Dangle a carrot in front of NYT crossword clue

The clue “Dangle a carrot in front of” draws on a familiar metaphor used to describe the act of offering a reward to influence someone’s behavior. It suggests the idea of presenting something appealing just out of reach to motivate action or cooperation, often with a subtle hint of manipulation.

The correct answer to this clue is “entice.” To entice means to attract or lure someone by arousing desire or hope, often with a promise of something rewarding. It perfectly matches the imagery of dangling a carrot in front of someone as a way to get them to move forward or comply.