Mini Crossword August 20, 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 — Scientist's workplace (3)

   Where experiments and research often take place

   4 Across — Best friend of Charlie Brown (5)

   Comic strip character known for his security blanket

   6 Across — Looking for a fight, informally (5)

   Describes a confrontational or aggressive attitude

   7 Across — Turtle's hiding place (5)

   Protective part of a turtle's anatomy

   8 Across — Give an effort (3)

   Common phrase for making an attempt or endeavor

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Plant food? (5)

   Essential element for photosynthesis in plants

   2 Down — "Don't Look Back in ___" (Oasis hit) (5)

   Oasis song title referencing a strong emotion

   3 Down — Large and muscular (5)

   Physical description implying strength and bulk

   4 Down — ___ Vegas (3)

   City in Nevada known for entertainment and casinos

   5 Down — Note after do, re, mi, fa ... (3)

   Musical note in the solfege syllable sequence

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   L… (3 letters)

   4 Across

   L… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   S… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   T… (3 letters)

   1 Down

   L… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   A… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   B… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   L… (3 letters)

   5 Down

   S… (3 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

   1 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