Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Saturday's grid brings a clever mix of pop culture references and everyday 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: 7x7
Total Clues: 17 (7 Across, 10 Down)
Trickiest Clue: "With 8-Across, helpful comment to an oblivious video call participant"
Gimme Clue: "Roosters' mates"
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. Bird with keen eyesight
Hint: Think raptor, often associated with sharp vision and hunting
5A. With 8-Across, helpful comment to an oblivious video call participant
Hint: Two-word phrase starting with "You're" that completes the video call warning
6A. Scooby-Doo or Air Bud
Hint: Two-word phrase describing a domesticated animal companion
7A. Sticky notes
Hint: Brand name for those colorful adhesive squares for reminders
8A. See 5-Across
Hint: Two-word phrase about audio settings that completes the video call warning
9A. Protective layers over skin wounds
Hint: Natural coverings that form during healing, five letters
10A. Roosters' mates
Hint: Female birds in a chicken coop, four letters
Down Hints
1D. Places to find some small jets
Hint: Seven-letter word for outdoor relaxation fixtures with bubbling water
2D. Reviews, as taxes
Hint: Six-letter word for official examinations of financial records
3D. Texted or emailed, e.g.
Hint: Five-letter verb for composing written communication
4D. Barrels of beer
Hint: Four-letter containers often tapped at parties
5D. Overagreeable underling
Hint: Six-letter term for someone who always says yes to authority
6D. Spanish conquistador ___ de León
Hint: Five-letter first name of the explorer associated with the Fountain of Youth
7D. Swanky, like a certain Spice Girl
Hint: Four-letter adjective describing Victoria Beckham's Spice Girl persona
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Bird with keen eyesight
Answer: HAWK
5A. With 8-Across, helpful comment to an oblivious video call participant
Answer: YOURE
6A. Scooby-Doo or Air Bud
Answer: PETDOG
7A. Sticky notes
Answer: POSTITS
8A. See 5-Across
Answer: ONMUTE
9A. Protective layers over skin wounds
Answer: SCABS
10A. Roosters' mates
Answer: HENS
Down Answers
1D. Places to find some small jets
Answer: HOTTUBS
2D. Reviews, as taxes
Answer: AUDITS
3D. Texted or emailed, e.g.
Answer: WROTE
4D. Barrels of beer
Answer: KEGS
5D. Overagreeable underling
Answer: YESMAN
6D. Spanish conquistador ___ de León
Answer: PONCE
7D. Swanky, like a certain Spice Girl
Answer: POSH
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "With 8-Across, helpful comment to an oblivious video call participant" for YOURE. This clue perfectly captures modern remote work frustrations while requiring solvers to connect two separate entries.
Wordplay Winner: "Places to find some small jets" for HOTTUBS. Clever misdirection using "jets" to refer to water jets rather than aircraft.
Quick Fill: "Roosters' mates" for HENS. Straightforward farmyard 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 split clues like 5A and 8A. When clues reference each other, solve them as a unit rather than individually.
Recognize brand names in disguise. "Sticky notes" is POSTITS, not a generic description.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The video call reference and Spice Girl nod gave this Saturday puzzle contemporary flavor. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
