Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Friday's grid brings a mix of pop culture references and clever wordplay. 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: 4A - "Rapper with the 2026 #1 album 'The Fall-Off'" (requires current pop culture knowledge)
Gimme Clue: 7A - "Darn it!" (common expression)
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. Cable channel that airs March Madness games
Hint: Turner Broadcasting System - three letters, sports network
4A. Rapper with the 2026 #1 album "The Fall-Off"
Hint: Grammy-winning artist, first name starts with J, last name starts with C
6A. Review thoroughly, as taxes
Hint: IRS process, five letters, starts with A
7A. "Darn it!"
Hint: Mild expletive, four letters, starts with C
8A. Annoying things to realize you've left in the house
Hint: What you need to start your car, four letters, starts with K
Down Hints
1D. Yesterday, tomorrow
Hint: Wordplay clue - think about time, five letters, starts with T
2D. Radar screen dots
Hint: Small signals on a display, five letters, starts with B
3D. "On your marks ... get ___ ..."
Hint: Race starter's command, three letters, starts with S
4D. Playing card historically called a knave
Hint: Face card in a deck, four letters, starts with J
5D. Medical success
Hint: What doctors aim for, four letters, starts with C
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Cable channel that airs March Madness games
Answer: TBS
4A. Rapper with the 2026 #1 album "The Fall-Off"
Answer: JCOLE
6A. Review thoroughly, as taxes
Answer: AUDIT
7A. "Darn it!"
Answer: CRAP
8A. Annoying things to realize you've left in the house
Answer: KEYS
Down Answers
1D. Yesterday, tomorrow
Answer: TODAY
2D. Radar screen dots
Answer: BLIPS
3D. "On your marks ... get ___ ..."
Answer: SET
4D. Playing card historically called a knave
Answer: JACK
5D. Medical success
Answer: CURE
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 1D "Yesterday, tomorrow" for TODAY. Clever wordplay that makes you think about time in a different way - what exists between yesterday and tomorrow? Today.
Wordplay Winner: 1D again takes the prize for best wordplay. The clue works perfectly as a riddle that leads to a simple, everyday word.
Quick Fill: 7A "Darn it!" for CRAP. This is a gimme for anyone familiar with common expressions - the answer immediately comes to mind.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for wordplay clues that function as riddles. When you see a clue like "Yesterday, tomorrow," think about what connects the two concepts rather than taking the words literally.
Pop culture clues often require current knowledge. If you're stuck on a clue like 4A about a 2026 album, move on and solve intersecting clues first - the crossing letters will help narrow down the answer.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of pop culture (JCOLE, TBS) and everyday wordplay (TODAY, CRAP) made for a balanced Friday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
