Mini Crossword September 14, 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 — Channel for "Survivor" and "Big Brother" (3)

   TV network with many reality shows

   4 Across — Dessert wine (4)

   Type of fortified wine often served with cheese

   5 Across — Alfred Hitchcock famously made one in 40 of his 53 films (5)

   Brief appearance by a famous person in a film

   6 Across — Like elephants distinguished by their smaller rounded ears (5)

   Descriptor for certain elephant species or their ears

   7 Across — "The ___ Horror Show," 2026 Broadway revival with nine Tony nominations (5)

   Musical horror show with a 2026 Broadway revival

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Word before relief, book or strip (5)

   Adjective for a strip or book that's humorous

   2 Down — Snap (off) (5)

   Verb meaning to snap or separate quickly

   3 Down — Cold and unfeeling (5)

   Emotional descriptor for someone cold and unresponsive

   4 Down — El ___, West Texas metropolis (4)

   Nickname for a major Texas city on the Rio Grande

   5 Down — Expensive gift for a 16th birthday (3)

   Luxury item often given to celebrate a milestone birthday

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   C… (3 letters)

   4 Across

   P… (4 letters)

   5 Across

   C… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   R… (5 letters)

   1 Down

   C… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   B… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   S… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   P… (4 letters)

   5 Down

   C… (3 letters)

5. 5 Hint 5: Where the grid opened up

   Last rung before the filled answers.

   1 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