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The New York Times Mini greets each day with a five-by-five challenge. Though tiny in size, the puzzle often brings big surprises. It blends pop culture, language twists, and sharp logic in a bite-sized form.
This daily puzzle opens the door to clever thinking. Some clues feel like riddles, others feel like facts in disguise. Each day feels fresh, and today was no exception.
Today’s across clues played a clever game with common ideas, twisting them just enough to spark second guesses. Each answer felt simple in hindsight, yet the clues led down winding mental paths. From props on a stage to top-tier universities, the puzzle covered a range of themes in just a few words. Here's a closer look at each diagonal(across)clue, its answer, and a quick explanation.
1A. Elphaba's broom in "Wicked" or Aladdin's lamp in "Aladdin"
Answer: PROP
These are not magic props—stage props utilized in plays and movies.
5A. Thorough investigation
Answer: PROBE
A probe burrows deep, as does an intense investigation.
6A. Metaphor for an unquestioning rule-follower
Answer: ROBOT
A robot obeys orders—no question, no hesitation.
7A. Harvard and Yale, for two
Answer: IVIES
Both are members of the Ivy League, a select group of schools.
8A. ___ Wearhouse (department store chain)
Answer: MENS
The complete name is "Men's Wearhouse," a popular clothing store.
1D. Definitively determine
Answer: PROVE
To prove something is to demonstrate it's true beyond question.
2D. Herald of spring
Answer: ROBIN
Robins are one of the first birds spotted as spring comes.
3D. Orchestral reeds
Answer: OBOES
Oboes are woodwind instruments that employ double reeds in orchestras.
4D. Kibble nibblers
Answer: PETS
Cats and dogs are pets known to nibble on kibble.
5D. Fastidiously proper
Answer: PRIM
One prim keeps all things proper, neat, and polite.
Today’s puzzle used short clues to deliver a real challenge. Each word needed context, not just vocabulary. “PROP” tricked many into thinking about magic, when it simply referred to theatre items. “PETS” threw some off with its vague phrasing.
That’s the charm of the Mini. It flips simple clues into thoughtful answers. It makes a five-minute puzzle feel like a mental workout.
No clue wasted space. Each one held a tiny story. The NYT Mini proves size doesn’t matter when the clues are this sharp.
The New York Times Games center is a puzzle enthusiast's playground. It has more than the Mini to offer. Wordle, Connections, and Strands provide more diversity of games. Archived puzzles require a subscription, but today's Mini is free for all.
Even a brief five-by-five square can wake up the day. It constructs logic, stretches language, and produces small wins with each solve.
The April 4, 2025, NYT Mini contained sharp clues wedged into sparse space. It presented wordplay, surprise, and just a pinch of exasperation so the triumph may feel well-earned. A clear solution feels excellent. An overlooked clue triggers interest.
Tomorrow, there's a new grid coming. New clues, new tricks, new victories. That's the NYT Mini vow—intelligent fun in a little box.
