New York Times Mini Crossword Answers for November 25, 2024

Across: Clues and Answers

1. Clue — Accessory marked down after Halloween, maybe
   Answer: MASK
   Explanation: After Halloween, stores often discount leftover costumes and accessories such as masks.

2. Clue — High level?
   Answer: ATTIC
   Explanation: The attic is often the highest floor in a house, playing on the term “high level” both literally and figuratively.

3. Clue — Tree-dwelling animal whose fur gets tinted green with algae
   Answer: SLOTH
   Explanation: Sloths live in trees and their slow movements allow algae to grow on their fur, providing camouflage.

4. Clue — Cook, as onions
   Answer: SAUTE
   Explanation: Sautéing is a method of cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or butter.

5. Clue — River that Achilles was (mostly!) dipped in
   Answer: STYX
   Explanation: According to Greek mythology, Achilles’ mother dipped him in the River Styx to make him nearly invulnerable, except for his heel.

Down: Clues and Answers

1. Clue — It’s measured in kilograms
   Answer: MASS
   Explanation: Mass is the amount of matter in an object, typically measured in kilograms in the metric system.

2. Clue — Rockefeller Center statue depicting a Greek Titan
   Answer: ATLAS
   Explanation: The statue of Atlas in Rockefeller Center depicts the Titan from Greek mythology bearing the heavens on his shoulders.

3. Clue — Strong, dark beer
   Answer: STOUT
   Explanation: Stout is a type of strong, dark beer with a rich flavor.

4. Clue — Poker pot
   Answer: KITTY
   Explanation: In poker, the “kitty” is the pool of chips or money accumulated from contributions by the players.

5. Clue — Party mix cereal
   Answer: CHEX
   Explanation: Chex is commonly used in making party mix snacks due to its crunchy texture and versatility.

Puzzle Highlights and Solving Tips

The concise and clever design of this 5×5 grid makes the NYT Mini Crossword a quick yet challenging activity. Each clue demands a mix of general knowledge and wordplay, making it accessible and enjoyable for solvers of varying skill levels.

Key Points:

• MASK: Relates to post-Halloween sales.
• ATTIC: Wordplay involving hierarchical levels in a house.
• SLOTH: Introduces an ecological fact about the creature.
• STYX: Adds depth with Greek mythology.
• CHEX: Balances intellectual elements with everyday trivia.

Additional Tips:

• Broaden your vocabulary: Regular solving of mini crosswords enhances your word bank.
• Use lateral thinking: Clues often have a dual meaning. Think both literally and figuratively.
• Explore other puzzles: Solving other crosswords can boost your skills and introduce new patterns of thinking.

The NYT Mini Crossword is available on the New York Times website and its Games app. Perfect for a quick brain exercise, it’s designed for a brief yet rewarding challenge. Enjoy solving!