.png){kind=logo}
The New York Times Mini Crossword arrives daily, offering a quick and satisfying mental exercise. Every day, a new set of clues presents itself, giving solvers a chance to flex their puzzle-solving muscles in just a few minutes.
Today’s edition, Friday, January 31, 2025, brings a new challenge with an engaging set of clues. Here’s a breakdown of the answers to the puzzle for those needing a little extra help.
1A: Like a dry-cleaned shirt or fresh sheets
Answer: Crisp
A dry-cleaned shirt or fresh sheets often have a clean, fresh feel. This clue leads to a straightforward answer: Crisp. It's the perfect word to describe freshly cleaned items with a smooth, clean finish.
6A: Weapon used on horseback
Answer: Lance
Historically, a lance is a weapon used by knights and soldiers riding horseback. The word appears in so many historical references that this clue is a speedy one to decipher for puzzle lovers who are knowledgeable about medieval arms.
7A: One of a potential 13 for "Emilia Pérez," as announced last week
Answer: Oscar
For film fans, it's a no-brainer. When the clue alludes to "Emilia Pérez," it isn't hard at all to link that to an Academy Award nomination. That could be on the horizon for an up-and-coming actress or actor.
8A: Movie double's responsibility
Answer: Stunt
A stunt double does dangerous things for actors, often serving as a substitute for action sequences or perilous situations. This is one of those phrases that comes to most film enthusiasts so easily, making it an easy leg to deal with.
9A: The "blue marble"
Answer: Earth
The "blue marble" is the term used to describe the famous space photograph of Earth. This is an easy one for those who are familiar with iconic images of our world.
1D: In the ballpark
Answer: Close
Being "close" to something means it's near or in the ballpark. This phrase is used frequently in everyday conversation to suggest something is almost correct or nearby. A quick and easy solve for most solvers.
2D: Someone who might smoke ganja as a sacrament, informally
Answer: Rasta
A Rasta, for one, is culturally known to dabble in a little ganja smoking as his spiritual ritual. This is quite a cultural-savvy clue, and easy for most puzzlers to determine.
3D: Run up, as debt
Answer: Incur
When someone incurs a debt, he incurred it. Pretty simple for the financially literate.
4D: Meager
Answer: Scant
A scant amount is a meager or insufficient quantity. This clue is plain and straightforward, providing no challenge to those with basic vocabulary knowledge.
5D: Capital of Western Australia
Answer: Perth
The capital of Western Australia is Perth. This clue leans on geographic knowledge, making it an easy answer for those familiar with world capitals.
The NYT Mini Crossword is a test of the limits of speed and wit. Though it's only a 5x5 grid, it's not all easy; clues range from straightforward to tricky. Today's mix of movie-themed clues like "Oscar" and "Stunt" with geography-based clues like "Perth" will delight solvers of all skill levels.
The NYT Mini Crossword is ideal for someone looking to get into a little quick mental workout. It comes in a simple format so that it is completed in a short couple of minutes, but don't let the small format fool you; these clues can pack a punch testing both knowledge and recall speed.
Whether you’re a crossword expert or a casual solver, the NYT Mini Crossword always brings new surprises. Today’s answers are manageable but still offer a fun challenge. Even with its brevity, the puzzle provides a satisfying experience for anyone looking to break away from their usual routine and engage in some quick wordplay.
Crosswords by any other name are simply another puzzle. In the mini version, the NYT remains the most accessible to those who have little time to spare. It is, in fact, a great daily habit, providing just the right level of challenge to keep things interesting without using up too much time. Although the answers may seem simple, some days will be the tougher stuff, and that's what makes you keep coming back for more.
The New York Times Mini Crossword remains a daily staple of word games, providing a quick yet engaging challenge every day. Whether solving for fun or testing speed, this mini puzzle continues to be a favorite among crossword enthusiasts worldwide.
