The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →These hints and answers are for the NYT Mini Crossword published Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Read the clues first if you want a nudge before seeing the completed answer key.
Hints for the January 8 Mini
Try the clues below before opening the answer key. The hints give a direction without spelling out every answer.
Across
- 1 Across: The cartoon sign gives an instruction for entering or leaving.
- 5 Across: A four-person TV team led by Hannibal.
- 7 Across: What kind of school grants an MA or MS?
- 8 Across: J’s position in the alphabet, written as an ordinal.
- 9 Across: A British slang word for butt.
Down
- 1 Down: A staple that can be cooked al dente.
- 2 Down: A synonym for “downright.”
- 3 Down: The movement associated with the famous Italian tower.
- 4 Down: An espresso drink commonly made with steamed milk.
- 6 Down: A brief, unimpressed response to something underwhelming.
Answer key
Spoilers below. The clue wording and answers are from Forbes contributor Kris Holt’s January 8, 2025 guide.
Across answers
| Number | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Across | Word on the front door of the Midvale School for the Gifted, in a famous Far Side cartoon | PULL |
| 5 Across | Classic TV squad featuring B.A., Faceman, Hannibal and Murdock | A-TEAM |
| 7 Across | MA or MS, but not BA or BS | STATE |
| 8 Across | Like the letter J, alphabetically | TENTH |
| 9 Across | Butt, to Brits | ARSE |
Down answers
| Number | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Down | Food you might cook al dente | PASTA |
| 2 Down | Downright | UTTER |
| 3 Down | What the Tower of Pisa does | LEANS |
| 4 Down | Milky coffee order | LATTE |
| 6 Down | “I’ve seen better” | MEH |
Which January 8 puzzle is this?
This answer key is for Wednesday, January 8, 2025. January 8, 2026 fell on a Thursday, so it is a different date and weekday puzzle. The Mini generally uses a five-by-five grid with three to five clues in each direction, although some puzzles can be larger, especially on Saturdays.
Quick Recap
#1 Best Overall
Source: Forbes, Kris Holt, January 8, 2025.
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