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Each day brings a new challenge from The New York Times Mini Crossword. Only five clues across and five down may not sound so hard, but it takes more than a quick mind to solve this verbal maze—it requires wit, wordplay, and intelligent thinking.
Today’s edition, April 25, 2025, arrives with its usual dose of quick yet brain-twisting fun. For puzzle fans who race against the clock or pause on tricky clues, this one walks a fine line between smooth solving and minor head-scratching.
Each clue offers a little “a-ha!” moment. And yes, some answers come easily, but others call for a second glance—or a bit of help. Here’s everything needed to solve today’s puzzle.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword brings a light but clever mix of clues—some straightforward, others with a little wordplay. It’s the kind of puzzle that rewards sharp eyes and quick thinking.
Whether you’re breezing through or hitting pause on a clue or two, here’s a look at each piece of the puzzle with its answer and a quick one-liner to explain why it fits just right.
1A clue: "Beware the ___ of March"
Answer: IDES
Explanation: A historic phrase tied to Julius Caesar’s warning—March 15 is known as the Ides.
5A clue: Sends a message
Answer: TEXTS
Explanation: A modern means of firing off a short note with a phone.
7A clue: Pond scum
Answer: ALGAE
Explanation: Greenish plant-like substance on the surface of still water bodies.
8A clue: Teeny-tiny bit
Answer: IOTA
Explanation: Refers to an extremely small amount, practically next to nothing.
9A clue: Doctor who might more aptly be called a "dogtor"
Answer: VET
Explanation: A clever clue for an animal doctor—"dogtor."
1D clue: "Don't call ___ comeback!"
Answer: ITA
Explanation: A nod to a well-known lyric from LL Cool J's song.
2D clue: Supermarket section
Answer: DELI
Explanation: Where you pick up cold cuts, sandwiches, and fresh salads.
3D clue: Arnold Schwarzenegger or Chris Christie, e.g., for short
Answer: EXGOV
Explanation: Both are former state governors—"ex gov."
4D clue: 5-Across or 8-Across, if you change the T's in this answer
Answer: STATE
Explanation: Replace T in STATE with X or O, and you have TEXTS or IOTA.
6D clue: Musical chairs need
Answer: SEAT
Explanation: A necessity in the game of musical chairs—take one or leave.
Most clues today offer smooth solving. "Vet" may have earned a chuckle more than a pause. "State" stood out with its wordplay, hinting at a relationship with other answers. That kind of clue adds flair to the Mini’s usual flow.
"ExGov" and "Deli" might’ve been straightforward for regular solvers. Still, the fun lies in moving fast without tripping on the small stuff. And if "ITA" puzzled at first, the musical reference helped it land.
The NYT Mini continues to deliver puzzles that balance simplicity with smartness. Every clue packs more meaning than it seems. Whether it’s a pop culture drop, historical nod, or clever pun, each answer tells a short story.
For those who enjoy the rhythm of solving daily puzzles, The Mini holds a solid spot alongside other NYT games like Wordle, Connections, and Strands. Only a handful of clues, but still enough to leave a lasting impression.
Another day, another satisfying NYT Mini Crossword in the books. April 25’s puzzle felt breezy with moments of brilliance. It's a reminder that small puzzles can still carry big energy.
Stuck for a second? Now there’s no need to stay stuck. Come back each day, grab the clues, unlock the answers, and maybe beat that personal best.
