Anagram Solver
Scrabble Word Finder
Words With Friends Word Finder
Atlantic Games
LA Times
Zorzzle
Word of Fortune
Browser Extension
With 17-Down, what this puzzle's "falling feline" does - NYT The Midi Clue
NYT Crossplay Solver 
The Mini
The Crossword The Midi
Wordle
Connections
Connections Sports
Strands
Spelling Bee
Pips
Word Salad Answers
Contexto Answer
Blossom Answer
Betweenle Answer
Conexo Answers
Bracket City Answers
Fluxis Answers
Stacks Answers
Atlantic Crossword
LA Times Mini
LA Times Crossword
Word Hurdle
CrosswordleAcross
-
The clue "Pepsi-___" is asking for a common association with the brand Pepsi. The answer is "COLA" because Pepsi is a well-known cola beverage, part of the broader category of carbonated soft drinks referred to as colas. This straightforward fill completes the phrase.
-
The clue "Something extra for a waiter" refers to the extra money given to a server at a restaurant for their service. This extra money is called a "TIP," making it the correct answer. The playful phrasing hints at this customary gratuity.
-
The clue "Bury in the ground, as seeds" directly describes the act of planting seeds in soil. "Plant" is both the action of placing seeds into the ground and a term for what grows from them, perfectly matching the straightforward definition in the clue.
-
The answer is APE because a gorilla is a type of ape. The clue uses "e.g." (short for "exempli gratia," meaning "for example") to indicate that the answer is a broader category or classification of which a gorilla is an example.
-
Avis and Alamo are well-known car rental companies, and their primary offering is vehicles for temporary use. This directly aligns with the answer RENTALCAR, which describes the service they provide. The clue points to their business specialty, making this solution logical and straightforward.
-
In the game of craps, players roll small, cube-shaped objects with numbered sides, which are called "dice." The clue uses "They're rolled" to describe the physical action in the game, making DICE the fitting answer.
-
The answer "IFS" works because hypothetical scenarios often begin with "if" statements, imagining possibilities or conditions ("What if...?"). The plural form "IFS" refers to multiple such hypothetical considerations, aligning perfectly with the clue. This succinctly captures the idea of exploring alternate or imagined situations.
-
A knish is a classic Jewish deli food: a pastry with a savory filling, often potato, onions, or other ingredients. The clue directly describes it as a potato-filled pastry commonly found in Jewish delis, perfectly matching the definition of a knish.
-
The clue "Cow's sound" refers to the characteristic sound made by a cow. As cows commonly vocalize with a "moo," the answer is MOO. Additionally, the straightforward and literal nature of the clue aligns perfectly with the simple response.
-
The clue "Brewed beverage" directly points to TEA as it is a widely known drink made by brewing tea leaves or herbal blends in hot water. The term “brewed” aligns perfectly with the process of making tea, making it the apt solution.
-
The answer "ORNOT" fits because the phrase "... but then again, I could be wrong!" reflects uncertainty or reconsideration, which is often expressed conversationally as "or not." The ellipsis and the quote mark hint this is a casual, spoken phrase, making "ORNOT" the perfect match.
-
The answer is STY because a pig's pen refers to the enclosure or area where pigs are kept, which is commonly called a sty. This clue is straightforward with no wordplay involved, directly referencing the well-known term for a pig's living space.
-
The answer is WAIF because it refers to a homeless, neglected child, often abandoned or orphaned, which accurately describes Oliver Twist. The term "street urchin" aligns with this definition, capturing Oliver's plight as depicted in Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist."
-
The clue “Wrinkle-fighting skin care product” directly describes a cosmetic item used to reduce or prevent wrinkles. Face cream is a common skincare product with anti-aging properties targeting wrinkles, making FACECREAM the correct solution. The straightforward nature of the clue matches the literal answer.
-
The clue "Nation between Can. and Mex." refers to the geographical position of the United States (USA). "Can." stands for Canada, and "Mex." stands for Mexico. The USA is the country located directly between these two nations in North America, making it the correct answer.
-
The answer "TIETO" works because "tie to" means to associate or connect one thing with another—synonymous with "link with." It’s a straightforward phrasing where "tie" and "to" merge phonetically to fit the crossword grid. This interpretation aligns with the clue's context.
-
The clue "Pecan or pistachio" refers to types of edible seeds encased in a hard shell, commonly categorized as nuts. Both pecans and pistachios fit this definition, making "NUT" the accurate, straightforward answer.
-
The answer is STEW because it refers to a hearty dish made by slow-cooking meat, vegetables, and seasoning in a pot. The clue suggests a filling, one-pot meal, perfectly describing a stew, which is both rich and satisfying.
Down
-
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a critical life-saving skill performed by Emergency Medical Technicians (E.M.T.s). It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to restore circulation and breathing in emergencies. Manikins are widely used for CPR training to simulate realistic practice scenarios, making “CPR” the logical answer to the clue.
-
The answer "OLE" fits because it's a common Spanish exclamation of excitement or approval, often shouted during bullfights to cheer on the matador's skillful moves. The clue refers to a specific context (bullfighting) where this Spanish cheer is traditionally used.
-
Combined with ITS FEET, this entry completes the saying "lands on its feet." The falling CAT shown as upside-down TAC in the shaded squares ultimately lands safely, bringing the puzzle's visual joke to its satisfying conclusion.
-
The prefix "ANTI-" means "against" or "opposed to." When combined with "social," it forms "antisocial," meaning against social interaction. Similarly, "anticlimactic" combines "ANTI-" with "climactic," indicating something that goes against or diminishes a climax. Thus, "ANTI" fits the clue perfectly.
-
The clue "Tic--toe" refers to the classic children's game, "Tic-Tac-Toe." The blank in "Tic--toe" is filled by "TAC," completing the name. This straightforward fill-in-the-blank style clue directly leads to "TAC" as the correct and logical answer.
-
IPA stands for India Pale Ale, a popular style of craft beer known for its strong hop flavor, making it a "hoppy" brew. The clue specifies "for short," indicating an abbreviation, which is why the three-letter shorthand "IPA" fits perfectly.
-
The abbreviation "m.p.h." stands for "miles per hour." The "p" in this context represents "per," which indicates a rate or ratio. Therefore, the answer is "PER," as it directly corresponds to the meaning of the letter "p" in the abbreviation.
-
The clue "Bulletin board fastener" directly describes a small item used to affix notices or papers to a bulletin board. A "TACK" is a commonly used sharp, short nail-like fastener that fits this purpose perfectly, making it the correct solution for this clue.
-
The clue specifies a "male name hidden in 'valentine'." The word "hidden" signals to look for a name within the letters of "valentine." If you scan the word, you'll find the male name "LEN" appears sequentially within "valentine." Hence, LEN is the correct answer.
-
The clue "If you ask me ...," in texts refers to how people express their personal opinion in shorthand while texting. IMO stands for "In My Opinion," a common abbreviation used in digital communication to convey exactly that sentiment. Hence, it's the perfect fit for this clue!
-
The phrase "___ all practical purposes" is often completed as "FOR all practical purposes," meaning effectively or essentially. The word "FOR" fits both the grammatical structure and commonly used expression, completing the context perfectly. It's a straightforward fill-in-the-blank clue.
-
Paired with LANDS ON, this completes the well-known phrase "lands on its feet." It provides the payoff to the theme, as the upside-down CAT (shown as TAC) safely finishes its fall exactly as the saying promises.
-
In volleyball, a "set" is a fundamental part of a match. Matches are divided into sets, where teams compete to win a specific number (e.g., best of five). Additionally, "set" refers to the action of setting up the ball for a spike, fitting the clue's context perfectly.
-
The answer "HAY" fits because it is a common type of food that horses eat. Hay is dried grass or legumes often used as animal feed, making it a straightforward and accurate solution to the clue "Food for a horse."
-
The clue "Have a debt" directly defines the answer "OWE" because to owe someone means to be obligated to repay or settle a debt. "Have a debt" succinctly conveys this obligation, making "OWE" the exact fitting term.
-
The answer "TACT" fits "Diplomatic use of words" perfectly because tact refers to sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and discretion in communication—qualities essential for diplomacy. It's the skill of choosing words carefully to avoid offense or maintain harmony, aligning with the idea of a diplomatic approach in conversations.
-
The iris is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. It controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the pupil size, making it the correct answer to the clue "Eye part around the pupil." This is a direct and factual description of eye anatomy.
-
The clue features a quote attributed to A.A. Milne, known for his Winnie-the-Pooh stories, which often capture simple joys and lighthearted moments. The blank logically completes the sentiment, reflecting enjoyment during memorable times. "FUN" perfectly fills the blank, representing the carefree happiness described in the quote.
-
The clue references "Tempe sch." (school), a hint for Arizona State University (ASU), which is located in Tempe. Since 33-Across spells "USA," its reverse is "ASU," perfectly fitting the clue's wordplay.
-
The revealer is CAT, the "falling feline" from the title. Throughout the grid, shaded letters spell TAC—CAT upside down—so the word itself appears to be falling. It's a neat visual trick that ties together the puzzle's title and theme.
-
The clue "Devoured" directly relates to the act of eating something eagerly or completely. "ATE" is the past tense of "eat," fitting the context of devouring. It's a concise match to the clue, with no wordplay or additional layers to interpret.
-
The answer is MOW because "trim the lawn" refers to cutting grass, which is typically done by mowing. "Mow" is the verb used to describe the action of maintaining a lawn's appearance by cutting the grass to a uniform height.
Today’s Game Difficulty
Normal
Rate Your Difficulty
Rate This Solver
Solving today’s NYT Midi Puzzle and stuck on the 7-letter answer to the With 17-Down, what this puzzle's "falling feline" does 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.
With 17-Down, what this puzzle's "falling feline" does Answer Explained
The answer is LANDSON.
LANDS ON is the first half of the familiar phrase "lands on its feet," completed by ITS FEET elsewhere in the grid. The saying refers to cats' remarkable righting reflex, which allows them to twist their bodies in midair and often land upright after a fall. In this puzzle, the phrase becomes more than just an idiom. The shaded TAC entries depict a CAT falling through the grid, and this answer tells you exactly what happens next. The visual gimmick and the split phrase work together, turning a common expression into an amusing scene acted out inside the crossword.
Now that you've cracked the 3D With 17-Down, what this puzzle's "falling feline" does 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
Jeremy Newton's "Falling Feline" hides a delightfully simple but satisfying visual gimmick in an otherwise approachable Sunday Midi. Three vertical groups of shaded squares spell TAC—the word CAT literally turned upside down, matching both the title and the revealer clue, CAT: "Falling star" of this puzzle. The payoff comes with the split entries LANDSON and ITSFEET, which combine into the familiar saying "a cat lands on its feet." Here, the falling CAT doesn't merely drop through the grid, it descends as the reversed TAC before safely reaching ITS FEET, making the grid itself act out the expression. It's a clever example of visual wordplay that doesn't require obscure vocabulary or convoluted clueing. The theme is easy to spot once revealed, elegant in execution, and perfectly suited to the concise format of The Midi, where a single memorable idea can shine without overstaying its welcome.
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.