If you’re a crossword enthusiast, you’ve probably come across the clue “a cube has 12 of them NYT” while solving puzzles. This short yet clever phrase often appears in discussions about The New York Times crossword, and although it looks simple, it hides a neat little piece of geometric knowledge.
The correct answer to this clue is EDGES, and understanding why helps you not only solve this puzzle but also think like a true crossword master. Let’s dive deeper into what “a cube has 12 of them NYT” really means and how to approach similar clues in the future.
Breaking Down the Clue
The clue states: “A cube has 12 of them.”
When we think about a cube, a regular, three-dimensional soli,d we can describe it using three main features:
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Faces: The flat surfaces of the cube (it has 6).
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Vertices: The points or corners where edges meet (it has 8).
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Edges: The straight lines where two faces intersect (it has 12).
So when a crossword clue asks what a cube has twelve of, the answer is clearly EDGES. That’s why “a cube has 12 of them NYT” is often listed online by solvers looking for the correct answer to the NYT crossword clue.
Understanding the Geometry Behind the Clue
A cube is one of the most perfect shapes in geometry; all its sides are equal, and each angle measures 90 degrees. When two of its square faces meet, they form a straight line called an edge. Since there are six faces, and each connects to four others, we end up counting twelve total edges.
Here’s a simple way to visualize it:
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Imagine holding a dice that’s a cube.
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Trace along one edge with your finger.
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Keep going until you’ve counted every line where two faces meet.
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You’ll reach twelve confirming that a cube indeed has twelve edges.
That’s the entire reasoning behind the clue “a cube has 12 of them NYT.”
Why It’s a Popular Crossword Clue
The New York Times crossword is famous for blending general knowledge with creative wordplay. “A cube has 12 of them NYT” fits perfectly into this style because it requires a mix of logic and observation.
Here’s why this clue stands out:
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It’s simple yet educational. You recall basic geometry without overcomplicating things.
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It’s repeatable. The clue can appear in many different crossword puzzles over time.
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It’s precise. There’s no ambiguity; only one correct answer fits the clue perfectly.
For crossword creators, this kind of clue strikes a balance between fun and factual accuracy.
How to Solve Similar Clues
Clues like “a cube has 12 of them NYT” teach solvers how to think critically about short factual statements. Here are some strategies you can apply to similar crossword questions:
1. Focus on the Numbers
When you see a number (like 12), ask yourself: “What aspect of this object could match that number?” In the case of a cube, twelve refers to its edges, not faces or corners.
2. Visualize the Object
Try picturing the cube. Count its faces, corners, and edges in your mind or even sketch it on paper. Visualization is one of the most powerful tools in crossword solving.
3. Pay Attention to Word Clues
The phrase “of them” implies the answer is plural. That’s your first hint that the solution should end with an “S,” such as “EDGES.”
4. Don’t Overthink Simple Clues
Sometimes, crossword clues sound trickier than they are. The NYT crossword often uses everyday facts phrased cleverly, so straightforward logic is usually your best approach.
By following these strategies, you’ll quickly recognize clues like “a cube has 12 of them NYT” and solve them with ease.
Why Geometric Clues Are Common in Crosswords
Crossword creators love geometric clues for a few reasons:
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They’re universal: Everyone learns basic shapes in school, so they’re familiar to most solvers.
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They’re concise: Words like “edge,” “face,” and “vertex” fit neatly into crossword grids.
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They’re timeless: Geometric facts never change, which keeps them relevant for decades.
That’s why clues like “a cube has 12 of them NYT” continue to appear in crosswords; they combine learning and logic in a fun, memorable way.
Common Mistakes Solvers Make
Even with an easy clue like this, solvers sometimes guess incorrectly. Here are a few common pitfalls:
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Answering “sides” instead of “edges.” A cube has six sides, not twelve.
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Overanalyzing the wording. The NYT crossword loves clean, factual clues, so keep it simple.
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Ignoring plural hints. “12 of them” clearly signals that the answer should be plural.
Remember: when you see “a cube has 12 of them NYT,” the correct and only fitting answer is EDGES.
Final Thoughts
The clue “a cube has 12 of them NYT” might look mysterious at first, but it’s one of those puzzles that rewards clear thinking over guesswork. It’s a perfect blend of logic, geometry, and word knowledge — all the elements that make the New York Times crossword so beloved.
Next time you’re solving a crossword and come across this clue, you’ll instantly know that the answer is EDGES. More importantly, you’ll appreciate how even the simplest clues can make you think in new, logical ways.
So keep practicing, keep solving, and the next time “a cube has 12 of them NYT” pops up, you’ll fill it in confidently one edge at a time.
FAQs
1. What is the answer to the clue “a cube has 12 of them nyt”?
The correct answer is EDGES, since a cube has twelve straight lines where its faces meet.
2. Why does a cube have 12 edges?
A cube has six faces, and each face connects to four others. The shared lines between them total twelve edges.
3. How often does the clue “a cube has 12 of them nyt” appear?
It’s a popular and recurring clue in The New York Times Mini Crossword, appearing occasionally over the years.
4. Are there other clues similar to “a cube has 12 of them nyt”?
Yes, crosswords often include similar geometry-based clues such as “A cube has eight of them” (answer: vertices) or “A cube has six of them” (answer: faces).
5. Why do crossword puzzles use geometry clues?
Geometry clues like “a cube has 12 of them NYT” are factual, short, and easy to verify — making them ideal for crossword design.