NYT Mini Answer for Jan 7, 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. Every puzzle you complete is a testament to your problem-solving skills and your ability to think creatively.

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, offering just the right amount of support to help you solve the puzzle.

So, take a deep breath, grab a cup of your favorite coffee, and get ready to tackle that mini crossword. With our hints and your determination, you'll be solving like a pro in no time. Let's get started!

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Man in Business Suit Levitating, for one

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE EMOJI FLYER SPACE SUITS

6-Across. Took a nap

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE DOZED SLEEP RESTS WAKED

7-Across. Flying solo

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE ALONE FLYER SPACE SOARS

8-Across. Graphic novel style for "One Piece," the best-selling of its kind

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

JAPAN MANGA COMIC KANJI KANJI

9-Across. Genuine

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

TRUE REAL PURE TRUE REAL

1-Down. Dutch cheese that's "made backward," per a joke

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

GOUD EDAM BRIE

2-Down. Grinding tooth

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

MOLAR

3-Down. Gas made of three oxygen atoms

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE OZONE SPACE HEART STEEL

4-Down. Game that might end if you accidentally bump the table

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE JENGA TABLE BOARD CHECK

5-Down. Like the best-case scenario

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

OPTIM IDEAL PERFE

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

Man in Business Suit Levitating, for one

The hint "Man in Business Suit Levitating, for one" is related to the word "EMOJI" because the man in a business suit is a reference to the "Man in Business Suit Levitating" emoji, which is a popular emoji in the set of emojis.

Took a nap

The word "DOZED" in English is related to the hint "Took a nap" because "dozed" is the past tense of the verb "doze," which means to sleep lightly or briefly, often in a short period of time, such as a nap.

Flying solo

The phrase "Flying solo" is an idiomatic expression that means to do something or travel alone, without any companions or assistance.

The word "ALONE" in English means being by oneself, without anyone else present.

The relationship between the two is that "Flying solo" is a figurative way of saying someone is "alone", but in the context of flying an aircraft. In aviation, flying solo means flying an aircraft without a co-pilot or any other crew member.

Graphic novel style for "One Piece," the best-selling of its kind

The hint "Graphic novel style for 'One Piece,' the best-selling of its kind" is related to the word "MANGA" in English because "MANGA" refers to a style of Japanese comic books or graphic novels, often featuring colorful, action-packed storylines and characters.

In this context, "One Piece" is a popular Japanese manga series, and the hint is describing its graphic novel style. The term "MANGA" is often used in English to refer to this specific style of Japanese comics, which is distinct from Western-style graphic novels.

Genuine

The word "Genuine" is closely related to the word "REAL" in English.

Both words convey the idea of being authentic, true, or not fake. "Genuine" typically describes something that is original, not counterfeit, and has not been altered or imitated. Similarly, "REAL" is an adjective that means being actual, existing, or not imaginary.

In many contexts, "Genuine" and "REAL" can be used interchangeably to describe something that is not artificial, false, or pretended. For example:

• A genuine smile is a real smile.
• A real friend is a genuine friend.

However, there are some subtle differences in their usage and connotations. "Genuine" often implies a sense of quality, integrity, or sincerity, whereas "REAL" tends to focus more on the fact that something exists or is actual.

Dutch cheese that's "made backward," per a joke

The word "EDAM" is a type of Dutch cheese. The hint "made backward" refers to the fact that the word "EDAM" is the same when spelled backwards as it is when spelled forwards.

Grinding tooth

The word "MOLAR" in English is related to the hint "Grinding tooth" because a molar is a type of tooth in the human mouth, specifically located in the back of the jaw, used for grinding and crushing food.

Gas made of three oxygen atoms

The word "OZONE" in English is related to the hint "Gas made of three oxygen atoms" because ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms (O3).

Game that might end if you accidentally bump the table

The word "JENGA" is related to the hint "Game that might end if you accidentally bump the table" because Jenga is a popular tabletop game where players take turns removing blocks from a tower, and if the tower falls due to accidental bumping or other means, the game ends.

Like the best-case scenario

The word "IDEAL" in English is derived from the Greek word "idios," meaning "one's own," and the suffix "-al," which forms an adjective.

The hint "Like the best-case scenario" relates to the word "IDEAL" because an ideal situation is one that is perfect, flawless, and without any flaws or imperfections. It is the best possible outcome or scenario, where everything goes as planned and there are no obstacles or challenges. In this sense, the word "IDEAL" conveys a sense of perfection, optimality, and desirability.