The New York Times Crossword · 15-Across · 9 letters
“Slow down a second!” The New York Times Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed September 6, 2026
Complete the phrase
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Phrase cue
Use a two-word exclamation beginning with a command once used to halt a horse.
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Answer
Why these words complete it
WHOATHERE renders the quoted command as a natural two-word interjection. The grid removes the space; the phrase does not refer literally to a duration of one second.
Continue this puzzleMade chitchat →The phrase frame
Quotation marks ask for a natural spoken equivalent of the command.
What the completed phrase means
Whoa there is an exclamation asking someone to stop, pause, or proceed more slowly.
Where this clue appeared
15-Across in The New York Times Crossword puzzle for September 5, 2026.
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