Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Friday's grid brings a clever fitness-themed punchline wrapped in a compact 5x5 package. 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: 7-Across "With 8-Across, start running or going to the gym", a two-parter that requires connecting both answers
Gimme Clue: 9-Across "Opposite of NNE", pure compass knowledge, no tricks
Theme Spotted: None spotted
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1. Baseball stat hidden in "super big hit"
Hint: Look for a three-letter acronym buried inside the phrase. Think runs.
4. Hi, in Hawaii
Hint: The Hawaiian greeting that starts with A and ends with A. Five letters, pure aloha spirit.
7. With 8-Across, start running or going to the gym
Hint: Two words that together mean "begin exercising." First word: three letters, starts with G.
8. See 7-Across
Hint: Completes the fitness phrase from 7-Across. Five letters, rhymes with "tape."
9. Opposite of NNE
Hint: Think compass directions. NNE is north-northeast, what's the exact opposite?
Down Hints
1. Opposite of riches, in a saying
Hint: "From ___ to riches." Four letters, starts with R.
2. "Ew, gross"
Hint: A four-letter reaction word. Starts with B, sounds like something you'd say after tasting spoiled milk.
3. Tiny bits
Hint: Small amounts, often used in the phrase "not one ___." Five letters, starts with I.
5. Where the hands are placed when "Hey, Macarena!" is sung
Hint: Body part. Four letters. Think about the iconic dance move.
6. All over again
Hint: Starting fresh. Four letters, starts with A, ends with W.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1. Baseball stat hidden in "super big hit"
Answer: RBI
4. Hi, in Hawaii
Answer: ALOHA
7. With 8-Across, start running or going to the gym
Answer: GETIN
8. See 7-Across
Answer: SHAPE
9. Opposite of NNE
Answer: SSW
Down Answers
1. Opposite of riches, in a saying
Answer: RAGS
2. "Ew, gross"
Answer: BLEH
3. Tiny bits
Answer: IOTAS
5. Where the hands are placed when "Hey, Macarena!" is sung
Answer: HIPS
6. All over again
Answer: ANEW
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 5-Down "Where the hands are placed when 'Hey, Macarena!' is sung" for HIPS. The Macarena was a cultural phenomenon in the '90s, and the clue leans into that shared memory, if you know the dance, you know exactly where your hands go. Nostalgia and wordplay in one clean hit.
Wordplay Winner: 1-Across "Baseball stat hidden in 'super big hit'" for RBI. The clue asks you to spot the acronym embedded in the phrase itself, "super **b**ig **h**it" gives you B-H, but the answer is RBI. The misdirection is that the letters aren't sequential in the way you'd expect, making it a sneaky solve.
Quick Fill: 4-Across "Hi, in Hawaii" for ALOHA. If you've seen a Hawaiian shirt, a postcard, or basically any media set in the islands, this is instant. No overthinking required.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
When you see a "With X-Across" clue, solve both simultaneously. The two entries work as a phrase (GETIN SHAPE), so finding one gives you the other. Train your brain to recognize compound clues, they're common in the Mini and a huge time-saver.
Compass direction clues (like 9-Across "Opposite of NNE") are pure pattern recognition. NNE is a three-letter direction; its exact opposite is SSW. Memorize the pairs: NE/SW, NW/SE, N/S, E/W. These are free squares that cost zero brain power once you know the map.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? Whether the fitness theme got you moving or the Macarena reference had you humming the tune, every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
