Hints and Answers for NYT Mini Crossword on March 12

NEW YORK, NY — On March 12, 2025, puzzle enthusiasts turned to The New York Times Mini Crossword for a quick mental challenge. This bite-sized puzzle edition, featuring a 5×5 grid, captivated players with its cleverly crafted clues.

The NYT Mini provides daily puzzles that many find engaging and enjoyable, offering an accessible option for both seasoned solvers and newcomers. Unlike its larger counterpart, the Mini is free to play, though access to archived puzzles requires a subscription to NYT Games.

Today’s puzzle featured a variety of clues with answers that highlighted the unique nature of the Mini. For instance, one clue asked for “Droplets typically spotted in the morning,” which referred to “DEW.” Additionally, the puzzle included a clever twist with a clue about a “Change that a Spaniard or German might request?” hinting at the answer “EUROS.”

Across the grid, players were tasked with solving the following clues:

• 1 Across: Drops on a putting green, say – DEW
• 4 Across: Change that a Spaniard or German might request? – EUROS
• 6 Across: Beat handily, in slang – SPANK
• 7 Across: Annoying, as a younger sibling – PESKY
• 8 Across: Blue expanse – SEA

In the vertical challenges, players encountered:

• 1 Down: Pulls a fast one on – DUPES
• 2 Down: Clear, as a blackboard – ERASE
• 3 Down: Speaker of the line “You know, no other factory in the world mixes its chocolate by waterfall” – WONKA
• 4 Down: Paranormal gift, for short – ESP
• 5 Down: Blue expanse – SKY

Those looking to improve their solving skills found today’s puzzle slightly challenging, with the clever phrasing often adding layers of complexity. One player commented, “A question mark on the Mini is often a sign of a slightly cryptic clue, after all.” Solving today’s Mini took them just under a minute, demonstrating the fine balance between speed and comprehension.

The NYT Mini is not just a game but a daily routine for many, inviting a community of players who enjoy solving the puzzles together. As one player remarked, “If I’d had more coffee, I might have figured out EUROS sooner.”

As the excitement of solving continues to build, players can look forward to tomorrow’s installment. The NYT Mini crossword remains a beloved part of the paper’s games collection, attracting solvers who appreciate its unique blend of challenge and delight.