"Never give a sword to a man who can't ___": Confucius nyt crossword clue

The clue "Never give a sword to a man who can't ___": Confucius" is a playful reference to a well-known quote attributed to Confucius, which often ends in the word "dance." Therefore, the answer you're looking for fills in the blank: **"dance."** ### Solving Process: 1. **Recognize the Quotation**: The clue is a direct reference to a popular saying that humorously suggests that one should not bestow a weapon on someone who lacks the ability to handle it properly, often framed in light-hearted or metaphorical contexts. 2. **Contextual Knowledge**: Knowing quotes and proverbs from various cultures, particularly those attributed to Confucius, can provide clues. The phrase "never give a sword" is memorable, making it somewhat easier to recall the proper conclusion. 3. **Word Length**: If you have been provided with a specific letter count (e.g., 5 letters for "dance"), that confirms the answer and helps in narrowing down any potential alternatives. ### Tips for Solving Crossword Clues: - **Familiarity with Common Quotes**: Learning a number of well-known quotes and proverbs can be particularly helpful, as they are frequently used in crossword puzzles. - **Wordplay Awareness**: Be aware that clues often involve puns, homophones, or play on words; phrases like this one may not have direct contextual connections but are rather idiomatic. - **Use of Crossword Resources**: Maintain reference materials such as quote databases or collections of proverbs, as they can expedite the search for answers. - **Letter Patterns**: When you are unsure of an answer, fill in known letters from intersecting words to see if a plausible word emerges. In conclusion, for the clue "Never give a sword to a man who can't ___": Confucius, the answer you should fill in is **"dance."**