Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Tuesday's grid brings a balanced mix of geography, wordplay, and pop culture. 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: "River whose basin spans 11 countries"
Gimme Clue: "Opposite of WSW"
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. Bit of clothing for a snowman
Hint: Winter accessory that keeps you warm
6A. "___ is just another defense against the universe": Mel Brooks
Hint: What comedians specialize in
7A. Say without saying
Hint: Suggest or hint at something
8A. River whose basin spans 11 countries
Hint: Longest river in Africa
9A. Opposite of WSW
Hint: Compass direction abbreviation
Down Hints
1D. Excel
Hint: Perform exceptionally well
2D. Spice in curry powder
Hint: Common Indian spice with earthy flavor
3D. More than enough
Hint: Plentiful or abundant
4D. Queen Elizabeth I or II, for Helen Mirren
Hint: Actor's part in a film or play
5D. Cook in oil
Hint: French cooking technique
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Bit of clothing for a snowman
Answer: SCARF
6A. "___ is just another defense against the universe": Mel Brooks
Answer: HUMOR
7A. Say without saying
Answer: IMPLY
8A. River whose basin spans 11 countries
Answer: NILE
9A. Opposite of WSW
Answer: ENE
Down Answers
1D. Excel
Answer: SHINE
2D. Spice in curry powder
Answer: CUMIN
3D. More than enough
Answer: AMPLE
4D. Queen Elizabeth I or II, for Helen Mirren
Answer: ROLE
5D. Cook in oil
Answer: SAUTE
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "Bit of clothing for a snowman" for SCARF. Clever visual clue that paints a picture rather than giving a direct definition.
Wordplay Winner: "Say without saying" for IMPLY. Perfect example of crossword wordplay that makes you think about language differently.
Quick Fill: "Opposite of WSW" for ENE. Basic directional knowledge 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 visual clues like "Bit of clothing for a snowman" - they often describe objects in context rather than giving dictionary definitions.
When you see a quote clue like the Mel Brooks reference, think about the speaker's profession or what they're known for to guide you to the answer.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of geography (NILE), wordplay (IMPLY), and pop culture (Mel Brooks) made for a well-rounded Tuesday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
