Pointy parts of a fork nyt crossword clue

The clue "Pointy parts of a fork" suggests we are looking for a word that describes the tines of a fork, which are the pointed metal prongs that help in picking up food. Here's how I would analyze the clue: 1. **Identify the Context**: The clue specifically mentions "fork," which indicates that the answer relates directly to a utensil known for its pointy structure. 2. **Think About Common Terms**: The most common term associated with the pointy parts of a fork is "tines." This directly refers to the prongs of the fork. 3. **Letter Count**: While the clue does not provide specific known letters, if it were a typical crossword, the number of letters in the answer would likely be essential. The term "tines" is five letters long, which is common for such crossword answers. 4. **Crossword Solving Techniques**: - **Look for Synonyms**: Always consider synonyms for the words in the clue. - **Contextual Associations**: Think of associations related to the object in the clue. - **Cross Letters**: If you have already filled in other answers that intersect this clue, utilize those letters to narrow down your options. **Conclusion**: The answer to "Pointy parts of a fork" is "TINES." **Strategic Tip**: When tackling crossword clues, especially those that are more straightforward like this one, try to visualize the object described in the clue. This can help you retrieve the correct terminology associated with it effectively.