Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for April 9, 2025? Our guide is here to help! The New York Times Mini Crossword is a bite-sized version of the classic daily puzzle—quick to solve but just as rewarding. Perfect for word enthusiasts who want a fun challenge without the time commitment of a full-sized crossword, it’s available both in print and online for solvers of all skill levels.
Need a hint? We’ve got you covered! Check out the list of clues below—just tap on the one you’re stuck on to reveal the answer. Don’t worry, the rest will stay spoiler-free so you can keep solving at your own pace!
1A Word after “cheap as” or “old as” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Word (noun)
- The divine message or expression of God; refers to the second person of the Trinity, embodied in Jesus.
- News or updates about significant and current happenings.
Answer:
[spoiler]DIRT[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Word (verb)
- To express something using specific language or phrasing.
5A Sean ___, director who won four Oscars for “Anora” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Director (noun)
- A person who leads or conducts a musical ensemble.
- An individual responsible for managing resources and overseeing spending.
Answer:
[spoiler]BAKER[/spoiler]
6A “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” musical NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Musical (adjective)
- Having or featuring a pleasant melody.
- Related to, similar to, or accompanied by music.
Answer:
[spoiler]ANNIE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Musical (noun)
- A theatrical play or movie that includes singing and dancing as part of the performance.
7A Pastry at a tea shop NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Pastry (noun)
- A mixture of flour, water, and fat used as a base for baked goods.
- Any type of baked item made from dough or batter.
Answer:
[spoiler]SCONE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Shop (noun)
- A small place where crafts or manufacturing are carried out.
- A retail establishment where goods or services are sold.
8A Works on a quilt, perhaps NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Quilt (noun)
- A type of bedding made from two fabric layers with filling in between, sewn together with stitches.
Answer:
[spoiler]SEWS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Quilt (verb)
- To make by stitching pieces together.
- To sew or stitch layers of fabric to form a quilt.
1D “Never give a sword to a man who can’t ___”: Confucius NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Confucius (noun)
- A Chinese philosopher (circa 551–478 BC) whose teachings and sayings were compiled after his death, forming the foundation of Confucianism.
Answer:
[spoiler]DANCE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Sword (noun)
- A weapon designed for cutting or thrusting, featuring a long metal blade and a handle with a guard for the hand.
2D “You don’t need to tell me!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Need (verb)
- To be in want of something.
- To require something because it is useful, appropriate, or necessary.
Answer:
[spoiler]IKNOW[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Need (noun)
- Something essential that is missing or required.
- A psychological drive that motivates an individual to act toward a specific goal; the underlying cause that gives meaning and direction to behavior.
3D Straps for a horseback rider NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Horseback (adverb)
- Riding on a horse.
Answer:
[spoiler]REINS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Horseback (noun)
- A slender hill ridge.
- The upper part or back of a horse.
4D One might be shady NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Shady (adjective)
- Different from what is anticipated or suspicious in nature.
- Covered with or full of shade.
Answer:
[spoiler]TREE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Might (noun)
- Great physical power or strength.
5D Big Mouth Billy ___ (singing animatronic fish) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Mouth (verb)
- To speak or express using words.
- To form words with the lips without making sound.
Answer:
[spoiler]BASS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Mouth (noun)
- The opening in the face used for eating and speaking.
- A person who speaks on behalf of others, such as a lawyer or representative.
