Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Tuesday's grid brings a mix of everyday idioms and modern digital references. 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: 2D. Designation for prolific Yelp reviewers
Gimme Clue: 9A. She, in French
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. When pigs fly
Hint: Think about something that will never happen
6A. Courtroom excuse
Hint: A five-letter word for being elsewhere when a crime occurred
7A. "That's a ___!" ("Seems unlikely!")
Hint: Two words, starts with B and I
8A. Cash register compartment
Hint: Where money is kept, four letters
9A. She, in French
Hint: Four-letter feminine pronoun
Down Hints
1D. Catch, as a crook
Hint: Three-letter verb for apprehending someone
2D. Designation for prolific Yelp reviewers
Hint: Five letters, starts with E, a status for top contributors
3D. Candlelight ___ (solemn observance)
Hint: Five letters, starts with V, a nighttime watch
4D. Online invoice
Hint: Five letters, starts with E, digital bill
5D. Piece of equipment in a Winter Olympics biathlon
Hint: Five letters, starts with R, used for shooting
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. When pigs fly
Answer: NEVER
6A. Courtroom excuse
Answer: ALIBI
7A. "That's a ___!" ("Seems unlikely!")
Answer: BIG IF
8A. Cash register compartment
Answer: TILL
9A. She, in French
Answer: ELLE
Down Answers
1D. Catch, as a crook
Answer: NAB
2D. Designation for prolific Yelp reviewers
Answer: ELITE
3D. Candlelight ___ (solemn observance)
Answer: VIGIL
4D. Online invoice
Answer: EBILL
5D. Piece of equipment in a Winter Olympics biathlon
Answer: RIFLE
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 2D. Designation for prolific Yelp reviewers for ELITE. This clue bridges modern digital culture with crossword solving, requiring knowledge of Yelp's reviewer ranking system.
Wordplay Winner: 7A. "That's a ___!" ("Seems unlikely!") for BIG IF. The clue cleverly uses a common expression to create a two-word answer that fits perfectly in the grid.
Quick Fill: 9A. She, in French for ELLE. Basic French vocabulary makes this an instant solve for most solvers.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for modern digital references like "Yelp reviewers" and "online invoice" - these clues often use contemporary terms that younger solvers will recognize instantly.
Two-word answers like BIG IF often appear in the Mini's 7A position - when you see a clue with a blank space, think about common phrases that fit the letter count.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of idioms like "when pigs fly" and modern terms like "Elite" reviewers kept things fresh. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
