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The NYT Mini Crossword is a fun and fast-paced challenge to solve. Some days, it is easy; others, tricky clues slow things down. Today's puzzle had its mix of straightforward and tricky hints, especially for those who do not know their French. Knowing 7-Across would have made all the difference. For anyone still stuck, the answers are below.
1A: T-shirt or blouse
Answer: TOP
A simple clothing item that goes over the upper body. One calls a T-shirt or blouse a "top."
4A: Do a novelist’s job
Answer: WRITE
The novelist's primary work is to write stories, books, or articles. The answer "write" fits perfectly.
6A: Confusing answer to "So I'm supposed to turn left?"
Answe: RIGHT
This is a play on the double meaning of "right," which can mean "correct" but also "the direction opposite of left," making it a tricky but clever answer.
7A: French "to be"
Answe: ETRE
In French, the verb "être" means "to be." It's one of the most commonly used verbs in the language, making it an essential word for learners.
8A: ___-do-well
Answe: NEER
The term "ne'er-do-well" refers to an irresponsible or unsuccessful person, and is often used to describe a troublemaker or someone who does not have a goal in life. The word that is missing from the phrase is "ne'er."
1D: Fearsome cat, in Spanish
Answer: TIGRE
The Spanish word for "tiger" is "tigre." It describes the large, powerful striped big cat.
2D: Alternative option
Answer: OTHER
"Other" is another term for a different choice or an alternative to something already mentioned.
3D: Marcel the monkey, on "Friends"
Answer: PET
Marcel was Ross's pet monkey on the TV show Friends. Since he was a domesticated animal living with Ross, "pet" is the correct answer.
4D: Tiny bird with a piercing "teakettle-teakettle!" song
Answer: WREN
Wrens are small songbirds that are known for their loud calls. The Carolina Wren, in particular, makes a sound that sounds like "teakettle-teakettle."
5D: Religious ceremony
Answer: RITE
A rite is a formal religious ceremony or ritual, such as a baptism, wedding, or funeral service.
Today's puzzle balanced straightforward clues with a few tricky ones. Language knowledge played a role, with answers in both French ("être") and Spanish ("tigre"). Wordplay also made 6A ("right") a fun challenge. Whether solving for speed or just for fun, today's Mini had something for everyone!
Unlike the full-sized crossword, the Mini is a quick mental workout. The challenge is to solve it as fast as possible. Many players aim for under a minute, but some clues make that tricky. Today's puzzle tested language knowledge, with answers in both Spanish and French. Those familiar with both had an easier time filling the grid.
This bite-sized puzzle is available free of charge every day on the New York Times website and mobile app. Older puzzles require a Games subscription. The Mini keeps players engaged without requiring a significant time commitment, making it a popular daily brain exercise.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many puzzles in the NYT Games collection. Wordle, Connections, and Strands are also popular options for those who enjoy word-based challenges. For those struggling with today's puzzles, hints and answers are available online.
Today’s puzzle balanced easy and challenging clues. Some words revealed themselves quickly, while others required more thought. Whether the goal was speed or simply finishing the puzzle, today’s Mini had something for everyone.
