The New York Times Mini Crossword puzzle often features clever and challenging clues. One recent clue that stumped many solvers was “Where fig leaves first came into fashion.” This four-letter word, referencing a specific biblical story, requires solvers to think outside the box.
The answer to the “Where fig leaves first came into fashion” clue is EDEN. This refers to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve, after eating the forbidden fruit, used fig leaves to cover their nakedness. This act is often interpreted as the first instance of clothing and thus, the origin of fig leaves in fashion. The clue cleverly plays on the modern concept of fashion and applies it to this ancient story.
NYT Mini Crossword puzzle highlighting the "Where fig leaves first came into fashion" clue.
While the story of Adam and Eve is widely known, the detail of fig leaves is often overlooked. This makes the clue particularly challenging, requiring solvers to have a deep understanding of the biblical narrative. Even those familiar with the story might not immediately connect fig leaves to the concept of fashion. The clue’s difficulty lies in its specific and somewhat obscure reference.
The “Where fig leaves first came into fashion” clue highlights the NYT Mini Crossword’s ability to test solvers’ knowledge in a creative and engaging way. It requires not just vocabulary recall but also an understanding of cultural and historical references. Such clues make the puzzle a stimulating mental exercise for solvers of all levels. This specific clue was rated as very difficult, a 5 out of 5 on a difficulty scale.
The puzzle also included other challenging clues, such as “2024 Charli XCX album with a lime green cover” (BRAT) and “Someone walking in front of a train?” (BRIDE). These clues, like the fig leaves clue, demand a blend of knowledge, wordplay, and lateral thinking. The entire puzzle provided a robust test for crossword enthusiasts.
