With 69-Across, beginner's downhill challenge . . . or a hint to this puzzle's circled letters (5)

I believe the answer is:

bunny

(Other definitions for bunny that I've seen before include "Child's term for a burrower" , "pet!" , "Young rabbit" , "Bugs this" , "Child's word for rabbit" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times.

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