Ever stared at a New York Times crossword clue for what feels like hours, only to have the answer click in when you least expect it—maybe while brushing your teeth or walking the dog? Same here. One of those clues that recently tripped me up (and seems to be doing the rounds with many crossword solvers) is: “bumped things.”

If you landed here because you’re stuck on the bumped things nyt crossword clue or just curious about how to tackle quirky crossword phrases like this, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and uncover what this clue really means, some variations you might encounter, and how to sharpen your crossword-solving game.

Why “Bumped Things” Is So Tricky

Crossword clues often play with language—double meanings, wordplay, and indirect references are all fair game in the NYT crossword. When you see a clue like “bumped things,” your brain probably scrambles to make sense of it.

Is it physical? Emotional? Is “bumped” a verb or an adjective? These are the kinds of questions veteran solvers learn to ask themselves.

I remember the first time I came across this clue. I immediately thought of “elbows,” but the grid just didn’t support it. I second-guessed myself for 20 minutes before realizing I was on the right track all along—the clue just needed a broader interpretation.

Solved Clue: What Does “Bumped Things” Refer To?

So what’s the actual answer to “bumped things” in the NYT crossword?

In several recent puzzles, the correct answer has been:

Elbows

Yes, elbows—as in, “He bumped elbows with the mayor at the gala.”

But in true crossword fashion, the clue can lead to multiple interpretations depending on the puzzle theme, day of the week (they get trickier!), or the constructor’s intent. Other possible solutions might include:

• Cars (in a fender-bender context) 
• Hips (like on a crowded subway) 
• Into (as in, “bumped into”)
  

Each of these answers makes sense in different contexts. The key is recognizing how the clue is framed and how many letters the answer requires.

Related Clues You Might Encounter

Crossword clues evolve and often get recycled with slight twists. Here are some closely related clues you might run into that are similar in spirit to “bumped things”:

• Jostled in a crowd → Hips 
• Made accidental contact → Into 
• Fender-bender results → Dents 
• Casual greetings in COVID times → Elbows
  

These are built to test your ability to think laterally. You’re not just solving for one definition—you’re solving for interpretation.

Understanding Crossword Clue Language

The New York Times crossword puzzle has its own internal language. Once you begin to recognize patterns, you’ll start solving faster and more confidently. Here are some expert tips from my personal journey into crossword solving:

Tip 1: Read the Clue as a Sentence, Not a Fragment

Sometimes we isolate words too much. “Bumped things” might make more sense when imagined in use:
“They bumped things at the networking event.” Suddenly, elbows makes total sense.

Tip 2: Think Contextually, Not Literally

Bumped doesn’t always mean physical contact. It could mean ran into trouble, interrupted, or collided, depending on the clue.

Tip 3: Consider Slang and Modern Lingo

Crossword puzzles are getting younger and more culturally tuned-in. Don’t be surprised if the clue taps into sports, pop culture, or social trends (like elbow-bumping during COVID).

Real Talk: Why We Love (and Hate) Crossword Clues Like This

As someone who’s been solving crosswords for over 5 years, I’ve found the best and worst clues are often the same: vague, misleading, and oddly satisfying once cracked. “Bumped things” is exactly that.

One time, I misread a similar clue and spent an embarrassingly long time thinking of boxing terms. I even wrote “fists” and “gloves” before realizing the theme of the puzzle was about alternative greetings. Suddenly, elbows popped into my head—and there it was. That rush? Worth every wrong guess.

Crossword-Solving Strategies You Can Start Using Today

Even if “bumped things” threw you off, the good news is that you can build skills that help you solve these kinds of clues faster.

Strategy 1: Use the Crosses

Check intersecting answers. If the down clues seem easier, fill those in first. They often unlock the trickier across clues.

Strategy 2: Look at the Theme

Many NYT puzzles, especially on Thursdays, have a theme or gimmick. Understanding the theme might change how you interpret each clue.

Strategy 3: Keep a Clue Journal

Yes, I do this—and yes, it helps. Every time I come across a tricky clue and finally get it, I jot it down. Over time, patterns emerge, and I start to recognize the constructor’s tricks.

FAQ: Bumped Things NYT Crossword

What does “bumped things” mean in the NYT crossword?

It typically refers to elbows, especially in the context of casual greetings or physical interaction.

Are there other possible answers besides “elbows”?

Yes. Depending on the puzzle context, answers like cars, hips, or into may also be correct.

How can I get better at solving ambiguous clues like this?

Practice, patience, and pattern recognition. Use crosses and themes to narrow down meanings.

Does the day of the week affect clue difficulty?

Absolutely. NYT crosswords get harder from Monday to Saturday. Thursday often includes tricky or themed clues like “bumped things.”

Are tools or apps okay to use?

Sure! Apps like CrossBoss, OneLook, or even NYT’s own Crossword app are helpful for learning. Just don’t rely on them too much—you want to build your own skillset too.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Answer—It’s About the Journey

If you’re still scratching your head at clues like “bumped things,” don’t sweat it. That’s part of the magic of crossword puzzles—they stretch your mind, make you think sideways, and reward curiosity.

Next time you’re stuck, step back, take a breath, and think about the clue in a new light. You’re not just playing a game—you’re building mental muscles and learning how to interpret language in creative ways.

Your Turn

Did you recently solve a puzzle with the “bumped things” clue? Share your experience in the comments—or tell us what other clues tripped you up. Let’s learn together, one square at a time.

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