In a chilly manner NYT crossword clue

The clue “In a chilly manner” leads to the answer ICILY. This adverb describes doing something in a cold, distant, or emotionally unwelcoming way. While “chilly” might first suggest temperature, crossword clues often play on multiple meanings. Here, “chilly” is used in a figurative sense, referring to someone’s tone or demeanor rather than the weather.

Words like icily highlight how emotional states and behaviors can be described with imagery tied to temperature. In crosswords, especially the Mini, brevity is key—so clues often rely on layered meanings to pack a punch. “In a chilly manner” is a perfect example of this technique, requiring solvers to think beyond the literal and interpret a common metaphor.