Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Monday's grid brings a literary twist with Roald Dahl references mixed with 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: "1/640th of a square mile" (requires specific measurement knowledge)
Gimme Clue: "Fast and nimble" (common adjective)
Theme Spotted: Roald Dahl literary references (PEACH, FOX)
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Crab's grabber
Hint: Think crustacean anatomy. Four letters, starts with C.
5A. "Giant" fruit in a Roald Dahl novel
Hint: Famous children's book about oversized fruit. Five letters.
6A. Prefix similar to mega-
Hint: Means "beyond" or "extremely." Five letters, starts with U.
7A. Fast and nimble
Hint: Describes something quick and agile. Five letters, starts with F.
8A. "Fantastic" animal in a Roald Dahl novel
Hint: Clever creature from another Dahl story. Three letters.
Down Hints
1D. Large stringed instrument
Hint: Classical music instrument, larger than violin. Five letters, starts with C.
2D. Balloon material
Hint: Synthetic rubber used for balloons. Five letters, starts with L.
3D. 1/640th of a square mile
Hint: Land measurement unit. Four letters, starts with A.
4D. Just ___ the doctor ordered
Hint: Common phrase meaning exactly what was needed. Four letters, starts with W.
5D. Small bit of wind
Hint: Gentle breeze or breath. Four letters, starts with P.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Crab's grabber
Answer: CLAW
5A. "Giant" fruit in a Roald Dahl novel
Answer: PEACH
6A. Prefix similar to mega-
Answer: ULTRA
7A. Fast and nimble
Answer: FLEET
8A. "Fantastic" animal in a Roald Dahl novel
Answer: FOX
Down Answers
1D. Large stringed instrument
Answer: CELLO
2D. Balloon material
Answer: LATEX
3D. 1/640th of a square mile
Answer: ACRE
4D. Just ___ the doctor ordered
Answer: WHAT
5D. Small bit of wind
Answer: PUFF
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "1/640th of a square mile" for ACRE. This requires specific knowledge of land measurement conversions that many solvers might not have memorized.
Wordplay Winner: "Just ___ the doctor ordered" for WHAT. Classic phrase completion that feels satisfying when you spot the familiar idiom.
Quick Fill: "Fast and nimble" for FLEET. Straightforward adjective that most solvers will recognize immediately, providing an easy entry point.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Spot literary references early. The Roald Dahl clues (PEACH and FOX) create a mini-theme that helps confirm intersecting letters.
Watch for measurement conversions. When you see specific fractions like "1/640th," think common units (ACRE) rather than obscure calculations.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The Roald Dahl theme added literary flair to an otherwise straightforward Monday puzzle. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
