January 27, 2026

Title: YOU'RE THE BEST (Freestyle)

Constructor: Rafael Musa

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

Theme synopsis:

YOU'RE THE BEST (Freestyle): There's no theme today because this is a freestyle, or themeless, puzzle. The title is a nod to HONEYMOON PERIOD (38A: Early relationship phase when everything is blissful).

What I learned from today's puzzle:

• ENCHIRITO (34D: Trademarked Taco Bell offering with a portmanteau name) The word "ENCHIRITO" is a portmanteau of the words "enchilada" and "burrito." A Taco Bell ENCHIRITO is essentially a beef and bean burrito smothered in enchilada sauce. This menu item was first introduced in 1970, and that's when Taco Bell trademarked the word ENCHIRITO. Taco Bell discontinued the ENCHIRITO in 2013, and then brought it back for a limited time a few years ago. It's not currently available at Taco Bell, so if seeing ENCHIRITO in the puzzle makes you hungry for one, you'll need to make your own.

Random thoughts and interesting things:

• SAPPHO (1A: Greek poet whose home island is the source of the word "lesbian") SAPPHO (c. 630-c. 570 BCE) was a Greek poet known for her lyric poetry. The 7th century BCE poet from the island of Lesbos wrote about her attraction to women. One of her most known poems is "Ode to Aphrodite."
• NOONE CARES (16A: "Sounds like a you problem!") and LET'S BE REAL (59A: "We have to face facts!") These two answers lead me to believe we're no longer in the HONEYMOON PERIOD! The juxtaposition of these two answers with the central grid-spanning answer did make me chuckle.
• ISLA (22A: Cuba, por ejemplo) The use of the Spanish phrase, "por ejemplo" ("for example"), in the clue indicates that the answer will be a Spanish word.
• HEH (43A: Chuckle syllable) and HEE (5D: Chuckle syllable) Speaking of chuckling, this is a fun clue echo.
• INTO (61A: "August slipped away ___ a moment in time") "August" is a song from Taylor Swift's 2020 album, Folklore. The song contains the lyric "August slipped away INTO a moment in time." I am a fan of using song lyrics to add interest to clues for common words. That works out well, as today's constructor is a fan of using Taylor Swift lyrics in his puzzles.
• ATE (62A: Enjoyed a 63-Across) and BANANA (63A: Boomerang-shaped fruit) A BANANA does look a bit like a boomerang, but I doubt one would come back to you if you threw it. (To be fair, I doubt a boomerang would come back to me if I were to throw it either...)
• SONS (1D: Steinway & ___) Steinway & SONS was founded in New York City in 1853 by German piano builder Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg (who was later known as Henry E. Steinway). As the company grew, an additional factory was opened in Hamburg, Germany. Steinway & SONS is known for its high quality pianos, as well as its inventions in piano development.
• RAISE CAIN (10D: Make a huge scene) The phrase "RAISE CAIN" has been used since the 1800s to mean create a disturbance or act wildly. The phrase has a rather grim origin, as it's a reference to the Biblical story of CAIN and Abel, who were the sons of Adam and Eve. CAIN killed his brother Abel, which is definitely one way to create a disturbance. 
• PET (21D: House cat, e.g.) My PET, Willow, is an extremely spoiled house cat.

• DAMSEL (28D: Empowered ___ (character who is the agent of her own rescue)) I really like this clue. Empowered DAMSEL is a nice contrast to the traditional trope of a DAMSEL in distress.
• LEDE (31D: News story intro) This answer caught my attention simply because we saw LEDE in the puzzle three days ago clued as [Journalist's intro].
• DOX (36D: Expose online) To DOX someone is to post private information about them online; this is often used as a form of revenge. The word DOX evolved as a respelling of docs (short for documents).
• A few other clues and answers I especially enjoyed:
• SNARKY (66A: Sarcastic and mocking)
• MORPHS (26D: Transforms, like some sci-fi creatures)
• SLAY (57D: "That performance was iconic!" in ballroom culture)

Lots of fun entries in this themeless puzzle that work together to make it a lively solve. In addition to the answers I've highlighted above, I also enjoyed the longer answers ALTER EGOS, TO BE FRANK, and SIXTH SENSE. Thank you, Rafa, for this excellent puzzle.

Occasionally I like to let you know of happenings in the crossword world, and I have a couple of things to share with you today:

• First of all, a reminder of the Boswords Winter Wondersolve, an online crossword tournament happening Sunday, February 1. The Boswords events are always a good time, whether or not you are a competitive solver. My husband and I will be solving as a pair and enjoying an afternoon of hanging out online with other crossword folk. Check it out and join us!
• Secondly, I wanted to let you know about the ORCAS. The ORCAS (an anagram of Oscar) are annual awards given to crossword people. There are no trophies or award monies, but it's a fun opportunity to shine a light on some great moments from the past year. The ORCA Awards ceremony will be broadcast online on February 23 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET. This is the 14th year for the ORCAS, and for the first time, many of the nominated puzzles are available in a puzzle pack. This is a great opportunity to solve some amazing puzzles. The puzzle pack is available for a donation to the Trevor Project (which is a worthy organization to support even without this perk). To find out how to receive the puzzle pack, send an email to theorcaawards@gmail.com. The ORCAS ballot will be made public February 3, but if you get a puzzle pack you'll get early access to the ballot. I may have buried the lede here, but there are several new categories for the ORCAS this year, and one of them is Best Crossword Commentary. I'm honored to have been nominated in that category.