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___-jerk reaction - NYT The Mini Clue
Across
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The solution "ARMS" fits because a dress form typically includes detachable parts, like the arms, to aid in garment design and fitting. "Detachable" hints at something removable, and since arms on a dress form are often detachable to simplify dressing and sewing, this ties directly to the clue.
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The answer "TEAURN" is a play on words. A "tea urn" is a large catering container used to hold and serve tea, which contains caffeine. The clue’s wordplay lies in combining "tea" (caffeinated beverage) with "urn" (container), creating the perfect fit for the definition.
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The answer "CATTREE" fits because it refers to the tall, multi-level structures specifically designed for cats to climb, scratch, and rest. These are commonly sold in pet stores and provide enrichment for cats' natural climbing instincts. The clue literally describes what a "cat tree" is used for.
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The clue "Gets into town" suggests the action of reaching a destination. "Arrives" perfectly captures this idea, as it means to come to or reach a specific location, like a town. The wording directly aligns, with no wordplay involved, making "ARRIVES" the apt solution.
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The clue refers to Frédéric Chopin and Ray Charles, both renowned musicians known for their skills at playing the piano. The word "notably" highlights their primary talent and identity as performers. Thus, the answer "PIANIST" accurately describes their shared profession.
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The answer "SIEVES" fits because sieves are tools with small holes used to strain or separate materials, and they physically cannot hold water since it passes through their mesh. The clue's phrasing is a straightforward description of their defining characteristic.
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The answer is KNEE because a "knee-jerk reaction" refers to the physical reflex where tapping the knee triggers an involuntary movement. Figuratively, it means a quick, automatic response. Here, the blank suggests the body part associated with this reflex action, making "KNEE" the correct answer.
Down
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The phrase "With some chance of failure" indicates vulnerability or uncertainty. "At a risk" directly defines this state, describing a situation where something is exposed to danger or failure. The answer "ATARISK" matches this meaning perfectly, explaining why it is the solution.
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The clue "Prepare for a new job, maybe" with a question mark hints at a figurative approach. RETRAIN fits as it involves acquiring new skills or education to suit a new role, effectively "preparing" for a different job or career path. The question mark suggests this reinterpretation.
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The clue "Midday Broadway showing" directly refers to a "matinee," which is a theatrical performance held in the daytime, typically in the early afternoon. On Broadway, matinees are commonly scheduled for midday or early afternoon, making MATINEE the accurate and fitting answer for this clue.
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The answer is SURVIVE because the clue refers to the reality show Survivor, which is famously set on a remote island. Contestants compete in challenges and face eliminations, with the ultimate goal being to "survive" each round and outlast others to win the competition.
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The answer is REESE because Reese Witherspoon is the actress who portrayed June Carter in the 2005 film "Walk the Line," a biographical movie about Johnny Cash and his relationship with June Carter. This clue directly references her role in the film.
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The clue "Lodgings for larks" uses wordplay and refers to the natural habitat of larks, which are birds. "Lodgings" hints at their resting or living place. Birds, including larks, build and reside in nests, making "NESTS" the apt solution.
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The answer "CAP" fits because baseball caps are popular souvenirs from games, often featuring team logos or designs. Fans frequently buy or receive caps to commemorate their experience, connecting the clue directly to a common item associated with baseball culture.
Today’s Game Difficulty
Hard
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Solving today’s NYT Mini Puzzle and stuck on the 4-letter answer to the ___-jerk reaction clue? Don’t worry—Lady Puzzle Pro has you covered! Whether you want the answer right away, revealed letter by letter, or this wordplay seems too puzzling, keep reading for the explanation.
___-jerk reaction Answer Explained
The answer is KNEE.
This one’s a classic fill-in-the-blank. The phrase “___-jerk reaction” is so common that even if you don’t analyze it, it might pop right into your head. It refers to a reflexive or automatic response, just like how your leg kicks when a doctor taps under your kneecap. That reflex is literally called a “knee jerk,” which is where the idiom comes from. The blank makes it a little easier for solvers familiar with everyday expressions. There aren’t many good contenders for this fill-in, which makes KNEE a solid and gettable answer.
Now that you've cracked the 12A ___-jerk reaction clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s Mini Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry—we've got you covered. Explore more NYT Mini crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the NYT Crossword, Connections, or Strands.
Today’s NYT Mini Highlights
Today’s Saturday Mini by Christina Iverson is a great example of how she brings a bit more bite to the Mini Crossword. Christina, who also contributes to the full-size NYT Crossword, tends to inject her Minis with trickier clues and slightly more obscure fill, and this Saturday’s puzzle is no exception. It’s a longer grid with some layered misdirects and a few terms that might not be on everyone’s radar, especially in categories like fashion, pets, kitchen gear, and idiomatic expressions. A fun, satisfying challenge that earns its Saturday slot.
Here’s what caught our attention today:
- Detachable parts of a dress form
- Catering container containing caffeine
- Climbing structure offered in pet stores
- Frédéric Chopin or Ray Charles, notably
- With some chance of failure
- Prepare for a new job, maybe
- Midday Broadway showing
- Goal of a noted reality show set on an island
- Souvenir from a baseball game
About NYT The Mini
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.
How to Play - Features and Tips
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.
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- 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.
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- Tab key: Jump to the next clue.
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Black: Default pen mode entries.
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Blue: Confirmed letters with Check.
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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.
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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 check become blue.
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