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Solving the NYT Mini Crossword on January 20, 2025 requires a hint of Spanish knowledge, but even so, other clues guide the way. The answers are playful but logical, so it is perfectly suited for that brief mental workout. Dive into the answers unraveling today's puzzle and mastering this miniature grid.
The New York Times Mini Crossword is the compact, playful version of a classic puzzle. It is in a 5x5 grid, and clues are short and fun to decipher with equal measures of challenge and glee. Mondays, such as today, are easy puzzles suitable for starting off the week.
1A: Button whose icon is a triangle above a rectangle
Answer: EJECT
This clue describes a familiar symbol seen on media devices. The triangle above a rectangle indicates the eject function, commonly used to remove discs or tapes.
6A: Only primate species that can have blue eyes, aside from humans
Answer: LEMUR
Lemurs are unique among primates. They are the only species, apart from humans, known to naturally have blue eyes.
7A: "Of course," in Spanish
Answer: CLARO
The Spanish word "claro" translates to "of course" or "sure" in English. It is used often in casual conversations to express agreement.
8A: Star-studded group
Answer: ALIST
An "A-list" group includes celebrities or individuals at the top of their field. It refers to a prestigious or star-studded lineup.
9A: Classic fixture outside a barbershop
Answer: POLE
The barbershop pole, with its iconic red, white, and blue stripes, is a recognizable feature outside barbershops worldwide.
1D: Famous Yosemite landmark, familiarly
Answer: ELCAP
"El Cap," short for El Capitan, is a famous granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. It's a popular destination for rock climbers.
2D: What jiggles after it's set
Answer: JELLO
Jello, a wobbly dessert made from gelatin, is known for its jiggly texture after being chilled and set.
3D: One might end with "Best,"
Answer: EMAIL
Most e-mails end with some form of "Best" or "Regards," along with the sender's name.
5D: “$%@!,” e.g.
Answer: CURSE
The series of symbols in the clue is a euphemism for a swear word, commonly used as a substitute for more vile language.
6D: Jogging gait
Answer: TROT
A trot is a steady, moderate gait often associated with jogging, whether by humans or animals like horses.
The brevity and accessibility of the NYT Mini make it stand out. It is not only about solving but also about enjoying clever wordplay. This makes it a favorite for quick thinkers or those with busy schedules.
Monday puzzles are simple, yet they maintain the charm of The New York Times' renowned crossword legacy. They are designed to be completed in under two minutes, with fewer clues and a smaller grid.
Each clue provides an opportunity to learn, laugh, or reflect. The answers, like today’s CLARO, introduce a sprinkle of multilingual flair. Words like ALIST and POLE bring in cultural references, adding depth to the puzzle.
Beyond solving, these puzzles offer a subtle mental challenge. They sharpen focus, improve vocabulary, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
NYT Mini Crosswords get tougher as the week goes on. Monday's is the easiest. By Saturday, expect complex wordplay and layered clues. For those who like a consistent challenge, the Mini delivers daily rewards.
The Mini Crossword is part of The New York Times' Games section. Today's puzzle is free, but older ones require a subscription. This access structure allows players to enjoy daily challenges while encouraging deeper exploration of the archives.
Begin with the easiest clues. Systematically work through the grid. Short words such as EJECT or TROT often anchor the puzzle. Patterns, such as repeated endings or common phrases, speed up solving.
In addition to the Mini, The New York Times provides Wordle, Connections, and Spelling Bee. Each game is suited to different skill sets and interests. Wordplay fans often switch between them for variety.
It's wit, language, and culture combined in January 20, 2025's NYT Mini Crossword. This short puzzle size does not negate the fact that even small-sized puzzles can hit a big time. Solving it fills one moment but also brightens one's day.
