Mini Crossword November 5, 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 — Experimental and provocative (4)

   Describes avant-garde art or fashion

   5 Across — "Top Chef" alum ___ Hall (5)

   Celebrity chef with a popular cookbook

   6 Across — Once more (5)

   Phrase used to repeat an action

   7 Across — Throw ... or a protection for an injured arm (5)

   Medical device for supporting an injury

   8 Across — Something a camper sets up (4)

   Portable shelter for outdoor enthusiasts

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Keen-eyed bird of prey (5)

   Bird symbolizing freedom and vision

   2 Down — "You Can Never Go Down the ___" (Mister Rogers song for kids afraid of bath time) (5)

   Part of a bathroom plumbing system

   3 Down — Flash of light (5)

   Brief, sparkling reflection of light

   4 Down — Yin's counterpart (4)

   Concept in ancient Chinese philosophy

   5 Down — Throw ... or a protection for an injured arm (4)

   Orthopedic device for immobilizing a limb

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   E… (4 letters)

   5 Across

   C… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   S… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   T… (4 letters)

   1 Down

   E… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   D… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   G… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   Y… (4 letters)

   5 Down

   C… (4 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

   1 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