If you’re tackling the most recent New York Times Mini Crossword Puzzle for Wednesday, March 12, 2025, you’re in the right spot for help! This puzzle has a mix of tricky and fun clues that will keep you thinking. Whether you’re solving it on the website or in the newspaper, we have some tips and hints to guide you through today’s puzzle. Don’t worry; with some guidance, you’ll be able to finish it in no time!
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword has a trick where two clues are worded the same but have different answers. The key is to think of two other things that could be called a “blue expanse.” If you can figure that out, you’ll be close to solving it. Need help with the answers for today’s crossword? Keep reading!
Read more: Today’s NYT Mini Crossword: A Fun Puzzle with a “Z” Twist
What is the NYT mini Crossword?
The NYT Mini Crossword is a smaller version of the regular New York Times crossword. It has a 5×5 grid (sometimes bigger on Saturdays) with short clues, making it a quick and fun brain exercise.
You can play it for free on the NYT website or the Games app, but if you want to access past puzzles, you need a subscription to NYT Games.
Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, the Mini Crossword is enjoyable and satisfying. Some players try to finish in under a minute, but even the best puzzlers can get stuck on tricky clues.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Hints
1 Across: Tiny drops of water that appear overnight.
4 Across: It’s the official currency used in over 19 countries.
6 Across: A term in some children’s games.
7 Across: Something that bothers or irritates you.
8 Across: Larger than a lake, covers much of the Earth’s surface.
Today’s NYT mini Down Hints
1 Down: Someone who is the target of a trick or falsehood.
2 Down: When you want to fix something by making it disappear.
3 Down: Known for creating wild and strange candy.
4 Down: It refers to sensing things that aren’t visible or measurable.
5 Down: The vast expanse you see when you look upward.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers
1 Across: Clue- Drops on a putting green
Answer- DEW
4 Across: Clue- Change that a Spaniard or German might request?
Answer- EUROS
6 Across: Clue- Beat handily, in slang
Answer- ERASE
7 Across: Clue- Annoying as a younger sibling
Answer- PESKY
8 Across: Clue- Blue expanse
Answer- SKY
Today’s NYT Mini Down Clues and Answers
1 Down: Clue- Pulls a fast one on
Answer- DUPES
2 Down: Clue- Clear, as a blackboard
Answer- ERASE
3 Down: Clue- Speaker of the line: “You know, no other factory in the world mixes its chocolate by waterfall.”
Answer- WONKA
4 Down: Clue- Paranormal gift, for short
Answer- ESP
5 Down: Clue- Blue expanse
Answer- SKY
Tips for Playing the NYT Mini Crossword
- Think Quickly: The goal is to finish fast. The more you play, the easier it becomes to spot patterns and figure out tricky clues. With practice, you’ll get quicker at solving.
- Use Clues Around You: The clues are short and simple but sometimes tricky. Think about how words might connect or what other meanings they could have. Often, thinking outside the box can help you crack the answer.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If you’re stuck, checking a hint or seeing the answer is okay. It’s all part of learning. The more you solve, the better you’ll get, and those hints will teach you new tricks for next time.
The Mini Crossword is about improving your puzzle-solving skills while having fun. Each time you play, you get better at recognizing common word patterns, which speeds up the solving process.
