This might bring you to tears NYT Crossword Clue
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The clue “This might bring you to tears” from the New York Times Mini Crossword on June 13, 2024, has the answer “ONION.” citeturn0search0
Onions are known to cause tearing when cut due to the release of a chemical irritant called syn-Propanethial-S-oxide. When an onion is sliced, its cells are broken, releasing enzymes that convert amino acid sulfoxides into sulfenic acids. These sulfenic acids spontaneously rearrange into syn-Propanethial-S-oxide, a volatile sulfur compound. This compound diffuses through the air and reaches the eyes, where it stimulates sensory neurons, causing a stinging sensation. In response, the lachrymal glands produce tears to dilute and flush out the irritant.
The phenomenon of onions inducing tears has made them a common reference in language and culture. In crossword puzzles, clues often play on this characteristic, leading solvers to the answer “ONION.” Such clues rely on the solver’s familiarity with the fact that onions cause tearing, making “ONION” a fitting and concise answer.
Crossword constructors frequently use this type of wordplay to create engaging and thought-provoking puzzles. By referencing common experiences or widely known facts, they craft clues that are both challenging and satisfying when solved. In this instance, the clue “This might bring you to tears” cleverly points to the everyday experience of tearing up while cutting onions, making “ONION” the apt solution.
Understanding the science behind why onions cause tears not only enriches one’s general knowledge but also enhances the appreciation of such wordplay in crossword puzzles. It demonstrates how everyday phenomena are interwoven into language and entertainment, providing a deeper connection between real-world experiences and the realm of puzzles and games.