If you’re a fan of crossword puzzles, you’ve probably come across some really challenging clues in The New York Times (NYT) crossword. But every once in a while, a clue comes along that’s so totally crazy, it’s hard to believe it could be real. Here are some of the most insane and mind-boggling crossword clues from the NYT:
“___ in the Membrane” (1992 hit song by Cypress Hill)
If you’re not a fan of ’90s hip-hop, this clue might have thrown you for a loop. The answer, of course, is “Insane.” But who would have thought that a crossword puzzle would reference a song by Cypress Hill?
What “a rolling stone gathers,” per a proverb
This one is a classic example of a clue that’s totally crazy, yet makes perfect sense once you figure it out. The answer is “no moss,” which is a play on the proverb “a rolling stone gathers no moss.”
It starts with a shot
At first glance, this clue might seem like it’s talking about a drinking game. But the answer is actually “basketball,” since games start with a shot from the center of the court.
One of the deadly sins
There are plenty of clues in the NYT crossword that reference religion or mythology, but this one takes the cake. The answer is “envy,” which is one of the seven deadly sins according to Christian tradition.
Like a sentence with no spaces or punctuation
This clue is a real head-scratcher. The answer is “runon,” which is a term used to describe a sentence that goes on and on without any breaks.
A poker hand that’s three of a kind plus a pair
If you’re not a poker player, this clue might have tripped you up. The answer is “full house,” which is a hand that consists of three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
A novel by James Joyce
If you’re a literature buff, this clue might have been a piece of cake for you. The answer is “Ulysses,” which is a notoriously difficult and experimental novel by James Joyce.
A type of bagel
This clue is a great example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally familiar, yet still catch you off guard. The answer is “everything,” which is a type of bagel that’s topped with a mix of seeds and spices.
A Native American tribe
There are plenty of clues in the NYT crossword that reference different cultures and histories. This one is particularly challenging, since there are so many different Native American tribes to choose from. The answer is “Seminole,” which is a tribe from Florida.
A type of saxophone
If you’re not a musician, this clue might have been a tough one to crack. The answer is “alto,” which is a type of saxophone that’s smaller than a tenor but larger than a soprano.
A type of sandwich
This clue is another example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally ordinary, yet still be challenging. The answer is “BLT,” which is a sandwich that consists of bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
A type of spice
Spice up your life! This clue is a bit easier than some of the others on this list. The answer is “cinnamon,” which is a popular spice that’s used in many different cuisines.
A type of flower
This clue might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s still a great example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something simple yet elegant. The answer is “rose,” which is a type of flower that’s often associated with romance and love.
A type of tree
This clue is another example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally ordinary, yet still be difficult to guess. The answer is “oak,” which is a type of tree that’s known for its strength and durability.
A type of bird
This clue is a great example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally everyday, yet still be challenging. The answer is “robin,” which is a type of bird that’s known for its bright red breast.
A type of fish
There are plenty of clues in the NYT crossword that reference different types of fish. This one is particularly challenging, since there are so many different kinds to choose from. The answer is “tuna,” which is a popular fish that’s used in many different cuisines.
A type of cheese
This clue is a bit easier than some of the others on this list, but it’s still a great example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally familiar, yet still catch you off guard. The answer is “cheddar,” which is a popular cheese that’s often used in sandwiches and snacks.
A type of nut
This clue is another example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally ordinary, yet still be challenging. The answer is “almond,” which is a nut that’s often used in baking and cooking.
A type of fruit
This clue might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s a great example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something simple yet delicious. The answer is “orange,” which is a fruit that’s known for its bright color and juicy sweetness.
A type of vegetable
This clue is another example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally ordinary, yet still be difficult to guess. The answer is “carrot,” which is a vegetable that’s often used in soups, stews, and salads.
A type of animal
This clue might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s still a great example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something simple yet exotic. The answer is “zebra,” which is a striped animal that’s native to Africa.
A type of fabric
This clue is a bit easier than some of the others on this list, but it’s still a great example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally familiar, yet still catch you off guard. The answer is “silk,” which is a luxurious fabric that’s often used in clothing and linens.
A type of metal
There are plenty of clues in the NYT crossword that reference different types of metals. This one is particularly challenging, since there are so many different kinds to choose from. The answer is “gold,” which is a precious metal that’s often used in jewelry and currency.
A type of gemstone
This clue is another example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally ordinary, yet still be difficult to guess. The answer is “ruby,” which is a red gemstone that’s often used in jewelry.
A type of flowerpot
This clue is a bit more obscure than some of the others on this list, but it’s still a great example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally ordinary, yet still be challenging. The answer is “terracotta,” which is a type of clay that’s often used to make flowerpots and other decorative items.
A type of musical instrument
If you’re not a musician, this clue might have been a tough one to crack. The answer is “violin,” which is a stringed instrument that’s known for its beautiful and expressive sound.
An animal that’s known for its stripes
This clue might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s still a great example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something simple yet exotic. The answer is “tiger,” which is a large cat that’s known for its distinctive orange and black stripes.
A type of food that’s often served with chips
This clue is another example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally familiar, yet still be challenging. The answer is “salsa,” which is a spicy sauce that’s often served with tortilla chips.
A type of drink that’s often served with sushi
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, this clue might have been a bit easier for you. The answer is “sake,” which is a traditional Japanese drink that’s made from fermented rice.
A type of plant that’s often used to make tea
This clue is a bit more obscure than some of the others on this list, but it’s still a great example of how a crossword puzzle can reference something that’s totally ordinary, yet still be challenging. The answer is “chamomile,” which is a type of plant that’s often used to make tea.
A type of shoe with a high heel
This clue is a