Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Tuesday's grid brings a mix of tech nostalgia and pop culture 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: 6D. N.B.A. team from the hottest major city in the United States
Gimme Clue: 9A. Marketing creations
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. Internet company that popularized chat rooms
Hint: Early internet giant known for "You've got mail!"
4A. With 7-Across, "Hey, don't blame me!"
Hint: First word of a common phrase shifting responsibility
7A. See 4-Across
Hint: Second word completing the phrase "That's ___ you"
8A. Director of 2026's "The Odyssey"
Hint: Acclaimed filmmaker known for complex narratives and time-bending plots
9A. Marketing creations
Hint: Short promotional messages, often seen on TV or online
Down Hints
1D. Lots and lots
Hint: Informal phrase meaning a large quantity, sounds like a heavy weight
2D. [Gulp!]
Hint: Two-word exclamation of dismay or realization of trouble
3D. Signature hit for Eric Clapton
Hint: Classic rock song about a woman, featured on the "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" album
5D. Mushroom-headed character in the Mario games
Hint: Non-playable character who often gives advice and items
6D. N.B.A. team from the hottest major city in the United States
Hint: Team representing a city known for extreme heat and desert climate
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Internet company that popularized chat rooms
Answer: AOL
4A. With 7-Across, "Hey, don't blame me!"
Answer: THATS
7A. See 4-Across
Answer: ONYOU
8A. Director of 2026's "The Odyssey"
Answer: NOLAN
9A. Marketing creations
Answer: ADS
Down Answers
1D. Lots and lots
Answer: ATON
2D. [Gulp!]
Answer: OHNO
3D. Signature hit for Eric Clapton
Answer: LAYLA
5D. Mushroom-headed character in the Mario games
Answer: TOAD
6D. N.B.A. team from the hottest major city in the United States
Answer: SUNS
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 6D for SUNS. The clue "N.B.A. team from the hottest major city in the United States" required solvers to think geographically about Phoenix's extreme heat rather than just basketball knowledge.
Wordplay Winner: 1D for ATON. The clue "Lots and lots" cleverly uses a homophone for "a ton," creating a simple but effective wordplay that's satisfying to solve.
Quick Fill: 9A for ADS. The clue "Marketing creations" is straightforward and provides an easy three-letter entry that helps unlock the rest of the grid.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for homophones like "a ton" becoming ATON. These phonetic clues often appear in the Mini and can be solved quickly once you recognize the pattern.
Multi-word phrases like "That's on you" split across two clues (4A and 7A) are common. Solve one part and the other becomes obvious through crossing letters.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of tech nostalgia (AOL) and pop culture (NOLAN, LAYLA) made for an engaging Tuesday solve. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
