USA TODAY Crossword · 54-Across · 4 letters
“This is ___ drill!” USA TODAY Crossword clue
Editorially reviewed September 5, 2026
Complete the phrase
Reveal the fill now—or finish the wording yourself.
Phrase cue
Supply the two-word negation before drill.
Open the fill and see the complete expressionOne click · no signup
Answer
Why these words complete it
NOTA completes the urgent fixed expression This is not a drill, meaning the situation is real rather than a practice exercise. The two short words run together as a four-letter crossword entry.
Continue this puzzle“___ not that deep!” →The phrase frame
The quotation is a familiar warning whose missing segment contains two words.
What the completed phrase means
Not a is the two-word negating phrase in the warning this is not a drill.
Where this clue appeared
54-Across in USA TODAY Crossword puzzle for September 5, 2026.
Browse selected USA TODAY Crossword clues →More selected clues from USA TODAY Crossword · September 5, 2026
Continue with independently explained clues from the same puzzle date. This is a selected learning set, not a complete answer list.
See NOTA meaning and common clue patterns →
Related reviewed clues
Solve the next clue here.
Paste another clue, add the letters you trust, and keep solving without returning to search.
This independently written explanation is for learning and clue analysis. Crossword Clue Tutor is not affiliated with or endorsed by USA TODAY Crossword or its publisher.