NYT Mini Answer for Dec 30, 2024

Happy New Year's Eve, mini crossword enthusiasts!

As we count down to midnight, I want to remind you that solving mini crosswords is not just about filling in squares - it's about exercising your brain, challenging yourself, and having fun.

Don't worry if you get stuck; that's what we're here for. This page is dedicated to providing you with helpful hints and guidance to help you conquer those tricky mini crosswords.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the world of crosswords, we've got you covered. Our hints will give you the nudge you need to unlock the answers and feel a sense of accomplishment.

So, take a deep breath, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and get ready to tackle those mini crosswords. We're here to support you every step of the way. Happy solving, and may the puzzle pieces fall into place for you!

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Rudely straightforward

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

BRASH BLUNT FRANK CRASS RAUCY

6-Across. Where you might see half-inch ticks?

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE RULER FORES WOODS TRAIL

7-Across. A little less than "mega"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

GIANT KILTS EXTRA GIGAS MINUS

8-Across. Verbose

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

LONGS WORDY TALKS LOOPS CHATS

9-Across. Unit of sunshine

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

WAT RAY HRS

1-Down. Steeped concoction

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

BREW COFF LIQU POIS

2-Down. Swanky Vegas hotel resembling an Egyptian pyramid

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE LUXOR PHANT CAIRO GOLDE

3-Down. A little more than "mega"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

GIANT ULTRA GIGAS GIANT JUNOS

4-Down. Quirkily enthusiastic about science, maybe

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

NERDY HOUSE SPACE SCIEN TECHN

5-Down. Breakfast-in-bed convenience

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

TRAY FEED CANS

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

Rudely straightforward

The word "BLUNT" in English is related to the hint "Rudely straightforward" because it can have multiple meanings.

1. In a physical sense, a blunt object is one that is not sharp or pointed, often used to describe a knife or a tool that has been dulled or worn down.

2. In a figurative sense, "blunt" can describe someone who speaks their mind directly and honestly, without sugarcoating or beating around the bush. This is where the hint "Rudely straightforward" comes in, as it implies a lack of tact or diplomacy in one's words or actions.

In this context, the word "BLUNT" is associated with being direct, honest, and sometimes even rude or tactless in one's communication style.

Where you might see half-inch ticks?

The hint "Where you might see half-inch ticks?" is related to the word "RULER" in English because a ruler is a measuring tool that typically has markings or ticks to indicate measurements in inches, including half-inch increments.

A little less than "mega"

The hint "A little less than 'mega'" is related to the word "EXTRA" in English because "extra" is one letter less than "mega" when considering the first letter of each word.

Verbose

The hint "Verbose" is related to the word "WORDY" in English as both words convey the same meaning.

"Verbose" is an adjective that describes language or writing that is excessively long or detailed, often to the point of being tedious or confusing.

"Wordy" is an adjective that describes language or writing that is overly elaborate or verbose, often using more words than necessary to convey a message.

In essence, both "Verbose" and "Wordy" describe language or writing that is overly elaborate, lengthy, or detailed, often to the point of being confusing or tedious.

Unit of sunshine

The hint "Unit of sunshine" is related to the word "RAY" in English because a ray of sunshine is a unit or a beam of sunlight.

Steeped concoction

The hint "Steeped concoction" is related to the word "BREW" in English because brewing is a process that involves steeping or soaking ingredients, typically coffee beans, tea leaves, or herbs, in hot water to extract their flavors and aromas. This process is a key part of making a brew, which can refer to a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, or beer.

Swanky Vegas hotel resembling an Egyptian pyramid

The hint "Swanky Vegas hotel resembling an Egyptian pyramid" is related to the word "LUXOR" in English because the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is a hotel that is designed to resemble an ancient Egyptian pyramid.

A little more than "mega"

The hint "A little more than 'mega'" is related to the word "ULTRA" in English because "ultra" is a prefix that means "beyond" or "exceeding." In the context of units of measurement, "ultra" is used to indicate a quantity that is greater than the next larger unit.

For example, in the metric system, "mega" is a prefix that means one million. Therefore, "ultra" would be a prefix that means more than one million, or one billion. This is why the hint "A little more than 'mega'" is related to the word "ULTRA" in English.

Quirkily enthusiastic about science, maybe

The hint "Quirkily enthusiastic about science, maybe" is related to the word "NERDY" in English because it describes a characteristic often associated with the term.

"NERDY" is an adjective used to describe someone who is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The hint captures this essence by describing someone as "quirkily enthusiastic about science," which aligns with the typical traits of a person who is considered "nerdy."

Breakfast-in-bed convenience

The word "TRAY" in English is related to the hint "Breakfast-in-bed convenience" because a tray is often used to serve breakfast in bed, typically containing items such as food, drinks, and sometimes even flowers or other decorative items.