Quick Answer
Clue: “See 5-Across”
Answer: BAIT
Answer length: 4 letters
Clue number & direction: 2-Down
The New York Times crossword clue “See 5-Across” is answered with BAIT.
Why BAIT Is the Right NYT Answer
- “See 5-Across” means the real definition is shared with another clue, here 5-Across, which reads “With 2-Down, intentionally inflammatory posts.” Put together, 5-Across and 2-Down form the phrase RAGE BAIT, a common term for posts designed to provoke outrage online.
- Because 5-Across is RAGE and the full phrase must be “RAGE BAIT,” the only logical 4-letter partner for 2-Down is BAIT, which fits the enumerated length and the theme of internet antagonism in the puzzle.
What BAIT Means in Plain English
- In plain English, bait is something used to lure, tempt, or provoke a target. Traditionally this might mean food on a hook to catch fish, but online it often describes content that is designed to trigger emotional responses.
- In the phrase “rage bait,” the “bait” is the provocative post or headline intended to get people angry enough to click, comment, or share.
Crossword-Specific Help and Pattern Tips
- In this grid, 2-Down is a 4-letter entry that often appears as BA_T or B_IT once a couple of crossings are filled.
- Because the clue says “See 5-Across,” you must look at 5-Across’s clue and answer (RAGE) to understand that the full phrase is RAGE BAIT.
- Crossings from entries like ABIT (1-Across), ARFS (1-Down), IGLOO (3-Down), and FILTH (6-Across) confirm the letters B–A–I–T with no ambiguity.
Whenever you see these, read both related clues together to reconstruct the full phrase.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When a clue simply says “See X-Across,” immediately check that other entry for the real definition or phrase.
- If the partner clue includes “With 2-Down” or similar wording, treat both entries as one full phrase and split it logically across the two answers.
For modern internet-related themes, be ready for phrases like “clickbait,” “rage bait,” or “debate bait,” and use crossings plus letter counts to decide which fits.
