Mini Crossword November 3, 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 — Insurance filing (5)

   Paperwork for compensation request

   6 Across — Bar game? (5)

   Physical challenge or test

   7 Across — To no ___ (uselessly) (5)

   Phrase for futile effort

   8 Across — Pie you likely wouldn't see at a Thanksgiving table (5)

   Food not typically served at harvest meals

   9 Across — Much-loved (4)

   Term for beloved person or thing

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Sudden sound of thunder (4)

   Abrupt loud noise in weather

   2 Down — Hopping mad (5)

   Description of extreme anger

   3 Down — Elicit oohs and aahs from (5)

   Verb meaning to astonish or surprise

   4 Down — Spanish island known for its nightlife (5)

   Popular destination for party vacations

   5 Down — Back tooth (5)

   Type of tooth in the back of mouth

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   C… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   L… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   P… (5 letters)

   9 Across

   D… (4 letters)

   1 Down

   C… (4 letters)

   2 Down

   L… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   A… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   I… (5 letters)

   5 Down

   M… (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