Mini Crossword October 29, 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 — Gummy ___ (4)

   Cuddly toy often made of soft materials

   5 Across — Dummy (5)

   Insult implying lack of intelligence

   7 Across — Tummy (5)

   Anatomical term for the stomach area

   8 Across — Mean facial expression (5)

   Facial expression showing disdain or scorn

   9 Across — Left-wing political org. that includes Zohran Mamdani and A.O.C. (3)

   US progressive political organization with notable members

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Garments worn in high chairs (4)

   Baby attire to protect clothing during meals

   2 Down — Garden for Adam and Eve (4)

   Biblical location associated with paradise

   3 Down — Felt sick (5)

   Phrasal verb meaning to feel unwell or ill

   4 Down — Willy Wonka and Bob Dylan, for Timothée Chalamet (5)

   Character parts played by actors in films

   6 Down — Banks of "America's Next Top Model" (4)

   Famous model and TV personality who hosted a competition

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   B… (4 letters)

   5 Across

   I… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   B… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   S… (5 letters)

   9 Across

   D… (3 letters)

   1 Down

   B… (4 letters)

   2 Down

   E… (4 letters)

   3 Down

   A… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   R… (5 letters)

   6 Down

   T… (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