Mini Crossword September 4, 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 — With 6- and 8-Across, face seen in outer space (3)

   Astronaut's recognizable visage in space

   4 Across — Opposite of tight (5)

   Not constricted or tightly fitted

   6 Across — See 1-Across (5)

   Phrase indicating a visual connection

   7 Across — Directly called out in a post, using an "@" (5)

   Social media mention format

   8 Across — See 1-Across (4)

   Natural satellite of Earth

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — "Eureka" for California, or "Excelsior" for New York (5)

   State or country's official phrase

   2 Down — Pale with fright (5)

   Become pale due to shock

   3 Down — Have to have (4)

   Require something out of necessity

   4 Down — Actor Neeson of "Taken" (4)

   Actor known for action roles

   5 Down — "Hold ___ your hat!" (4)

   Expression of surprise or excitement

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   M… (3 letters)

   4 Across

   L… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   I… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   M… (4 letters)

   1 Down

   M… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   A… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   N… (4 letters)

   4 Down

   L… (4 letters)

   5 Down

   O… (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