Search Clues

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query fab/. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query fab/. Sort by date Show all posts

Sunday, December 28, 2025

NYT Mini December 28, 2025: Fast Answers, Strategic Hints & Speed-Solving Guide

Sunday NYT Mini Crossword Answers December 28, 2025 - Quick 5×5 Grid Solutions & Tips

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: November 06 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | August 26 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | June 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 28, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 28, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 36. Swallow something hook, line and sinker
2 Across 96. In tears
3 Across 87. Wave to, say
4 Across 32. Fab Four drummer
5 Across 70. A Chorus Line
6 Across 73. Personal histories
7 Across 44. A Class Act
8 Across 31. Starting section
9 Across 47. A Strange Loop
10 Across 60. Shapiro of public radio

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "36. Swallow something hook, line and sinker"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: E_____P

Answer:

Click to reveal EATITUP


2 Across: "96. In tears"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: S_____G

Answer:

Click to reveal SOBBING


3 Across: "87. Wave to, say"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G___T

Answer:

Click to reveal GREET


4 Across: "32. Fab Four drummer"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S___R

Answer:

Click to reveal STARR


5 Across: "70. A Chorus Line"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: R_____N

Answer:

Click to reveal REFRAIN


6 Across: "73. Personal histories"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S

Answer:

Click to reveal PASTS


7 Across: "44. A Class Act"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: F_______P

Answer:

Click to reveal FIELDTRIP


8 Across: "31. Starting section"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P___A

Answer:

Click to reveal PARTA


9 Across: "47. A Strange Loop"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: M_________P

Answer:

Click to reveal MOBIUSSTRIP


10 Across: "60. Shapiro of public radio"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal ARI

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 42. Oldsmobile Cutlass model
2 Down 107. Glitzy fabric
3 Down 110. "Gotcha"
4 Down 79. Sources in etymology
5 Down 5. Makeshift tip collector
6 Down 59. Borscht base
7 Down 65. Law, but not order
8 Down 46. Prima ballerina
9 Down 6. Epitome of graceful beauty
10 Down 97. Do a diner job

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "42. Oldsmobile Cutlass model"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: C___A

Answer:

Click to reveal CIERA


2 Down: "107. Glitzy fabric"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L__E

Answer:

Click to reveal LAME


3 Down: "110. "Gotcha""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I__E

Answer:

Click to reveal ISEE


4 Down: "79. Sources in etymology"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R_______S

Answer:

Click to reveal ROOTWORDS


5 Down: "5. Makeshift tip collector"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: lid

Answer:

Click to reveal HAT


6 Down: "59. Borscht base"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B___S

Answer:

Click to reveal BEETS


7 Down: "65. Law, but not order"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: C____R

Answer:

Click to reveal CAREER


8 Down: "46. Prima ballerina"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E____E

Answer:

Click to reveal ETOILE


9 Down: "6. Epitome of graceful beauty"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S__N

Answer:

Click to reveal SWAN


10 Down: "97. Do a diner job"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Another word like this: coach

Answer:

Click to reveal BUS

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play?

No! The NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Mini solver?

Good Mini solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 28, 2025 at 04:31 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 28 2025 mini crossword

Saturday, September 20, 2025

January 15, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, January 15, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 68 (33 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.7 letters

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword January 15, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Ballpark figure 6
2A 7. Sentimentality 8
3A 15. Wallet holder since 2015 6
4A 16. Hit Netflix reboot starring the Fab Five 8
5A 17. Matured 6
6A 18. There's often a lot of them for sale 8
7A 19. Some office desk clutter 5
8A 20. Writers Roald and Sophie 5
9A 21. Bottom of an interrobang 3
10A 22. Safari's compass, e.g. 4
11A 23. Feel for 4
12A 24. Nested layers? 4
13A 25. Mass 3
14A 26. Breakneck ... or something to break 4
15A 27. Sticky snack made with a stick 5
16A 29. Eclipsed everyone else 12
17A 32. One getting fired up for competition? 13
18A 35. Shower heads, perhaps 12
19A 37. "The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing," for one 5
20A 39. Mindless 4
21A 40. Iowa college 3
22A 41. Game that can be played on bicycles or elephants 4
23A 42. Change for some sawbucks, maybe 4
24A 43. Symbols of strength 4
25A 44. Fantasy monster 3
26A 45. Catches 5
27A 47. XXXL 5
28A 48. Complete loss of self-identity 8
29A 50. Hot streak? 6
30A 51. Where one might hear a call for action 8
31A 52. Metaphorical incentive 6
32A 53. Members of some blended families 8
33A 54. Goes quietly, perhaps 6

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Ballpark figure"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BATBOY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Sentimentality"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (yiddish) excessive sentimentality in art or music
  • Words that mean the same thing: shmaltz, schmalz
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCHMALTZ

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "15. Wallet holder since 2015"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IPHONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "16. Hit Netflix reboot starring the Fab Five"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: QUEEREYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "17. Matured"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GREWUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. There's often a lot of them for sale"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: USEDCARS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. Some office desk clutter"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
  • Words that mean the same thing: telegram, cable, conducting wire
  • The opposite would be: unwire
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WIRES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Writers Roald and Sophie"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that tropical woody herb with showy yellow flowers and flat pods; much cultivated in the tropics
  • Words that mean the same thing: dahl, Cajanus cajan, catjang pea
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DAHLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Bottom of an interrobang"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a very small circular shape
  • Words that mean the same thing: scatter, dit, battery-acid
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Safari's compass, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (computer science) a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) that denotes a program or a command or a data file or a concept in a graphical user interface
  • Words that mean the same thing: picture, ikon, image
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ICON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Feel for"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
  • Words that mean the same thing: feel for, shame, sympathize with
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PITY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Nested layers?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that adult female chicken
  • Words that mean the same thing: biddy, hen
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Mass"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a man who serves as a sailor
  • Words that mean the same thing: hole, yap, seaman
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GOB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Breakneck ... or something to break"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that abstaining from food
  • Words that mean the same thing: degenerate, dissipated, flying
  • The opposite would be: slow
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FAST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "27. Sticky snack made with a stick"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SMORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Eclipsed everyone else"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STOLETHESHOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. One getting fired up for competition?"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STARTERPISTOL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Shower heads, perhaps"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MAIDSOFHONOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. "The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing," for one"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a deliberately false or improbable account
  • Words that mean the same thing: parable, apologue, legend
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FABLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Mindless"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that memorization by repetition
  • Words that mean the same thing: rote learning
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Iowa college"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Game that can be played on bicycles or elephants"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that venetian traveler who explored asia in the 13th century and served kublai khan (1254-1324)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Marco Polo
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POLO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Change for some sawbucks, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
  • Words that mean the same thing: Phoebe, 5, cinque
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FINS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "43. Symbols of strength"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Words that mean the same thing: oak tree, oak
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OAKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. Fantasy monster"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ORC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. Catches"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a sharp protuberance
  • Words that mean the same thing: rent, split, hitch
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNAGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "47. XXXL"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that of great mass; huge and bulky
  • Words that mean the same thing: giant, gargantuan, elephantine
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: JUMBO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "48. Complete loss of self-identity"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EGODEATH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. Hot streak?"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (astronomy) any of the small solid extraterrestrial bodies that hits the earth's atmosphere
  • Words that mean the same thing: shooting star, meteoroid
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: METEOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "51. Where one might hear a call for action"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MOVIESET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "52. Metaphorical incentive"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that deep orange edible root of the cultivated carrot plant
  • Words that mean the same thing: Daucus carota sativa, cultivated carrot
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CARROT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "53. Members of some blended families"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STEPDADS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "54. Goes quietly, perhaps"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person who is regarded as underhanded and furtive and contemptible
  • Words that mean the same thing: cabbage, sneaker, swipe
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNEAKS

    Great job if you got it right!

January 15, 2021 Friday NYT - All Down Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Honchos 7
2D 2. Fruits that are the basis of Marillenschnaps 8
3D 3. Dance with jerky movements 8
4D 4. Actress Julie of "Modern Family" 5
5D 5. Cross to bear 4
6D 6. Casual agreement 3
7D 7. Topic in property law, colloquially 15
8D 8. Like a good job, maybe 5
9D 9. Prominent part of a pump 4
10D 10. Rx pickups 4
11D 11. Story ___ 3
12D 12. Honcho 6
13D 13. County in Northern Ireland 6
14D 14. Peels off? 5
15D 20. Spilled the tea, so to speak 6
16D 23. Model Boyd who inspired the songs "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight" 6
17D 24. Kind of manual 5
18D 26. Wild 5
19D 27. Uses a manual, say 6
20D 28. Israel's Dayan 5
21D 30. Ferrari alternative, slangily 5
22D 31. Percussion in some folk music that may be improvised 6
23D 33. Captured, in a way 8
24D 34. Fashion designer's portfolio 8
25D 36. Employs as a backup plan, with "to" 7
26D 37. Blanked on 6
27D 38. Recess 6
28D 41. Frost accumulation 5
29D 42. Written in the stars 5
30D 43. Really weird 5
31D 45. Number shown in brackets? 4
32D 46. "Hidden Figures" org. 4
33D 47. ___ jacket 4
34D 49. Baba ghanouj, e.g. 3
35D 50. Hosts 3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Honchos"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the most important person in a group or undertaking
  • Words that mean the same thing: top banana, kingpin, bigwig
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BIGWIGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Fruits that are the basis of Marillenschnaps"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that asian tree having clusters of usually white blossoms and edible fruit resembling the peach
  • Words that mean the same thing: peach, apricot tree, yellowish pink
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: APRICOTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Dance with jerky movements"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: THEROBOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Actress Julie of "Modern Family""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BOWEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Cross to bear"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an onerous or difficult concern
  • Words that mean the same thing: burden, encumbrance, load
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ONUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Casual agreement"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YEP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Topic in property law, colloquially"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _______________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SQUATTERSRIGHTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Like a good job, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that not burdensome or demanding; borne or done easily and without hardship
  • Words that mean the same thing: soft, easygoing
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CUSHY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Prominent part of a pump"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
  • Words that mean the same thing: hound, dog, cad
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Rx pickups"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a master's degree in education
  • Words that mean the same thing: MEd, Master of Education
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MEDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Story ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
  • Words that mean the same thing: spark, curve, bow
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Honcho"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person who rules or guides or inspires others
  • Words that mean the same thing: loss leader, drawing card
  • The opposite would be: follower
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEADER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. County in Northern Ireland"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TYRONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Peels off?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that vigorous and enthusiastic enjoyment
  • Words that mean the same thing: gusto, piquance, spice
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ZESTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Spilled the tea, so to speak"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that provide (usually but not necessarily food)
  • Words that mean the same thing: patelliform, dish, serve
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DISHED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Model Boyd who inspired the songs "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PATTIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Kind of manual"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOWTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Wild"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that wild and menacing
  • Words that mean the same thing: savage, ferine
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FERAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Uses a manual, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an event in which something is displaced without rotation
  • Words that mean the same thing: transformation, switch, fracture
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SHIFTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Israel's Dayan"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MOSHE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Ferrari alternative, slangily"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LAMBO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Percussion in some folk music that may be improvised"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a piece of cutlery with a shallow bowl-shaped container and a handle; used to stir or serve or take up food
  • Words that mean the same thing: spoon, smooch, spoonful
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPOONS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Captured, in a way"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ONCAMERA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Fashion designer's portfolio"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOOKBOOK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Employs as a backup plan, with "to""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a hotel located in a resort area
  • Words that mean the same thing: resort hotel, fall back, recourse
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RESORTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Blanked on"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
  • Words that mean the same thing: block, bury, draw a blank
  • The opposite would be: remember, mind
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FORGOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Recess"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small recess opening off a larger room
  • Words that mean the same thing: bay
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALCOVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Frost accumulation"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
  • Words that mean the same thing: verse form, poem
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POEMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Written in the stars"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that decree or designate beforehand
  • Words that mean the same thing: designate, doom, fatten up
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FATED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Really weird"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
  • Words that mean the same thing: bizarre, freaky, flakey
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OUTRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Number shown in brackets?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small hard fruit
  • Words that mean the same thing: come, source, semen
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. "Hidden Figures" org."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an independent agency of the united states government responsible for aviation and spaceflight
  • Words that mean the same thing: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NASA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "47. ___ jacket"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (usually plural) close-fitting trousers of heavy denim for manual work or casual wear
  • Words that mean the same thing: blue jean, dungaree, denim
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: JEAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Baba ghanouj, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a depression in an otherwise level surface
  • Words that mean the same thing: magnetic dip, fall, douse
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. Hosts"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that one million periods per second
  • Words that mean the same thing: Mc, megahertz, megacycle per second
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MCS

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 53 77.9%
Short Answer 8 11.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 3 4.4%
Music 2 2.9%
Literature 1 1.5%
Sports 1 1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 33
Down Clues 35
Total Clues 68
Average Answer Length 5.7 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

  • Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
  • Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
  • When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
  • Today is Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 03:29 AM