Every crossword fan knows that while the Mini might be smaller in size, it doesn’t always mean it’s easier. The NYT Mini Crossword for Thursday, April 24, 2025, threw in a couple of curveballs — especially if you weren’t expecting two “Q” words in one tiny puzzle!
If you’re stuck on a clue or two — or just want to see how you did — we’ve got today’s full solution, clue breakdowns, and some fun insights to help you on your crossword journey.
About the NYT Mini Crossword
The Mini Crossword, introduced in 2014, is a shorter version of the traditional crossword. With a 5×5 grid, it’s the perfect pick-me-up for a quick brain teaser. You can usually solve it in under two minutes — though today’s might have taken a bit longer, thanks to a few clever clues.
Available daily on the NYT Games site and app, it’s free to play on the day it’s released. For puzzle lovers looking to dig into the archives, a subscription is required.
April 24 Mini Crossword Overview
This puzzle packed a punch! Featuring two “Q” words and a misdirect or two, it was both satisfying and challenging. Let’s go clue by clue.
Across Clues and Answers
- 1A. Tiny cotton swab
Answer: QTIP
A straightforward clue if you’re familiar with everyday grooming essentials. - 5A. Leaves on the stove too long
Answer: BURNS
Kitchen mishap or metaphor — this clue cooked up an easy one. - 6A. They’re used to hunt and peck
Answer: BEAKS
A clever misdirect! Many thought of typing styles, but this points to birds. - 7A. “I’m trying to focus here!”
Answer: QUIET
A one-word plea we’ve all said in noisy settings. - 8A. Button that might make a “Whoosh!” sound
Answer: SEND
Email users know this sound well — that whoosh of a message flying off.
Down Clues and Answers
- 1D. Word pronounced like its first letter (which is followed by four vowels)
Answer: QUEUE
A vocabulary lover’s favorite. Sneaky, but beautiful in its structure. - 2D. Feature of an extravagant wedding dress
Answer: TRAIN
A classic visual — dramatic and elegant. - 3D. Signed, as a contract
Answer: INKED
A modern and edgy synonym for “signed.” - 4D. Verbal alternative to a tap on the shoulder
Answer: PSST
The hush-hush attention-getter. Quiet, but effective. - 5D. Food often cooked on a grill, informally
Answer: BBQS
Originally mistaken due to a repetition in clue wording, but a perfect fit for grill fans.
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What Made This Puzzle Interesting?
One word: “Queue.” Anytime the Mini includes a five-letter word with only one consonant, solvers take note. Pair that with “Quiet” and “Q-tip,” and you’ve got a grid heavy on the Q’s — not your average day in crossword land!
Clue 6-Across also tripped some players up. Many were led to think about computers or typing (given the hint “hunt and peck”), but the correct answer, “Beaks,” reminded solvers that wordplay is often about shifting perspective.
Want to Solve More Mini Crosswords?
Here’s how:
- Play the daily Mini Crossword for free.
- Subscribe for unlimited access to the archives and other games like Wordle, Connections, Strands, and more.
You can also explore puzzle-solving strategies, get hints, and improve your solve times over time.
Final Thoughts
April 24’s Mini Crossword was a fun blend of wordplay, misdirection, and clever clues. Whether you solved it in seconds or needed a few nudges, puzzles like today’s remind us that sometimes the smallest grids deliver the biggest brain boosts.
Check back tomorrow for the April 25 Mini Crossword recap — and keep those pencils (or thumbs) ready.
Happy solving!
