November 18, 2025

Title: INTRO TO MIDDLE ENGLISH

Constructor: Kareem Ayas

Editor: Amie Walker

Theme synopsis:

• SCREEN GRABS (17A: Certain receipts, perhaps)
• DON'T EVEN GO THERE (40A: "That topic is off-limits!")
• GARDEN GNOME (62D: Bearded lawn decoration)

INTRO TO MIDDLE ENGLISH: The abbreviation ENG (for ENGLISH) is found in the exact MIDDLE of each theme answer: SCREEN GRABS, DON'T EVEN GO THERE, and GARDEN GNOME.

And now a word from our constructor:

Kareem: I'm a high school English teacher! Usually American Lit or English Lit, or Creative Writing or Literary Theory - but I've never taught Middle English... I did enjoy reading The Canterbury Tales though! That Miller is crazy.

Here is Kane chilling nearby while I enjoy some white wine and a cheese plate. (He wanted some, but didn't get any!)

What I learned from today's puzzle:

• ANITA (54A: Molly Shannon's "Never Been Kissed" role) Never Been Kissed is a 1999 rom-com about a reporter (Drew Barrymore) who goes undercover at a a high school. Molly Shannon portrays ANITA Olefsky, one of the reporter's co-workers.
• HONG (58D: Mong Kok, ___ Kong) Mong Kok is a neighborhood in the Kowloon area of HONG Kong. Mong Kok is known for its shopping areas, a combination of markets, food stalls, and shopping plazas.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• SIKHS (14A: Followers of Waheguru) Sikhism is a religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent in the late 15th century. Waheguru is a term used by SIKHS to refer to God. Waheguru is literally translated as "Wow Guru," and used to mean "Wonderful God."
• APE (16A: Mojo Jojo in "The Powerpuff Girls," e.g.) I have previously written about The Powerpuff Girls and Mojo Jojo.
• OREO (24A: Dunkable cookie) One could argue that any cookie is a dunkable cookie for those who like to dunk their cookies. But it wasn't hard to figure out that the answer here is crossword's favorite cookie. Our crossword friend OREO continues to have a good month, making its fifth appearance of November today.
• IDIOM (35A: "The best of both worlds," e.g.) and ADAGE (67A: Wise saying) Although IDIOMs and ADAGEs are definitely different things, they are linked in my mind under the category of "sayings," so it was fun to see them together in the grid today. An IDIOM is a saying with a figurative rather than a literal meaning. An ADAGE is a short, often traditional saying, which imparts a nugget of wisdom.
• ELI (43A: Retired QB Manning) ELI Manning is a former quarterback. He played 16 seasons with the NFL's New York Giants. During his career, he led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories, and was named MVP in both of those years (2008 and 2012).
• ALLAH (49A: God with 99 names) In Islamic tradition, there are 99 names of God, each evoking a distinct characteristic of ALLAH. 
• IHOP (57A: Breakfast chain that also serves waffles) This clue made me chuckle. IHOP is an acronym for International House of Pancakes ... but they do serve waffles as well.
• NOG (66A: Egg ___ (seasonal drink)) This is a timely clue, as EggNOG season is here.
• THE ROBOT (4D: Dance with mechanical movements) THE ROBOT, also called mannequin, is a dance style with stilted movements that suggest the movements of a ROBOT. This dance style has been around since the 1960s (it arose out of the tradition of mime). If your ROBOT moves are a bit rusty, WikiHow is here to help.
• UPON (12D: "When you wish ___ a star…") "When you wish UPON a star..." is a the opening line of the song of the same name that was written for Disney's 1940 animated movie Pinocchio. In the original movie, the song is sung by the character Jiminy Cricket (voiced by Cliff Edwards). In the 2022 live-action remake of Pinocchio, "When You Wish UPON a Star" is sung by the character The Blue Fairy, who is played by Cynthia Erivo. I thought I'd link to that version today, in honor of Wicked: For Good (starring Cynthia Erivo as the Wicked Witch of the West) will be released in the U.S. in a few days. (Yes, I did mention the release of this movie yesterday, too!)
• HALO (26D: Head light?) This is a fun question mark clue. Not a headlight on a car, but a HALO, a light above the head of an angel.
• VEST (41D: Garment in a Woody costume) That's the character Woody (Sheriff Woody Pride) of the Toy Story franchise. Fun fact: In the Toy Story movies, the character of Woody is voiced by Tom Hanks. In other places (video games, attractions, merchandise), the character of Woody is often voiced by Tom Hanks' brother, Jim Hanks.
• HELSINKI (42D: Home to the Museum of Finnish Architecture) HELSINKI is the capital and most populous city of Finland. The Museum of Finnish Architecture was established in 1956. In 2024, the museum merged with the Design Museum, and is now known as the Architecture & Design Museum.
• OMEN (59D: A black cat crossing your path, e.g.) Some people consider it a bad OMEN if a black cat crosses your path. Although she's not a black cat, my cat, Willow, says you should consider any cat crossing your path an especially good OMEN.

• GIS (65D: Brazilian jiujitsu uniforms) Brazilian jiujitsu is a martial art based on ground fighting and submission holds. GIS, uniforms for training, consist of a heavy cotton jacket, drawstring pants, and a belt denoting rank. GIS worn in international competitions must be white, black, or blue.

Today's title let me know just what to expect theme-wise. That always makes me feel smart. I also appreciate the fact that this theme feels especially apt coming from a constructor who is an ENGLISH teacher. Thank you, Kareem, for this enjoyable puzzle.