Mini Crossword November 11, 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 — Animal whose prominent feature makes it an unofficial mascot of Wednesday (5)

   Wednesday's unofficial symbol is known for a distinctive body part

   6 Across — Black pizza topping (5)

   Common pizza topping that's often black or green

   7 Across — Mischievous sprite (5)

   Mythical creature often depicted as small and mischievous

   8 Across — In a pickle (5)

   Idiomatic phrase for being in a difficult situation

   9 Across — Make a choice (3)

   Verb meaning to select or choose something

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Halloween costumes with badges and handcuffs (4)

   Costume idea for law enforcement enthusiasts

   2 Down — Supreme Court justice Samuel (5)

   Supreme Court justice with a notable conservative stance

   3 Down — Minor confusion (5)

   Slight misunderstanding or miscommunication

   4 Down — Force out, as from an apartment (5)

   To forcibly remove someone from a property

   5 Down — Vegetable that resembles a large scallion (4)

   Type of vegetable often used in soups and stews

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   C… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   O… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   P… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   S… (5 letters)

   9 Across

   O… (3 letters)

   1 Down

   C… (4 letters)

   2 Down

   A… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   M… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   E… (5 letters)

   5 Down

   L… (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