Using staff, rather than outside contractors nyt crossword clue

To solve the crossword clue "Using staff, rather than outside contractors," we can break it down into two main parts: the literal meaning of the phrase and potential synonyms or phrases that fit the context. 1. **Understanding the clue**: The clue suggests a preference for using internal resources (staff) instead of outsourcing work to external contractors. This implies a term or phrase that typically describes such a practice. 2. **Possible phrases**: Some common phrases that indicate using in-house resources instead of external ones include "in-house," "internal," or "staffed." The word "in-house" is particularly relevant, as it directly refers to work done by company staff rather than outsourced. 3. **Letter count**: A key part of crossword solving is knowing how many letters the solution is. If the crossword clue has a specific number of letters, this helps narrow down the possibilities. 4. **Fitting the answer to the grid**: If you have specific letters from the crossword grid, you can take the known letters and find a match. For example, if you have a 7-letter word and some of those letters are provided (like “I_N_H_U_”), this strongly suggests that the answer is “IN-HOUSE.” 5. **Final answer**: Based on this analysis, the solution to the clue "Using staff, rather than outside contractors" is likely to be "IN-HOUSE." ### Tips for Solving Crossword Clues - **Identify the type of clue**: Determining if the clue is straightforward, cryptic, or a pun can guide your thinking. - **Look for synonyms**: Many clues can be rephrased with synonyms that might fit the overall context. - **Use cross-references**: If the clue is part of a themed puzzle, consider how other answers might influence this one. - **Practice wordplay**: Some crosses rely on puns, anagrams, or other forms of wordplay, so keeping an open mind can help. - **Expand your vocabulary**: A larger vocabulary helps when deciphering tricky clues. - **Fill in what you know first**: Start with the answers you can solve easily, as they will provide letters for the more challenging clues. By applying these strategies, you'll develop a quicker and more effective approach to solving crossword puzzles!