This article discusses the New York Times Mini Crossword puzzle for January 15, 2025, focusing on the clues, answers, and some solving strategies. The author highlights a common frustration with the puzzle format: the use of interconnected clues, where the answer to one clue is dependent on solving another. This particular puzzle included such a pairing, linking 7-Across (“Adjective paired with 3-Down in a simile”) with 3-Down (a bird rhyming with the answer to 7-Across). This interdependence makes solving more challenging, requiring solvers to jump back and forth between clues until they find a breakthrough. The frustration arises from the inability to solve either clue independently without knowledge of the other.
The article provides the complete list of clues and answers for both the across and down sections of the mini crossword. The across clues include “Food that many an N.Y.C. tourist grabs for breakfast” (BAGEL), “Got out of bed” (AROSE), the aforementioned linked clue leading to LOOSE, “Effortlessness” (EASE), and “Tyrannosaurus ___” (REX). The down clues consist of “Makeshift seat in a barnyard, maybe” (BALE), “Very loud, like a stadium crowd” (AROAR), the linked clue leading to GOOSE, “Fictional Vermont college on Netflix’s ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls'” (ESSEX), and “Author Harper” (LEE). Providing these answers allows readers to check their solutions or simply see the completed grid.
Beyond simply providing solutions, the article offers guidance for solving the Mini Crossword. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing interconnected clues and working through them strategically. While the specific technique isn’t detailed, the article suggests leaving blanks initially and revisiting the interconnected clues as other parts of the puzzle are solved. This approach allows for gradual filling in of the grid, eventually leading to the solution for the linked clues. The author recommends consulting the provided tips and hints for more structured strategies on improving Mini Crossword solving skills.
The article then expands its scope beyond the Mini Crossword, referencing other puzzles available within the New York Times Games collection. It notes that while the current day’s Mini Crossword is free to play, accessing older puzzles requires a subscription to the Games section. For those interested in other popular puzzles like Wordle, Connections, and Strands, the article directs readers to CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page for assistance. This cross-promotion acknowledges the popularity and interconnectedness of these puzzles within the wider puzzle-solving community.
The author’s personal experience with this particular Mini Crossword underscores the article’s focus. The struggle with the linked clues is presented as a relatable experience, highlighting a common challenge faced by solvers. This personal touch adds a layer of authenticity to the article, making it more engaging for readers who may have encountered similar frustrations. The overall tone is informative yet conversational, making the puzzle-solving process seem less daunting.
Finally, the inclusion of a Facebook tracking pixel suggests the article’s intended audience and the platform’s role in disseminating puzzle-related content. The pixel, while not directly related to the puzzle’s solution, provides insight into how online publications track user engagement and tailor content distribution. This technical detail highlights the intersection of online gaming, content creation, and data analytics. While not explicitly discussed, it points to the broader context of online puzzle communities and their digital footprint.
