Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Thursday's grid brings a straightforward mix of automotive 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: "Took to another floor, as the [circled letters]" - references puzzle mechanics not visible in the clue alone
Gimme Clue: "Tesla or Toyota" - straightforward automotive category
Theme Spotted: None today - standard mix of categories
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Tesla or Toyota
Hint: Four-wheeled transportation, three letters
4A. What the "M" of BMX stands for
Hint: Prefix meaning "motor" or "motorcycle," four letters
5A. Leafy lunch
Hint: Common healthy meal with greens, five letters
6A. Weighing device
Hint: Bathroom or kitchen equipment, five letters
7A. "To be," in Latin
Hint: Philosophical Latin verb, four letters
Down Hints
1D. Pepsi and Coke
Hint: Carbonated beverages, five letters
2D. Dickens's "___ of Two Cities"
Hint: Two-word title beginning, five letters
3D. Took to another floor, as the [circled letters]
Hint: Past tense of elevator action, four letters
4D. Apple computers
Hint: Brand name for Apple desktops and laptops, four letters
5D. Dir. from San Francisco to Santa Monica
Hint: Compass direction abbreviation, three letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Tesla or Toyota
Answer: CAR
4A. What the "M" of BMX stands for
Answer: MOTO
5A. Leafy lunch
Answer: SALAD
6A. Weighing device
Answer: SCALE
7A. "To be," in Latin
Answer: ESSE
Down Answers
1D. Pepsi and Coke
Answer: COLAS
2D. Dickens's "___ of Two Cities"
Answer: ATALE
3D. Took to another floor, as the [circled letters]
Answer: RODE
4D. Apple computers
Answer: MACS
5D. Dir. from San Francisco to Santa Monica
Answer: SSE
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Took to another floor, as the [circled letters]" for RODE. The reference to "circled letters" suggests this clue interacts with a visual element in the actual puzzle grid, making it tricky without seeing the full puzzle layout.
Wordplay Winner: "What the 'M' of BMX stands for" for MOTO. Clean abbreviation clue that tests knowledge of extreme sports terminology.
Quick Fill: "Tesla or Toyota" for CAR. Straightforward automotive category 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 abbreviation clues like "M" of BMX - these often decode to common prefixes or shortened forms. Today's MOTO is a classic example.
When you see "Tesla or Toyota" type clues, think broad categories first. The three-letter answer CAR fits multiple intersections cleanly.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of automotive terms (CAR, MOTO), tech references (MACS), and Latin (ESSE) made for a balanced Thursday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
