Mini Crossword September 7, 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 — Tool with teeth (3)

   Used for cutting or shaping wood

   4 Across — Number of rows on a chessboard (5)

   Chessboard layout feature that's quite standard

   6 Across — Common Wordle starting word (5)

   Popular starting word in a certain online word game

   7 Across — Kick back (5)

   Take it easy, or unwind completely

   8 Across — Band's grouping of songs (3)

   Music performance that showcases various tracks

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

   Same treatment, the other way.

   1 Down — French fries and coleslaw, for two (5)

   Food items often served alongside a main course

   2 Down — Fleet of foot (5)

   Physically nimble, or quick on your feet

   3 Down — Resource in the game Catan (5)

   Commodity used in a popular strategy board game

   4 Down — Body part in the heart of "heart" (3)

   Anatomical part related to hearing and balance

   5 Down — Attire for a black-tie wedding (3)

   Formal outfit worn for special evening events

4. 4 Hint 4: First letter of every answer

   One letter each.

   1 Across

   S… (3 letters)

   4 Across

   E… (5 letters)

   6 Across

   A… (5 letters)

   7 Across

   R… (5 letters)

   8 Across

   S… (3 letters)

   1 Down

   S… (5 letters)

   2 Down

   A… (5 letters)

   3 Down

   W… (5 letters)

   4 Down

   E… (3 letters)

   5 Down

   T… (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