NYT Mini Answer for May 6, 2025

Hello mini crossword enthusiasts!

You're doing great, and don't give up - you're just a few clues away from solving that tricky mini crossword. Remember, it's all about having fun and challenging your brain.

If you're stuck, don't worry, we've got you covered. This page is here to provide you with helpful hints and guidance to get you back on track. From subtle nudges to more detailed explanations, we'll do our best to nudge you towards the solution.

Take a deep breath, relax, and trust the process. You've got this! With a little patience and persistence, you'll be filling in those squares in no time.

So, 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 may the puzzle gods be with you!

Possible words for each clue

1-Across. Everest and Kilimanjaro: Abbr.

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

MTS APS MTS APS MTS

4-Across. A little horse

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

FOAL PONY NEED HORS COLT

5-Across. A little hoarse

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOARS RASPY SORES HARSH ROAST

6-Across. Perfect

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE IDEAL FLAWY EXACT NEATS

7-Across. Unlike houses that have been professionally staged

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE MESSY UNSET CLUTS CHAOS

1-Down. Hero of the Passover Seder

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

HOUSE MIDAS BREAD MOSES TABLE

2-Down. Spanish small plates

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

PANES TAPAS ALPAS EMACS OLIVE

3-Down. In a sneaky way

Possible 5-letter words for this clue:

STEAL SLYLY CRAFT TRICK SNEAK

4-Down. Lessen over time

Possible 4-letter words for this clue:

WEAR FADE SLIP WANE SEEM

5-Down. What airballs fail to touch

Possible 3-letter words for this clue:

TOP RIM CAT DOG TAP

Based on the hints provided, have you managed to deduce the solution? If you're still unable to come up with an answer, please refer to the options listed below.

Today's Answers Explained

Everest and Kilimanjaro: Abbr.

The hint "Everest and Kilimanjaro: Abbr." refers to the word "MTS" in English, which is an abbreviation for "Mountain" or "Mount".

Everest is a mountain in the Himalayas, and Kilimanjaro is a mountain in Africa.

A little horse

The word "foal" in English refers to a young horse, typically under the age of four. The hint "A little horse" is related to the word "foal" as it describes the age and size of a foal, emphasizing that it is a small or young horse.

A little hoarse

The hint "A little hoarse" is related to the word "RASPY" in English because a raspy voice is often described as being a little hoarse. A hoarse voice is typically characterized by a rough, scratchy, or strained quality, often due to vocal strain or illness. The word "raspy" is an adjective that describes a similar quality of voice, often used to describe a voice that is harsh, rough, or grating.

Perfect

The word "Perfect" and "IDEAL" are closely related in English.

"Perfect" is an adjective that means something is completely or utterly flawless, without any defects or imperfections.

"IDEAL" is an adjective that means something is a standard or model of excellence, or something that is considered to be the best or most desirable.

In essence, "IDEAL" is often used to describe something that is considered to be "Perfect" in its own right, or something that is striving to be "Perfect". The relationship between the two words is that "IDEAL" is often used to describe a goal or a standard that something is striving to achieve, which is to be "Perfect".

Unlike houses that have been professionally staged

The hint "Unlike houses that have been professionally staged" is related to the word "MESSY" in English because it implies a contrast between a perfectly arranged and decorated space (like a professionally staged house) and a space that is cluttered and disorganized (like a messy house).

In this context, "messy" suggests a lack of order, cleanliness, or organization, which is often the opposite of what you would find in a professionally staged house. The hint is likely used to describe a space that is not carefully curated or presented, but rather is in a state of disarray.

Hero of the Passover Seder

The word "MOSES" in English is derived from the Hebrew name "Moshe" (, pronounced "moh-shay"), which is the name of the biblical figure who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. In the context of the Passover Seder, Moses is considered the hero because he played a crucial role in the Exodus, a pivotal event in Jewish history.

The Passover Seder is a ritual meal that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, and Moses is often referred to as the "Hero of the Passover Seder" because of his leadership and bravery during this time. The story of Moses and the Exodus is retold during the Seder, and he is often honored as a symbol of freedom and redemption.

Spanish small plates

The hint "Spanish small plates" is directly related to the word "TAPAS" in English.

In Spanish, the word "tapa" means "cover" or "lid." However, in the context of Spanish cuisine, "tapas" refers to small plates of food that are typically served as appetizers or snacks.

The origin of tapas dates back to the 13th century in Spain, where bartenders would cover glasses of wine with a piece of bread to prevent flies from landing in the drink. Over time, these small pieces of bread became a vessel for various toppings and ingredients, eventually evolving into the small plates we know today as tapas.

In English, the term "tapas" has become synonymous with Spanish small plates, often served in bars and restaurants as a way to share a variety of flavors and dishes with others.

In a sneaky way

The word "slyly" in English is an adverb that means in a sneaky or cunning way. It is derived from the adjective "sly," which describes someone or something that is cunning, deceitful, or crafty.

The relationship between the hint "In a sneaky way" and the word "slyly" is that they convey the same meaning. The hint is a description of the manner in which something is done, while the word "slyly" is an adverb that modifies a verb or another adverb to indicate the manner in which it is done.

Lessen over time

The word "FADE" in English is related to the hint "Lessen over time" because it can refer to a gradual decrease or reduction in intensity, amount, or strength over a period of time. This can be seen in various contexts such as:

• A light or sound fading away: The intensity of the light or sound decreases over time until it becomes almost imperceptible.
• A color fading: The color of a dye or paint may fade over time due to exposure to sunlight or other environmental factors.
• A memory fading: A person's memory of an event may fade over time as it becomes less vivid or less accessible.
• A skill fading: A person's skill or proficiency in a particular activity may fade over time if they do not continue to practice or use it.

In each of these cases, the word "FADE" implies a gradual decrease or reduction in something over a period of time, which aligns with the hint "Lessen over time".

What airballs fail to touch

The word "RIM" in English refers to the edge or border of a circular object, such as a basketball.

The hint "What airballs fail to touch" is related to the word "RIM" because an airball in basketball is a shot that does not touch the rim of the hoop.