Mini Crossword August 24, 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

   4–5 letters

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

   Open only the one you want.

   1 Across — Animal that appears orange to human eyes, but as a camouflaged green to deer (5)

   Big cat with distinctive stripes in its natural habitat

   6 Across — Get a smile or laugh from (5)

   Entertain or occupy someone's attention pleasantly

   7 Across — Business with multiple locations (5)

   Type of business model with multiple outlets or branches

   8 Across — Dating app with a curvy "H" logo (5)

   Popular dating app known for its user-friendly interface

   9 Across — "At the ___, please record your message ..." (4)

   Specific sound or manner of speaking used in a message

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Dashboard gauge, for short (4)

   Instrument measuring engine speed, often on a dashboard

   2 Down — Dramatic cry in a game of paintball (5)

   Expression of alarm or warning during a game

   3 Down — Fertilizer obtained from bats (5)

   Natural substance used to enrich soil quality

   4 Down — Add one's name to, as a PDF document (5)

   Add a digital signature to a document electronically

   5 Down — Actress Zellweger (5)

   Acclaimed actress known for her roles in biographical films

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   T… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   C… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   H… (5 letters)

   9 Across

   T… (4 letters)

   1 Down

   T… (4 letters)

   2 Down

   I… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   G… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   E… (5 letters)

   5 Down

   R… (5 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

   9 Across was the shortest entry at 4 letters, and every crossing it made handed over a free letter elsewhere.

   Open the answers, clue by clue