The New York Times Mini Crossword for January 31, 2025, offers solvers another fun and quick challenge. Unlike its larger counterpart, The Crossword, which demands more time and knowledge, The Mini delivers fast-paced enjoyment with just enough complexity to engage even the nimblest of players. It's perfect for those who want to squeeze some mental exercise between their daily routines.
Today’s clues span various themes, from culinary and cultural references to geographical knowledge. Whether you are wrestling with tricky hints or flying through answers, this puzzle reflects the pleasure of solving within the constraints of just five across and five down slots.
According to sources covering the NYT Mini, the clues for our daily crossword are as follows:
- Across:
- 1. Like a dry-cleaned shirt or fresh sheets — CRISP
- 6. Weapon used on horseback — LANCE
- 7. One of a potential 13 for "Emilia Pérez," as announced last week — OSCAR
- 8. Movie double's responsibility — STUNT
- 9. The "blue marble" — EARTH
- Down:
- 1. 1. 'in the ballpark' — CLOSE
- 2. Someone who might smoke ganja as a sacrament, informally — RASTA
- 3. Run up, as debt — INCUR
- 4. Meager — SCANT
- 5. Capital of Western Australia — PERTH
Starting with the across clues:
1 Across, "Like a dry-cleaned shirt or fresh sheets" leads us to the answer CRISP. This descriptor perfectly captures the fresh, clean feel of items just out from the cleaners, offering solvers a pleasant moment of recognition.
For 6 Across, we have "Weapon used on horseback," and the answer is LANCE. This term resonates with anyone familiar with medieval history, where lances were frequently wielded by knights. It’s often one of the easier clues drawing on established knowledge.
Next, 7 Across invites drama with its connection to the Oscars: "One of a potential 13 for 'Emilia Pérez,' as announced last week," where the answer is OSCAR. This clue ties directly to the awards season buzz and is particularly popular among film aficionados.
For action movie fans, 8 Across offers familiarity: "Movie double's responsibility" yields STUNT as the answer. Stunt doubles perform thrilling feats, taking risks on behalf of the star, connecting solvers to the world of cinema.
Bringing it back to the Earth, we have 9 Across: "The 'blue marble'" refers to our planet, the answer being EARTH. It’s like a easy nod for anyone with even basic geography knowledge.
Shifting to the down clues:
1 Down gives us "in the ballpark," with the answer CLOSE, commonly used to indicate something is nearly right or nearby. This phrase is embraced by many as common vernacular.
2 Down dives culturally with the clue: "Someone who might smoke ganja as a sacrament, informally" leads many invariably to RASTA. This clue reflects cultural and social knowledge, often recognized by solvers familiar with this cultural practice.
Next, for 3 Down, the phrase "Run up, as debt" straightforwardly gives us INCUR. Financial terms often appear, and this clue is accessible for those versed in everyday finance.
4 Down presents "Meager." The answer, SCANT, highlights the need to find words to fit the bill, betraying its essence of scarcity.
Lastly, for 5 Down: "Capital of Western Australia" prompts the straightforward PERTH. This geographical knowledge is broadly taught, making it another easy fill for many solvers.
The NYT Mini Crossword encapsulates not just entertainment but also community. Each day’s puzzle offers new clues, inviting participants to engage and connect through shared experiences of solving. A regular spot for many crossword enthusiasts, The Mini compels its players to keep returning, even with the possibility of more difficult puzzles down the line.
Through its charm and challenge, the NYT Mini Crossword has cemented its place as both accessible and delightful, bridging many people from diverse backgrounds through the art of wordplay!