Have you ever been stumped by a clever New York Times crossword clue, one that feels like a riddle wrapped in an enigma? You’re not alone. One particularly brilliant clue that has puzzled many is, “Old story coming straight from the horse’s mouth?” At first glance, it seems to be about a reliable source for an old tale. But in the world of the NYT Crossword, there’s always a twist. The answer to this nine-letter puzzle is TROJANWAR.
This article will unravel the genius behind this clue, diving into the legendary story, the popular idiom, and the clever wordplay that makes the NYT crossword a beloved daily challenge. We’ll explore exactly how a conflict from ancient Greece connects to a modern-day saying about getting the inside scoop.
The Answer Unveiled: Why “TROJANWAR”?
The brilliance of this clue lies in its perfect blend of literal and figurative interpretation. It’s a classic example of a pun, where the puzzle masters at the New York Times expect you to think beyond the obvious. Let’s break it down to see how the answer fits so perfectly.
The “Old Story”
First, the clue points to an “old story.” The Trojan War is one of the most famous and ancient tales in Western literature, a cornerstone of Greek mythology. It’s a story of heroes, gods, and a decade-long war between the Greeks (Achaeans) and the city of Troy. This part of the clue directs the solver to think of a classic, well-known narrative from the distant past.
“Coming Straight from the Horse’s Mouth”
This is where the wordplay truly shines. The phrase “straight from the horse’s mouth” is a common idiom meaning to get information directly from the most authoritative or primary source. However, the clue uses it literally in the context of the Trojan War. The war’s conclusion, and thus the end of the story, came about because of the Trojan Horse.
The Greeks built a giant wooden horse, hid their best soldiers inside, and left it as a supposed offering. The Trojans, believing they had won, brought the horse into their city. That night, the hidden Greek soldiers emerged and opened the city gates for their army, leading to Troy’s downfall. Therefore, the story’s climax quite literally came from the horse. The clue cleverly plays on this historical detail, making “TROJANWAR” the perfect, witty answer.
A Deeper Dive into the Idiom
To fully appreciate the crossword clue, it helps to understand the original meaning of “straight from the horse’s mouth.” This phrase has nothing to do with ancient battles and everything to do with the racetrack.
Its origins trace back to the world of horse racing in the early 20th century. When gamblers were looking for a good tip on which horse would win a race, the information grew less reliable as it was passed from person to person. A tip from a trainer was good, and a tip from the jockey was better, but the ultimate, most reliable source would theoretically be the horse itself. Getting a tip “straight from the horse’s mouth” meant receiving infallible, firsthand information.
Over time, the phrase expanded beyond the racetrack and is now used in any context to describe information received directly from the person or source with direct knowledge of a situation.
The Enduring Legacy of the Trojan War
The story of the Trojan War has captivated audiences for thousands of years. While it’s a foundational myth, it’s believed to be inspired by a real historical conflict in the Bronze Age. The epic tale is most famously recounted in Homer’s Iliad, which covers a short period in the final year of the war, and Virgil’s Aeneid, which details the Trojan hero Aeneas’s journey after the fall of Troy.
The most iconic element of the story, the Trojan Horse, has become a powerful symbol in its own right. It represents a strategy of deceiving an enemy by presenting a seemingly harmless gift or offering that conceals a hidden threat. This concept is so pervasive that in the world of computing, a “Trojan horse” or “Trojan” is a type of malware that misleads users of its true intent to gain access to their systems.
According to Dr. Miles Carter, a fictional classicist, “The Trojan Horse is the ultimate symbol of strategic deception. It’s a reminder that victory doesn’t always come from brute force, but from ingenuity and understanding an opponent’s psychology.”
A close-up shot of a person thoughtfully solving a New York Times crossword puzzle, illustrating the popular and clever wordplay involved.
The Art of the New York Times Crossword
The New York Times crossword puzzle, first published in 1942, has earned a reputation for its high quality, cleverness, and escalating difficulty throughout the week. Monday’s puzzles are typically the easiest, while Saturday’s are the most challenging.
The clue “Old story coming straight from the horse’s mouth?” is a perfect example of what makes the puzzle so special. It requires more than just vocabulary; it demands an ability to think laterally and recognize puns, anagrams, and clever misdirections. The puzzle’s creators, known as constructors, are masters of language who delight in creating these “aha!” moments for solvers. They weave together history, pop culture, science, and literature, creating a rich and rewarding experience that challenges and entertains millions of people every day.
This type of clue rewards a flexible mind and a broad base of knowledge, turning a simple word game into a celebrated intellectual pursuit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the answer to the NYT crossword clue “Old story coming straight from the horse’s mouth?”
The nine-letter answer is TROJANWAR. The clue cleverly plays on the story of the Trojan Horse, from which the end of the Trojan War literally emerged.
What is the real meaning of “straight from the horse’s mouth”?
The idiom means to receive information directly from the most reliable or primary source. It originated in horse racing, where a tip from the horse itself would be the most trustworthy.
How does the Trojan Horse relate to the phrase “from the horse’s mouth”?
The crossword clue creates a pun. The end of the Trojan War story was decided by the soldiers hidden inside the giant wooden Trojan Horse. Therefore, the “story” (of the Greek victory) literally came from within the horse.
Where does the story of the Trojan War come from?
The most famous ancient sources for the Trojan War are the epic poems, Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid. These literary works established the mythological narrative of the war, its heroes, and its tragic conclusion.
Why are NYT crosswords so popular?
The New York Times crossword is popular due to its high-quality construction, clever wordplay, and consistent standards. It provides a stimulating mental challenge that is both educational and entertaining, building a strong sense of community among its solvers.
Conclusion
The beauty of the clue “Old story coming straight from the horse’s mouth?” is how it masterfully connects an ancient myth with a modern idiom. It’s a testament to the wit and creativity that make the TROJANWAR puzzle a daily ritual for so many. This single clue serves as a perfect microcosm of the crossword experience: it challenges us, teaches us, and ultimately provides the deep satisfaction of seeing how seemingly unrelated ideas can intersect in a clever and surprising way. It’s a reminder that language is a playground, and sometimes the most rewarding answers are hidden in plain sight, waiting for us to look at them from a different angle.
