NYT Mini Answer for Dec 24, 2024

Merry Christmas Eve!

To all the mini crossword enthusiasts out there, I've got some exciting news for you. If you're stuck on a puzzle and need a little nudge, you're in the right place. This page is dedicated to providing helpful hints for mini crosswords.

Don't worry if you're feeling frustrated or stuck - it's all part of the fun! With a little guidance, you'll be back to solving like a pro in no time. Our hints are designed to be subtle, so you can still feel the satisfaction of figuring things out on your own.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we've got you covered. From clever clues to tricky themes, we'll help you navigate the world of mini crosswords with ease. So go ahead, take a deep breath, and dive back into your puzzle. You got this!

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Christmas ___

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

CAR EVE NOE

4-Across. Hanker for, as Christmas cookies

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE CRAVE BAKED TASTE SNACK

6-Across. Instrument heard in many a Christmas hymn

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HARPS ORGAN TRUMP FLUTE PIANO

7-Across. Rounded heap

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HILLS MOUND BANKS HILLS CLUMP

8-Across. Vintner's device

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

CRUSH PRESS LEVER CRATE FILTE

1-Down. Proofreader's catch

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE ERROR SPACE TRAIL SPITE

2-Down. Like a Christmas wish list that just says "toys"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

TOYED HOUSE VAGUE TOYSY GAMES

3-Down. Chris of "Knives Out"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE EVANS KNIFE CLUES MURDE

4-Down. Provide free of charge

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

COMP FREE GIFT LOAN ALMS

5-Down. Comes to a close

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

ENDS TERM STOP ENDS CLOS

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

Christmas ___

The relationship between the hint "Christmas ___" and the word "EVE" in English is that it is a play on words.

In English, "eve" is a noun that refers to the day or evening before a special day, especially Christmas Day.

So, the completed phrase would be "Christmas Eve", which is the day or evening before Christmas Day.

Hanker for, as Christmas cookies

The word "crave" in English is related to the hint "Hanker for, as Christmas cookies" because both phrases convey the idea of strongly desiring or longing for something, especially something sweet or appealing.

In this context, "hanker for" is an idiomatic expression that means to feel a strong desire or craving for something. The phrase "as Christmas cookies" is used to illustrate the type of thing that people might hanker for, implying that the object of desire is something sweet and appealing, like Christmas cookies.

Similarly, the word "crave" in English also means to feel a strong and intense desire for something, often something pleasurable or desirable. So, the hint "Hanker for, as Christmas cookies" is essentially describing the same concept as the word "crave", which is a strong and intense desire for something.

Instrument heard in many a Christmas hymn

The word "ORGAN" in English is related to the hint "Instrument heard in many a Christmas hymn" because an organ is a musical instrument commonly used in many Christmas hymns and church music. It is often featured in traditional Christmas carols and is a staple instrument in many Christmas services and celebrations.

Rounded heap

The term "Rounded heap" is related to the word "MOUND" in English because both refer to a shape or structure that is rounded and elevated, often resembling a hill or a raised area.

In the context of data structures, a "Rounded heap" is a type of heap data structure where the shape is more rounded and less steep than a traditional heap, often resembling a mound.

In English, a "mound" is a natural or artificial elevation of the ground, often rounded in shape.

Vintner's device

The hint "Vintner's device" is related to the word "PRESS" in English because a vintner is a person who makes or sells wine, and a press is a device used in winemaking to extract juice from grapes.

Proofreader's catch

The relationship between the hint "Proofreader's catch" and the word "ERROR in English" is that a proofreader is responsible for checking for errors in written text, such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. In this case, the word "ERROR" itself contains a mistake, as it should be spelled "ERROR in English" as "ERRORR" is incorrect.

Like a Christmas wish list that just says "toys"

The hint "Like a Christmas wish list that just says 'toys'" is related to the word "VAGUE" in English because it describes the meaning of the word.

A vague description or statement is one that is not specific or clear, much like a Christmas wish list that simply says "toys" without specifying which toys are desired. This lack of detail or specificity is a key characteristic of vagueness.

Chris of "Knives Out"

The hint "Chris of 'Knives Out'" refers to Chris Evans, an American actor. The word "EVANS" is his surname.

Provide free of charge

The hint "Provide free of charge" is related to the word "COMP in English" because "COMP" is an abbreviation for "Complimentary".

Comes to a close

The word "ENDS" in English is related to the hint "Comes to a close" because "ENDS" is a verb that means to come to an end or a conclusion. It is often used in phrases such as "something comes to an end" or "an event comes to an end."