For crossword fans, few clues are more puzzling and engaging than the New York Times’s clever wordplay entries. One standout example is “Bumped things”—a phrase that has stumped many solvers at first glance. At face value, it may seem vague, but the joy of deciphering it lies in understanding the layered logic often found in NYT puzzles. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve or a seasoned player refining your skills, this breakdown will help you unpack the meaning behind this clue and solve it with confidence.
Understanding the “Bumped Things” NYT Crossword Clue
“Bumped things” is a type of clue that plays on multiple interpretations of the word bumped. You might initially think of collisions—cars, carts, or accidental run-ins—but crossword clues often require lateral thinking.
In one popular NYT puzzle, the answer for “Bumped things” was ELBOWS. Why? Because people often “bump elbows” when greeting each other or squeezing past in tight spaces. This clue doesn’t refer to objects being bumped into, but rather body parts that do the bumping. That’s the kind of subtle misdirection that NYT crossword editors love to use, especially in mid-week or Thursday puzzles.
Why Clues Like This Are Tricky—and Brilliant
The cleverness of “Bumped things” lies in its ambiguity. It doesn’t clearly tell you what kind of bump is happening—is it a physical object, a gesture, or a metaphor?
The clue invites multiple interpretations:
- Items physically colliding (e.g., “carts” or “cars”)
- A friendly greeting (e.g., “fists” or “elbows”)
- A minor change or interruption (e.g., “glitches” or “blips”)
To solve it correctly, you have to consider every angle. This mental shift is part of what makes crossword solving both challenging and addictive.
Tips for Solving Clues Like “Bumped Things”
1. Start with the Simple Clues
Begin by filling in answers you know for sure. Once you get a few letters intersecting with “Bumped things,” it becomes easier to guess possible matches. Cross-checking helps validate whether your assumptions are accurate.
2. Break the Phrase Down
Think about each word. “Bumped” may be the action, and “things” the objects affected. Is it talking about nouns that do the bumping, or ones that get bumped? This small shift in perspective can make a big difference.
3. Think Figuratively
NYT crosswords love double meanings. Don’t limit your thinking to the literal sense. “Bumped” could imply being slightly edited, changed, or even moved ahead in a schedule. Always think beyond the obvious.
4. Use Letter Patterns to Your Advantage
If you already have a few letters filled in from intersecting clues, ask yourself what fits both the clue and the letter structure. Crossword answers tend to follow natural word flow, which narrows possibilities.
5. Take Breaks When Stuck
Sometimes the best way to solve a clue like “Bumped things” is to walk away. Let your brain rest and return with fresh eyes. You’ll be surprised how often the right answer suddenly appears when you stop forcing it.
Common Themes in Bumped-Style Clues
Clues related to “bumped things” often explore:
- Everyday situations (e.g., bumping shopping carts)
- Social interactions (e.g., bumping elbows as greetings)
- Technology references (e.g., audio “bumps” or signal drops)
- Slang or idioms (e.g., “bumped up” in a queue)
Understanding these themes helps build a mental library of possible meanings, improving your ability to spot similar clues in future puzzles.
Wordplay Techniques Behind the Clue
NYT puzzle creators often employ several wordplay devices that show up in clues like “Bumped things”:
- Metonymy: Referring to something by a related concept. “Elbows” for bumping.
- Double meaning: A surface reading vs. a deeper, symbolic interpretation.
- Common phrases: Clues that reflect idiomatic expressions or cultural references.
- Ambiguity: Deliberate vagueness to force flexible thinking.
These techniques are not tricks—they’re a sign that the puzzle is encouraging you to view language in a creative, multidimensional way.
How Often Do Clues Like This Appear?
Clues with this type of misdirection show up regularly in NYT puzzles, especially mid-week:
- Monday/Tuesday clues are typically more direct.
- Wednesday/Thursday clues introduce ambiguity and wordplay.
- Friday/Saturday are known for being the most cryptic, with layered references and challenging vocabulary.
Understanding this progression helps you anticipate the level of difficulty based on the day and tailor your strategy accordingly.
Real Example: NYT Clue Breakdown
Clue: “Bumped things”
Answer: ELBOWS
Why it works: Refers to the body part involved in physical bumping, especially in informal greetings. Plays on both literal and cultural meanings, requiring solvers to connect everyday interactions with broader interpretations.
Crossword Culture and Community
One reason NYT crosswords are so enduring is their rich culture. Puzzle fans often share “aha” moments online, dissect tricky clues in forums, and compare strategies. Understanding clues like “Bumped things” is part of that shared language. It brings solvers together around a common experience: the thrill of the solve.
Final Thoughts: Sharpening Your Skills
The clue “Bumped things” is more than just a test of vocabulary—it’s a test of mindset. To solve it and others like it, you need to stay curious, flexible, and open to wordplay. Don’t rush. Learn to enjoy the process of unraveling meaning from ambiguity.
Whether you’re solving on paper, in the app, or alongside friends, clues like this remind us that language is rich with possibilities—and that the best answers often come from the least expected directions.