The NYT Mini Crossword will never fail at providing a short yet satisfying challenge. Every day brings a fresh set of clues, inviting solvers to test their word skills in a short and engaging format. This bite-sized puzzle is the perfect way to start or end the day, offering a mix of wit, knowledge, and pattern recognition.
Today's puzzle, like every other, blends creativity with logic. The clues spark curiosity, and the answers provide little bursts of satisfaction. Each puzzle welcomes a variety of themes, and today’s set leans into wordplay and clever misdirection. A few tricky entries might have stumped some solvers, but every answer brings a rewarding “aha!” moment.
Today's NYT Mini Crossword for April 3, 2025, combines some straightforward and some misleading clues. Some are quite straightforward, while some require a second look. Food-related wordplay thrown in 5-Across and 6-Across might confuse some solvers; however, a careful view reveals the clever twist.
Hit the ___ (go to bed)
Answer: SACK
A famous term for heading to sleep.
Misleading name for a sub/shish kebab restaurant?
Answer: SUSHI
A fun play on expectations-neither subs nor kebabs fit the name.
Misleading name for a taco/pasta restaurant?
Answer: TAPAS
A clever twist on naming conventions makes it a deceptive but amusing clue.
Certain sports bets
Answer: OVERS
A betting term for wagers on total points exceeding a set number.
Cooped (up)
Answer: PENT
A word that means confinement or restriction, often metaphorical.
Almost too sophisticated and charming
Answer: SUAVE
Denotes a polished, confident, and smooth individual.
Upscale Colorado skiing destination
Answer: ASPEN
The Name is a Very Popular Luxury Ski Resort Town in Colorado.
Word after bar or pie
Answer: CHART
A simple but tricky clue with a variety of interpretations.
Smooch
Answer: KISS
This is what everyone uses to denote a quick or affectionate peck.
Word on an eight-sided traffic sign
Answer: STOP
What could seem a direct and unmistakable reference to the red traffic sign?
This compact puzzle blends trivia, language, and lateral thinking. It challenges the brain but remains accessible to all levels of solvers. The fun lies in solving quickly, finding patterns, and catching the occasional word trick. Some clues come easy, while others require a little extra thought.
The Mini Crossword has become a daily ritual for many, offering a brief but enjoyable challenge. For some, the goal is to solve it in record time. For others, it’s about appreciating the cleverness behind each clue. Regardless of the approach, every completed puzzle is a small yet fulfilling achievement. Try more NYT Games for a mental workout.
Another day has passed, and yet another Mini Crossword is completed. This time, the puzzle was set for April 3, of the year 2025, and the same magic of fun and challenges existed while keeping the puzzle game employees busy. Every answer, from the “SACK” to “STOP,” contributed to the sense of satisfaction. Tomorrow will present new clues from which to learn word skills.
For all those who had problems with today's more difficult entries, you'll have a whole new shot tomorrow. The Mini Crossword is an ever more brilliant daily brain teaser, and whether it is during morning routine or evening wind-down, it is almost always part of the day for word fans. Tomorrow, we meet again with a fresh menu of clues and one more exciting challenge. Keep on the edge and happy solving!