Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Tuesday's grid brings a mix of pop culture references and straightforward 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: "When tripled, 'That's correct!'" (1A) - requires game show sound effect knowledge
Gimme Clue: "Nerd" (4D) - straightforward definition
Theme Spotted: None today
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1. When tripled, "That's correct!"
Hint: Think game show sound effect. Three of these make a correct answer.
5. "F1" or "One Battle After Another"
Hint: A film genre. Five letters, starts with M.
6. Make up for one's sins
Hint: Religious concept. Five letters, starts with A.
7. Title film character who says "That'll do, Donkey. That'll do"
Hint: Animated green ogre. Five letters, starts with S.
8. Pocket janglers
Hint: What you use to start your car. Four letters, starts with K.
Down Hints
1. Words before "math" or "honors"
Hint: Phrase meaning "complete the." Five letters, starts with D.
2. What the world's first chess set was carved from
Hint: Elephant material. Five letters, starts with I.
3. Highest digits in Sudoku
Hint: The number nine, plural. Five letters, starts with N.
4. Nerd
Hint: Tech enthusiast. Four letters, starts with G.
5. Cover up
Hint: What you wear on your face. Four letters, starts with M.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1. When tripled, "That's correct!"
Answer: DING
5. "F1" or "One Battle After Another"
Answer: MOVIE
6. Make up for one's sins
Answer: ATONE
7. Title film character who says "That'll do, Donkey. That'll do"
Answer: SHREK
8. Pocket janglers
Answer: KEYS
Down Answers
1. Words before "math" or "honors"
Answer: DOTHE
2. What the world's first chess set was carved from
Answer: IVORY
3. Highest digits in Sudoku
Answer: NINES
4. Nerd
Answer: GEEK
5. Cover up
Answer: MASK
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "When tripled, 'That's correct!'" for DING. This clue requires solvers to think about game show sound effects rather than just the single word meaning.
Wordplay Winner: "What the world's first chess set was carved from" for IVORY. Clever historical trivia that tests knowledge beyond basic vocabulary.
Quick Fill: "Nerd" for GEEK. Straightforward definition 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 pop culture references - today's grid included SHREK and MOVIE clues that reward general knowledge.
Recognize sound effect clues - DING as a game show element shows how crosswords use auditory concepts.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of game show sounds, animated characters, and historical trivia made for a balanced Tuesday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
