NYT Mini Answer for Oct 21, 2024

Happy solving, mini crossword enthusiasts!

As you tackle today's puzzle, remember that every clue is a challenge waiting to be conquered. You're not alone in this quest for wordplay mastery - millions of puzzle lovers just like you are out there, sharpening their minds and having a blast.

And that's where we come in! On this page, you'll find helpful hints to guide you through the trickiest of clues. Whether you're stuck on a pesky 5-letter word or need a nudge to get that tricky theme going, we've got you covered.

So take a deep breath, grab your favorite puzzle-solving snack, and get ready to unleash your inner word wizard. With our hints, you'll be solving like a pro in no time. Let's get started and make today's mini crossword a triumph!

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Toe ___ (goofy term for a pad on a cat's foot)

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

BEAN PAWS HEEL CLAW TOES

5-Across. Tummy

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

BELLY TUMMY HUNCH PAINS RUMEN

6-Across. Purple flower that symbolizes one's first love

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

LILAC VIOLA HEART ORCHI LAVEN

7-Across. Matures, as cheese

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

AGED RIPE AGED KIND RISE

8-Across. Feathery farm female

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

FOX HEN FEM FUN CAT

1-Down. "Sad" color joked about in viral TikTok videos

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

BLACK BEIGE GREYS BROWN ASHES

2-Down. Comedian DeGeneres

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE ELLEN JOKES STAGE LAUGH

3-Down. "'Tis a pity!"

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

ALAS PITY LATE SORE TONE

4-Down. Home o' MoMA

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

ART NYC MOM THE MAD

5-Down. Just kinda meh

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

MEET BLAH LATE MUTE HERE

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

Today's Answers Explained

Toe ___ (goofy term for a pad on a cat's foot)

The hint "Toe ___ (goofy term for a pad on a cat's foot)" is referring to the word "BEAN". The term "bean" is a colloquialism used to describe the pads on a cat's feet.

Tummy

The hint "Tummy" is a colloquial or informal term for the belly, which is another word for the stomach.

Purple flower that symbolizes one's first love

The hint "Purple flower that symbolizes one's first love" is closely related to the word "LILAC".

Matures, as cheese

AGES

Feathery farm female

The hint "Feathery farm female" is a description of a hen, which is a female chicken.

"Sad" color joked about in viral TikTok videos

The hint "Sad" color joked about in viral TikTok videos refers to the color beige. The joke is that beige is often considered a "sad" or uninteresting color, and people are poking fun at its lack of excitement or vibrancy.

Comedian DeGeneres

The hint "Comedian DeGeneres" refers to Ellen DeGeneres, a famous American comedian, actress, and television host.

"'Tis a pity!"

The phrase "'Tis a pity!" is an archaic way of expressing regret or disappointment, and it is closely related to the word "ALAS". Both phrases are used to convey a sense of sorrow or dismay, often in response to something unfortunate or unfortunate that has happened.

The word "ALAS" is an interjection that is often used to express regret, disappointment, or sorrow, and it is often used in combination with other phrases or sentences to convey a sense of pity or sympathy. For example, someone might say "ALAS, poor Yorick!" to express regret for the loss of a loved one.

The phrase "'Tis a pity!" is similar in meaning to "ALAS", and it is often used in a similar way to express regret or disappointment. For example, someone might say "'Tis a pity!" in response to hearing that a friend has lost their job, or "'Tis a pity!" in response to learning that a favorite restaurant has closed down.

Overall, the phrase "'Tis a pity!" and the word "ALAS" are both used to express regret or disappointment, and they are often used in similar ways to convey a sense of sorrow or dismay.

Home o' MoMA

The hint "Home o' MoMA" refers to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which is located in New York City (NYC).

Just kinda meh

The hint "Just kinda meh" is expressing a sense of indifference or neutrality, implying that something is unremarkable or unimpressive. The word "BLAH" is often used to convey a similar sentiment, typically to express boredom, disinterest, or a lack of enthusiasm. In this context, the relationship between the hint and the word is that they both convey a sense of apathy or lack of excitement, suggesting that something is not particularly noteworthy or impressive.