["I'll take 'Tennis' for $200, Ken"] It means nothing
WHATISLOVE
n tennis, “love” means zero, so the “It means nothing” part is literal. The clue’s first half sets up the Jeopardy! gimmick and your answer must be in question form. That makes WHAT IS LOVE a perfect fit, also referencing the famous Haddaway song for extra wordplay fun.
Across
ATP stands for adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that stores and releases energy for cellular processes in the body. It is often referred to as the "energy currency" of cells. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating the use of its abbreviation, ATP.
4Word before rope or scareJUMP????✨ See Why
The answer is JUMP because it forms common phrases: "jump rope" (a skipping activity using a rope) and "jump scare" (a sudden startling moment, often in horror media). These are well-known expressions, making JUMP the fitting solution to the clue.
8Loose-limbedLITHE?????✨ See Why
The clue "Loose-limbed" refers to a physical characteristic of being flexible or agile. The word "LITHE" perfectly matches this definition, as it describes someone who is thin, supple, and graceful, often used for flexible or limber movements. It's a direct synonym fitting the clue.
13Talk like a tipplerSLUR????✨ See Why
The clue "Talk like a tippler" hints at slurred speech, a common characteristic of someone intoxicated ("tippler" refers to a drinker). "Slur" matches this description, capturing the indistinct, blurry way speech can sound when impaired by alcohol. The pun here connects "talk" to the altered speech pattern.
14Far from shoreASEA????✨ See Why
The clue "Far from shore" suggests being away from land and in the open water. The word "ASEA" literally means "at sea," reflecting such a state. It's a straightforward match to describe being on or surrounded by the ocean, thus far from shore.
15City on the Nile … or a punny end to the joke "When a tight-knit group of cygnets votes, they vote ___"ASWAN?????✨ See Why
The answer is ASWAN. It's a city on the Nile, fulfilling the straightforward part of the clue, but the pun lies in "a swan"—a play on words referring to cygnets (young swans). A "tight-knit group" humorously votes "as one," also sounding like "ASWAN."
16Do a collie's workHERD????✨ See Why
The answer is HERD because collies are herding dogs, traditionally bred to gather and manage livestock like sheep. "Do a collie's work" refers to the key task collies are known for—herding animals. This concise connection makes HERD the best-fitting solution.
17["I'll take 'Tennis' for $200, Ken"] It means nothingWHATISLOVE??????????✨ See Why
n tennis, “love” means zero, so the “It means nothing” part is literal. The clue’s first half sets up the Jeopardy! gimmick and your answer must be in question form. That makes WHAT IS LOVE a perfect fit, also referencing the famous Haddaway song for extra wordplay fun.
19Pre-med track precursor, in briefAPBIO?????✨ See Why
The clue "Pre-med track precursor, in brief" hints at a necessary early academic step for aspiring medical students. APBIO stands for Advanced Placement Biology, a high school course offering foundational knowledge crucial for pre-med education. "In brief" signals an abbreviation, making APBIO the correct answer.
21Cookie holderTIN???✨ See Why
The answer "TIN" fits the clue "Cookie holder" because cookies are often stored in tins, which are metal containers specifically used for keeping baked goods fresh. This is a straightforward, literal interpretation of the clue. Tins are commonly associated with cookies, especially during holidays.
22Not manyAFEW????✨ See Why
The clue "Not many" refers to a small, indefinite quantity. "A FEW" directly means a small number, fitting perfectly with the clue's intent. It emphasizes a limited amount, distinguishing it from none or many, thus making "AFEW" the correct solution.
23["Let's go with 'Nickname's the Same' for $400"] Bruce Springsteen, Lance Armstrong and Melissa McCarthy in a 2016 comedyWHOSTHEBOSS???????????✨ See Why
The “Nickname’s the Same” category hints that all listed people share a nickname, in this case, “The Boss.” In Jeopardy! format, you’d say WHO’S THE BOSS, which is also the title of a classic 1980s sitcom. It’s a layered clue connecting trivia, TV, and the theme’s question format.
27Transistor statesONS???✨ See Why
The clue "Transistor states" plays on the fact that transistors operate in two states, ON and OFF. The plural "states" suggests multiple instances of the ON state, hence the answer is ONS. It's a technical nod to transistors' binary operation.
28Honda luxury brandACURA?????✨ See Why
The answer is ACURA because it is Honda's luxury vehicle division, known for producing premium cars. The clue directly refers to the brand, with no wordplay or misdirection involved. ACURA was introduced by Honda in 1986 as the first Japanese luxury car brand, fitting the description perfectly.
29Over yonderTHAR????✨ See Why
The answer "THAR" aligns with "Over yonder" because it's a colloquial, old-fashioned way of saying "there," often used in rural or nautical contexts to mean "in that distant place." The informal tone of the clue matches the dialectal nature of "THAR."
31Bubbles, e.g.ORBS????✨ See Why
The clue "Bubbles, e.g." refers to their shape. Bubbles are typically spherical, and the word "orbs" describes round or spherical objects. This makes ORBS the fitting answer, as it captures the shared roundness between bubbles and orbs.
34HaulsLUGS????✨ See Why
The clue "Hauls" and the answer "LUGS" share a direct connection in meaning. To "lug" something means to carry or haul it, usually with effort. The plural form "lugs" matches "hauls" in the plural sense, making it the correct solution.
36Muscle-and-bone docORTHO?????✨ See Why
The answer "ORTHO" refers to an orthopedist, a medical doctor specializing in the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles and bones. The clue uses "doc" as a shorthand for doctor, leading to "ORTHO," an abbreviation commonly associated with orthopedics.
39["Give me 'The Academy' for $600"] This was only the second animated film to be nominated for Best Picture, after "Beauty and the Beast"WHATSUP???????✨ See Why
“The Academy” hints at Oscars trivia. “Second animated film to be nominated for Best Picture” after Beauty and the Beast was Pixar’s Up in 2009. With the Jeopardy! twist, that becomes WHAT’S UP, a casual greeting that doubles as the perfect game-show-style question.
41["How about 'Sports and Comedy' for $800"] He was on first base, per Abbott and CostelloWHOSWHO???????✨ See Why
The category “Sports and Comedy” sets up a reference to Abbott and Costello’s famous “Who’s on First?” routine. The player on first base is named “Who,” so in Jeopardy! style, you’d answer WHO’S WHO. It’s also a common phrase meaning identifying people, adding a nice double meaning.
43The Supreme Court justices, collectivelyNONET?????✨ See Why
The Supreme Court has nine justices. A "nonet" is a group of nine, often referring to a musical ensemble or collection. Here, it's used metaphorically to describe the nine justices collectively.
44Charlie's Angels, e.g.TRIO????✨ See Why
The answer is TRIO because "Charlie's Angels" refers to the three central characters in the show—symbolizing a group of three, which defines a trio. The "e.g." in the clue signals an example, and Charlie's Angels are an example of a trio.
46SwankyPOSH????✨ See Why
The clue "Swanky" means stylish, luxurious, or elegant, which aligns with the definition of POSH. Originally associated with high-class or sophisticated style, POSH is often used to describe something fancy or upscale, making it the perfect synonym for "Swanky."
47Doubled or tripled, sayGREW????✨ See Why
The clue "Doubled or tripled, say" refers to an increase in size, amount, or quantity, which aligns with the word "GREW." To double or triple something inherently means it has grown significantly, making GREW the correct answer for this clue.
49Gas brand with a torch in its logoAMOCO?????✨ See Why
The answer is AMOCO because it refers to the American oil company known for its torch-and-oval logo. The torch symbolizes progress and energy, making it a distinctive branding feature. AMOCO is a well-known gas brand, fitting the clue’s description perfectly.
51Savanna preyGNU???✨ See Why
The answer "GNU" fits the clue "Savanna prey" because a gnu, also known as a wildebeest, is a common herbivore found on the savanna and a frequent target for predators like lions and hyenas. This aligns perfectly with the clue's description.
53["I'll try 'Painted Ladies' for $1,000"] This piece by Impressionist Mary Cassatt shows two women enjoying a drinkWHATSTHETEA???????????✨ See Why
“Painted Ladies” hints at art featuring women. The described Impressionist work by Mary Cassatt shows women drinking tea. In Jeopardy! style, that becomes WHAT’S THE TEA, a phrase that today also means “What’s the gossip?” making the answer both literal and slangy.
58Kelly of morning TVRIPA????✨ See Why
The answer "RIPA" refers to Kelly Ripa, a well-known television personality and actress who co-hosts the popular morning talk show Live with Kelly and Mark (formerly Live with Kelly and Ryan). This makes her a prominent figure in morning TV, perfectly fitting the clue.
60GuileART???✨ See Why
The answer "ART" fits the clue "Guile" because "art" can mean skillful cunning or craftiness, a clever or deceitful means to an end. This aligns with the definition of guile, which involves sly or crafty intelligence, making "art" a fitting synonym in this context.
61Key ring?ATOLL?????✨ See Why
The clue "Key ring?" is wordplay. "Key" can refer to a small island (like the Florida Keys), and an atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef or chain of islands. Thus, an atoll represents a "key ring" in a geographic and punny sense.
62At risk … or where one might hear the clue-and-answer pairs at 17-, 23-, 39-, 41- and 53-Across?INJEOPARDY??????????✨ See Why
The answer "INJEOPARDY" works as a pun. "At risk" aligns with the literal meaning of being in jeopardy, while the referenced clue-answer pairs mimic trivia questions on the game show Jeopardy!, a setting where such wordplay fits perfectly. The puzzle connects the theme cleverly with this wordplay.
66"Thus with a kiss ___" (Romeo's final words)IDIE????✨ See Why
The clue references Romeo's last words from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. He says, "Thus with a kiss, I die," as he kisses Juliet and drinks poison. "I die" fits both contextually and literally as his final line before death, which matches the phrasing in the clue.
67Sea inlet surrounded by steep cliffsFJORD?????✨ See Why
A FJORD is a long, narrow sea inlet bordered by steep cliffs or mountains, typically formed by glacial activity. The clue directly describes this geographical feature, making FJORD the accurate answer. Fjords are especially prevalent in countries like Norway, known for their dramatic coastal landscapes.
68In one's birthday suitBARE????✨ See Why
The phrase "in one's birthday suit" is a playful expression meaning to be naked, as one is at birth. The word "BARE" directly means uncovered or naked, making it the perfect fit for this clue.
69Try to win overCOAX????✨ See Why
The clue "Try to win over" suggests an attempt to persuade someone gently or subtly, which aligns with the meaning of COAX. To "coax" someone is to influence them through soft persuasion or flattery, effectively "trying to win them over" without forceful methods.
70Hasbro word game that comes with a 60-second hourglassTABOO?????✨ See Why
The Hasbro game Taboo challenges players to get teammates to guess a word without using "taboo" words listed on the card. It includes a 60-second hourglass timer to limit turns. The clue references this key gameplay element, connecting the answer TABOO to the described word game.
71Go like a geyserSPEW????✨ See Why
The answer SPEW fits because it describes the forceful and continuous ejection of liquid or gas, much like the behavior of a geyser shooting water and steam into the air. The verb "go" in the clue ties to the eruptive, dynamic action of spewing.
72Word after kick or dumbASS???✨ See Why
The answer "ASS" works because it's commonly paired with "kick" (as in "kick-ass," meaning impressive) and "dumb" (as in "dumb-ass," meaning foolish). This clue plays on familiar phrases that use "ASS" to emphasize or modify the preceding word.
Down
1Hebrew leader?ALEPH?????✨ See Why
The clue "Hebrew leader?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. ALEPH is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, making it a figurative "leader" in sequence. The pun lies in interpreting "leader" not as a person but the starting point of the Hebrew alphabet.
2Booster for a dragsterTURBO?????✨ See Why
The answer is TURBO because a turbocharger, commonly shortened to "turbo," is a device that boosts an engine's power by forcing extra compressed air into the combustion chamber. Dragsters, which are performance-oriented racing cars, use turbochargers to gain more speed and horsepower, making it the perfect "booster."
3Result of a scandal going viral, in briefPRDISASTER??????????✨ See Why
PRDISASTER is the solution because when a scandal goes viral, it creates a public relations (PR) nightmare, severely damaging the reputation of the individual or entity involved. The term "disaster" underscores the severity of the situation, and "in brief" hints at a concise label for such a crisis.
4Prominent feature of a hippopotamus or crocodileJAW???✨ See Why
The answer is JAW because both hippopotamuses and crocodiles are known for their large, powerful jaws, used for gripping, crushing, or tearing. Their prominent jaws are a distinguishing feature of these animals, making them an apt solution to the clue.
5Escort in the theater, informallyUSH???✨ See Why
In a theater, an "usher" is someone who escorts or guides patrons to their seats. The clue specifies "informally," so the abbreviation “USH” is used, representing the shortened form of "usher." Hence, USH is the fitting solution.
6Human, to a robotMEATBAG???????✨ See Why
The clue "Human, to a robot" uses wordplay, hinting at how robots might humorously or disdainfully refer to humans. "MEATBAG" is a slang term often used in fiction to describe humans as biological beings, contrasting with robots' mechanical forms. It emphasizes our fleshy, organic nature from a robot's perspective.
7Outdoor party areaPATIO?????✨ See Why
The answer "PATIO" fits because it's a designated outdoor space, often used for gatherings or parties. Patios are commonly located in backyards or adjacent to homes and are ideal for hosting outdoor events, making it the perfect solution for the clue "Outdoor party area."
8___ Palmas, capital of the CanariesLAS???✨ See Why
The answer is "LAS" because the capital of the Canary Islands is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The blank in the clue refers to the article "Las" in the city's name. It matches the clue perfectly, as it directly completes the name of the capital.
9Cuba o Puerto RicoISLA????✨ See Why
The clue "Cuba o Puerto Rico" is in Spanish, indicated by "o" (meaning "or" in Spanish). Both Cuba and Puerto Rico are islands, and the Spanish word for "island" is "isla." Therefore, the correct answer is ISLA.
10A winning scenario in a best-of-three gameTWOFORTWO?????????✨ See Why
The phrase "two for two" signifies winning both games in a best-of-three series, making the third game unnecessary. This creates the "winning scenario" described, as securing two wins guarantees overall victory in this format. Hence, TWOFORTWO is the fitting solution.
11SanctuaryHAVEN?????✨ See Why
The clue "Sanctuary" refers to a safe or peaceful place of refuge or protection. "Haven" is a synonym for sanctuary, often used to describe a shelter or retreat from danger or trouble, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.
12TV show that has existed since before online media, despite what its name suggestsENEWS?????✨ See Why
The answer is ENEWS because it refers to "E! News," a TV show that has been a staple on the E! network since 1991, predating the dominance of online media. The clue’s wordplay hints at the irony of a digital-sounding name for a pre-digital era show.
13"Man and Superman" playwrightSHAW????✨ See Why
The answer is SHAW because "Man and Superman" is a play written by George Bernard Shaw, a renowned Irish playwright, in 1903. The clue directly references the author of this work, making "SHAW" the precise and straightforward solution.
18Tech sch.INST????✨ See Why
The clue "Tech sch." hints at an abbreviation for a technical school. "INST" is short for "Institute," commonly used in the names of technical schools, such as MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The abbreviation in the clue matches the abbreviation in the answer.
20Like easy-to-get meds, in briefOTC???✨ See Why
OTC stands for "over-the-counter," referring to medications that can be purchased without a prescription, making them easy to obtain. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating an abbreviation like OTC. This aligns with the concept of "easy-to-get meds," distinguishing them from prescription drugs.
24Peacock competitorHULU????✨ See Why
The clue "Peacock competitor" refers to streaming platforms. Peacock is NBCUniversal's streaming service, and its competitor is Hulu, another popular streaming service offering TV shows, movies, and original content. Both are major players in the streaming market, making HULU the correct answer.
25Go offERUPT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Go off" suggests a sudden or intense action, which aligns with the word "erupt." To "erupt" means to explode, burst, or suddenly become active—like a volcano erupting or emotions bursting out—perfectly fitting the clue's intent.
26Drive offSHOO????✨ See Why
The answer "SHOO" fits the clue "Drive off" because "shoo" is a commonly used command or exclamation to scare away or repel someone or something, like animals or pests, effectively "driving them off." The clue also being conversational in tone fits this spoken action perfectly.
30Horatian work of ca. 18 B.C.ARSPOETICA??????????✨ See Why
The answer is ARS POETICA because it refers to a famous work by the Roman poet Horace written around 18 B.C. The title, Latin for "The Art of Poetry," outlines principles of poetic composition, making it a key Horatian work matching the clue.
31Not rent, sayOWN???✨ See Why
The clue "Not rent, say" contrasts renting, which implies temporary usage or borrowing, with owning, which means having full possession of something. "Say" suggests a general example, and "OWN" fits as the opposite of renting, highlighting permanent possession rather than temporary use.
32Greek letter that looks like "p"RHO???✨ See Why
RHO is the Greek letter (Ρ in uppercase or ρ in lowercase) that resembles the English letter "p" in its lowercase form. The clue uses the visual similarity between the Greek lowercase rho (ρ) and the English letter "p" to guide to the correct answer.
33Incredible workBANGUPJOB?????????✨ See Why
The clue "Incredible work" hints at a phrase meaning outstanding or excellent effort. "Bang-up" is slang for something exceptionally good, and "job" ties to the idea of work. Together, "BANGUPJOB" perfectly describes an incredible accomplishment or exceptional work.
35Does some strokesSWIMS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Does some strokes?" signals wordplay. "Strokes" can refer to swimming strokes like freestyle or backstroke. Thus, "Does some strokes?" playfully describes "SWIMS," as it involves executing these strokes in water. The pun ties the action to swimming.
37Dept. that oversees the F.D.A.HHS???✨ See Why
The F.D.A. (Food and Drug Administration) is governed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS oversees various public health agencies, including the F.D.A., ensuring health regulations and policies are implemented. "Dept." in the clue signals the answer is an abbreviation, aligning with HHS.
38"Look at that!"OOH???✨ See Why
The clue "Look at that!" is in quotes, indicating a spoken reaction or exclamation. "OOH" is a common vocal expression of amazement or admiration when noticing something impressive or striking, perfectly matching the sentiment of "Look at that!".
40Gumbo, for oneSTEW????✨ See Why
Gumbo is a well-known dish, especially in Southern cuisine, that consists of a flavorful mixture of ingredients cooked together in a thickened broth, similar to a STEW. The clue asks for a category or type of food, and "stew" aptly describes gumbo's preparation method and consistency.
42Terrifying sound for a field mouseHOOT????✨ See Why
The answer "HOOT" refers to the sound made by an owl, a natural predator of field mice. For a field mouse, hearing an owl's hoot is terrifying because it signals imminent danger. The clue cleverly connects the sound to the mouse's fear.
45Terrifying device for a field mouseRATTRAP???????✨ See Why
The answer "RATTRAP" is a pun. A rat trap is a device designed to catch and kill small rodents. For a field mouse, this would indeed be terrifying, playing on the idea that a mouse might encounter the same fate as a rat.
48LarrupWHAP????✨ See Why
"Larrup" means to strike or beat someone or something forcefully. WHAP is the solution because it denotes a sound or action of hitting or striking something, aligning perfectly with the definition of "larrup." It’s an expressive, onomatopoeic term capturing the impact.
50When repeated, a danceCHA???✨ See Why
The answer is CHA because when repeated ("CHA CHA"), it forms the name of the ballroom dance "Cha-Cha." This lively Latin dance style is characterized by its rhythmic triple steps and is well-known in music and dance culture.
51Dirty moneyGRIFT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Dirty money?" uses wordplay. "Grift" refers to acquiring money dishonestly, often through scams or fraud, making it "dirty" in an ethical sense. The word fits both the shady action of obtaining money illicitly and the metaphorical "dirty" aspect.
52Symbol of stealthNINJA?????✨ See Why
The answer is NINJA because ninjas are historically known for their stealth and ability to move undetected. These skilled spies and warriors from feudal Japan symbolize stealth through their covert tactics, silent movements, and secretive missions. The clue directly connects to their reputation for stealth.
54Emiratis, e.g.ARABS?????✨ See Why
"Emiratis, e.g." refers to the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The term "e.g." means an example, and Emiratis belong to the broader ethnic and cultural group of Arabs. Therefore, ARABS is the correct answer, as it categorizes Emiratis within their regional ethnicity.
55Some list itemsTODOS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Some list items" implies a general grouping. "Todos" is Spanish for "all" or "everyone," often used in task lists to mean "to-do items." The answer aligns with "list items" as tasks or things to accomplish, fitting logically and linguistically.
56Mount St. ___, second-highest mountain in CanadaELIAS?????✨ See Why
The answer is ELIAS because Mount St. Elias is the second-highest peak in Canada, located near the Alaska-Yukon border. The clue specifies "Mount St. ___," pointing to the specific name "Elias" to complete it. This geographical reference confirms why ELIAS is correct.
57Trebek who once hosted this puzzle's themeALEX????✨ See Why
The clue refers to Alex Trebek, the beloved host of "Jeopardy!" for decades. "Jeopardy!" is the theme of this puzzle, making ALEX the correct answer as his first name connects directly to the clue.
59Nestlé chocolate barAERO????✨ See Why
The answer "AERO" refers to the Nestlé chocolate bar known for its signature airy texture, filled with tiny bubbles that make it light and unique. The brand name directly ties to "air" or "aerated," aligning perfectly with the clue.
63Lead-in to meterODO???✨ See Why
The answer "ODO" refers to "odometer," a device in vehicles that measures distance traveled. Here, "Lead-in to meter" signals a prefix commonly paired with "meter," and "odo-" is the prefix forming the term "odometer," fitting the clue perfectly.
64Grammy-winning Dr. ___DRE???✨ See Why
The answer is DRE because Dr. Dre is a famed Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. Known for his pivotal role in hip-hop and albums like The Chronic, his name matches the clue “Dr.” as a nickname rather than a medical doctor, fitting perfectly as the solution.
65Poison source in Agatha Christie's "A Pocket Full of Rye"YEW???✨ See Why
In Agatha Christie's "A Pocket Full of Rye," the poison used is derived from the yew tree, specifically its toxic seeds or berries. The yew is highly poisonous, historically associated with murder and mystery, making it the perfect "poison source" in the novel and the puzzle’s solution.
Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 10-letter answer to the ["I'll take 'Tennis' for $200, Ken"] It means nothing clue? Don’t worry—Lady Puzzle Pro is here to help! Whether you need the answer right away, want to reveal it letter by letter, or just can’t figure out a tricky clue, we’ve got you. You can even solve the whole Crossword puzzle of the day right here!
["I'll take 'Tennis' for $200, Ken"] It means nothing Answer Explained
The answer is WHATISLOVE.
The clue’s faux Jeopardy! category “Tennis” immediately makes you think of tennis terminology. In tennis scoring, “love” means zero. So when the second part of the clue says “It means nothing,” it’s a direct definition. But because this puzzle’s theme requires Jeopardy!-style responses, the answer must be phrased as a question: WHAT IS LOVE. This not only satisfies the format but also works as a playful cultural reference to the Haddaway hit “What Is Love.” It’s a neat intersection of sports lingo, pop culture, and the Jeopardy! gimmick, showing how the two halves of the clue combine to produce a natural, witty answer.
Now that you've cracked the 17A ["I'll take 'Tennis' for $200, Ken"] It means nothing clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s Mini Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry—we've got you covered. Explore more NYT Crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the NYT The Mini, Connections, or Strands.
Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights
Gene Louise De Vera’s Thursday puzzle is a delightful, tongue-in-cheek tribute to Jeopardy! The theme clues present a faux category and a Ken Jennings–style prompt; the grid answers reply in classic Jeopardy! question form while also being familiar phrases (WHATISLOVE, WHOSTHEBOSS, WHATSUP, WHOSWHO, WHATSTHETEA). The revealer INJEOPARDY ties the concept together neatly. Cluing is lively and pun-forward, and the fill balances zippy short answers with the longer themed entries. The gimmick is consistent and never strained; it rewards solvers who read clues as spoken prompts. Clever, playful, and expertly executed, a fun Thursday solve.
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