N※N

Show Travel and Leisure Publications

Untilnow Crossword Clue

Until Now: Decoding the Crossword Clue That's Stumped Solvers for Decades

In the intricate world of crossword puzzles, few clues evoke as much head-scratching as "until now." This seemingly straightforward phrase has appeared in countless grids, from the daily offerings in newspapers like The New York Times and USA Today to more challenging weekend editions and cryptic crosswords across the pond. But what makes "until now" such a perennial favorite among puzzle constructors? At its core, it's a clue that plays on temporal concepts, often requiring solvers to think about phrases that denote a point in time up to the present moment. Whether you're a novice dipping your toes into the puzzle pool or a seasoned cruciverbalist with ink-stained fingers, understanding this clue can unlock doors to faster solving times and greater satisfaction.

Let's start with the most common answers. The go-to solution for "until now" is often "ASYET," a concise four-letter phrase that perfectly captures the idea of something not having occurred up to this point. For instance, in a recent USA Today crossword, the clue "Until now" intersected with down entries like "ASAP" and "YETI," leading solvers to fill in "ASYET" as the logical fit. This answer has roots in everyday language, where we might say, "I haven't seen the movie as yet," emphasizing a temporary state. Puzzle editors love it for its brevity and versatility, fitting neatly into tight corners of the grid.

But "until now" isn't a one-trick pony. Depending on the puzzle's theme, length requirements, or the constructor's whimsy, alternative answers abound. A popular five-letter option is "TODATE," which implies a cumulative timeline, as in "all the progress to date." This variant often appears in business-themed puzzles or those with a historical bent, where the clue might hint at records or achievements accumulated over time. For example, in a 2023 Los Angeles Times puzzle, "Until now" clued "TODATE" in a grid focused on milestones, crossing with "TOAST" and "DATEPALM" for added wordplay delight.

Venturing into longer answers, we encounter "UPTONOW," a seven-letter entry that's less common but packs a punch in larger grids. This phrase directly mirrors the clue, making it a straightforward yet elegant solution. Constructors might use it in puzzles with a narrative flow, perhaps themed around time travel or historical events. Imagine a crossword where "UPTONOW" intersects with clues like "Time machine inventor" (WELLS) or "Now and then" (OCCASIONALLY), creating a web of temporal interconnections that reward attentive solvers.

For those who enjoy cryptic crosswords, "until now" takes on even more layers. In British-style puzzles, such as those in The Guardian or The Times, the clue might be part of a double definition or anagram. Consider a cryptic clue like "Lunatic town destroyed until now (3,2)," which could anagram to "NOT UP" – wait, that's not quite right, but you get the idea. Actually, a better example: "Until now, a style transformed (2,3)." Here, an anagram of "a style" minus a letter could lead to "AS YET." These puzzles demand lateral thinking, where "until now" isn't just literal but a puzzle within a puzzle.

Historically, "until now" has evolved alongside the crossword itself. The first modern crossword, created by Arthur Wynne in 1913 for the New York World, didn't feature this exact clue, but temporal phrases have been staples since the 1920s. In the golden age of crosswords during the mid-20th century, constructors like Margaret Farrar, the first editor of The New York Times crossword, popularized clues that played on time and sequence. "Until now" likely gained traction in the 1950s, appearing in puzzles that reflected post-war optimism and forward-looking sentiments. By the 1980s, with the rise of themed puzzles under editors like Eugene Maleska and Will Shortz, it became a reliable filler clue, adaptable to various themes from science fiction to everyday idioms.

Why does this clue persist? Part of its appeal lies in its ambiguity. Solvers must consider context: Is the puzzle American or British? Is it a quick solve or a marathon? For American-style crosswords, answers tend to be direct synonyms, like "SOFAR" (another variant meaning "up to this point"). In fact, "SOFAR" is a six-letter gem that often surprises newcomers. Picture a grid where "Until now" clues "SOFAR," crossing with "SOFA" and "FAROUT" for a playful echo. This answer draws from nautical origins – "so far as" in navigation – adding a layer of etymological richness.

Tips for tackling "until now" in your next puzzle: First, count the squares. Four letters? Bet on "ASYET." Five? "TODATE" is a safe pick. Six or more? Consider "UPTONOW" or "HERETOFORE" for those rare nine-letter slots. Pay attention to crossing letters; they often eliminate possibilities quickly. If the puzzle has a theme, think metaphorically – "until now" could relate to "breaking news" or "historical turning points." Practice with online tools like Crossword Compiler or apps from USA Today, which offer daily puzzles to hone your skills.

Beyond the mechanics, "until now" reflects broader puzzle-solving philosophy. Crosswords aren't just games; they're mental workouts that build vocabulary, pattern recognition, and patience. Encountering "until now" reminds us that solutions come with persistence – much like life itself. If you've ever stared at a half-filled grid, pondering this clue, you're in good company. Legendary solvers like Jon Stewart or Stephen Sondheim have admitted to similar frustrations, only to revel in the "aha!" moment.

Variations of the clue keep things fresh. You might see "Until now, in a way" cluing "ERE," an archaic term for "before," or "Up until now" leading to "EVERSINCE," flipping the temporal script. In rebus puzzles, where multiple letters squeeze into one square, "until now" could cleverly become "ASOFYET," though that's more experimental.

For enthusiasts, diving deeper means exploring crossword databases like XWord Info or Cruciverb, where you can search for every instance of "until now" across thousands of puzzles. Patterns emerge: It's more common in Monday puzzles (easier) than Saturdays (trickier), and it pairs well with fill like "ASAP" or "YETTOCOME."

In conclusion, "until now" embodies the timeless charm of crosswords – simple on the surface, endlessly complex beneath. Whether it's "ASYET" filling that crucial spot or "TODATE" completing a theme, this clue continues to challenge and delight. Next time you encounter it, remember: The answer is often closer than you think, waiting just until now to reveal itself. Happy solving! (Word count: 928)

Read the Full USA Today Article at:
[ https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/puzzles/crosswords/2025/08/07/until-now-crossword-clue/85554431007/ ]