Bold takeaway: Daily crossword clues reveal how everyday words connect cooking, travel, and language, turning a simple puzzle into a mini masterclass in everyday vocabulary. And this is where it gets controversial: a small change in wording can shift how beginners interpret clues, nudging them toward one answer path over another. Here’s a fully rewritten, expanded version that preserves all key information while explaining terms for new solvers.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword solutions for Tuesday, December 9.
If you’re after the freshest Mini Crossword solutions, you can follow links here for today’s hints, plus our complete lists of answers for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections, and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
Stuck on today’s Mini Crossword? It’s a bit tougher than usual and may take longer to crack. Read on for the solutions, and if you’d like extra tips for solving daily crosswords, explore our Mini Crossword tips page.
If you also want today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition, and Strands solutions, visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
For more guidance on solving The New York Times Mini Crossword, check out our Tips and Tricks article.
Now, let’s dive into today’s Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini Across clues and answers
1A clue: Apt profession for someone named Rosemary or Ginger
Answer: CHEF
Explanation: A playful nod to names that evoke herbs and spices; Rosemary and Ginger both suggest culinary contexts, hence a chef fits well.
5A clue: Get to go, as leftovers
Answer: BOXUP
Explanation: To box up leftovers means to place them in a box for takeaway or storage.
7A clue: Word that can precede Bowl or Glue
Answer: SUPER
Explanation: The phrase “super bowl” (as in a major football game) and “super glue” (a strong adhesive) share the common word SUPER.
8A clue: Intense anger
Answer: RAGE
Explanation: A straightforward synonym for strong, fierce anger.
9A clue: "Cut that out!"
Answer: STOP
Explanation: A direct command meaning to cease the activity immediately.
Mini Down clues and answers
1D clue: Stephen Colbert's network
Answer: CBS
Explanation: The late-night host has long been associated with CBS.
2D clue: Noted group of 24
Answer: HOURS
Explanation: A standard day is divided into 24 hours, commonly referred to as a group of 24.
3D clue: One living abroad, informally
Answer: EXPAT
Explanation: Short for expatriate, used informally to describe someone living outside their home country.
4D clue: Spanish for "fire"
Answer: FUEGO
Explanation: The Spanish word for fire is fuego.
6D clue: Do some kitchen work
Answer: PREP
Explanation: In cooking, “prep” refers to the preliminary tasks like chopping or measuring ingredients.
If you’d like, I can tailor this rewritten version to a specific audience (beginners, advanced solvers, or non-native English readers) or adjust the tone to be more casual or more formal. Would you prefer a version with additional examples for each clue, or keep it strictly concise?
