Mini Crossword August 23, 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 × 6

   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 — ___-Dixon line (5)

   Reference to a geographical dividing line in the US

   6 Across — More than enough (5)

   Describing a generous amount or supply of something

   7 Across — Obvious verdict in Shaggy's "It Wasn't Me" (5)

   Clear conclusion from a popular song's lyrics

   8 Across — Hit the slopes (3)

   Winter sport activity at a mountain resort

   9 Across — Something to "keep on the prize" (3)

   Focus on a goal or target to stay motivated

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — People or Rolling Stone, for short (3)

   Abbreviation for a type of media publication

   2 Down — Make laugh (5)

   Entertain someone, often in a lighthearted way

   3 Down — Like the skin of a durian fruit (5)

   Texture of a specific type of tropical fruit skin

   4 Down — Skate park jump (5)

   Aerial move performed in skateboarding and similar sports

   5 Down — Part of a ping-pong table (3)

   Component of a table used for a popular indoor game

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   M… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   G… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   S… (3 letters)

   9 Across

   E… (3 letters)

   1 Down

   M… (3 letters)

   2 Down

   A… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   S… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   O… (5 letters)

   5 Down

   N… (3 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

   8 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