Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Friday's grid brings a mix of British television, travel woes, and political references. Whether you're racing the clock or just enjoying a quick brain break, we've got hints and answers to keep you moving.
How The Mini Works
The Mini is a compact version of the classic NYT Crossword, typically featuring a 5x5 grid with five Across and five Down clues. Saturdays expand to a larger grid with more clues. Solve the intersecting words, and when the grid is complete, you'll hear a satisfying chime. No streak tracking here, but the built-in timer lets you compete against yourself or challenge friends.
New puzzles drop at 10 p.m. EST on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday's Mini arrives earlier at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
Quick Scan
In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:
Grid Size: 5x5
Total Clues: 10 (5 Across, 5 Down)
Trickiest Clue: "This text mark: ^" (3D)
Gimme Clue: "Right you are!" (5D)
Theme Spotted: None today
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. "Top Gear" channel
Hint: British public broadcaster, three letters
4A. Announcement that causes groans among travelers
Hint: Airport announcement, five letters
6A. Middle of a drum kit, typically
Hint: Drum type, five letters
7A. Political staffers
Hint: Congressional assistants, five letters
8A. Bottom line figure
Hint: After-tax amount, three letters
Down Hints
1D. French-speaking nation in West Africa
Hint: Country bordering Nigeria, five letters
2D. Sharp part of a sword
Hint: Cutting side, four letters
3D. This text mark: ^
Hint: Proofreading symbol, five letters
4D. Left-leaning political org.
Hint: Civil liberties group, four letters
5D. "Right you are!"
Hint: Church response, four letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. "Top Gear" channel
Answer: BBC
4A. Announcement that causes groans among travelers
Answer: DELAY
6A. Middle of a drum kit, typically
Answer: SNARE
7A. Political staffers
Answer: AIDES
8A. Bottom line figure
Answer: NET
Down Answers
1D. French-speaking nation in West Africa
Answer: BENIN
2D. Sharp part of a sword
Answer: EDGE
3D. This text mark: ^
Answer: CARET
4D. Left-leaning political org.
Answer: ACLU
5D. "Right you are!"
Answer: AMEN
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "This text mark: ^" for CARET. This clue requires specific proofreading knowledge that might stump casual solvers.
Wordplay Winner: "Bottom line figure" for NET. Clever double meaning referencing both financial statements and the literal bottom of a page.
Quick Fill: "Right you are!" for AMEN. Straightforward religious response that most solvers will recognize instantly.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for three-letter fillers like BBC and NET - they're often quick solves that give you crossing letters for longer answers.
Recognize common crossword abbreviations: ACLU for political organizations, BBC for British media, and AIDES for political staff.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of British TV references and travel terminology made for a balanced Friday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
