NYT Mini Answer for Jan 2, 2025

Happy New Year to all mini crossword enthusiasts!

As we dive into 2025, I want to remind you that solving mini crosswords is not just about filling in the blanks - it's about exercising your brain, challenging yourself, and having fun.

If you're stuck on a particular puzzle, don't worry! This page is here to help. We'll provide you with hints and guidance to get you back on track. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, our hints will be tailored to your needs.

So, take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to tackle that mini crossword. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Here, you'll find:

• Clue explanations
• Word lists
• Tips and tricks
• And more!

Let's solve some mini crosswords together! What's the puzzle you're working on?

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Windy blast

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

GUST BLOW WHIP SWAT HAIL

5-Across. Newton who introduced the three-body problem

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE ISAAC ORBIT SPACE GRAVE

7-Across. Cuban dance style

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

SALSA RUMBA SONGO MAMBO HAVAN

8-Across. Time to call the midwife

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE LABOR NURSE MIDWE WOMEN

9-Across. Country bordering Vietnam

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

THAI LAOS CAMB MYAN MALA

1-Down. "The ___ With the Dragon Tattoo"

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

LIND GIRL MILK BLON LARS

2-Down. Standard restaurant order, with "the"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

BURGE USUAL MEALS PIZZA FRIES

3-Down. Afro-Brazilian dance style

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

SALSA AXIAL AXONS BRAVA

4-Down. Forbidden

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE BANED TABOO BANES BARED

6-Down. Ford focus?

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

CARS TYPE WHEE FORD RIDE

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

Windy blast

The hint "Windy blast" is related to the word "GUST" in English because a gust is a sudden, brief burst of wind. The term "gust" is often used to describe a strong, temporary increase in wind speed, which can be felt as a "windy blast".

Newton who introduced the three-body problem

The hint "Newton who introduced the three-body problem" is related to the word "ISAAC" because Isaac Newton is the person who introduced the three-body problem in physics.

Cuban dance style

The word "RUMBA" in English is related to the Cuban dance style because it is a type of traditional Cuban dance and music. The Rumba dance style originated in Cuba and is characterized by its sensual and energetic movements, often performed to the rhythm of Afro-Cuban music.

Time to call the midwife

The phrase "Time to call the midwife" is related to the word "LABOR" in English because a midwife is a healthcare professional who assists women during childbirth, which is a process of labor. The phrase is often used to indicate that a woman is going into labor, and it's time for a midwife to be called to assist her.

Country bordering Vietnam

The word "LAOS" is the English name for the country of Laos, which is a country that borders Vietnam.

"The ___ With the Dragon Tattoo"

The word "GIRL" in English is related to the title "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" because the word "GIRL" is an acronym for the first letter of each word in the title.

Standard restaurant order, with "the"

The relationship between the hint "Standard restaurant order, with 'the'" and the word "USUAL" in English is that the word "usual" is often used in the phrase "the usual" when ordering at a restaurant. This phrase is used to indicate that the customer wants their standard or typical order, which is often a familiar dish or combination of dishes that they have ordered before.

Afro-Brazilian dance style

The word "SAMBA" in English is related to the hint "Afro-Brazilian dance style" because Samba is a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance style that originated in Brazil. It is characterized by its fast-paced rhythms, energetic movements, and African influences. Samba is often performed during Carnival celebrations in Brazil and has become a popular dance style around the world.

Forbidden

The word "TABOO" in English is closely related to the hint "Forbidden".

In English, the word "TABOO" is derived from the Polynesian word "tapu" or "tabu", which means "forbidden" or "sacred". In ancient Polynesian cultures, certain things or people were considered tapu, meaning they were off-limits or forbidden to certain individuals or groups. This concept of tapu was used to maintain social order, respect, and hierarchy within the community.

In English, the word "TABOO" has evolved to describe something that is considered unacceptable, forbidden, or socially unacceptable. It can refer to a topic that is considered off-limits or too sensitive to discuss, or a behavior that is considered immoral or unacceptable.

Therefore, the relationship between the hint "Forbidden" and the word "TABOO" is that they both convey the idea of something being off-limits, unacceptable, or forbidden.

Ford focus?

The hint "Ford focus?" is related to the word "CARS in English" because it is a play on words.

The word "CARS" can be rearranged to spell "RASC", but it can also be rearranged to spell "Cars" with a different meaning.

However, the more likely connection is that the hint "Ford focus?" is a play on words because "Ford Focus" is a model of car, and the hint is asking for the word "CARS" which is a category of vehicles.