Cry from a bandleader
Published by Naitik Mehta · April 1, 2026
Stuck on the clue Cry from a bandleader from the New York Times Daily for April 1, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Cry from a bandleader (5)
Answer
The answer to Cry from a bandleader is Hit It (5 letters).
Why does Hit It fit this clue?
This clue uses a direct definition approach where 'Cry from a bandleader' points to HIT IT, an exclamation meaning to start playing music. Hit it is the classic command a bandleader shouts to signal musicians to begin a song or musical number. The phrase captures the urgent, rhythmic energy of live performance, where timing is everything and the band needs a clear cue to launch into their piece. This imperative has been standard bandleader vocabulary since the big band era, making it instantly recognizable to musicians and audiences alike.
What does Cry from a bandleader mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
cry
noun
•a loud shout or exclamation
bandleader
noun
•the conductor or director of a musical band
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 47-across in the New York Times Daily on April 1, 2026, by Jess Shulman and Amie Walker, edited by Will Shortz. See all answers for this puzzle.
Read the NYT Wordplay column for this puzzle.
NYT Daily — Apr 1, 2026
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What does Hit It mean?
interjection
•a command used by bandleaders to signal musicians to start playing or begin a musical performance
How to use Hit It in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Hit It.
•“The jazz bandleader raised his baton and shouted 'Hit it!' to signal the musicians to start playing.”
•“When the DJ saw the crowd was ready, he yelled 'Hit it!' and dropped the beat.”
•“The director called out 'Hit it!' to cue the lighting technician to turn on the stage lights.”
What are other crossword clues for Hit It?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Daily, Apr 1, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Daily for April 1, 2026 was published by Jess Shulman and Amie Walker and has 76 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Cry from a bandleader
- What is the answer to Cry from a bandleader?
- The answer is Hit It (5 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Daily on April 1, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Cry from a bandleader have?
- The answer has 5 letters: Hit It.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Daily — Apr 1, 2026
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