"Cracking the Clues: Nov. 13, 2023 NYT Crossword Answers Revealed"

Benjamin Fink makes his New York Times crossword debut with a puzzle featuring a theme centered around common phrases and expressions. The theme revolves around italicized clues that lead to entries such as "CAMPAIGN PROMISE," "CUSTOMER REVIEW," and "HOMEWORK EXCUSE," all of which are often met with skepticism or disbelief. The puzzle also includes plus signs formed by black squares, which, contrary to speculation, have no connection to the theme. The crossword is praised for its accessibility and playful wordplay.