The New York Times Mini Crossword for Friday, January 24, 2025, offers a delightful challenge for puzzle enthusiasts. This compact version of the classic crossword is designed to be completed in just a few minutes, making it a perfect mental exercise for those on the go. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or new to the world of crosswords, today’s puzzle provides an engaging experience.
Across Clues and Answers:
- Bowser in the Mario games, e.g.
- Answer: BOSS
- Explanation: In the Mario video game series, Bowser is the main antagonist and is often referred to as the “boss” character that players must defeat.
- It’s made to measure
- Answer: RULER
- Explanation: A ruler is a tool used to measure lengths or distances.
- Video game company named after a term in the board game Go
- Answer: ATARI
- Explanation: Atari is a pioneering video game company. The term “atari” is used in the game of Go to indicate a situation where a stone or group of stones is in immediate danger of being captured.
- Exercise similar to a crunch
- Answer: SITUP
- Explanation: A sit-up is an abdominal exercise similar to a crunch but involves a fuller range of motion.
- Unwelcome message on a graded paper
- Answer: SEE ME
- Explanation: Teachers often write “see me” on a student’s paper to indicate that they need to discuss the work or address issues.
Down Clues and Answers:
- Word before knuckles or tacks
- Answer: BRASS
- Explanation: The terms “brass knuckles” and “brass tacks” are common phrases.
- Pop-up button?
- Answer: OUTIE
- Explanation: An “outie” refers to a type of navel (belly button) that protrudes outward, resembling a “pop-up” button.
- Classic blackboard material
- Answer: SLATE
- Explanation: Traditional blackboards were made of slate, a fine-grained rock.
- Concentrated form of many cosmetics
- Answer: SERUM
- Explanation: In cosmetics, a serum is a concentrated formulation designed to deliver active ingredients deeply into the skin.
- Ready to eat, as fruit
- Answer: RIPE
- Explanation: When fruit is “ripe,” it is fully matured and ready to be eaten.
The NYT Mini Crossword is a daily feature that provides a quick yet stimulating puzzle experience. It’s accessible through The New York Times website and app, offering both novice and experienced solvers a chance to engage in a brief mental workout each day.
For those interested in more detailed discussions and insights into the NYT Mini Crossword, various publications offer analyses and solutions. For instance, Parade provides daily hints and answers for the Mini Crossword, which can be helpful for solvers seeking guidance.
Engaging with the NYT Mini Crossword not only offers entertainment but also helps in enhancing vocabulary and problem-solving skills. It’s a perfect way to take a short break and stimulate your mind.
Remember, while it’s tempting to look up answers, trying to solve the puzzle on your own can be a rewarding experience. Happy puzzling!
