NYT Mini Answer for Feb 9, 2025

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You're doing great, and don't give up - every puzzle has its challenges. Remember, the key to success is patience and persistence. Take your time, and think creatively.

If you're stuck, don't worry, we've got you covered. This page is here to provide helpful hints for the mini crossword game. From subtle clues to clever wordplay, we'll guide you through the process.

Our hints are designed to be gentle nudges, not spoilers. We want you to enjoy the thrill of discovery, but sometimes a little nudge is all you need to get back on track. So, take a deep breath, and let's solve this puzzle together.

What's the clue that's got you stumped? Let us know, and we'll do our best to provide a helpful hint. Happy solving, and good luck!

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Bengal or lion

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

CAT TIG MAN

4-Across. Patrick Mahomes, for his entire N.F.L. career

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

CHIEF HOUSE START LEAGU FIELD

6-Across. Kendrick ___, Super Bowl LIX halftime act

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE LAMAR STADI HOUSE PERIO

7-Across. Opposing side

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

ADVER ENEMY OPPRE

8-Across. Super Bowl scores, for short

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

PTS TDS YDS

1-Down. "E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!," for one

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE CHANT FLUTE STAGE FLYER

2-Down. Targeted, as a football throw

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE AIMED THROW FLUNG HURTS

3-Down. Play groups?

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

CLUBS TEAMS GROUP CLANS CLUBS

4-Down. The Browns, on N.F.L. scoreboards

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

CLE YAN BUC DEN PAT

5-Down. Cook in the pan

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

CAT FRY EGG BUT MEA

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

Bengal or lion

The hint "Bengal or lion" is related to the word "CAT" in English because it refers to two types of big cats:

1. Bengal cat: a domesticated cat breed that originated from the Asian leopard cat.
2. Lion: a large carnivorous mammal and the king of the jungle.

Both of these animals are commonly referred to as "cats" in English, which is the connection between the hint and the word "CAT".

Patrick Mahomes, for his entire N.F.L. career

The word "CHIEF" in English is related to the hint "Patrick Mahomes, for his entire N.F.L. career" because Patrick Mahomes is the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, a professional American football team in the National Football League (N.F.L.).

Kendrick ___, Super Bowl LIX halftime act

The word "LAMAR" is related to the name "Kendrick Lamar", an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer.

Opposing side

The hint "Opposing side" is closely related to the word "ENEMY" in English.

In a conflict or competition, the opposing side refers to the group or individual that is in direct opposition to the other party. This opposing side is often referred to as the enemy, as they are seen as a threat or an obstacle to achieving one's goals or objectives.

In this context, the term "enemy" is used to describe the opposing side in a negative or adversarial sense, implying a sense of hostility or competition.

Super Bowl scores, for short

The hint "Super Bowl scores, for short" refers to the word "TDS" because in American football, specifically in the Super Bowl, the score is often represented by the number of touchdowns (T) and the number of field goals (FG) or other points, but the most common abbreviation is for touchdowns which is TD.

"E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!," for one

The relationship between the hint "E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!" and the word "CHANT" in English is that the given phrase is a well-known sports chant, specifically a cheer for the Philadelphia Eagles football team in the National Football League (NFL).

Targeted, as a football throw

The word "AIMED" in English is related to the hint "Targeted, as a football throw" because both convey the idea of directing something towards a specific goal or target.

In the context of a football throw, the ball is aimed at a specific receiver or target, requiring precision and accuracy. Similarly, in English, the word "aimed" means directed or intended at a specific goal or target, often with the intention of achieving a particular outcome.

The connection between the two is that they both involve a deliberate and focused effort to hit or reach a specific target, whether it's a football receiver or a desired outcome.

Play groups?

The hint "Play groups?" is related to the word "TEAMS" in English because "teams" can refer to groups of people who play together, often in a sporting or recreational context. The wordplay is a pun on the multiple meanings of "teams", implying that the word itself is a group of letters that can be rearranged to form the word "play groups".

The Browns, on N.F.L. scoreboards

The hint "The Browns, on N.F.L. scoreboards" is related to the word "CLE" in English because "CLE" is the abbreviation for the city of Cleveland, Ohio, which is home to the Cleveland Browns, a professional American football team in the National Football League (N.F.L.).

Cook in the pan

The hint "Cook in the pan" is related to the word "FRY" in English because frying is a cooking method that involves cooking food in a pan with oil or fat.