Search Clues
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query slight. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query slight. Sort by date Show all posts

Thursday, September 18, 2025

April 12, 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: Monday, April 12, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (38 Across, 40 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

April 12, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Across Clues Explained - Monday NYT Crossword April 12, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Things that justify the means, some say 4
2A 5. Eight: Sp. 4
3A 9. Rampaging groups 4
4A 13. Hoedown locale 4
5A 14. "Moby-Dick" captain 4
6A 15. Feverish fit 4
7A 16. Cinnamon buns and such 14
8A 19. Community-maintained website 4
9A 20. Person from Bangkok 4
10A 21. Disney character loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's "Snow Queen" 4
11A 23. "Hmm, that's not good ..." 6
12A 25. Slight coloring 4
13A 27. Slight downturn 3
14A 28. Modern pet name 3
15A 29. Cyclical paradox discussed in "Gödel, Escher, Bach" 11
16A 32. Societal problems 4
17A 34. Brain reading, for short 3
18A 35. Touches one's chin and moves the hand down to say "Thank you," for example 5
19A 36. Recipe amt. 4
20A 38. ___ and crafts 4
21A 40. "Shucks!" 5
22A 43. Bar serving 3
23A 44. The "A" of I.R.A.: Abbr. 4
24A 48. Onetime TV political drama set in Washington 11
25A 52. "Now I get it!" 3
26A 53. Tit for ___ 3
27A 54. Mike of TV's "Dirty Jobs" and "Somebody's Gotta Do It" 4
28A 55. Strategy 6
29A 57. Yours: Fr. 4
30A 59. Potato accompanier in soup 4
31A 61. Shopping center 4
32A 62. Sports metaphor used to describe esoteric knowledge ... with a hint to the circled letters 14
33A 66. Cinema showing 4
34A 67. Amateur mag 4
35A 68. 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit 4
36A 69. Ladder rung 4
37A 70. Jazzy James 4
38A 71. Forest feline 4

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. Things that justify the means, some say"

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 either extremity of something that has length
  • Words that mean the same thing: closing, conclusion, terminate
  • The opposite would be: begin, beginning
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Eight: Sp."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: OCHO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Rampaging groups"

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 disorderly crowd of people
  • Words that mean the same thing: family, pack, rabble
  • 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: MOBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Hoedown locale"

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 outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals
  • Words that mean the same thing: b
  • 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: BARN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. "Moby-Dick" captain"

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 according to the old testament he was a pagan king of israel and husband of jezebel (9th century bc)
  • 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: AHAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Feverish fit"

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 fit of shivering or shaking
  • Words that mean the same thing: acute, acute accent, chills and fever
  • 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: AGUE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Cinnamon buns and such"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: BREAKFASTROLLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Community-maintained website"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: WIKI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Person from Bangkok"

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 native or inhabitant of thailand
  • Words that mean the same thing: Central Thai, Tai, Siamese
  • 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: THAI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Disney character loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen's "Snow Queen""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ELSA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. "Hmm, that's not good ...""

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: OHDEAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Slight coloring"

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 quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color
  • Words that mean the same thing: tinct, shade, tinge
  • 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: TINT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Slight downturn"

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: angle of dip, magnetic dip, plunge
  • 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 14 Across: "28. Modern pet name"

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: BAE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Cyclical paradox discussed in "Gödel, Escher, Bach""

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: STRANGELOOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Societal problems"

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 often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
  • Words that mean the same thing: ill, ailment, complaint
  • 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: ILLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Brain reading, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a graphical record of electrical activity of the brain; produced by an electroencephalograph
  • Words that mean the same thing: encephalogram, electroencephalogram
  • 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: EEG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Touches one's chin and moves the hand down to say "Thank you," for example"

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 perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
  • Words that mean the same thing: sign, polarity, signalise
  • 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: SIGNS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. Recipe amt."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about food & drink.

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: TBSP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. ___ and crafts"

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 studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
  • Words that mean the same thing: liberal arts, artistry, humanistic discipline
  • 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: ARTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. "Shucks!""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy 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: AWGEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Bar serving"

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 general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
  • 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: ALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. The "A" of I.R.A.: Abbr."

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

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: ACCT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Onetime TV political drama set in Washington"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: THEWESTWING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "52. "Now I get it!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: AHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. Tit for ___"

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 tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
  • Words that mean the same thing: cheapness, sleaze, intertwine
  • 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: TAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. Mike of TV's "Dirty Jobs" and "Somebody's Gotta Do It""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ROWE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. Strategy"

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 plan for attaining a particular goal
  • Words that mean the same thing: maneuver, manoeuvre, tactics
  • 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: TACTIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "57. Yours: Fr."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ATOI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "59. Potato accompanier in soup"

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 plant having a large slender white bulb and flat overlapping dark green leaves; used in cooking; believed derived from the wild allium ampeloprasum
  • Words that mean the same thing: scallion, Allium porrum
  • 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: LEEK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Shopping center"

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 public area set aside as a pedestrian walk
  • Words that mean the same thing: shopping mall, center, shopping centre
  • 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: MALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. Sports metaphor used to describe esoteric knowledge ... with a hint to the circled letters"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert clue about sports.

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: INSIDEBASEBALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "66. Cinema showing"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a form of entertainment that enacts a story by sound and a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement
  • Words that mean the same thing: picture, motion-picture show, cinema
  • 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: FILM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "67. Amateur mag"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ZINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "68. 1998 Sarah McLachlan hit"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ADIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "69. Ladder rung"

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 any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
  • Words that mean the same thing: ill-use, mistreat, tread
  • 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: STEP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "70. Jazzy James"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ETTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "71. Forest feline"

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 text browser
  • Words that mean the same thing: catamount
  • 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: LYNX

    Great job if you got it right!

April 12, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Monday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Flow back, as the tide 3
2D 2. Tusked marine animal 7
3D 3. Spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side 7
4D 4. Type not to be trusted 5
5D 5. Fumbler 3
6D 6. Informal conversation 4
7D 7. #, on social media 7
8D 8. Procure 6
9D 9. China's ___ Zedong 3
10D 10. Eye creepily 4
11D 11. Yale's Handsome Dan mascot, for one 7
12D 12. Time spent with a psychiatrist, e.g. 7
13D 17. Optimas and Souls, in the auto world 4
14D 18. Good thing to have on hand at a wedding? 4
15D 22. TikTok and Fitbit, for two 4
16D 23. Kimono sash 3
17D 24. GPS suggestions: Abbr. 4
18D 26. Rorschach, for one 4
19D 30. Street cred 3
20D 31. Simpson who is a Buddhist and a vegetarian 4
21D 33. Hearty bowlful 4
22D 37. Bar serving 4
23D 38. Heavyweight champ known as "The Greatest" 3
24D 39. Figure in home economics? 4
25D 40. Lead-in to boy or girl 4
26D 41. Hypothetical musings 7
27D 42. "Now, work!" 7
28D 43. Slightly 7
29D 45. Purr-son who loves her pets? 7
30D 46. Doin' nothin' 7
31D 47. Tic-___-toe 3
32D 49. Last word at an auction 4
33D 50. Pluck, as an eyebrow 6
34D 51. Charades or dominoes 4
35D 56. Scheming group 5
36D 58. ___ of Skye 4
37D 60. Philosopher Immanuel 4
38D 63. Little troublemaker 3
39D 64. South China ___ 3
40D 65. Opposite of strict 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. Flow back, as the tide"

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 gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
  • Words that mean the same thing: ebb down, ebb away, wane
  • The opposite would be: tide
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EBB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Tusked marine animal"

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 small arctic whale the male having a long spiral ivory tusk
  • Words that mean the same thing: narwhale, narwal, Monodon monoceros
  • 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: NARWHAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Spinning top with a Hebrew letter on each side"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: DREIDEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Type not to be trusted"

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 limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
  • Words that mean the same thing: snake in the grass, Snake River, serpent
  • 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: SNAKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Fumbler"

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 an awkward stupid person
  • Words that mean the same thing: lump, clod, stumblebum
  • 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: OAF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Informal conversation"

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 informal conversation
  • Words that mean the same thing: confabulation, schmoose, chit-chat
  • 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: CHAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. #, on social media"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: HASHTAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Procure"

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 come into possession of
  • Words that mean the same thing: incur, get, hold
  • 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: OBTAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. China's ___ Zedong"

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 an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Mao Zedong, monoamine oxidase, Mao Tsetung
  • 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: MAO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Eye creepily"

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 look at with amorous intentions
  • 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: OGLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Yale's Handsome Dan mascot, for one"

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 sturdy thickset short-haired breed with a large head and strong undershot lower jaw; developed originally in england for bull baiting
  • Words that mean the same thing: English bulldog
  • 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: BULLDOG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Time spent with a psychiatrist, e.g."

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 meeting for execution of a group's functions
  • Words that mean the same thing: academic term, academic session, sitting
  • 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: SESSION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "17. Optimas and Souls, in the auto world"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: KIAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Good thing to have on hand at a wedding?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a characteristic sound
  • Words that mean the same thing: annulus, closed chain, doughnut
  • The opposite would be: open chain
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. TikTok and Fitbit, for two"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: APPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Kimono sash"

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 (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
  • Words that mean the same thing: obeah
  • 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: OBI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. GPS suggestions: Abbr."

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

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: RTES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Rorschach, for one"

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 trying something to find out about it
  • Words that mean the same thing: mental testing, mental test, run
  • 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: TEST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Street cred"

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 informal abbreviation of `representative'
  • Words that mean the same thing: repp
  • 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: REP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Simpson who is a Buddhist and a vegetarian"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: LISA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Hearty bowlful"

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 agitation resulting from active worry
  • Words that mean the same thing: grizzle, grudge, swither
  • 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: STEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "37. Bar serving"

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 general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops
  • 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: BEER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "38. Heavyweight champ known as "The Greatest""

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 united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay
  • 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: ALI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "39. Figure in home economics?"

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 payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
  • Words that mean the same thing: tear, lease, hire
  • 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: RENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Lead-in to boy or girl"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ATTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Hypothetical musings"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: WHATIFS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. "Now, work!""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: GETONIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Slightly"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: AWEEBIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Purr-son who loves her pets?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: CATLADY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Doin' nothin'"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: CHILLIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Tic-___-toe"

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: TAC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Last word at an auction"

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 exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
  • Words that mean the same thing: sell, trade, betray
  • The opposite would be: unsold, buy
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SOLD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Pluck, as an eyebrow"

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 pluck with tweezers
  • 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: TWEEZE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Charades or dominoes"

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 contest with rules to determine a winner
  • Words that mean the same thing: bet on, gamey, gage
  • 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: GAME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Scheming group"

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 clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
  • Words that mean the same thing: complot, conspiracy, faction
  • 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: CABAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "58. ___ of Skye"

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 small island
  • Words that mean the same thing: islet
  • 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: ISLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. Philosopher Immanuel"

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 influential german idealist philosopher (1724-1804)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Immanuel Kant
  • 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: KANT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "63. Little troublemaker"

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 (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Words that mean the same thing: elf, gremlin, rapscallion
  • 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: IMP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "64. South China ___"

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 division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
  • Words that mean the same thing: ocean
  • 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: SEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "65. Opposite of strict"

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 lacking in rigor or strictness
  • Words that mean the same thing: loose, slack
  • The opposite would be: tense
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LAX

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 57 73.1%
Short Answer 15 19.2%
Abbreviation 3 3.8%
Food & Drink 1 1.3%
Sports 1 1.3%
Movies/Film 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 38
Down Clues 40
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.8 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 14 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 Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 4 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 18, 2025 at 07:38 AM

on No comments:

Monday, December 15, 2025

NYT Mini Crossword Answers Today December 15, 2025 - All 20 Clues Solved & Expert Hints

Quick NYT Mini Crossword December 15, 2025 - Mobile-Friendly Solutions & Speed 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: April 30 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | March 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | February 12 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 15, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Monday, December 15, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 15, 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 21. "Balderdash!"
2 Across 27. Good, long bath
3 Across 64. Tales of yore
4 Across 68. ___ Cottontail
5 Across 28. Slight injury from tripping
6 Across 45. Dog-___ (like the pages in some books)
7 Across 32. Karl Marx's "___ Kapital"
8 Across 43. Alternative to the pill, in brief
9 Across 63. Suitable, as a unit in a bldg.?
10 Across 36. President Hoover

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: "21. "Balderdash!""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LIES

2 Across: "27. Good, long bath"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SOAK

3 Across: "64. Tales of yore"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LORE

4 Across: "68. ___ Cottontail"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PETER

5 Across: "28. Slight injury from tripping"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S________E

Answer:

Click to reveal STUBBEDTOE

6 Across: "45. Dog-___ (like the pages in some books)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: E___D

Answer:

Click to reveal EARED

7 Across: "32. Karl Marx's "___ Kapital""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DAS

8 Across: "43. Alternative to the pill, in brief"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal IUD

9 Across: "63. Suitable, as a unit in a bldg.?"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal APT

10 Across: "36. President Hoover"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: H_____T

Answer:

Click to reveal HERBERT

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 22. Be on the wane
2 Down 33. Re-election restriction
3 Down 56. Like bright signs on the Las Vegas Strip
4 Down 31. Like a ripe strawberry
5 Down 62. Suffix with Benedict or elephant
6 Down 53. Show feelings onstage
7 Down 9. Opera great Enrico
8 Down 26. Turning point in W.W. II
9 Down 48. Prez before 10-Across
10 Down 12. Colonial-era pirate captain

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

1 Down: "22. Be on the wane"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EBB

2 Down: "33. Re-election restriction"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: T_______T

Answer:

Click to reveal TERMLIMIT

3 Down: "56. Like bright signs on the Las Vegas Strip"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal NEON

4 Down: "31. Like a ripe strawberry"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'D'
  • Another word like this: ruddy

Answer:

Click to reveal RED

5 Down: "62. Suffix with Benedict or elephant"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal INE

6 Down: "53. Show feelings onstage"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E___E

Answer:

Click to reveal EMOTE

7 Down: "9. Opera great Enrico"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal CARUSO

8 Down: "26. Turning point in W.W. II"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: D__Y

Answer:

Click to reveal DDAY

9 Down: "48. Prez before 10-Across"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DDE

10 Down: "12. Colonial-era pirate captain"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: K__D

Answer:

Click to reveal KIDD

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 58 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

More Puzzle Help

If you like the NYT Mini, you might enjoy these other puzzles too:

Recent Crossword Solutions:

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 15, 2025 at 04:27 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 15 2025 mini crossword

on No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)