The clue uses wordplay: though "verb" and "adjective" are types of words, the clue calls them "NOUN" confusingly because linguistically, "verb" and "adjective" are themselves nouns—they name types of words. This creates an amusing contradiction, hence the tricky phrasing.
5On the ___ (free)HOUSE?????✨ See Why
The phrase "On the house" means something provided for free, such as a complimentary item or service, often in restaurants or bars. "House" completes the phrase, aligning with the clue's hint of "free." This commonly used expression fits perfectly in this context.
6One holding a deedOWNER?????✨ See Why
The answer "OWNER" fits because a deed is a legal document that signifies ownership of property. Therefore, the "one holding a deed" is the OWNER of that property, making it a straightforward definition-based clue.
7Large in scope, as a photography lensMACRO?????✨ See Why
The answer is MACRO because in photography, a macro lens captures very close-up details of small subjects (like insects or textures) and makes them appear large in scope. While "macro" often suggests "big," in this sense, it refers to enlarging small details for a broader view.
8They're rolled in annoyanceEYES????✨ See Why
The answer is EYES because people often roll their eyes as a nonverbal expression of annoyance or frustration. The clue uses "rolled" figuratively to describe this action, matching the natural reaction associated with annoyance, making EYES the fitting solution.
Down
1NOWAY?????✨ See Why
The clue "You've got to be kidding!" is in quotes, signaling a spoken exclamation. "No way!" is a common phrase expressing disbelief or surprise, matching the tone of the clue perfectly. It aligns with the conversational nature of the phrase, making NOWAY the fitting solution.
2Unit equal to roughly 28 gramsOUNCE?????✨ See Why
The answer is OUNCE because an ounce is a unit of weight commonly used in the Imperial/US system, and it is approximately equal to 28.35 grams in the metric system. The clue directly describes a conversion between these two systems.
3App customersUSERS?????✨ See Why
The term "App customers" refers to individuals who use an app. The word "USERS" in this context directly describes people who engage with or operate an application, making it the fitting solution for the clue.
4Infamous Roman emperorNERO????✨ See Why
The answer is NERO because he was a notorious Roman emperor (54–68 AD), infamous for tyranny, extravagance, and alleged responsibility for the Great Fire of Rome. His negative reputation in history makes him a fitting solution to the clue "Infamous Roman emperor."
5HOME????✨ See Why
The phrase "Home is where the heart is" is a well-known saying, implying that home is an emotional or sentimental center. The clue references this saying with the phrase "it's said," leading to the answer: HOME. It emphasizes the emotional connection people associate with their home.
Hit a roadblock solving today's NYT The Mini? Lady Puzzle is happy to lend a hand. Click her for hints, reveal the entire puzzle, uncover squares one by one, or explore clue answers. Whatever solving style you prefer, this is your go-to tool for finishing NYT's The Mini Crossword!
This Sunday puzzle by Tracy Bennett is a treat! It cleverly plays with language and idioms, weaving familiar ideas with a touch of trivia to keep solvers engaged. Two standout clues use home-related idioms: “On the House” and “Where the Heart Is,” which share an “H” on the grid. The wordplay here adds a cozy and clever twist, making the puzzle both satisfying and fun—a perfect way to close the week!
Today's Tricky Wordplay
Here's what caught our attention today:
What is NYT The Mini Crossword?
NYT The Mini Crossword is a compact version of the New York Times Crossword puzzle. Usually 5 x 5, with larger grids on Saturdays, it offers mid-week equivalent difficulty clues with no progression over the week. It is accessible to anyone with or without a New York Times account. You can play it on nytimes.com/crosswords, The New York Times Games app (iOS and Android), and the Play tab of the New York Times News app. Games and All Access Subscribers can solve past Mini Crossword puzzles in the archive.
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.
Fill white squares with letters to form intersecting words or phrases by solving clues in Across and Down columns. Read our guide to NYT Mini Mastery to learn how to read the different types of clues. Successfully completed puzzle triggers music and a congratulatory message.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Arrow keys: Change direction within the same square, move in the direction of the arrow, jump back to the first blank in the word, or jump to the next clue.
Spacebar: Clear the current square, advance, or toggle between Across and Down.
Backspace (Delete on Macs): Remove words or a letter from a word.
Tab key: Jump to the next clue.
Shift + Tab keys: Jump to the previous clue.
Escape: Enter Rebus mode.
Pen and Pencil Modes. Switch between pen and pencil modes by selecting the respective icon. Letters in pen mode are black; in pencil mode, gray.
Letter Colors
Black: Default pen mode entries. Gray: Pencil mode entries. Blue: Confirmed letters with Check. Mini Timer
Time your solving with the timer displayed above the puzzle. Pause/resume using the respective buttons. The timer restarts if the entire puzzle is cleared. Option to hide the timer in Puzzle settings.
In-game Help
Reveal: Unveil correct letters for a square, answer, or the entire puzzle.
Check: Verify correctness.
The answers you get using help are marked with a red triangle in the upper right-hand corner of the box while those confirmed with a check become blue.
Leaderboards
It’s an additional social resource provided by NYT. You can add friends (up to 100 invitees) to track daily completion and compete.