Church spot where bats hang out nyt crossword clue

The clue "Church spot where bats hang out" appears to involve some wordplay or a pun, as is common in crossword clues. Let’s break it down: 1. **Identify Key Components:** - “Church spot” implies a location in or associated with a church. - “Bats” can refer to either the flying mammals or could also be a play on words, perhaps alluding to something in the sports context (like baseball) where 'bats' are used. 2. **Explore Wordplay:** - "Church spot" could refer to common areas such as a "nave," which is a central part of a church where the congregation gathers. - Considering the phrase "where bats hang out," if we keep the focus on the mammal aspect, we might think of an area where these creatures may reside, interpretively leading us to "nave" since it sounds like "nave" can also lead to 'cave.' 3. **Possible Answer:** - The answer “nave” fits well as it is a church term and the clue’s playful tone suggests that “bats” (the animals) could metaphorically 'hang out' in the 'nave' of the church, especially if you think about an old, less maintained church where such creatures might actually be found. 4. **Letter Check:** - If you have additional letters (like N__E), confirm if they fit with “nave.” **Conclusion:** If "nave" fits with the available letters, it is likely the correct answer to the clue "Church spot where bats hang out." ### Tips for Solving Clues: - **Look for Puns:** Many crossword clues use wordplay. - **Consider Word Derivations:** Think about synonyms or related terms. - **Utilize Cross-Referencing:** Other intersecting clues may help confirm letter placement. - **Think About Context:** The clue’s context can change typical meanings (e.g., Church can refer to architectural terms). - **Have Fun with It:** Engaging creatively with clues can often lead to the 'aha!' moment where the solution appears clearly.