Ever feel that little thrill when you finally crack a particularly clever clue in the New York Times crossword? That “aha!” moment is addictive, and sometimes the answers are so quirky they stick with you. Lately, one phrase has been popping up, leaving solvers both amused and perhaps a little confused.
We’re talking about “Tis a Pity,” often seen cluing some theatrical expression of sorrow or regret. It’s a phrase that feels both old-fashioned and strangely fitting for the intellectual challenge of the crossword. But where does it come from, and why does it keep showing up in our beloved puzzles?