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August 1’s NYT Mini blends clever wordplay, trivia, and pop culture in a fast, fun format.
Unique clues like vowel-swapped countries make today’s puzzle stand out.
Each answer fits smoothly, offering a satisfying daily brain boost.
Every day brings a new drop from the NYT Mini Crossword, a five-minute puzzle that packs wit, pop culture, and clever twists in a compact grid. While short in size, it delivers sharp mental exercise and fun wordplay. Unlike the full crossword, this one thrives on speed and smart solving.
August 1 brings another smartly designed puzzle that keeps things playful and light. The clues are brief, but each offers a neat “aha” moment. For anyone stuck on a word or two, the full list of answers now follows - no spoilers beyond this point unless ready for them.
1A. Clue: Arm-y greeting
Answer: HUG
A cute clue with a pun twist - 'arm-y' as in using arms, thus a hug.
4A. Clue: Undiluted ... or a country with its vowels swapped
Answer: PURE
“Undiluted” means pure, and the clue cleverly hints at a country - Peru - hidden within.
5A. Clue: Ballroom dance ... or a country with its vowels swapped
Answer: TANGO
The dance and the country - Tonga - switch vowels in this playful crossover.
6A. Clue: Played a role
Answer: ACTED
A direct entry tied to performance and theater - acted in a part or film.
7A. Clue: Eisenberg of "The Social Network"
Answer: JESSE
Jesse Eisenberg starred as Mark Zuckerberg in the tech biopic hit.
1D. Clue: Ketchup brand
Answer: HUNTS
A pantry staple and Heinz alternative often found on grocery shelves.
2D. Clue: Eggs on
Answer: URGES
“Eggs on” means to push or encourage someone to do something.
3D. Clue: Crystal-lined rock
Answer: GEODE
A geode looks plain outside but reveals sparkling crystals inside when cracked open.
4D. Clue: Marathoner’s concern
Answer: PACE
Pace is the key to surviving and succeeding in a long-distance run.
5D. Clue: ___ Mahal
Answer: TAJ
A famous Indian landmark known for its white marble beauty and historical value.
Also Read – NYT Strands Hints and Answers for July 31, 2025
This edition brings charm from the start. The “Arm-y greeting” clue kicks things off with warmth, while the pair of country-swapped clues - PURE and TANGO - provide a rare double-play that feels smart without being overcomplicated. It’s the kind of twist that separates The Mini from standard puzzle games.
Other clues offer a solid mix of straightforward answers and familiar references. ACTED and JESSE keep the pace brisk, with Jesse Eisenberg serving as an easy recall for film lovers. Meanwhile, the down clues ground the puzzle - household names like HUNTS and PACE balance trivia with daily-life words.
The grid itself reflects what makes The Mini loved. A crisp 5x5 structure, a sharp design, and clues that stay relevant, all served with a sense of fun. Whether solving in under 60 seconds or stretching the moment out, today’s grid delivers satisfaction.
No clue feels out of place. From geodes to the Taj Mahal, the puzzle draws from culture, science, and rhythm in perfect balance. The vowel-swap clues especially stand out - subtle enough to puzzle briefly, yet rewarding once cracked.
August 1's puzzle delivers the right mix - light-hearted, trivia-friendly, and intellectually playful. Each answer fits perfectly, and every clue leaves a small trace of satisfaction. Today’s Mini doesn't just test vocabulary - it rewards wit, recognition, and speed.
Tomorrow brings another grid and another set of clever clues. Until then, this one stands solved - fresh, tidy, and clever as always.
Also Read – Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for July 31, 2025
