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Every day, the NYT Mini Crossword delivers a fresh test of wit in a compact grid. It’s short, smart, and always sharp. The charm lies in its speed. A few clues, a few squares, and a whole lot of brainwork. No need for hours of dedication—just a few quick taps and the puzzle is done.
Each morning feels like opening a tiny treasure chest. The clues come alive with wordplay, references, and cultural nuggets. Thursday’s challenge is no different. April 24 brings another clever arrangement that keeps the streak alive for crossword fans.
The NYT Mini for April 24, 2025, offers a clever spread of clues that blend common words with crafty hints. The across clues form a fun trail of relatable moments.
Clue: Tiny cotton swab
Answer: QTIP
Explanation: A small tool used for cleaning ears or applying makeup.
Clue: Leaves on the stove for too long
Answer: BURNS
Explanation: What happens when food gets overcooked or forgotten?
Clue: They're used to hunt and peck
Answer: BEAKS
Explanation: A clever play on birds and their method of eating.
Clue: "I'm trying to focus here!"
Answer: QUIET
Explanation: A common request in noisy spaces when concentration is needed.
Clue: Button that might make a "Whoosh!" sound
Answer: SEND
Explanation: Refers to clicking 'send' on messages, especially emails or chats.
Mini Down Clues and Answers
Clue: Word pronounced like its first letter (which is followed by four vowels)
Answer: QUEUE
Explanation: A line or list, and a neat play on pronunciation.
Clue: Feature of an extravagant wedding dress
Answer: TRAIN
Explanation: The long, flowing extension trailing behind the gown.
Clue: Signed, as a contract
Answer: INKED
Explanation: A casual way to say a deal or document was signed.
Clue: Verbal alternative to a tap on the shoulder
Answer: PSST
Explanation: A soft sound used to quietly get someone’s attention.
Clue: Some backyard parties, for short
Answer: BBQS
Explanation: Short for barbecues—classic outdoor gatherings with grilled food.
What sets The Mini apart is its timing. Short in structure, but never in challenge. Each word is chosen with care. Every letter matters. The answers reveal a range of references—daily life, speech habits, tech actions, and a few clever misdirections. It makes for a snack-sized brain treat.
For those keeping track, the “Q” words in today’s puzzle give it an extra twist. These rarely show up in quick puzzles but land smoothly here. QUEUE and QTIP stand out, each serving its clue with clarity.
The appeal of The Mini runs deeper than just finishing fast. It brings a daily sense of victory. Some use it as a warm-up for bigger puzzles. Others chase completion time records. Many just enjoy the creativity in small doses. And every day delivers something new.
The puzzle also connects to the broader NYT Games family—Wordle, Connections, and more. But The Mini has its own voice, its own rhythm. And on April 24, that rhythm plays out perfectly again.
Access to older Mini Crosswords requires a Times Games subscription. Today’s puzzle is free to all. It makes each morning a little brighter, sharper, and more fun. The Mini might be short, but the sense of completion it offers lasts long after the final square fills.
For those looking to improve puzzle-solving skills, watching trends in clues helps. Word structures repeat. Themes rotate. And over time, a sense of prediction develops. The Mini rewards that kind of daily attention.
April 24’s NYT Mini brings another successful blend of challenge and charm. With clever language, short clues, and a variety of themes, this small puzzle leaves a big mark. It reminds solvers that fun can come in quick forms and that each day brings a new chance to solve smart.
