NYT Mini Answer for Feb 4, 2025

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Possible words for each clue

1-Across. T-shirt or blouse

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

TOP TUN SHO TAB TEE

4-Across. Do a novelist's job

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

CREAT WRITE AUTHO STORY NARRY

6-Across. Confusing answer to "So I'm supposed to turn left?"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE RIGHT WONDE CONFU LEFTS

7-Across. French "to be"

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

JEUX SOIS ETRE JEUX SOIS

8-Across. ___-do-well

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

NEER GOOD WELL DOOR NEED

1-Down. Fearsome cat, in Spanish

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

LEOPA TIGRE PANTE

2-Down. Alternative option

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

OTHER ALTER OPTIO ALTER OTHER

3-Down. Marcel the monkey, on "Friends"

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

CAT PET MON FAN DOG

4-Down. Tiny bird with a piercing "teakettle-teakettle!" song

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

WREN LARK SWAL TEAL SPAR

5-Down. Religious ceremony

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

MASS RITE BAPT MESA

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

T-shirt or blouse

The hint "T-shirt or blouse" is related to the word "TOP" in English because in informal contexts, "top" is often used as a shortened form of "topwear" or "top garment," which refers to a shirt or blouse. This usage is commonly seen in phrases like "What's your top?" or "I'm wearing my top today." In this context, "top" is a colloquialism that refers to a casual, upper-body garment, such as a T-shirt or blouse.

Do a novelist's job

The hint "Do a novelist's job" is related to the word "WRITE in English" because a novelist's primary job is to write stories, novels, and other literary works. The word "WRITE" is a verb that means to create written content, which is exactly what a novelist does. The hint is a play on words, suggesting that the person should write in English, which is the language in which they are supposed to write.

Confusing answer to "So I'm supposed to turn left?"

The hint "Confusing answer to 'So I'm supposed to turn left?'" is related to the word "RIGHT" in English because the word "RIGHT" can be pronounced similarly to the phrase "write" or "right" as in correct, but in this context, it is referring to the direction.

The confusing answer is likely because the word "RIGHT" sounds similar to the word "write", which is a verb meaning to record or inscribe something. This similarity in pronunciation can cause confusion, especially in a situation where someone is asking for directions.

French "to be"

The hint "French 'to be'" refers to the verb "être" in French, which is the primary verb used to express existence, being, or state of being.

In English, the word "ETRE" is not a direct translation of the verb "être" in French. However, the word "ETRE" is actually the English translation of the Latin word "esse," which is the root of the verb "être" in French.

In Latin, the verb "esse" means "to be" and is the source of many English words related to existence and being, such as "essence," "essential," and "exist." The French verb "être" evolved from the Latin "esse" and is used to express similar concepts of existence and being.

So, while "ETRE" is not a direct translation of "être" in English, it is a related concept that comes from the same Latin root.

___-do-well

The hint "___-do-well" is related to the word "NEER" in English, but it's actually a play on words with "NE'er-do-well".

A "NE'er-do-well" is an idiom used to describe someone who is idle, lazy, or unsuccessful. It is derived from the phrase "never do well," implying that the person is incapable of achieving success or doing anything worthwhile.

The word "NEER" is not directly related to the phrase, but rather it's a play on words with the similar-sounding "NE'er".

Fearsome cat, in Spanish

The word "TIGRE" in Spanish translates to "TIGER" in English. The hint "Fearsome cat" refers to the tiger, which is a large and powerful feline species known for its fear-inducing appearance and predatory nature.

Alternative option

The word "OTHER" in English is closely related to the hint "Alternative option".

The word "OTHER" is an adjective that means different from the one first or mainly considered; another. It is often used to describe an alternative or a choice that is not the primary or main one.

In many contexts, "OTHER" is used interchangeably with "Alternative", "Option", or "Choice". For example, "What's the other option?" or "What's the alternative choice?" are both valid questions that imply considering an option that is not the primary one.

The hint "Alternative option" is essentially a description of the meaning of the word "OTHER". It highlights the idea of considering a choice or option that is not the main or primary one, which is the core meaning of the word "OTHER".

Marcel the monkey, on "Friends"

The hint "Marcel the monkey, on 'Friends'" is related to the word "PET" in English because Marcel is a pet monkey owned by Ross Geller, a character in the popular TV show "Friends".

Tiny bird with a piercing "teakettle-teakettle!" song

The hint "Tiny bird with a piercing 'teakettle-teakettle!' song" is related to the word "WREN" in English because the wren is a small bird known for its distinctive and loud song, which is often described as a series of short, sharp notes, similar to the sound of a teakettle whistling.

Religious ceremony

The word "RITE" in English is closely related to the hint "Religious ceremony".

In English, "rite" is a noun that refers to a specific act or ceremony performed in a religious or ritual context. It can also refer to a particular custom or tradition associated with a specific religion or culture.

For example, a baptism rite is a specific ceremony performed in many Christian denominations to welcome a new member into the faith. Similarly, a wedding rite is a ceremony that marks the union of two people in marriage.

The word "rite" is derived from the Latin word "ritus", which means "custom" or "ceremony". In English, the word has been used since the 14th century to describe various forms of religious or cultural rituals.

In summary, the word "RITE" in English is closely tied to the concept of a religious ceremony, and is often used to describe specific acts or customs associated with a particular faith or culture.