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Candy enjoyed at the movies, perhaps ... or a hint to the movies in this puzzle? - NYT The Midi Clue

Across

  • The answer "BEE" fits because a "spelling bee" is a competition where participants spell words aloud. The clue uses slight wordplay, as "competition" hints at the specific event type—a "bee" in this context refers to a gathering or contest, as in "spelling bee."

  • The answer is ANGELS because "Sonny Angels" refers to a specific brand of collectible figurines modeled as cherubic, baby-like figures often depicted with tiny wings, resembling angels. The figurines align with the theme of cherubs, which are traditionally angelic beings.

  • The answer is ACDC because it refers to the famous rock band AC/DC, known for their iconic album Back in Black. The clue directly asks for the band associated with this album, making AC/DC the clear and literal solution.

  • The clue "Opposite of wide" is straightforward, with no wordplay or additional hints. "Wide" describes something broad or expansive. Its opposite would describe something limited in width, which is "NARROW." The term "narrow" directly contrasts "wide," making it the accurate solution.

  • The answer "GOAL" works because it represents both something to "shoot at" in sports (e.g., scoring in soccer or hockey) and something to "shoot for" metaphorically, as in striving to achieve an objective or aspiration. The dual meaning makes it a fitting solution.

  • The clue "Mesmerized state" describes a condition of being deeply engrossed or entranced. A "trance" is a state of altered consciousness often associated with hypnosis or intense focus, which aligns perfectly with the idea of being "mesmerized." Thus, TRANCE is the correct answer.

  • The answer "MAGIC MIKE" refers to the 2012 comedy-drama film starring Channing Tatum as a male stripper. The movie explores his character's lifestyle and ambitions, fitting directly with the clue’s description of a male stripper. It's a well-known title that matches perfectly with the clue.

  • The clue "Holy ___" refers to the "Holy Grail," a legendary relic in Christian tradition often associated with the chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper. The phrase is also widely recognized as a metaphor for an ultimate, elusive goal, making "GRAIL" the fitting answer.

  • The answer "PEST" fits because a pest is something or someone that causes irritation or annoyance, aligning directly with the clue's meaning. In everyday language, pests like insects or bothersome people are commonly referred to as sources of annoyance, making "PEST" a concise and accurate answer.

  • The answer "MAMMAMIA" fits because it is the title of the 2008 musical film based on the stage musical of the same name. The plot is woven around hit songs by the Swedish pop group ABBA, making "MAMMAMIA" the perfect solution.

  • The clue "Have an unpaid Venmo request, say" suggests you are still responsible for paying someone back. "OWE" fits perfectly, as it means being obligated to repay money, aligning with the context of an open Venmo payment request.

  • The RIM of a margarita glass is famously coated with salt to enhance the drink's flavor. This clue directly refers to the edge or border of the glass where the salt is applied, making "RIM" the perfect answer.

  • The clue "Case study?" contains wordplay due to the question mark. A "case" refers to legal cases in a courtroom, and the study of legal cases pertains to "LAW." The pun connects "case" to legal proceedings, making LAW the apt solution.

  • The clue "Jump" and the answer "LEAP" are synonyms. Both words describe an action involving a quick or sudden movement upward or forward, often into the air, making "LEAP" a direct and fitting solution for the clue.

  • The answer is ADA because it is a woman's name that is a palindrome, meaning it reads the same forward and backward (A-D-A). The clue directly indicates the word's palindromic nature and specifies a woman's name, making ADA the fitting solution.

  • The clue "Implore" means to earnestly or desperately ask someone to do something. "Urge" fits as it conveys a strong request or appeal, aligning with the essence of "implore." Both terms involve pressing someone toward a particular action or decision.

  • The answer "MADMAX" refers to the 2015 sci-fi action film Mad Max: Fury Road. This reboot is set in a post-apocalyptic desert landscape, aligning with "set in the desert" in the clue. "Familiarly" hints at the short title, often referred to as just "Mad Max."

  • M&M’s are a classic movie snack, fitting the surface clue. But they also hint at the theme: each featured film title has double “M” initials (M.M.), like Magic Mike, Mamma Mia!, and Mad Max, tying directly into the “Movie Marathon” concept.

  • The clue "Cool time from long ago" plays on the double meaning of "cool." Literally, it refers to the frigid geological period known as the ICE AGE, and figuratively, "cool" means chilly. The phrase "from long ago" confirms the historical aspect of the ICE AGE.

  • The clue "Preschool recital?" with a question mark signals wordplay. In preschools, children often "recite" the ABCs (alphabet letters) as a foundational learning activity. The playful tone of the clue associates this common preschool activity with the idea of a recital. Thus, the answer is ABCS.

  • The clue "In need of a nap" describes someone who feels exhausted or lacking energy. TIRED directly matches this definition, as being tired often signals the desire or need for rest, such as taking a nap. The straightforward language makes this a fitting and logical solution.

Down

  • Birkin refers to the Hermès Birkin, an iconic luxury bag named after actress Jane Birkin. The clue uses “Birkin” as a specific example to represent a category of items—bags—making BAG the correct answer.

  • The answer "ECO" fits because it is a common prefix associated with environmental or "green" concepts, such as ecology, ecosystem, and eco-friendly. The clue simply asks for a prefix indicating something environmentally conscious, making "ECO" the correct and logical solution.

  • EDAMAME is the solution because it refers to young, green soybeans typically served in their pods as a popular appetizer in sushi restaurants. The clue specifies "green" (describing the soybeans) and "appetizer," directly pointing to this common dish in Japanese cuisine.

  • The prefix "pro-" means "in favor of" or "supporting." Its opposite is "anti-," which means "against" or "opposing." The clue directly asks for the opposite of "pro-," making "ANTI" the correct answer.

  • The term "NARC" is informal slang for a narcotics officer or someone who informs on others, particularly about illegal activity. "Snitch (on)" matches this meaning, as a "narc" is often associated with informing or "snitching" on others, aligning with the clue's wording.

  • The clue "Dad's dad, colloquially" asks for an informal term for a grandfather. "Colloquially" indicates a casual or spoken variation, and "GRAMPA" is a common playful or informal spelling derived from "Grandpa," fitting the clue perfectly.

  • ERNIE is the solution because he is an iconic orange Muppet on "Sesame Street," a long-running educational TV show. He famously lives at 123 Sesame Street with his best friend, Bert. His orange color directly ties to the clue description.

  • The answer "LOCKS" fits because locks are fundamental devices used to secure doors, safes, and other items, making them "basic security devices." The clue is straightforward, with no wordplay or additional hints, directly referring to their common function in everyday security.

  • The clue "Awesome!" is in quotes, signaling a slang or conversational expression. "Sweet" is a common informal exclamation used to express enthusiasm or approval, synonymous with "awesome" in context. It's a straightforward, colloquial match for the clue's tone and meaning.

  • The phrase "Baggage ___" commonly pairs with "claim," as in "baggage claim," a familiar term used at airports to describe the area where travelers retrieve their checked luggage after a flight. This is a straightforward completion of the phrase.

  • The answer is GLARE because a lens hood blocks stray light from hitting the camera lens, reducing unwanted brightness or reflections (glare) in photos. This improves image clarity and prevents washed-out or overexposed spots caused by intense light sources like the sun or artificial lights.

  • The label "Non-GMO" on food packaging stands for "Non-Genetically Modified Organism," indicating that the product was made without genetically engineered ingredients. The clue "Non-___" suggests completing the phrase commonly seen on such labels, making "GMO" the correct answer.

  • Sashimi is a Japanese delicacy consisting of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, served without cooking. The clue "Like much sashimi" directly describes its uncooked nature, making "RAW" the correct answer. This aligns with the clue's straightforward reference to the preparation of sashimi.

  • The clue refers to professional sports teams: the Miami Dolphins (NFL football team) and the Miami Marlins (MLB baseball team). Both teams are based in Miami, Florida, making it the location where they "play professionally." Hence, the answer is MIAMI.

  • The clue "Collision" directly suggests a strong forceful contact or crash. "Impact" perfectly captures this idea, as it refers to the physical or metaphorical effect or shock resulting from such a collision, making it the appropriate and fitting answer.

  • The answer is LAMAR because Kendrick Lamar is a renowned rapper who won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018 for his album DAMN. He was the first non-classical, non-jazz artist to receive this honor, making him a notable figure associated with the Pulitzer and rap.

  • The phrase "The early bird gets the worm" is a traditional and widely known saying that conveys wisdom or advice. Such phrases are categorized as ADAGEs, which are short, memorable expressions typically offering moral or practical guidance, perfectly matching the clue provided.

  • The clue "Groomed, as eyebrows" refers to a common method of eyebrow grooming: waxing. Waxing involves applying wax to remove unwanted hair and shape eyebrows. "Waxed" is the past-tense verb form, perfectly matching the clue's phrasing about grooming that has been done.

  • The clue "Opposite of more" is a straightforward one with no wordplay or hidden meanings. "More" implies an increase or greater quantity, so its opposite would be a decrease or smaller quantity, which is "LESS." The terms are direct antonyms, making "LESS" the correct answer.

  • The answer is UMA because Uma Thurman is a well-known actress, famous for roles in films like "Pulp Fiction" and "Kill Bill." The clue specifies "Actress Thurman," directly pointing to her first name, UMA. It’s a straightforward identification of a prominent Hollywood figure.

  • R&B, short for Rhythm and Blues, is the genre associated with artists like SZA and Steve Lacy. Both are known for blending soulful melodies, emotional lyrics, and smooth production, hallmark traits of R&B. This clue directly references their musical style, making R&B the fitting solution.

  • GMC is the correct answer because it is a well-known automobile manufacturer that produces the Acadia, a popular midsize SUV. The clue directly references the brand responsible for making this specific vehicle model.

  • The clue references "Opus ___," a Catholic organization featured in The Da Vinci Code. The Latin phrase "Opus Dei" translates to "Work of God." "Dei" is the possessive form of "Deus" (God), completing the name of this religious group. Hence, the answer is DEI.

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Solving today’s NYT Midi Puzzle and stuck on the 4-letter answer to the Candy enjoyed at the movies, perhaps ... or a hint to the movies in this puzzle? clue? Don’t worry—Lady Puzzle Pro has you covered! Whether you want the answer right away, revealed letter by letter, or if this wordplay seems too puzzling, keep reading for the explanation.

Candy enjoyed at the movies, perhaps ... or a hint to the movies in this puzzle? Answer Explained

The answer is M&MS.

M&M’s work perfectly as the revealer because they operate on two levels. On the surface, they’re a familiar candy often enjoyed at the movies, matching the “Movie Marathon” setting. But more importantly, the name itself (“M and M’s”) points to the puzzle’s core pattern: each themed answer is a movie title with doubled “M” initials, like Magic Mike, Mamma Mia!, and Mad Max. That repetition is the real connective thread across the grid. The inclusion of the ampersand even visually reinforces the pairing. It’s a neat, concise way to signal both the cinematic theme and the structural gimmick behind the puzzle.

Now that you've cracked the 35A Candy enjoyed at the movies, perhaps ... or a hint to the movies in this puzzle? clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s Midi Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry, we've got you covered. Explore more NYT The Midi crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the NYT Crossword, NYT The Mini puzzle, Connections, or Strands.

Today’s NYT Midi Highlights

Adrianne Baik’s Movie Marathon is a clean, satisfying theme built on a simple but elegant idea: doubling down on the letter “M.” The themers Magic Mike, Mamma Mia!, and Mad Max are all recognizable films whose titles share the “M.M.” pattern, connecting them to the theme revealer M&MS.
One thing that stood out to me personally is the use of the ampersand. It’s not just in M&M’s, but also in R&B, and I like that the puzzle lets it work in two ways: either as the actual “&” symbol or as the word “AND” in a rebus sense. I don’t think I’ve run into that kind of flexibility with a special character before. We’ve maybe seen numbers on rare occasions, but symbols like this feel much less common. That little detail added an extra layer of fun for me. Overall, it’s still a smooth, breezy midweek solve with a theme that’s easy to spot but satisfying to uncover.

Here’s what caught our attention today:

About The Midi

The Midi is a daily crossword puzzle designed to sit between the quick satisfaction of The Mini and the depth of the full Daily Crossword. It offers a compact but more layered solving experience, giving players a new step in the New York Times Games lineup.

While officially launched as a daily puzzle in February 2026, the concept was tested earlier through special puzzle packs and more recently in newsletter editions. Those experiments helped shape what is now a permanent daily feature available exclusively online through the New York Times Games app and website.

Format and Structure

Most Midi puzzles use a 9×9 grid (larger than The Mini but smaller than the traditional crossword), allowing for richer wordplay and themed construction without requiring a long solving session. Toward the end of the week, grids may expand up to 11×11, and occasionally the puzzle appears in non-square formats, with different numbers of rows and columns.

Unlike The Mini, every Midi includes a title, offering a subtle hint at the puzzle’s theme or solving trick. These titles add an extra layer of discovery while keeping the experience approachable.

A Digital-First Puzzle

The Midi is built specifically for digital play. It does not appear in print, and it is available through the New York Times app and website only for subscribers.

Designing the puzzle for screens allows for occasional visual effects and interactive moments that enhance the solving experience in ways print cannot. Even with these innovations, the philosophy remains consistent: puzzles are still handcrafted by human constructors and editors, preserving the editorial voice and thoughtful construction that define New York Times Games.

Editorial Approach

The Midi is edited by Ian Livengood, who also oversees Pips. He creates about three Midi puzzles each week while collaborating with a rotating group of approximately fifteen contributors whose submissions are carefully edited before publication.

This editorial model mirrors the structure used across The New York Times crosswords, where dedicated editors maintain quality and style (like Will Shortz for The Daily and Joel Fagliano for The Mini).

New Rules and Creative Flexibility

The Midi introduces several notable changes to traditional crossword conventions, like:

  • Each puzzle features a title. Before, only Sunday NYT puzzles had a title. In Midi, this is meant to give a clue about the theme without needing a distinct clue to play the role of a theme revealer.
  • Grids may occasionally break from square symmetry, which is something also happening in the Mini, especially those made by Sam Ezersky.
  • Two-letter answers are allowed - this is a feature borrowed from cryptic puzzles, allowing Scrabble (and NYT Crossplay) fans to bank on their skills.

Daily Availability

Puzzles are accessible the evening before the publish date. Weekday and Saturday puzzles: 10 p.m. EST the previous day. Sunday puzzles: 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.

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