The New York Times crossword is legendary for its cleverness, often leaving solvers both stumped and delighted. A particularly brilliant clue that recently had puzzlers talking was, “Old story coming straight from the horse’s mouth?”. This question is a masterclass in wordplay, blending ancient history with a common English idiom. The answer, a compact nine-letter word, is TROJANWAR. But understanding why this answer fits so perfectly requires a journey back in time, exploring both a legendary conflict and the origins of our everyday language. For those fascinated by epic tales, the troy wooden horse story is a classic for a reason.
Decoding the Brilliant Wordplay
At first glance, the clue seems like a straightforward reference to getting information from a primary source. However, its genius lies in the literal interpretation of its parts. The NYT crossword editors, led by Will Shortz, are famous for these kinds of misdirections that hide the answer in plain sight. Let’s break down how this clue masterfully points to TROJANWAR. Understanding the context of the old story coming straight from the horse’s mouth nyt crossword is key to appreciating the puzzle’s construction.
“An Old Story”: The Epic of the Trojan War
The first half of the clue, “Old story,” points to a tale of historical or mythological significance. The Trojan War is one of the most famous conflicts in all of literature, an epic tale of gods, heroes, and a decade-long siege. According to legend, the war was sparked when Paris, a prince of Troy, abducted Helen, the queen of Sparta. In response, a coalition of Greek armies sailed to Troy to bring her back, leading to a ten-year stalemate. The city of Troy was protected by impenetrable walls, and the Greeks, despite their powerful warriors like Achilles, could find no way to breach them. This prolonged and seemingly endless conflict is the quintessential “old story” of heroism, tragedy, and cunning.
“From the Horse’s Mouth”: The Decisive Trojan Horse
The second part of the clue, “coming straight from the horse’s mouth?”, is where the literal pun comes into play. After ten years of failure, the Greeks devised a brilliant stratagem. They constructed a colossal wooden horse and left it at the gates of Troy, pretending to sail away in defeat. The Trojans, believing the horse was a peace offering to the goddess Athena, wheeled the massive structure into their city to celebrate their victory.
“The Trojans, jubilant after a decade of war, saw the giant horse not as a threat, but as a symbol of their hard-won peace,” explains Dr. Alistair Finch, a mythology expert. “They unwittingly brought the instrument of their own destruction inside their invincible walls.”
That night, as the Trojans slept, a select force of Greek soldiers hidden inside the hollow belly of the horse emerged. They opened the city gates from within, allowing the returned Greek army to pour in and conquer Troy. Therefore, the end of this “old story” quite literally came from the “horse’s mouth”—or, more accurately, its belly. The war’s conclusion was delivered directly from the wooden horse.
The Idiom’s True Origin: A Tipster’s Dream
While the NYT clue plays on a literal horse, the idiom “straight from the horse’s mouth” has its own fascinating history rooted in the world of horse racing. Originating in the early 20th century, the phrase refers to getting information from the most reliable and direct source possible. In the context of betting on races, a tip on which horse will win is good, but a tip from the jockey or trainer is even better. The most infallible source imaginable, therefore, would be the horse itself. Hearing it “straight from the horse’s mouth” meant the information was undisputed. The phrase speaks to our desire for authentic, firsthand knowledge, a concept explored in many a tall tale and horse’s story.
The Genius of a Great Crossword Clue
This clue perfectly encapsulates what makes the NYT crossword so beloved. It’s more than just a test of vocabulary; it’s a puzzle that rewards lateral thinking and a broad base of knowledge. It forces the solver to connect two completely different concepts:
- An ancient myth about a legendary war.
- A modern idiom from the world of sports betting.
The “aha!” moment comes when you stop thinking figuratively about the idiom and start thinking literally about the story. The clue doesn’t just ask for a word; it invites you into a narrative, blending history and language into a single, satisfying answer.
Puzzles, Puns, and the Joy of Solving
Clues like this one are designed to create a memorable experience. They are small intellectual journeys that lead to a rewarding conclusion. They rely on the shared cultural knowledge of the solver, assuming a familiarity with both classic literature and common expressions. This blend of high and low culture is a hallmark of the puzzle’s enduring appeal. The satisfaction of untangling the wordplay and finally writing TROJANWAR in the grid is a testament to the art of crossword construction.
Final Thoughts on a Legendary Puzzle
The clue “Old story coming straight from the horse’s mouth?” is a shining example of the wit and intelligence that define the New York Times crossword. Its answer, TROJANWAR, is found by bridging the gap between a literal interpretation and a figurative one. It connects the wooden horse of Troy to the racing tips of the 20th century, creating a puzzle that is both challenging and deeply satisfying to solve. It serves as a reminder that language is playful, and the stories of our past are always present, waiting to be rediscovered in the most unexpected of places.
