Mini Crossword September 3, 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 — Leave alone (5)

   Phrase used to tell someone to ignore something

   6 Across — Vehemently dislike (5)

   Strongly feel repulsed or disgusted by something

   7 Across — Middle section of the body (5)

   Part of the human body between the chest and hips

   8 Across — "Hands on your ___! Hands on your ___!" (refrain in the "Cha-Cha Slide") (5)

   Body part involved in a popular dance move

   9 Across — Iris's place (3)

   Organ that contains the pupil

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — Crispy treat during Hanukkah (5)

   Traditional food eaten during the Jewish festival of lights

   2 Down — Expensive dark wood (5)

   Type of wood often used in high-end furniture making

   3 Down — This clue's number (5)

   Number that corresponds to this clue's position

   4 Down — Big name in portable speakers (4)

   Brand name associated with portable audio equipment

   5 Down — Greek god who shoots (and sounds like!) arrows (4)

   Mythological figure associated with love and desire

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   L… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   T… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   K… (5 letters)

   9 Across

   E… (3 letters)

   1 Down

   L… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   E… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   T… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   B… (4 letters)

   5 Down

   E… (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