Gutsy determination nyt crossword clue

The clue "Gutsy determination" suggests a quality or characteristic associated with bravery, tenacity, or resolve. When tackling this type of clue, it's essential to consider synonyms, phrases, or common expressions associated with the idea of unwavering resolve or courage. 1. **Identify Keywords**: The words "gutsy" and "determination" both imply strength and resolve. "Gutsy" often relates to bravery, while "determination" refers to the mental quality that drives someone to pursue a goal despite challenges. 2. **Synonyms**: Think of synonyms that capture the essence of both words. Words like "grit," "pluck," "persistence," or "nerve" may come to mind. 3. **Word Length and Known Letters**: If you have specific letters filled in (for example, if you've confirmed parts of the word), that will help narrow it down significantly. For instance, if the answer has 4 letters and you have the letters "R" and "I," you might consider "SPUNK," which has that internal 'U' character specifying resolve and verve. 4. **Common Crossword Answers**: Some crossword puzzles often lean towards cliché or commonly used answers based on the clue's theme. "Grit" is a four-letter word that describes gutsy determination, commonly accepted in many contexts. It encapsulates the idea of strength of character, which aligns well with both "gutsy" and "determination." 5. **Contextual Matching**: If previous clues or themes in the puzzle suggest a particular context (like a pop culture reference, literary theme, or specific language style), this might help refine your answer choice. ### Final Answer: In the absence of specific letters, the likely answer to "Gutsy determination" is **"grit."** ### Tips for Solving: - Always think about the dual meaning of words in clues; synonyms can frequently lead to strong candidates. - Be aware of the puzzle's overall theme, as sometimes the answers can connect beyond just the immediate clue. - Keep in mind common lengths of words, as brevity often leads to more straightforward answers in crosswords. - If you get stuck, think broadly or consider if the word can be part of larger themes—like courage in literature or famous quotes about determination. With practice, recognizing patterns in clues will increasingly help you in crossword puzzles!