Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers for Monday, January 20th, 2025

The New York Times Mini Crossword is a fun and quick way to test your puzzle-solving skills. It is smaller and faster than the regular NYT Crossword. On Monday, January 20th, 2025, the Mini Crossword offered a mix of easy and tricky clues. Let’s break down the clues and answers to help you understand how to solve it.

What is the NYT Mini Crossword?

The NYT Mini Crossword is a bite-sized version of the classic New York Times Crossword. It is designed to be completed in just a few minutes. Unlike the larger crossword, the Mini is free to play without a subscription. You can access it on the NYT website or app. The clues are shorter, but they can still be challenging.

Today’s Mini Crossword Clues and Answers

Here are the clues and answers for Monday, January 20th, 2025:

Across Clues

  1. Button whose icon is a triangle above a rectangle
  • Answer: EJECT
  • This clue refers to the eject button found on devices like DVD players or computers. The icon is a triangle above a rectangle.
  1. Only primate species that can have blue eyes, aside from humans
  • Answer: LEMUR
  • Lemurs are unique primates. They are one of the few species, besides humans, that can have blue eyes.
  1. “Of course,” in Spanish
  • Answer: CLARO
  • This is a common Spanish word meaning “of course” or “clearly”.
  1. Star-studded group
  • Answer: ALIST
  • An A-list refers to a group of top celebrities or highly regarded individuals.
  1. Classic fixture outside a barbershop
  • Answer: POLE
  • The barber’s pole is a traditional symbol often seen outside barbershops.

Down Clues

  1. Famous Yosemite landmark, familiarly
  • Answer: ELCAP
  • This is short for El Capitan, a well-known rock formation in Yosemite National Park.
  1. What jiggles after it’s set
  • Answer: JELLO
  • Jello is a wobbly dessert that jiggles when moved.
  1. One might end with “Best,”
  • Answer: EMAIL
  • Many emails end with a closing like “Best” followed by the sender’s name.
  1. “$%@!,” e.g.
  • Answer: CURSE
  • This clue refers to a curse word, often represented by symbols like “$%@!”.
  1. Jogging gait
  • Answer: TROT
  • A trot is a steady, rhythmic pace often used in jogging.

Tips for Solving the Mini Crossword

  1. Start with the Easiest Clues
    Begin with clues you know well. For example, “Of course, in Spanish” (CLARO) or “What jiggles after it’s set” (JELLO) are straightforward.
  2. Use Cross-Referencing
    Fill in answers you know first. Then use the letters from those answers to solve intersecting clues. For example, knowing “EJECT” can help with “ELCAP”.
  3. Think Outside the Box
    Some clues require creative thinking. For instance, “Star-studded group” might not immediately make you think of “ALIST”.
  4. Learn Common Crossword Words
    Words like “POLE,” “TROT,” and “CURSE” appear often in crosswords. Familiarize yourself with these to improve your solving speed.

Why Play the NYT Mini Crossword?

The Mini Crossword is a great way to exercise your brain. It improves vocabulary, memory, and problem-solving skills. It’s also a fun way to pass time during a break or commute. Plus, it’s free and accessible to everyone.

Final Thoughts

The NYT Mini Crossword for Monday, January 20th, 2025, was a mix of easy and challenging clues. By breaking down each clue and answer, you can see how the puzzle works. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced solver, the Mini Crossword is a great way to challenge yourself.

If you missed this puzzle, don’t worry. You can still try it on the NYT website or app. Happy solving!