the puzzle archive.