This Saturday, crossword enthusiasts are in for a treat with a new puzzle that promises both a hearty challenge and a sprinkle of humor. Designed by the dynamic duo of Barbara Lin and Lewis Rothlein, the puzzle is their first collaboration, showcasing their cleverness and craftiness in a seamless blend.

While the grid may not present overly tough entries, the clues are delightfully tricky and require a slight shift in thinking to unlock their true meanings. This thoughtful design creates an engaging experience for a broad audience, making the solving process a rewarding endeavor.

Clever Clue Highlights

One standout clue is 1A: “[Shifty little sucker?]” which initially brings to mind slippery creatures like eels, but it cleverly leads to the answer: **BENDY STRAW**—a perfect play on the word "shifty."

At 26A, the clue “[Reason for foot-tapping]” is a nod to a familiar feeling of impatience and fidgeting, revealing the answer **ANTSINESS**. This fun word has been part of the English language since the 1800s, and it reflects a common human experience of restlessness.

Both 28A and 58A showcase the puzzle's playful language. At 28A, “[Lines in bars]” refers to **URLS**, cleverly relating to the search bars in browsers. Meanwhile, 58A’s clue “[What some people display after getting stuck?]” humorously points to **TATS**, or tattoos, which diverges from the expectation of resourcefulness often associated with being “stuck.”

Another interesting entry appears at 1D with “[X follower, perhaps],” leading to the answer **BOT**, a reference to the platform once known as Twitter, drawing on the cultural shift in online discourse.

Moving to 5D, “[Like a noisy toy]” cleverly describes a **YAPPY** dog, contrasting expectations of traditional toys like fire trucks with a real-life scenario.

Additionally, the two notable entries that cross each other at the center of the puzzle bring a touch of sportiness to the mix, with the clue “[Shield, with ‘for’]” leading to **RUN INTERFERENCE**, a term depicting a strategy used in sports to distract an opponent.

Constructor Insights

Lewis noted the thrill of reaching out to collaborate with Barbara, admiring her meticulous approach to puzzle crafting. Their partnership is an exploration of creativity and unexpected joy, aiming to bring a smile to fellow solvers.

Barbara reflected on her collaborative journey, emphasizing that joining forces in puzzle creation adds a rich dimension to the experience. She praised Lewis for his encouraging presence in the crossword community and is grateful for their partnership, which has yielded this engaging puzzle.

Ready to Solve?

The New York Times Crossword invites aspiring constructors to submit their own puzzles through an open submission system. Interested participants can find tips and guidance on crafting crossword puzzles in their helpful series, “How to Make a Crossword Puzzle.”

So grab your pencils and dive into this charming Saturday puzzle! Whether you are an experienced solver or a newcomer to the crossword world, this friendly challenge is sure to keep you entertained. Happy puzzling!