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For fans of crosswords, solving the daily puzzles is pure fun. For most people, finding the time for solving the NYT Mini Crossword is part of the daily routine, and nothing feels more wonderful than getting ready in the morning to take on that 5x5 challenge, especially if a person wants a mental workout but not one that consumes too much time.
Today's puzzle: January 22, 2025. Read on for all the clues and answers to make today's crossword a walk in the park.
Before diving into the answers, here are the clues to help solve the crossword. The words are simple, but they may still cause a brief pause during solving.
Across Clues: 1 Across: Material made by melting sand
6 Across: It's to your left when facing the sunrise
7 Across: One in a cast
8 Across: Say "This isn't fair!," say
9 Across: Look for
Down Clues: 1 Down: Chew like a beaver
2 Down: Scottish bodies of water
3 Down: "The Sopranos" restauranteur
4 Down: Object slid across a curling rink
5 Down: He tells Donkey "Ogres are like onions"
For many, solving the New York Times Mini Crossword has become a daily ritual. This compact puzzle offers quick mental exercises with a simple 5x5 grid. Here's a detailed breakdown of the clues and answers for today's Mini Crossword.
Here's Today's NYT Mini Across Clues, Hint, and Answers with Details:
1 Across: Material made by melting sand
Hint: Starts with "G"
The answer here is GLASS.
Glass is made by heating sand to high temperatures, causing it to melt and solidify into a transparent material used in various products, from windows to bottles.
6 Across: It's to your left when facing the sunrise
Hint: Ends with "H"
The answer is NORTH.
When facing the sunrise (which rises in the east), the direction to your left is always north.
7 Across: One in a cast
Hint: Begins with "A"
The answer is ACTOR.
This is a term for an individual in a cast, often referring to someone who is acting in a role for a film, television show, or theatrical performance.
8 Across: Say "This isn't fair!", say
Hint: Ends with "E"
The answer is WHINE.
If something doesn't seem fair, one might whine or complain about it, as in voice discontent.
9 Across: Look for
Hint: Begins with "S"
The answer is SEEK.
The meaning of the word seek is to look for something with effort or intent.
Here's Today's NYT Mini Down Clues, Hint, and Answers with Details:
1 Down: Chew like a beaver
Hint: Ends with "W"
The answer is GNAW.
They say beavers gnaw wood. It is in that which the clue hints at the end.
2 Down: Scottish bodies of water
Hint: Starts with "L"
The answer is LOCHS.
A loch is a Scottish term for a lake or a body of water, commonly seen throughout Scotland's countryside.
3 Down: "The Sopranos" restauranteur
HINT: Ends with "E"
The answer is ARTIE.
Artie Bucco is a character in "The Sopranos," a famous TV series. He runs a restaurant where some key scenes take place.
4 Down: Object slid across a curling rink
HINT: Starts with "S"
The solution is STONE.
In curling, players slide stones across the ice toward a target, making it a key object in the sport.
5 Down: He tells Donkey "Ogres are like onions"
Hint: Ends with "K"
The answer is SHREK.
This refers to the beloved animated character Shrek, who humorously compares ogres to onions in the movie "Shrek."
With these answers at hand, it is not hard to fill up the crossword puzzle in no time.
The NYT Mini Crossword is an ideal quick challenge for those looking to test their wit without spending hours on a puzzle. While the regular NYT Crossword can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour or more to complete, the Mini version provides a fun, quick fix. Many puzzle enthusiasts enjoy completing it as part of their daily ritual.
Solvers might catch themselves zipping through the Across clues, while the Down clues sometimes add that extra little oomph. Bonus? The mini format means that even on the busiest of days this crossword fits into any schedule.
Some will see that the clues in the Mini Crossword are straightforward when they relate to the common words, such as "GLASS" or "STONE." However, there are some trickier clues like "Look for" where one has to think a bit before settling for "SEEK." Of course, the crossword is so short, it's the perfect daily pastime. In a few minutes spent solving, it exercises the mind and gives the sense of accomplishment.
For those who want even more practice, the New York Times Games section hosts a variety of word puzzles such as Wordle, Strands, and Connections. But when it comes to simplicity and ease, the Mini Crossword is a go-to favorite.
Its appeal lies in the simplicity of the puzzle. The Mini doesn't require the extensive knowledge often needed for the larger crossword. Instead, it blends quick thinking with a dash of creativity. Clues like "He tells Donkey 'Ogres are like onions'" bring in a fun pop culture reference, making the puzzle even more engaging.
In addition, the Mini offers flexibility at any time of day. Whether it is taking a break at work, sitting in a coffee shop, or waiting for an appointment, solving the NYT Mini Crossword provides a quick escape and a mental boost.
For those still struggling with tricky clues, reviewing these helpful tips can improve solving speed:
Begin with the easiest Across clues, especially those involving common words.
If stuck on a Down clue, look for overlaps with the Across answers for hints.
Don't hesitate to take a moment and step back. Sometimes, the right word pops into mind when least expected.
Today's NYT Mini Crossword puzzle is designed to be a fun, quick challenge, and with these hints and answers, it becomes even more accessible.
It’s a simple way to keep the brain active, even for just a few minutes. With these answers, solving the crossword puzzle becomes an enjoyable and easy task.
Mini can appeal to the hearts of crosswords enthusiasts and also casual solvers, because of its simplicity and speed. Of course, for a more challenging solution, the bigger NYT Crossword is there for all interested in a harder challenge.
