Mini Crossword August 11, 2026: Clues & Answers

Mini Crossword hints, one rung at a time

Five rungs, from grid facts to a nudge per clue. The recap above already summed the grid up, so this ladder is here for anyone replaying it fresh rather than as a spoiler shield.

1. 1 Hint 1: Grid facts

   Counted off the grid.

   Grid

   5 × 5

   Clues

   5 across, 5 down

   Answer lengths

   3–5 letters

2. 2 Hint 2: Across clues, with an extra nudge each

   Open only the one you want.

   1 Across — "Magic" items for Jack, in a classic fairy tale (5)

   Fabled tokens for a hopeful young trader

   6 Across — What the "A" stands for in A/V (5)

   Term that pairs with 'visual' in tech

   7 Across — Political ally who receives corrupt benefits (5)

   Pejorative term for a partisan with questionable motives

   8 Across — "Uh-uh" (4)

   Informal way to express disagreement

   9 Across — Cutesy suffix with "best" (3)

   Affectionate suffix often used in endearments

3. 3 Hint 3: Down clues, with an extra nudge each

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Portmanteau for a skin problem under a T-shirt or bra strap (5)

   Skin issue that can be a nuisance in warm weather

   2 Down — Continental currency units (5)

   Units of money used across much of Europe

   3 Down — "___, don't shop" (pet shelter slogan) (5)

   Imperative phrase used in animal welfare campaigns

   4 Down — Highest number in sudoku (4)

   Maximum value for a single cell in a sudoku puzzle

   5 Down — Veggie burger ingredient (3)

   Common ingredient in plant-based meat alternatives

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   B… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   C… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   N… (4 letters)

   9 Across

   E… (3 letters)

   1 Down

   B… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   E… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   A… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   N… (4 letters)

   5 Down

   S… (3 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

   9 Across was the shortest entry at 3 letters, and every crossing it made handed over a free letter elsewhere.

   Open the answers, clue by clue