Let’s be honest—this clue reads like a riddle your quirky biology teacher would ask during a pop quiz. “Where do you find sponges that are always wet?” And while your brain might immediately go to your kitchen sink (or SpongeBob’s house), this is the New York Times crossword, so you’ve gotta think broader. Wetter. Salty-er.
The Clue: “Where to find sponges that are always wet”
This clue plays on your instinct to think about household sponges. But in this case, it’s talking about the OG sponges—sea sponges. You know, the soft, squishy creatures that have been chilling on Earth since before dinosaurs even thought about existing.
So where do these soggy legends live?
Popular Guesses That Miss the Mark
- Sink – Practical, yes. But also way too on-the-nose.
- Reef – A good guess (and often correct for sponge-related clues), but not this time.
- Bath – You’re not wrong, but the NYT isn’t going for literal here.
The Real Answer: OCEAN
Boom. There it is.
OCEAN is the correct answer, and it makes total sense once you shift your mindset from kitchen tools to marine biology. Sponges are aquatic animals, and the vast majority of them live in—you guessed it—the ocean. That means they’re not just wet. They’re always wet. Like, 24/7. No dry days.
Why This Answer Works
- Sponges = Sea Creatures: The clue is referencing the real-deal, living organisms, not the cleaning kind.
- “Always wet” clues you in that this is about an environment where water is nonstop.
- OCEAN is crossword gold—short, vowel-packed, and makes you feel smart when you nail it.
Pro Tip: Read Between the Lines
If a clue sounds like it’s being cute or playful, it probably is. The NYT crossword loves twisting expectations, especially with clues that blur the line between literal and figurative.
Other Words