Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a mix of presidential trivia, tech commands, 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: 5x5
Total Clues: 10 (5 Across, 5 Down)
Trickiest Clue: "___ Ma, 3-Down player who has performed for nine U.S. presidents" - requires specific knowledge of presidential performances
Gimme Clue: "Prepare for a weekend getaway" - straightforward travel vocabulary
Theme Spotted: None today, but a musical connection between 8-Across and 3-Down
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1. Prepare for a weekend getaway
Hint: What you do with clothes before traveling
5. So-called "king of summer fabrics"
Hint: Light, breathable material often used for summer suits
6. Go fishing
Hint: Use a rod and reel, or approach something indirectly
7. "Cut" command, on a keyboard
Hint: Keyboard shortcut that removes and copies to clipboard
8. ___ Ma, 3-Down player who has performed for nine U.S. presidents
Hint: Famous cellist with a repetitive name
Down Hints
1. Kind of bean in a burrito
Hint: Spotted bean commonly used in Mexican cuisine
2. More than a little irritated
Hint: Strong emotion, opposite of calm
3. See 8-Across
Hint: String instrument played by the musician in 8-Across
4. Building toy brand
Hint: Competitor to LEGO, known for rod-and-connector sets
5. Like many wedding veils
Hint: Delicate, ornamental fabric pattern
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1. Prepare for a weekend getaway
Answer: PACK
5. So-called "king of summer fabrics"
Answer: LINEN
6. Go fishing
Answer: ANGLE
7. "Cut" command, on a keyboard
Answer: CTRLX
8. ___ Ma, 3-Down player who has performed for nine U.S. presidents
Answer: YOYO
Down Answers
1. Kind of bean in a burrito
Answer: PINTO
2. More than a little irritated
Answer: ANGRY
3. See 8-Across
Answer: CELLO
4. Building toy brand
Answer: KNEX
5. Like many wedding veils
Answer: LACY
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "___ Ma, 3-Down player who has performed for nine U.S. presidents" for YOYO. This clue combines music trivia with presidential history, requiring solvers to know both Yo-Yo Ma's name and his extensive White House performances.
Wordplay Winner: "Cut" command, on a keyboard" for CTRLX. Clever tech reference that translates a common computer action into crossword format, with the "X" fitting perfectly in the grid.
Quick Fill: "Prepare for a weekend getaway" for PACK. Straightforward travel vocabulary that most solvers will get instantly, providing an easy entry point into the grid.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for intersecting clues that share letters - the "Y" in YOYO and "L" in CELLO create a helpful cross-check for the musical connection.
Tech abbreviations like CTRLX often appear in puzzles - recognize common keyboard shortcuts as potential answers.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The presidential trivia and tech commands made for an interesting mix. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
