NYT Mini Answer for Apr 4, 2025

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Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Elphaba's broom in "Wicked" or Aladdin's lamp in "Aladdin"

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

LAMP PROP BROO

5-Across. Thorough investigation

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

INVES PROBE SEARC EXAMI AUDIT

6-Across. Metaphor for an unquestioning rule-follower

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

ZEBRA ROBOT LEMMI GOONS DRONE

7-Across. Harvard and Yale, for two

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

COLLE IVIES UNIER SCHOO UNIVR

8-Across. ___ Wearhouse (department store chain)

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

MENS WEAR JUST SALE STOR

1-Down. Definitively determine

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

PROVE CLUES DECID FINAL

2-Down. Herald of spring

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE ROBIN GREEN SPRIN BLOOM

3-Down. Orchestral reeds

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

CLARI OBOES FLUTE CORNE

4-Down. Kibble nibblers

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

CATS DOGS PETS FISH BIRD

5-Down. Fastidiously proper

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

NEAT PRIM CLEA FORM TIDY

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

Elphaba's broom in "Wicked" or Aladdin's lamp in "Aladdin"

The hint "Elphaba's broom in "Wicked" or Aladdin's lamp in "Aladdin"" is related to the word "PROP" in English because in both cases, the objects mentioned (Elphaba's broom and Aladdin's lamp) are used as props in the respective stage productions or movies.

In theater and film, a prop is an object used by an actor or actress to further the plot, illustrate a character's personality, or create a specific atmosphere. In this context, Elphaba's broom and Aladdin's lamp are both props that play a significant role in the storylines of "Wicked" and "Aladdin."

Thorough investigation

The word "PROBE" in English is related to the hint "Thorough investigation" because a probe is an instrument or device used to investigate or examine something closely, often in a detailed or thorough manner. It can also refer to an investigation or inquiry into a particular matter or issue.

Metaphor for an unquestioning rule-follower

The word "ROBOT" in English is a metaphor for an unquestioning rule-follower because it is derived from the Czech word "robota," which means "forced labor" or "drudgery." The term "robot" was popularized by the play "R.U.R." (Rossum's Universal Robots) by Karel Čapek in 1920, where robots were depicted as machines that performed tasks without question or free will, following rules and instructions without deviation. This concept has since been adopted in popular culture to represent individuals who blindly follow rules and authority without questioning or critical thinking.

Harvard and Yale, for two

The hint "Harvard and Yale, for two" is related to the word "IVIES" in English because the word "IVIES" is an acronym that stands for the names of eight prestigious private colleges and universities in the United States.

The eight Ivy League schools are:

1. Harvard University
2. Yale University
3. University of Pennsylvania
4. Princeton University
5. Columbia University
6. Brown University
7. Dartmouth College
8. Cornell University

The term "Ivy League" was originally used to describe the athletic conference formed by these eight schools in 1954. Over time, the term has come to be associated with the academic excellence and social elite status of these institutions.

___ Wearhouse (department store chain)

The relationship between the hint "___ Wearhouse (department store chain)" and the word "MENS" in English is that the blank space should be filled with the word "Men's".

Definitively determine

The word "PROVE" in English is related to the hint "Definitively determine" because to prove something means to establish or demonstrate its truth or validity with certainty, definitively, and conclusively. In other words, to prove something is to determine or show that it is true or correct beyond any doubt or uncertainty.

Herald of spring

The relationship between the hint "Herald of spring" and the word "ROBIN" in English is that the robin is a bird species often associated with the arrival of spring. In many cultures, the robin is considered a harbinger or herald of spring due to its distinctive red plumage and early return to areas after winter.

Orchestral reeds

The hint "Orchestral reeds" is related to the word "OBOES" in English because an oboe is a type of musical instrument that belongs to the woodwind family and is played by blowing air through a reed. In orchestral settings, the oboe is often used to provide a distinctive and mellow sound.

Kibble nibblers

The hint "Kibble nibblers" is related to the word "PETS" in English because it refers to the typical characteristics and behaviors associated with pets, particularly their tendency to eat kibble (a type of dry pet food).

Fastidiously proper

The word "PRIM" in English can be related to the hint "Fastidiously proper" because "prim" is an adjective that means being extremely proper, modest, and restrained in one's behavior, speech, or dress. It describes someone who is meticulous and careful about their appearance and behavior, often to the point of being overly concerned with being proper or respectable.