Mini Crossword August 31, 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 — Spider ___ (3)

   Common phrase associated with spiders and internet connections

   4 Across — Quaint term for a boyfriend, from the French (4)

   Term of endearment with French origins, often used in literature

   5 Across — Crocodile ___ (5)

   Idiomatic expression for insincere or fake sadness

   6 Across — ___ bird (5)

   Phrase used to describe a bird that wakes up at dawn

   7 Across — ___ wolf (3)

   Part of a common phrase used to describe a loud, mournful sound

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Feeling tired and worn out (5)

   Emotional state often described as being exhausted or drained

   2 Down — British noble title (4)

   Hereditary title ranking below a marquess in the British peerage

   3 Down — ___ bee (4)

   Adjective used to describe someone or something that is industrious

   4 Down — Panda ___ (4)

   Type of mammal that is native to China and known for eating bamboo

   5 Down — Detective, in old shorthand (3)

   Old-fashioned term for a detective or investigator, often used in literature

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   W… (3 letters)

   4 Across

   B… (4 letters)

   5 Across

   T… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   E… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   C… (3 letters)

   1 Down

   W… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   E… (4 letters)

   3 Down

   B… (4 letters)

   4 Down

   B… (4 letters)

   5 Down

   T… (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