Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Monday's grid brings a straightforward 5x5 with a mix of pop culture references and everyday vocabulary. 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: 4D. Book in a mosque, using a non-standard spelling
Gimme Clue: 9A. TV room
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. Transfusion cocktail = ___, ginger ale, grape juice and lime
Hint: Clear spirit, often mixed with juice
6A. Body guard?
Hint: Kitchen protective wear, often tied around waist
7A. Temporary Instagram update
Hint: 24-hour social media post
8A. Big name in hiking sandals
Hint: Outdoor footwear brand, four letters
9A. TV room
Hint: Cozy home space, three letters
Down Hints
1D. Reaching far and wide
Hint: Extensive, four letters
2D. Chose
Hint: Past tense of select, five letters
3D. Went by car
Hint: Past tense of operate a vehicle, five letters
4D. Book in a mosque, using a non-standard spelling
Hint: Islamic holy text, alternative spelling
5D. "Got ___ bright ideas?"
Hint: Question word meaning "some" or "any amount"
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Transfusion cocktail = ___, ginger ale, grape juice and lime
Answer: VODKA
6A. Body guard?
Answer: APRON
7A. Temporary Instagram update
Answer: STORY
8A. Big name in hiking sandals
Answer: TEVA
9A. TV room
Answer: DEN
Down Answers
1D. Reaching far and wide
Answer: VAST
2D. Chose
Answer: OPTED
3D. Went by car
Answer: DROVE
4D. Book in a mosque, using a non-standard spelling
Answer: KORAN
5D. "Got ___ bright ideas?"
Answer: ANY
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 4D. Book in a mosque, using a non-standard spelling for KORAN. The clue acknowledges the alternative spelling while testing religious knowledge.
Wordplay Winner: 6A. Body guard? for APRON. Clever pun on "body guard" as something that protects your clothing while cooking.
Quick Fill: 9A. TV room for DEN. Straightforward three-letter answer that most solvers will get instantly.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for pun clues like "Body guard?" - they often hide simple answers (APRON) behind clever wording.
Short answers (3-4 letters) at grid intersections (like DEN and ANY) provide quick anchor points to build from.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of social media terms (STORY) and outdoor gear (TEVA) kept things contemporary. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
