Mini Crossword August 30, 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 — Classical instrument in the Guinness logo (4)

   Instrument often depicted in mythological scenes

   5 Across — Covered in vines (5)

   Describing an ivy-covered building or wall

   7 Across — 8-Across competitor, in the soda aisle (5)

   Brand known for its rivalry with another cola giant

   8 Across — 7-Across competitor, in the soda aisle (4)

   Iconic soda brand with a polar bear mascot

   9 Across — Owner of The Athletic, for short (3)

   Abbreviation for a media company with a daily crossword

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Cool and in the know (3)

   Colloquialism for being fashionable and trendy

   2 Down — French for "with" (4)

   Preposition used in French to indicate accompaniment

   3 Down — Ruthlessly make fun of (5)

   Phrase meaning to mock or tease mercilessly

   4 Down — Annoying, like mosquitoes (5)

   Word describing something annoying or irritating

   6 Down — Plan born from many a New Year's resolution (4)

   Regimen often started on January 1st

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   H… (4 letters)

   5 Across

   I… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   P… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   C… (4 letters)

   9 Across

   N… (3 letters)

   1 Down

   H… (3 letters)

   2 Down

   A… (4 letters)

   3 Down

   R… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   P… (5 letters)

   6 Down

   D… (4 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