Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Tuesday's grid brings a mix of geographic 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: 3D. ___ boroughs (term for the non-Manhattan parts of New York City)
Gimme Clue: 7D. Bar beverage
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. "Paradise" or "Lost"
Hint: Think television series titles. Five letters.
5A. Hawaiian island with the famous Road to Hana
Hint: Second largest Hawaiian island. Four letters.
6A. ___Zeneca (pharma company)
Hint: Vaccine manufacturer. Five letters, starts with A.
8A. "Stainless" metal
Hint: Common alloy. Six letters.
9A. One half of a centaur
Hint: Mythical creature component. Five letters.
Down Hints
1D. Massive success
Hint: Big hit. Five letters.
2D. Must
Hint: Obligation expressed. Five letters.
3D. ___ boroughs (term for the non-Manhattan parts of New York City)
Hint: Opposite of inner. Five letters.
4D. Electrician's specialty
Hint: Conductive installations. Five letters.
7D. Bar beverage
Hint: Brewed drink. Three letters.
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. "Paradise" or "Lost"
Answer: SHOW
5A. Hawaiian island with the famous Road to Hana
Answer: MAUI
6A. ___Zeneca (pharma company)
Answer: ASTRA
8A. "Stainless" metal
Answer: STEEL
9A. One half of a centaur
Answer: HORSE
Down Answers
1D. Massive success
Answer: SMASH
2D. Must
Answer: HASTO
3D. ___ boroughs (term for the non-Manhattan parts of New York City)
Answer: OUTER
4D. Electrician's specialty
Answer: WIRES
7D. Bar beverage
Answer: ALE
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 3D. ___ boroughs (term for the non-Manhattan parts of New York City) for OUTER. This clue requires specific NYC geographic knowledge beyond just the word "outer."
Wordplay Winner: 1A. "Paradise" or "Lost" for SHOW. Clever use of TV series titles to hint at the word "show" - both "Paradise" and "Lost" are television shows.
Quick Fill: 7D. Bar beverage for ALE. Straightforward three-letter answer 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 TV and pop culture references - clues referencing titles often point to simple words like "show" or "film."
Geographic clues (like 5A for MAUI) are usually straightforward proper nouns - if you know the location, fill it in confidently.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tonight at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The mix of geographic references and wordplay made for a balanced Tuesday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
