Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Monday's grid brings a classic 5x5 with film history, sports trivia, and straightforward 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: 1A. 1975 Spielberg film that's considered the first summer blockbuster
Gimme Clue: 7D. Scrabble value of D or G
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. 1975 Spielberg film that's considered the first summer blockbuster
Hint: Think shark. Four letters, starts with J.
5A. "Oh okay, gotcha"
Hint: Common phrase of understanding. Four letters, starts with I.
6A. Athlete from New York (in one sport) or San Francisco (in another)
Hint: Sports team name. Five letters, starts with G.
8A. Declare publicly
Hint: Formal statement. Four letters, starts with A.
9A. Emperor who didn't actually fiddle while Rome burned
Hint: Roman emperor. Four letters, starts with N.
Down Hints
1D. "The ___ is up!"
Hint: Expression meaning the game is over. Three letters, starts with J.
2D. Like lotus root and wax apples
Hint: Geographic origin. Five letters, starts with A.
3D. Drive dangerously in traffic
Hint: Lane-changing maneuver. Five letters, starts with W.
4D. Spanish title
Hint: Formal address for a man. Five letters, starts with S.
7D. Scrabble value of D or G
Hint: Number value. Three letters, starts with T.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. 1975 Spielberg film that's considered the first summer blockbuster
Answer: JAWS
5A. "Oh okay, gotcha"
Answer: ISEE
6A. Athlete from New York (in one sport) or San Francisco (in another)
Answer: GIANT
8A. Declare publicly
Answer: AVOW
9A. Emperor who didn't actually fiddle while Rome burned
Answer: NERO
Down Answers
1D. "The ___ is up!"
Answer: JIG
2D. Like lotus root and wax apples
Answer: ASIAN
3D. Drive dangerously in traffic
Answer: WEAVE
4D. Spanish title
Answer: SENOR
7D. Scrabble value of D or G
Answer: TWO
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 6A for GIANT. Clever dual sports reference that works for both New York Giants (football) and San Francisco Giants (baseball).
Wordplay Winner: 1D for JIG. "The jig is up" is an idiomatic expression that translates perfectly to the three-letter grid requirement.
Quick Fill: 7D for TWO. Straightforward Scrabble knowledge that most solvers will nail instantly.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for dual-meaning sports clues like 6A. When a clue references multiple cities for the same answer, think team names that work across different sports leagues.
Recognize common idioms and expressions. Clues like 1D ("The ___ is up!") almost always point to short, familiar phrases that fit the grid constraints.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of film history (JAWS), sports trivia (GIANT), and Roman emperors (NERO) made for a balanced Monday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
