What does jam mess pickle nyt mean in NYT puzzles?

[Elias]

I came across jam mess pickle nyt while solving a crossword and couldn’t figure out the intended meaning. It feels like playful NYT wordplay describing confusion or a tricky situation. I’m not sure if it’s literal or idiomatic. Any explanation would help.

 

[Avika]

NYT puzzles use slang languages such as jam, mess, and pickle to refer to tough situations. Collectively, they give an allusion to being imprisoned or in distress. These hints tend to lead to solutions connoting dilemma, bind, or predicament, and pun on the common figurative sense of these terms.

 

[Kian]

In NYT puzzles, “jam,” “mess,” and “pickle” are informal clues for a difficult or tricky situation, often hinting at confusion, trouble, or being stuck, rather than their literal food meanings.

 

[sarahmartin]

In NYT Connections, JAM, MESS, PICKLE, and FIX make up a category for Predicaments or difficult situations, and the four words can be used as synonyms of being in a bind. On the other hand, standard crosswords might give you clues to take these words as a "jam" (like traffic), a "mess" (a chaotic situation), a "pickle" (a tough spot), or pieces of food/preservation.