“Painstakingly explain something ... or a hint to 17-, 26- and 45-Across” crossword clue
Answer
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••••••••••SPELLITOUT
Reveal the answer to see why it works and where this clue has appeared before.SPELLITOUT is the answer to the New York Times crossword clue “Painstakingly explain something ... or a hint to 17-, 26- and 45-Across”. It was last seen in the puzzle of December 17, 2025, where it runs at 60 Across and fills 10 squares. It crosses 10 other entries in that grid — those are listed below and are the quickest way to confirm the letters you already have.
Crossing entries
Dec 17, 2025 grid43DThrow off5 ltrs›47DJust about anything on a string6 ltrs›52DStart a turn in Twister4 ltrs›53DTime to do without4 ltrs›54DGary's ___ Towne Tavern (rival bar on "Cheers")4 ltrs›56DMinuscule amount4 ltrs›57DShort stroke4 ltrs›58DBatting avg., e.g.4 ltrs›60DRocksteady relative3 ltrs›61D"___ bin ein Berliner"3 ltrs›
More clues from this puzzle
Dec 17, 20251ALock combinations?5 ltrs›6A___ League4 ltrs›10ASingle instruction4 ltrs›14AEnemy W.W. II vessel5 ltrs›15ATurner of old movies4 ltrs›16APowerful impulse4 ltrs›17AGroup of grumps sitting around kvetching?10 ltrs›19AElmer's nemesis4 ltrs›
Back to the full Dec 17, 2025 answer list, or browse the puzzle archive.