Beginning of a joke NYT crossword clue

The clue “Beginning of a joke” points to a classic phrase that signals the start of many traditional or stand-up jokes. It suggests something familiar and formulaic — the kind of setup that primes listeners for a punchline. Crossword clues like this often lean on common expressions that are instantly recognizable.

The correct answer is **SETUP**. In comedy, the setup is the part of the joke that introduces the premise and leads into the punchline. It’s the foundation that makes the rest of the joke land effectively. This answer fits both in structure and meaning for the clue.