Mini Crossword October 17, 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

   7 × 7

   Clues

   10 across, 7 down

   Answer lengths

   3–7 letters

2. 2 Hint 2: Across clues, with an extra nudge each

   Open only the one you want.

   1 Across — "A book which people praise and don't read," per Mark Twain (7)

   Quote highlighting the disconnect between praise and actual reading

   8 Across — Cheese used in lasagna (7)

   Italian cheese often used in pasta dishes

   9 Across — Two hours of free drinks at a wedding, say (7)

   Wedding perk that's a draw for some guests

   10 Across — Swanky event in a gallery (7)

   Sophisticated gathering with art as the main attraction

   11 Across — Uncle, in Spanish (3)

   Common familial term in many Spanish-speaking cultures

   12 Across — Basketball net holder (3)

   Part of a basketball hoop that the ball goes through

   13 Across — B&B relative (3)

   Type of lodging often found in tourist areas

   14 Across — ___ kwon do (3)

   Martial art with a name that sounds like a Korean phrase

   15 Across — Number shown on a dating profile (3)

   Personal detail often shared on social media and dating sites

   16 Across — Show that The Weeknd has performed on, aptly enough (3)

   Late-night TV show that frequently hosts musical performances

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Zagreb's country (7)

   Country in Southeastern Europe with a complex history

   2 Down — Piercing seen while puckering (7)

   Body modification often associated with self-expression

   3 Down — Chemical ingredient in nail polish remover (7)

   Common solvent used in household and industrial applications

   4 Down — Karaoke choice (4)

   Type of performance often enjoyed in a casual setting

   5 Down — Caribbean resort island for the ultrawealthy, familiarly (7)

   Exotic island getaway popular among the rich and famous

   6 Down — Like antipasti, manicotti and gelati (7)

   Cuisine characterized by its rich flavors and hearty portions

   7 Down — Gooey part of a Snickers bar (7)

   Sweet and sticky component of a popular candy bar

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   C… (7 letters)

   8 Across

   R… (7 letters)

   9 Across

   O… (7 letters)

   10 Across

   A… (7 letters)

   11 Across

   T… (3 letters)

   12 Across

   R… (3 letters)

   13 Across

   I… (3 letters)

   14 Across

   T… (3 letters)

   15 Across

   A… (3 letters)

   16 Across

   S… (3 letters)

   1 Down

   C… (7 letters)

   2 Down

   L… (7 letters)

   3 Down

   A… (7 letters)

   4 Down

   S… (4 letters)

   5 Down

   S… (7 letters)

   6 Down

   I… (7 letters)

   7 Down

   C… (7 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

   11 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