NYT Mini Answer for Jan 30, 2025

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Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Soft rock

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

TALC MALT LATE ALPS LACE

5-Across. First-string squad

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

START ROLES SELEC STARS

7-Across. Soft rock?

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

MAGMA HOUSE ROCKS FLUTE SILKY

8-Across. Tissue layers, e.g.

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

EPICS PLIES SKINS FOLDS LAMIN

9-Across. Fiona Apple and Tracy Chapman, vocally

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE ALTOS SINGS MEETS VOICE

1-Down. Florida's so-called "Cigar City"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE TAMPA CIGAR BEANS SMOKE

2-Down. To any degree

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

ATALL HOUSE EXTRE DEGRE FULLY

3-Down. Not sketchy, colloquially

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE LEGIT CLEAN REALS HONOR

4-Down. Brief role in a movie

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE CAMEO SCENE ACTOR ROLES

6-Down. Midnight ___ (Christmas service)

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

MASS ADOR SUNG

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

Soft rock

The word "TALC" in English is related to the hint "Soft rock" because talc is a type of soft, powdery mineral that is often found in metamorphic rocks. It is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate and is known for its softness, which is why it is often used in cosmetics and other applications where a soft, non-abrasive material is required.

First-string squad

The hint "First-string squad" is related to the word "ATEAM" in English because "A-team" is a common idiomatic expression that refers to a team's best or most skilled players.

Soft rock?

The word "MAGMA" in English is related to the hint "Soft rock?" because magma is molten rock that is found beneath the Earth's surface. It is a semi-liquid or viscous substance that has not yet solidified into solid rock.

Tissue layers, e.g.

The word "plies" is related to the hint "Tissue layers, e.g." because in English, "plies" is a verb that means to layer or stack something, especially in a thin or flexible form, such as tissue paper.

Fiona Apple and Tracy Chapman, vocally

The hint "Fiona Apple and Tracy Chapman, vocally" refers to the vocal styles of these two female singers, who are both known for their powerful and emotive alto voices.

In music, an alto is a vocal range that typically spans from A below middle C (A3) to E above middle C (E5). This range is often associated with female voices, particularly those with a warm and rich tone.

The relationship between the hint and the word "ALTOS in English" is that the hint describes the vocal characteristics of singers who typically have alto voices, and the word "ALTOS" is a plural form of the word "alto", referring to singers or vocalists who sing in the alto range.

Florida's so-called "Cigar City"

The hint "Florida's so-called 'Cigar City'" refers to Tampa, Florida. The nickname "Cigar City" originated from Tampa's historical significance in the cigar industry. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tampa was a major center for cigar manufacturing, with many factories and workers employed in the industry. The city's climate and access to Cuban immigrants who brought their cigar-making skills with them made it an ideal location for the industry.

To any degree

The hint "To any degree" is related to the word "At all" in English.

"At all" is an adverbial phrase used to indicate that something is true to a certain extent or degree. It can be used to negate or modify a statement, implying that something is not entirely or completely true.

For example:

• I don't like coffee at all. (meaning I don't like coffee to any degree)
• I like coffee at all. (meaning I like coffee to some degree)

In this context, "to any degree" is a paraphrase of "at all," emphasizing that something is true to a minimal or any extent.

Not sketchy, colloquially

The hint "Not sketchy, colloquially" is related to the word "LEGIT" in English.

"LEGIT" is a colloquialism that means genuine, authentic, or real. It is often used to describe something that is not fake or suspicious. In this context, "Not sketchy, colloquially" is hinting at the meaning of "LEGIT", implying that something is legitimate or trustworthy.

Brief role in a movie

The word "CAMEO" in English is related to the hint "Brief role in a movie" because a cameo is a brief, often uncredited appearance by a well-known person in a film, television show, or other performance. This can be a famous actor, musician, or other celebrity who makes a short appearance, often in a humorous or ironic role. The term "cameo" is derived from the idea of a cameo brooch, a small, ornate piece of jewelry featuring a portrait or image, which is also brief and fleeting.

Midnight ___ (Christmas service)

The relationship between the hint "Midnight ___ (Christmas service)" and the word "MASS in English" is that the word "MASS" is a homophone for the word "MIDNIGHT" in English.