Working on the LA Times clue “Sweet-talk”? Below you’ll find solver-friendly hints, a spoiler-safe reveal, and a deeper breakdown of why the entry fits typical crossword conventions. For daily help and archives, visit Clue of the Day.
Hints (no spoilers)
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Why “CAJOLE” Fits This Clue
Editors favor CAJOLE for “Sweet-talk” because it precisely captures persuasive flattery that’s gentle rather than forceful. It’s stronger than a neutral ask and less pushy than pressure, sitting in that persuasive middle where charm and coaxing do the work. If you considered coax, wheedle, or butter up, you were circling the target—CAJOLE is the crisp, dictionary-ready verb that lands most cleanly in American crosswords.
In usage, you can cajole someone into doing something, which also makes it friendly to clue/answer pairings that involve prepositional structures. The word is common enough to be fair but elevated enough to feel lively in a grid.
From a solving perspective, keep an eye on crossings that confirm the -JOLE tail; ambiguous letters often lock quickly once you’ve penciled in the initial CA-. If a crossing tempted you toward coerce, note that “sweet-talk” skews positive/charming, not forceful—another reason CAJOLE is the better fit.
Strategy: Calibrate the Register
When a clue suggests persuasion by charm, aim for verbs with a slightly formal register. Create a mini synonym ladder in your head: urge → coax → cajole → wheedle. Crossings will usually elevate you to the most precise fit that the editor intended.
