NYT Mini Answer for Feb 21, 2025

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Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Elevator alternative

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

STAIR LADDE STEPS RAMPE LIFTS

6-Across. Evil corporation on Apple TV+'s "Severance"

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

INSID LUMON SEVER CORPS INJUS

7-Across. Ring-shaped coral reef

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE ATOLL SHORE ISLES CORAL

8-Across. Aura of confidence

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

MOJO POKE ZEST DARE GLOW

9-Across. ___ Lanka

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

CAT SRI LAP TAN RAM

1-Down. Severely criticizes

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

SLAMS RAVES SCORN FLAIL SCATH

2-Down. One-on-one academic coach

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

TEACH TUTOR ADVIS COACH MENTO

3-Down. A head of our time?

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE EMOJI VISIO SPACE STEAM

4-Down. Preppy shirt

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

POLO SLIM BUTT TIES NEAT

5-Down. Show with a recently aired 50th anniversary special

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

CAT SNL NEW OLD FUN

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

Elevator alternative

The hint "Elevator alternative" is related to the word "STEPS" in English because an alternative to an elevator is often to use stairs, which are typically referred to as "steps".

Evil corporation on Apple TV+'s "Severance"

The word "LUMON" is the name of the fictional corporation in the Apple TV+ series "Severance". The company is portrayed as a large, seemingly benevolent, and highly influential organization that has a significant impact on the lives of its employees. However, as the series progresses, it is revealed that LUMON has a darker side, which is hinted at through various plot twists and character developments.

Ring-shaped coral reef

The hint "Ring-shaped coral reef" is related to the word "ATOLL" in English because an atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef that forms around a lagoon, typically surrounding a former volcanic island that has sunk into the sea.

Aura of confidence

The hint "Aura of confidence" is related to the word "MOJO" in English because "MOJO" is often used to describe a person's aura or confidence, especially in a charismatic or magnetic way. It is a colloquialism that refers to a person's charm, appeal, or mystique that inspires confidence and admiration in others.

___ Lanka

The relationship between the hint "___ Lanka" and the word "SRI in English" is that "SRI" is the prefix for the country name "Sri Lanka".

Severely criticizes

The word "SLAMS" in English is a verb that means to criticize severely or strongly, often in a public or dramatic way. It is often used in phrases such as "slams someone or something" or "slams criticism" at someone or something.

In this context, the relationship between the hint "Severely criticizes" and the word "SLAMS" is that they are synonyms, with "SLAMS" being a more forceful or dramatic way of expressing the idea of severe criticism.

One-on-one academic coach

The hint "One-on-one academic coach" is closely related to the word "TUTOR" in English.

A tutor is typically an individual who provides one-on-one instruction or guidance to a student, often in a specific subject area or academic discipline. This personalized coaching or mentoring is usually tailored to meet the individual needs and learning style of the student.

In this context, the hint "One-on-one academic coach" accurately describes the role and function of a tutor, emphasizing the personalized and individualized nature of their academic support.

A head of our time?

The hint "A head of our time?" is related to the word "EMOJI" in English because the word "EMOJI" is written with a head or a face emoji (🤖) in its name.

Preppy shirt

The relationship between the hint "Preppy shirt" and the word "POLO" in English is that a POLO shirt is a type of preppy shirt, typically characterized by a collar and buttons down the front. The name "POLO" comes from the sportswear brand Ralph Lauren's Polo brand, which popularized this style of shirt.

Show with a recently aired 50th anniversary special

The hint "Show with a recently aired 50th anniversary special" is related to the word "SNL in English" because SNL stands for Saturday Night Live, a popular American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show. The show celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special episode, which matches the hint provided.