.png){kind=logo}
For crossword enthusiasts, NYT Mini Crossword offers quick and easy exercise of the brain. Today being 10th December 2024 for people solving the crossword today, there are a range of pop culture references, some clues being very basic as to defining words.
The New York Times Mini Crossword is a 5x5 grid with simple, straightforward clues. Every day, the puzzle posed an amusing challenge that could be solved in just a few minutes, ideal for a quick break from the working mind.
The clues on December 10, 2024 range from fun Seinfeld references to simple definitions of common words. If you have a few tricky spots in the grid, the answers below should help you finish solving the puzzle without frustration.
(1A) "The ___," "Seinfeld" episode in which Kramer gets everyone tickets for "Pagliacci"
Answer: OPERA
The clue refers to the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer buys tickets for the opera Pagliacci. It is an easy clue that points towards an old art form.
(6A) The fourth of Santa's eight reindeer (plus Rudolph!)
Answer: VIXEN
Vixen is one of Santa's reindeer. The clue uses a nice play of words by referring to the line-up of the reindeer along with Rudolph as a bonus.
(7A) Live and breathe
Answer: EXIST
This is a very straightforward and fairly familiar clue. To "live and breathe" means to exist, making the answer obvious.
(8A) Baptisms and the like
Answer: RITES
The clue refers to rituals like baptisms that are usually termed rites. The word is well-known in religious or ritual contexts.
(9A) Cantankerous
Answer: TESTY
"Testy" is a synonym for someone who is quickly annoyed or irritable, describing someone as cantankerous.
(1D) Obvious for all to see
Answer: OVERT
Something done openly and without concealment is "overt." Something visible to all is also overt.
(2D) Impish creature of folklore
Answer: PIXIE
The answer is a mythical creature, a mischievous imp, that often appears in folklore. A "pixie" is a good fit for this answer.
(3D) Airplane rows with extra legroom
Answer: EXITS
Aircraft exit rows have more legroom. The clue uses a play on words to arrive at the answer.
(4D) Press the power button on a Nintendo Switch for about 15 seconds to do this
Answer: RESET
It is restarting or resetting of the device, in this case a Nintendo Switch. A pretty easy technical clue.
(5D) Anxious about what’s ahead
Answer: ANTSY
"A ntsy" describes as feeling restless or anxious especially in awaiting something to happen. This term is so very common in the day to day usage.
These are the answers to help solve the NYT Mini Crossword today. The clues, though simple, provide a satisfying challenge to anyone familiar with everyday language and pop culture.
The NYT Mini Crossword is a perfect way to engage with a puzzle that’s short but rewarding. It can be completed in a few minutes, offering a quick mental workout without the time commitment of a traditional crossword puzzle. This makes it ideal for busy individuals who want to challenge themselves while not losing too much time in the process.
Every day, the puzzles run from clever pop culture references, such as "Seinfeld," to more general knowledge. What's interesting about the NYT Mini Crossword is how well it balances wordplay with just plain old knowledge, which is entertaining for both novices and old hands.
One of the best ways in solving the NYT Mini Crossword is by working systematically. To start with, fill up on across clues. These are always easier and can easily serve to fill up a particular set of down clues. Having some letters filled up makes it rather easy to solve the rest. A shorter clue or one which offers a familiar reference usually indicates the key letters which then unlock other answers.
The NYT Mini Crossword also offers hints for those who may need a little extra help. These hints, available each day, can guide solvers in the right direction. Don’t hesitate to use these tools if needed; they can make the solving process smoother.
If solving the puzzle today seemed a little challenging, don't be concerned-increased practice does help. The NYT Mini Crossword is built to get progressively tougher toward the end of the week, so the clues will be tougher on Saturday. Regular practice improves both solving speed and crossword skills.
Want more? Find the NYT Mini Crossword hints page for anyone stymied by a particular clue. For daily puzzles and hints available on every corner, be ready to face that challenge each day.
