HBO show that spawned the Idris Elba quote "I want you to put the word out there, that we back up"
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 28, 2026
Stuck on the clue HBO show that spawned the Idris Elba quote "I want you to put the word out there, that we back up" from the New York Times Mini for March 28, 2026? We have the correct 7-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
HBO show that spawned the Idris Elba quote "I want you to put the word out there, that we back up" (7)
Answer
The answer to HBO show that spawned the Idris Elba quote "I want you to put the word out there, that we back up" is The Wire (7 letters).
Why does The Wire fit this clue?
This clue uses a specific quote to identify THE WIRE, the acclaimed HBO crime drama that aired from 2002 to 2008. The Wire is a gritty police procedural set in Baltimore that follows the drug trade from multiple perspectives including law enforcement, dealers, politicians, and journalists. The quoted line is spoken by Stringer Bell, the calculating drug lieutenant played by Idris Elba, as he tries to establish his organization's reputation for backing up threats with action. This quote exemplifies the show's realistic dialogue and Elba's memorable performance as one of television's most complex antagonists.
What does HBO show that spawned the Idris Elba quote "I want you to put the word out there, that we back up" mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
HBO
noun
•Home Box Office, a premium cable television network known for original series and movies
spawned
verb
•gave rise to or produced
Idris Elba
proper noun
•British actor known for roles in The Wire, Luther, and Marvel films
back up
phrasal verb
•to support or stand behind someone
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 7-across in the New York Times Mini on March 28, 2026, by Sam Ezersky, edited by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.
NYT Mini — Mar 28, 2026
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What does The Wire mean?
proper noun
•HBO crime drama series (2002-2008) set in Baltimore that explored urban decay, drug trade, and institutional dysfunction through interconnected storylines involving police, criminals, politicians, and citizens
How to use The Wire in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word The Wire.
•“The Wire is widely considered one of the greatest television dramas ever made, with Idris Elba's portrayal of Stringer Bell being particularly memorable.”
•“The electrician ran the wire through the conduit to connect the outlet to the main panel.”
•“Police set up a wire to record the suspect's conversations during the undercover operation.”
What are other crossword clues for The Wire?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Mini, Mar 28, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Mini for March 28, 2026 was published by Sam Ezersky and has 14 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
Across
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Frequently asked questions about HBO show that spawned the Idris Elba quote "I want you to put the word out there, that we back up"
- What is the answer to HBO show that spawned the Idris Elba quote "I want you to put the word out there, that we back up"?
- The answer is The Wire (7 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on March 28, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to HBO show that spawned the Idris Elba quote "I want you to put the word out there, that we back up" have?
- The answer has 7 letters: The Wire.
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 Mini — Mar 28, 2026
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provider
editor
Joel Fagliano
date
position
7 Across
answer length
7 letters