If you are a fan of crossword puzzles, you might have encountered the clue “Eliot Ness and co.” in the New York Times crossword. This clue has appeared multiple times throughout the years, most recently on November 10, 2022. But who is Eliot Ness and what does he have to do with crossword puzzles? In this article, we will explore the history and meaning of this clue and its answer.
Who is Eliot Ness?
Eliot Ness was an American law enforcement agent who became famous for leading a team of federal agents known as “The Untouchables” in the 1920s and 1930s. The Untouchables were tasked with enforcing the Prohibition laws and fighting organized crime in Chicago, especially the notorious gangster Al Capone. Ness and his team were called “The Untouchables” because they were incorruptible and fearless in their pursuit of justice. They used various methods, such as wiretapping, raids, and undercover operations, to gather evidence and arrest Capone and his associates. Ness’s exploits were later dramatized in books, movies, and TV shows, such as The Untouchables (1959-1963), The Untouchables (1987), and Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014).
What is the answer to the clue?
The answer to the clue “Eliot Ness and co.” is TMEN. This is an abbreviation for Treasury Men, which was another name for the federal agents who worked under the Department of the Treasury. The Treasury Department was responsible for enforcing the Prohibition laws, as well as other federal crimes such as tax evasion, counterfeiting, and smuggling. The TMEN were also involved in the investigation and prosecution of Capone, who was eventually convicted of tax evasion and sent to prison in 1931. The term TMEN was popularized by a series of movies and a radio show in the 1940s and 1950s, which depicted the adventures of the Treasury agents in various cases.
Why is this clue interesting?
This clue is interesting because it combines two elements of American culture and history: the Prohibition era and the crossword puzzle. The Prohibition era was a period from 1920 to 1933 when the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol was banned in the United States. This led to the rise of illegal bootlegging, speakeasies, and organized crime, as well as social and political movements for and against the ban. The crossword puzzle is a word game that originated in England in the 19th century and became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. The New York Times is one of the most influential and prestigious newspapers in the world, and its crossword puzzle is widely regarded as the gold standard of crossword puzzles. The New York Times crossword puzzle is known for its clever and challenging clues, which often require knowledge of trivia, history, culture, and language. The clue “Eliot Ness and co.” is an example of such a clue, as it tests the solver’s familiarity with both the Prohibition era and the crossword puzzle terminology.
Conclusion
The clue “Eliot Ness and co.” is a fascinating and fun clue that connects two aspects of American culture and history. By solving this clue, you can learn more about the Prohibition era, the Treasury agents, and the crossword puzzle. Next time you encounter this clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle, you will know the answer and the story behind it. Happy solving!
