The New York Times Mini Crossword is a fun and quick way to challenge your brain every day. It is a smaller version of the famous NYT Crossword. It has a 5×5 grid and fewer clues. This makes it perfect for a short mental workout. Today’s puzzle, dated Friday, January 17, 2025, is no exception. It offers a mix of easy and tricky clues. Let’s dive into the clues and answers to see how you can solve it.
Across Clues and Answers
- Owner of a shop called The Bun Also Rises, most likely
- Answer: BAKER
This clue is a playful reference to the famous novel The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. The word “Bun” hints at a bakery. So, the owner of such a shop would be a BAKER.
- Kind of oil served with bread
- Answer: OLIVE
Olive oil is a common accompaniment to bread, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. This clue is straightforward if you think about oils used in cooking or dining.
- Throw in the _
- Answer: TOWEL
This is a common phrase meaning to give up. It comes from boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to stop the fight. It’s a well-known idiom.
- “Fine” dishware for a dinner party
- Answer: CHINA
Fine dishware is often referred to as “china.” This term comes from the high-quality porcelain originally made in China.
- Very quick
- Answer: HASTY
This is a simple synonym for being fast or hurried. It’s an easy clue if you think of words meaning quick.
Down Clues and Answers
- Bungle, as plastic surgery
- Answer: BOTCH
To “botch” something means to do it poorly or mess it up. This clue plays on the idea of a failed plastic surgery procedure.
- _ State, nickname for Hawaii
- Answer: ALOHA
Hawaii is often called the “Aloha State.” “Aloha” is a Hawaiian word meaning love, peace, and compassion. It’s also used as a greeting.
- Fuzzy fruits or flightless birds
- Answer: KIWIS
Kiwis can refer to both the fuzzy brown fruit and the flightless bird native to New Zealand. This clue is a bit tricky because it plays on the double meaning of the word.
- 4 x 400-meter race, e.g.
- Answer: EVENT
A 4 x 400-meter race is a track and field event. This clue is straightforward if you’re familiar with sports terminology.
- 4 x 400-meter race, e.g.
- Answer: RELAY
This is a clever twist. The same clue is used twice, but the answer is different. A 4 x 400-meter race is also known as a relay race, where team members pass a baton.
Tips for Solving the NYT Mini Crossword
- Start with the Easiest Clues
Begin with the clues you know right away. This will give you a few letters to work with for the harder clues. - Look for Wordplay
Many clues use puns or double meanings. For example, “The Bun Also Rises” is a play on words. - Think Outside the Box
Some clues require creative thinking. For instance, “KIWIS” can mean both a fruit and a bird. - Use the Grid
The crossword grid helps you see how words intersect. This can give you hints for other clues. - Don’t Be Afraid to Guess
Sometimes, guessing a letter or word can help you move forward. You can always revise your answer later.
Why Play the NYT Mini Crossword?
The NYT Mini Crossword is a great way to exercise your brain. It improves vocabulary, problem-solving skills, and memory. It’s also a fun way to pass the time. Plus, it’s free to play on the New York Times website or app.