NYT Mini Answer for Jan 26, 2025

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Here, you'll find hints for the mini crossword puzzle you're working on. Just let us know what you need help with, and we'll do our best to assist you. Happy solving!

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Instrument in a band's rhythm section

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

DRUM BASS TRAP GUIT BEAT

5-Across. The name Jane Doe, e.g.

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE ALIAS NAMEL STAGE PSEUD

7-Across. Legendary actress Greta

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE GARBO ACTOR SCREE STARS

8-Across. Manicurist's board

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

EMERY FILED BOARD NAILS CLIPS

9-Across. Singular

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

SING LONE ONES EYES ALON

1-Down. The "bun" for a breakfast sandwich, often

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

ENGLI BAGEL TOAST PANCA ROLLS BREAD

2-Down. Texas landmark at which Pee-Wee Herman asks "Where's the basement? … Aren't we gonna see the basement?"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

ALAMO HOUSE BASIN SPACE STAGE

3-Down. Sound from an ambulance

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE SIREN BEATS ALARM HONKS

4-Down. Certain sword spelled the British way

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE SABRE BRICK SPACE STAGE

6-Down. Base of miso

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

KOM SOY KAZ MIS KAN

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

Instrument in a band's rhythm section

The word "BASS" in English refers to a low-pitched instrument, typically played in a band's rhythm section. The rhythm section is a group of musicians in a band that provides the rhythmic foundation, usually consisting of the bassist, drummer, and sometimes a keyboardist or pianist. The bassist plays the bass instrument, which is a crucial part of the rhythm section, providing the low-pitched foundation and rhythm for the rest of the band.

The name Jane Doe, e.g.

The hint "The name Jane Doe, e.g." is related to the word "ALIAS" in English because an alias is a name or identity used by a person other than their real name, often used in situations where the person's real name is unknown or not available.

In law enforcement and forensic science, "Jane Doe" is a common placeholder name used for unidentified female victims or suspects, indicating that their real name is unknown. This is an example of an alias, where a person's real name is not used and a substitute name is used instead.

Legendary actress Greta

The hint "Legendary actress Greta" refers to Greta Garbo, a renowned Swedish actress who was active in Hollywood during the 1920s to 1940s. Her name is often associated with the word "GARBO" in English, which is a direct reference to her surname.

Manicurist's board

The hint "Manicurist's board" is related to the word "EMERY" in English because an emery board is a tool used by manicurists to shape and smooth fingernails.

Singular

The word "LONE" in English is related to the hint "Singular" because "LONE" is an adjective that means being alone or solitary, which implies a single or singular state.

The "bun" for a breakfast sandwich, often

The word "BAGEL" in English is related to the hint "The 'bun' for a breakfast sandwich, often" because a bagel is a type of bread that is commonly used as the "bun" for breakfast sandwiches.

Texas landmark at which Pee-Wee Herman asks "Where's the basement? … Aren't we gonna see the basement?"

The Texas landmark mentioned is the Alamo, a former Spanish mission and famous site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. The word "ALAMO" is also an anagram of the phrase "A Lot Amo," which is a play on words referencing Pee-wee Herman's catchphrase "I know you are, but what am I?"

Sound from an ambulance

The word "SIREN" in English is related to the hint "Sound from an ambulance" because a siren is a loud, high-pitched warning device typically used on emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars, to alert people of their presence and to signal that they need to take action.

Certain sword spelled the British way

The word "SABRE" is spelled the British way, which means it follows the British English spelling conventions. In British English, the preferred spelling is "sabre", whereas in American English, it is spelled as "saber".

Base of miso

The hint "Base of miso" refers to the primary ingredient used to make miso, which is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans.

The word "SOY" in English is derived from the Japanese word "shoyu," which refers to soy sauce. However, in the context of miso, the base ingredient is soybeans, not soy sauce.

The relationship between the hint and the word "SOY" is that the base ingredient of miso is soybeans, which is where the word "SOY" originates from in the context of Japanese cuisine.