Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answer on Apr 3, 2025

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Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Hit the ___ (go to bed)

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

SACK BEDS DISH REST SLUM

5-Across. Misleading name for a sub/shish kebab restaurant?

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE SUSHI KEBAB STEAK MEATS

6-Across. Misleading name for a taco/pasta restaurant?

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE TAPAS PANAS SPACE FLATS

7-Across. Certain sports bets

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

OVERS HORSE WAGER STAKE BETTS

8-Across. Cooped (up)

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

LOCK PENT TRAP CAGE LOCK

1-Down. Almost too sophisticated and charming

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

SLEAZ SUAVE REFIN CHICL ELEGA

2-Down. Upscale Colorado skiing destination

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

ASPEN STEAM KEENE VANCO ASPEN

3-Down. Word after bar or pie

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE CHART SHARE GRILL TABLE

4-Down. Smooch

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

LIPS KISS HUGS SMOO PECK

5-Down. Word on an eight-sided traffic sign

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

YIEL STOP ARMS

Based on the hints provided, have you managed to deduce the solution? If you're still struggling, please refer to the answers listed below.

Today's Answers Explained

Hit the ___ (go to bed)

The relationship between the hint "Hit the ___ (go to bed)" and the word "SACK in English" is that the word "sack" can be used as a verb meaning to dismiss or fire someone, but it can also be used as a noun referring to a bag or a container, specifically a bed sack or a sleeping sack.

Misleading name for a sub/shish kebab restaurant?

The word "SUSHI" in English is actually a misleading name for a sub/shish kebab restaurant because "sushi" typically refers to a type of Japanese dish made from vinegared rice and various toppings, usually raw fish. However, in this context, the name "SUSHI" is being used to refer to a sub/shish kebab restaurant, which is a type of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine. This is a play on words, using the familiar name "SUSHI" to refer to a completely different type of food.

Misleading name for a taco/pasta restaurant?

The word "TAPAS" in English refers to small plates of food, typically served in Spanish bars and restaurants. The hint "Misleading name for a taco/pasta restaurant?" suggests that the name "TAPAS" might be misleading because it implies a Spanish or Mediterranean cuisine, but the restaurant actually serves tacos and pasta, which are more commonly associated with Mexican and Italian cuisine, respectively.

Certain sports bets

The hint "Certain sports bets" is related to the word "OVERS" in English because in the sport of cricket, an "over" is a unit of measurement for the number of balls bowled by a bowler. In cricket betting, "overs" can be a type of bet, specifically a bet on the number of overs a bowler will take to complete a certain number of wickets or the number of overs a team will face before reaching a certain score.

Cooped (up)

The hint "Cooped (up)" is related to the word "PENT" in English because "cooped up" is an idiomatic expression that means being confined or restricted in a small space, often in a way that feels uncomfortable or claustrophobic.

The word "PENT" is a verb that means to enclose or confine something or someone within a limited space, often in a way that feels restrictive or oppressive.

In both cases, the idea is that something or someone is being restricted or confined in a small space, which is the core meaning of the word "PENT".

Almost too sophisticated and charming

The hint "Almost too sophisticated and charming" is related to the word "SUAVE" in English.

"Suave" is an adjective that describes someone or something as being charming, sophisticated, and elegant, often to the point of being slightly over-the-top or insincere. It can imply a sense of refinement, polish, and charm, but also a hint of artificiality or pretentiousness.

In this context, the hint "Almost too sophisticated and charming" suggests that the person or thing being described is so charming and sophisticated that it borders on being excessive or insincere, which is in line with the connotation of the word "suave".

Upscale Colorado skiing destination

The word "ASPEN" in English is related to the hint "Upscale Colorado skiing destination" because Aspen is a well-known upscale ski resort town located in the state of Colorado, USA. It is famous for its high-end amenities, luxury accommodations, and world-class skiing opportunities.

Word after bar or pie

The word "CHART" is related to the hint "Word after bar or pie" because a chart is often a type of graph that is used to display data, and it can be a bar chart or a pie chart.

Smooch

The hint "Smooch" is related to the word "KISS" in English because a smooch is a colloquial or informal term for a kiss.

Word on an eight-sided traffic sign

The word "STOP" in English is related to the hint "Word on an eight-sided traffic sign" because an eight-sided shape is called an octagon. In the English language, traffic signs are often octagonal in shape, and one of the most well-known octagonal traffic signs is the "STOP" sign.