Mini Crossword September 22, 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 — What fills the Venn diagram of "Spider-Man" and "the Internet" (3)

   Common ground for two popular culture references

   4 Across — Pack, as a mover might (5)

   Verb meaning to pack or bundle items neatly

   6 Across — "Adios ___!" (5)

   Term of endearment used in a farewell phrase

   7 Across — Large stringed instrument (5)

   Instrument often used in orchestras and chamber music

   8 Across — Prepare to pop the question (5)

   Action taken to prepare for a romantic proposal

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Alcott's "Little ___" (5)

   Classic novel by Louisa May Alcott featuring female protagonists

   2 Down — Political leader unwelcome at home (5)

   Term for a person forced to leave their country

   3 Down — Small brass instrument (5)

   Instrument often used in military and ceremonial contexts

   4 Down — Support politically (4)

   Phrase meaning to show political support or solidarity

   5 Down — Site of cannonballs and bellyflops (4)

   Place where people often engage in recreational swimming

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   W… (3 letters)

   4 Across

   B… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   C… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   K… (5 letters)

   1 Down

   W… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   E… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   B… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   B… (4 letters)

   5 Down

   P… (4 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