NYT Mini Answer for Oct 7, 2024

Happy solving, mini crossword enthusiasts!

As you tackle today's puzzle, remember that every clue is an opportunity to flex your brain muscles and exercise your problem-solving skills. You're not just filling in squares, you're building mental momentum and sharpening your mind.

And don't worry if you get stuck - that's what this page is for! We've got hints and tips to help you overcome those pesky roadblocks and get back to the fun of solving.

So, take a deep breath, grab your favorite snack, and dive back into the puzzle. You've got this! And when you need a little extra help, come back to this page for the hints you need to keep your solving streak going.

Happy solving, and may the puzzle be with you!

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Spill the beans

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

BEAN BLAB LEAK TELL SPIT

5-Across. Bird that has been used by the Dutch police to take down illegal drones

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE EAGLE SWIFT RAVEN HAWKS

7-Across. Online shopping

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

ETAIL ORDER PRICE WEBSA LISTS

8-Across. With 3-Down, "Nope, try another guess!"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HINTS THINK GUESS NOPEY TRIAL

9-Across. Schedule ___ (modern email button)

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

SEND FROM TIME DATE NEWS

1-Down. Root veggies in borscht

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

BEETS CAROT

2-Down. Carpenter's shaping tool

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

CHISE LATHE PLANE GOUGE CHOPS

3-Down. See 8-Across

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE AGAIN STAGE SCREE SCENE

4-Down. Like three mice in a nursery rhyme

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE BLIND FABLE

6-Down. Big beast in Banff National Park

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

CAT ELK MAM BAN WOL

Based on the hints provided, have you determined the solution? If you are truly unable to conceive of it, refer to the answers that follow.

Today's Answers Explained

Spill the beans

"Spill the beans" is an idiomatic expression that means to reveal a secret or surprise prematurely. The phrase is thought to have originated from ancient Rome, where jurors would vote by placing beans in an urn. If a juror accidentally knocked over the urn, the beans would spill out, and the juror's vote would be revealed. Similarly, "spilling the beans" means to accidentally reveal a secret or surprise.

Bird that has been used by the Dutch police to take down illegal drones

The hint "Bird that has been used by the Dutch police to take down illegal drones" is related to the word "EAGLE" because the Dutch police have used eagles to take down illegal drones.

Online shopping

ETAIL refers to electronic retail, which is a type of retail that takes place online, through the internet. The hint "Online shopping" is related to ETAIL because it is a form of ETAIL, where customers purchase goods and services over the internet, rather than in a physical store.

With 3-Down, "Nope, try another guess!"

The hint "With 3-Down, 'Nope, try another guess!'" is likely referring to a crossword puzzle. The phrase "With 3-Down" indicates that the answer is related to the clue or answer in the third row (down) of the puzzle.

The word "THINK" is likely the answer, as it is a verb that means to consider or ponder something. The phrase "Nope, try another guess!" suggests that the answer is not correct, but the word "THINK" is a common answer in crossword puzzles, and it fits the hint.

Schedule ___ (modern email button)

SEND

Root veggies in borscht

The hint "Root veggies in borscht" is related to the word "BEETS" because beets are a type of root vegetable that is commonly used in the traditional Eastern European soup called borscht.

Carpenter's shaping tool

The hint "Carpenter's shaping tool" is related to the word "LATHE" because a lathe is a common tool used by carpenters to shape and turn wood into various forms.

See 8-Across

The hint "See 8-Across" is likely referring to the word "AGAIN" because "AGAIN" is the answer to the crossword puzzle clue at the 8th column (or Across) of the puzzle.

Like three mice in a nursery rhyme

The hint "Like three mice in a nursery rhyme" is referring to the phrase "blind as a bat", which is a common idiomatic expression that means to be unable to see or perceive something. The phrase is often used to describe someone who is unaware of something or is unable to understand it.

Big beast in Banff National Park

The hint "Big beast in Banff National Park" is likely referring to the ELK.