NYT Mini Answer for Dec 16, 2024

Don't worry if you're stuck on a mini crossword puzzle - you're not alone! Many people enjoy the challenge and fun of solving these bite-sized puzzles.

If you're having trouble filling in a particular answer, don't give up. Take a deep breath, and let's work through it together. This page is here to help with hints for mini crosswords, so you can get back to enjoying the puzzle.

Remember, the key to solving mini crosswords is to think creatively and use the clues as a guide. Don't be afraid to take a guess and see if it fits. And if you're still stuck, we've got you covered with hints and tips to get you back on track.

So, take a look at the clue you're stuck on, and let's see if we can figure it out together. With a little patience and persistence, you'll be solving mini crosswords like a pro in no time. Good luck, and happy puzzling!

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Petting zoo animal

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

LION GOAT DUCK CAME MOLE

5-Across. Important feature of the sentence "I like cooking, family and friends"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

FRIEN COMMA

6-Across. Labor alliance

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

LABOR UNION STRIK

7-Across. "All ___ are off!"

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

BETS GAME ALLS PORT SHIP

8-Across. Triage centers, for short

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

EMS ERS ERS ERS EMS

1-Down. One who's doomed to fail

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE GONER LOSER FATED DOOMS

2-Down. Leaves out

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

EXCEP OMITS EXCLU

3-Down. "Famous" cookie maker

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

AMOS ABLE NUTS FAME BAKE

4-Down. Original color of peanut M&Ms, introduced in 1954

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

RED TAN BRO

5-Down. Rubik's ___

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

CUBE POKE RUBI CANS LOCK

Based on the hints provided, have you managed to deduce the solution? If you're still unable to come up with an answer, please refer to the options listed below.

Today's Answers Explained

Petting zoo animal

The word "GOAT" in English has a double meaning.

In one sense, "GOAT" is an acronym for "Greatest of All Time," often used to describe someone or something exceptional in their field.

However, the hint "Petting zoo animal" is related to the word "GOAT" because a goat is a type of animal commonly found in petting zoos. This is a play on words, where the literal meaning of "GOAT" (the animal) is used to provide a hint for the word "GOAT" with its other meaning (Greatest of All Time).

Important feature of the sentence "I like cooking, family and friends"

The hint "Important feature of the sentence 'I like cooking, family and friends'" is related to the word "COMMA in English" because the sentence contains a comma (",") separating the items in the list "cooking, family and friends".

In English grammar, a comma is used to separate items in a list, known as a series or a sequence. This is an important feature of the sentence, as it helps to clarify the meaning and make the sentence easier to read.

Labor alliance

The relationship between the hint "Labor alliance" and the word "UNION in English" is that a union is a labor organization that represents workers in a particular industry, profession, or company, and works to negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions on their behalf. The term "union" is often used interchangeably with "labor union" or "trade union," and it refers to a collective organization of workers who come together to advocate for their common interests and protect their rights.

"All ___ are off!"

The phrase "All bets are off!" is an idiomatic expression that means all previous agreements, rules, or expectations are no longer valid or applicable.

The word "bets" in this context refers to wagers or gambles, typically made in a game of chance or a sporting event.

In this phrase, "bets" is used metaphorically to convey that the situation has changed, and the usual rules or expectations no longer apply.

Triage centers, for short

The hint "Triage centers, for short" is related to the word "ERS" in English because "ERS" is an abbreviation for "Emergency Room Services" or more commonly "Emergency Room" which is also known as "Triage centers".

One who's doomed to fail

The word "Goner" in English is related to the hint "One who's doomed to fail" because a "Goner" is a slang term for someone or something that is doomed to fail or is certain to lose or be defeated. It is often used to describe a person or situation that is hopeless or has no chance of success.

Leaves out

The word "omits" in English is related to the hint "Leaves out" because both convey the same meaning. "Leaves out" is a phrase that describes the action of excluding or leaving something behind, while "omits" is a verb that means to intentionally leave something out or exclude it from consideration.

"Famous" cookie maker

The relationship between the hint "Famous" cookie maker" and the word "AMOS" in English is that Amos is a well-known brand of cookies, specifically a type of chocolate sandwich cookie.

Original color of peanut M&Ms, introduced in 1954

The original color of peanut M&Ms, introduced in 1954, was tan.

Rubik's ___

The relationship between the hint "Rubik's ___" and the word "CUBE" in English is that the complete phrase is "Rubik's Cube".

Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture, invented the Rubik's Cube in the 1970s. It is a 3D puzzle cube with 6 faces, each covered with 9 stickers of 6 different colors. The cube has become a popular toy and puzzle, challenging people to solve it by rotating the faces to align the colors on each face.