Word after "cheap as" or "old as" nyt crossword clue

The clue "Word after 'cheap as' or 'old as'" is a type of phrase or idiom clue that suggests a common expression. In this case, both "cheap as" and "old as" are often followed by the word "dirt." 1. **Identifying the Phrase**: The expressions “cheap as dirt” and “old as dirt” are well-known idioms. Knowing these phrases can help us quickly pinpoint the answer. 2. **Confirming with Letter Patterns**: If you have certain letters in the answer, you can confirm that "dirt" fits into those constraints. For example, if the answer has four letters and you know the last letter is "t," then "dirt" would fit perfectly. 3. **General Knowledge**: Familiarity with idiomatic expressions is crucial in crossword puzzles. Many clues will refer to common sayings or phrases, so having a well-rounded knowledge of these can give you an edge. 4. **Tips and Techniques**: - When faced with clues that reference phrases or idioms, think of what words are commonly used together. - Write down possible answers and reference your past knowledge of commonly used idiomatic expressions. - If you're stuck, consider breaking the clue into parts (e.g., think of synonyms for "cheap" or "old" and match it with common expressions). In conclusion, for the clue "Word after 'cheap as' or 'old as'," the answer is **“dirt.”**