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LA Times Mini Crossword Clues & Answers

Across

  • The solution is NDA, which stands for "Non-Disclosure Agreement." This is a legal document that protects secrets by requiring parties to keep specified information confidential. The clue, "Secret-protecting doc.," directly hints at this as it describes a document specifically designed to safeguard private information.

  • The solution is HORSE because Secretariat is the name of a famous thoroughbred racehorse. Known as one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973. The clue refers to the type of animal Secretariat was, which is a horse.

  • The answer "AKITA" refers to a Japanese dog breed known for its distinct curled tail. Akitas are large, strong dogs with thick fur and a characteristic tail that curls over their back, fitting the "Curly-tailed dog" description perfectly.

  • The clue "Track specialist" refers to an athlete who specializes in running races on a track. A "miler" is a runner who competes in the one-mile race, making them a specialist in this specific track event. The succinct term fits the crossword's brevity.

  • The clue contains a pun using "peak experience," referencing mountain peaks. The Alps are a famous mountain range known for their prominent peaks, making them directly associated with climbing and the idea of "peak." The wordplay ties the literal mountains to the figurative "peak experience." Hence, the answer is ALPS.

Down

  • NOKIA is the solution because it's a globally recognized Finnish company, renowned for its telecommunications and technology products. Founded in Finland, it became a "tech giant" through innovations in mobile phones and networking. Its strong association with Finland makes it the perfect fit for this clue.

  • The solution "DRILL" fits the clue "Boot camp activity" because drills are repetitive training exercises commonly performed in military boot camps. These activities help trainees build discipline, endurance, and coordination, key aspects of military preparation. "DRILL" specifically captures the structured, regimented nature of boot camp tasks.

  • The phrase “It’s ___ in the right direction” is a common expression, and the missing word completes it as "a step," referring to progress or a small movement toward a goal. The answer ASTEP fits perfectly by completing this familiar idiom.

  • The answer "HAM" fits the clue "Cast party show-off" as it refers to an actor or performer who overacts or seeks excessive attention in a theatrical setting (like a cast party). "Ham" is a term for an overly dramatic or flamboyant actor, aligning with the playful tone of the clue.

  • The answer "EARS" works because corn grows on a cob, and the cob is referred to as an "ear" of corn. The plural "servings" in the clue corresponds to multiple "EARS," commonly served in meals. This clue uses straightforward terminology from agriculture.

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Today’s LA Times Mini Crossword Highlights

This puzzle features a nice range of topics into a quick solve. We got a dash of sports with a nod to the track, a tech reference from Finland, some military training flavor, and even a canine with a distinctive tail. The mix of straightforward fill and trickier wordplay, like completing a common phrase or naming a show-off at a party—kept things lively without dragging. A clean, fun Wednesday snack!

Here’s what caught our attention today:

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What is the LA Times The Mini Crossword?

The LA Times Mini Crossword is a daily, bite-sized puzzle from the Los Angeles Times. Designed for quick solving, it delivers the fun of a full crossword in a compact format that takes just a few minutes to complete. The puzzle is edited by Elizabeth C. Gorski, a veteran crossword constructor and editor who has also created puzzles for The New York Times and Zynga.

Key Features

  • Daily puzzles: A new mini crossword is released every day.
  • Free to play: No subscription required—accessible directly on the LA Times website.
  • Mobile-friendly: Optimized for quick, on-the-go solving.
  • Puzzle archive: Solvers can access past minis for extra practice.

How It Compares

  • Similar in style and size to the New York Times Mini Crossword, but created separately.
  • Remains free to play, unlike the NYT Mini, which now sits behind a paywall.

Why Play?

The LA Times Mini is perfect for anyone looking for:

  • A fast daily challenge.
  • A fun brain warm-up.
  • Crossword-style gameplay that’s approachable for beginners and still satisfying for seasoned solvers.

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