Takes a deep breath, say - The Atlantic Crossword Clue

Takes a deep breath, say Answer Explained

The answer is YAWNS.

“Takes a deep breath, say” is the kind of clue that makes you think about the action rather than the obvious answer. My first instinct was something like “inhales,” since taking a deep breath is exactly that. But the word “say” signals that the clue is giving just one example, not a definition. A YAWN begins with a deep inhalation followed by a long exhalation, so someone who yawns is indeed taking a deep breath. The clue describes part of the action instead of naming it directly, making an everyday behavior feel just a little less obvious. It's a simple but satisfying piece of misdirection.

Now that you've cracked the 5A Takes a deep breath, say clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s The Atlantic Crossword Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry, we've got you covered. Explore more The Atlantic Crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the Bracket City, Stacks, or NYT The Daily Crossword.

Today’s The Atlantic Crossword Highlights

I just finished today’s Tuesday Atlantic Crossword, and it was a smooth, enjoyable solve with a couple of clues that really stood out. The puzzle wasn't especially difficult, but it had the kind of clever clueing that makes everyday words feel fresh.
My favorite was YAWNS for “Takes a deep breath, say.” At first I was looking for something more literal, but then I realized a yawn really does begin with a deep breath. It’s such a simple answer, yet the clue makes you think about it from a different angle.
CLAIM was another highlight. The clue, “This is the best pizza in the city,” e.g., isn't describing pizza at all; it's describing the statement itself. Once I saw that, the answer felt wonderfully obvious.
Overall, it was exactly what I hoped for from a Tuesday puzzle: approachable, clever, and full of little aha moments without ever becoming frustrating.

Here’s what caught our attention today:

• "This is the best pizza in the city," e.g.

About The Atlantic Crossword and The Atlantic Games

A Daily Puzzle for Every Solver

The Atlantic Crossword is a daily digital crossword designed to challenge and delight solvers of all levels. It was launched in 2018 and has since become a standout offering among modern crosswords, with fresh clues and clever themes.

Weekday Progression: From Easy to Tricky

• Monday to Friday: The puzzle starts small on Monday and increases in size and difficulty throughout the week.
• Sunday Edition: A larger, more challenging puzzle appears every Sunday, constructed by a rotating cast of skilled puzzle makers.

Where to Play

You can access the crossword directly on The Atlantic’s website or via their mobile app.

Social Play Feature

Want to solve with friends? The Atlantic Crossword includes a Social Play option that lets you invite others to collaborate in real time, perfect for puzzling together from afar.

Free and Subscriber-Only Access

Most daily puzzles are free to play. However, some bonus content, like archives and special puzzles, may be reserved for Atlantic subscribers.

Part of a Growing Puzzle Lineup

The crossword is just one part of The Atlantic’s puzzle suite. Other original games include:

• Bracket City: The Atlantic’s fan-favorite game, where you solve nested clues to uncover events from that day in history. Need help solving the clues? Try our Bracket City Answers and Hints.
• Stacks: A fresh take on wordplay and strategy, where you sort layered word tiles into tidy stacks. Stuck on today’s set? Use our Stacks Solver.
• Fluxis: A daily blend of language and logic, where the goal is to uncover a secret pattern. Try our Fluxis Solver!
• Caleb’s Inferno: A monthly, high-difficulty puzzle from Caleb Madison that challenges even elite solvers.