The New York Times Mini Crossword is a quick and fun daily challenge for solvers. While small in size, it often packs a punch with clever wordplay and tricky clues. For those struggling with today’s puzzle, here’s a complete guide to the answers for January 3, 2025.
This crossword might seem easy at first glance, but some clues will require a bit of thought. Let's take a close look at the answers and see what clues make this Mini Crossword special.
1A: Just go with it!
Answer: FLOW
The answer to this clue is simple yet powerful. "Flow" is often associated with movement or ease, which ties perfectly to the clue "just go with it." The word captures the idea of letting things happen naturally without resistance.
5A: Buenos ___, Argentina
Answer: AIRES
This one refers to the Argentine capital, of course, Buenos Aires. "Aires" is a perfect complement to "Buenos," forming the name of the big city known for its rich culture and history. If someone needed a reminder of what Latin America is like, this one's an easy win.
7A: Group of conspirators
Answer: CABAL
A "cabal" is a secretive group of people working together for a particular purpose, often involving some kind of conspiracy. This answer might call up images of shady deals or hidden alliances and fits right into the theme of mysterious activities.
8A: "Wicked" star Cynthia
Answer: ERIVO
This one is a play on pop culture, specifically in the Broadway genre. Cynthia Erivo is a highly acclaimed actress and singer known for her performance in "Wicked." This will be an easy clue if the movie or show is recent in the reader's mind.
9A: Irish ___, dish that might be made with a pint of Guinness
Answer: STEW
A classic Irish dish, often made with Guinness to add depth to its flavor. An Irish stew is a comforting dish full of hearty ingredients. It’s a perfect match for the clue, tapping into the traditional foods of Ireland.
1D: Confront, as facts
Answer: FACE
To "face" facts means to confront them head-on. This is a straightforward clue, relying on a familiar phrase that implies dealing with uncomfortable or difficult truths directly.
2D: You can't trust their stories
Answer: LIARS
The clue leads directly to "liars," individuals whose stories are unreliable and not truthful. The simplicity of the word fits well with the clue, and it's a word most solvers will recognize immediately.
3D: Move like a planet
Answer: ORBIT
Planets move in an orbit, making "orbit" the clear answer here. This clue is a fun nod to astronomy, where orbiting is the movement of planets around a star like the Sun. It's an easy one for space enthusiasts to recognize.
4D: Salon job involving hair extensions
Answer: WEAVE
A "weave" is a popular salon technique involving hair extensions. It's often used to add length or volume to hair, making it a fitting answer for this beauty-related clue.
6D: Not busy, business-wise
Answer: SLOW
When business is slow, things aren't moving quickly or efficiently. The clue perfectly matches the answer "slow," describing a time when activity or business is minimal.
The New York Times Mini Crossword is one of the best ways to exercise the brain without wasting too much time. It is a small but satiating challenge that offers the best combination of pop culture and phrases. Today, the puzzle should strike that nice balance between familiarity and complexity for solvers who won't feel overwhelmed in a flash.
The puzzle can be a nice way for regular players to kick off the morning with a brain exercise. Those seeking more crosswords will love the archive for puzzles of all difficulty levels. While today's puzzle was easy for even experienced solvers, the weekend puzzles are frequently more challenging and full of sly wordplay.
Solving the NYT Mini Crossword daily is a fun way to stay sharp and engaged. Whether it is for a morning mental boost or a quick break from work, these puzzles will satisfy the desires of crossword enthusiasts.