Mini Crossword September 1, 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 — Peering pair (4)

   Body part that works in pairs for sight

   5 Across — "Hugs and kisses" sign-off (4)

   Common abbreviation for affectionate closings

   6 Across — Support, as for a corporate plan (5)

   Phrase meaning to endorse or support a plan

   7 Across — Words exchanged at the wedding altar (4)

   Vows made during a marriage ceremony

   8 Across — Email sign-off (4)

   Polite way to end a professional email

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Give off strongly (5)

   Emit a strong smell or scent

   2 Down — Toys on strings (5)

   Classic toys that demonstrate potential energy

   3 Down — Be in the world (5)

   Philosophical term for being present in reality

   4 Down — Prince Archie, to Harry and Meghan (3)

   Family relationship term for a child

   6 Down — Neckwear for a baby (3)

   Baby clothing item for mealtime protection

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   E… (4 letters)

   5 Across

   X… (4 letters)

   6 Across

   B… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   I… (4 letters)

   8 Across

   B… (4 letters)

   1 Down

   E… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   Y… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   E… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   S… (3 letters)

   6 Down

   B… (3 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

   4 Down was the shortest entry at 3 letters, and every crossing it made handed over a free letter elsewhere.

   Open the answers, clue by clue