Mini Crossword October 26, 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

   6 × 5

   Clues

   5 across, 6 down

   Answer lengths

   4–6 letters

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

   Open only the one you want.

   1 Across — Sound of fall leaves underfoot (6)

   Sound associated with autumn walks

   7 Across — Santa's laugh (6)

   Jolly sound often written in festive stories

   8 Across — Hit film franchise with blue-skinned aliens known as Na'vi (6)

   Film series set on a distant planet

   9 Across — Brain nerve cell (6)

   Cell type crucial for brain function and study

   10 Across — "Say ___!" ("Alright, I get it") (4)

   Phrase used to acknowledge understanding

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Action star Jackie (4)

   Martial artist and actor known for comedic roles

   2 Down — Wander this way and that (4)

   Verb meaning to move aimlessly or without direction

   3 Down — Big name in moving vans (5)

   Company name synonymous with rental trucks

   4 Down — ___-Dame Cathedral (5)

   Cathedral name with historical and cultural significance

   5 Down — Complete pandemonium (5)

   State of complete disorder or confusion

   6 Down — "Hook 'em ___" (battle cry of the University of Texas) (5)

   University of Texas mascot reference

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   C… (6 letters)

   7 Across

   H… (6 letters)

   8 Across

   A… (6 letters)

   9 Across

   N… (6 letters)

   10 Across

   L… (4 letters)

   1 Down

   C… (4 letters)

   2 Down

   R… (4 letters)

   3 Down

   U… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   N… (5 letters)

   5 Down

   C… (5 letters)

   6 Down

   H… (5 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

   10 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