Cracking the Code: Your Daily Guide to the NYT Mini Crossword

Ah, another day, another delightful little mental tussle with the New York Times Mini Crossword! Isn't it just the perfect bite-sized brain teaser to kickstart your morning, or perhaps wind down with during a quiet moment? Today, we're diving headfirst into the puzzle for May 25, 2025. And look, let's be honest, we all get a little bit stuck sometimes, right? There's absolutely no shame in needing a friendly peek behind the curtain to keep that solving streak alive!

Just a friendly heads-up before we proceed: if you're still determined to tackle this puzzle entirely on your own, now's your chance to avert your gaze! We're about to unveil the full solutions. Consider this your official, neon-sign-flashing spoiler alert!

Alright, let's get right into it, shall we? Here are the answers for the May 25, 2025 NYT Mini Crossword, meticulously broken down by Across and Down clues. See if you can spot where you might have gotten a tiny bit snagged, or simply nod along knowing you absolutely nailed it!

Across Clues & Answers:

Let's kick things off with the horizontal challenges that often set the tone for the whole grid:

• 1A: Place for a mani-pedi (4 letters)
  Answer: SALON
  This one often tricks people, making them think of a spa or something more elaborate. But a simple 'salon' just fits so perfectly, doesn't it?

• 4A: "Great" Dane, e.g. (3 letters)
  Answer: DOG
  A classic bit of wordplay! The capital 'G' in "Great" might make you think of something grand, when it's just our wonderfully furry companions.

• 5A: Not cooked (3 letters)
  Answer: RAW
  Straightforward enough, though sometimes the simplest clues can feel surprisingly elusive when you're staring at an empty grid.

• 6A: Opposite of "yes" (2 letters)
  Answer: NO
  Could it possibly be any shorter? This is a true mini crossword staple, appearing in its many forms.

• 7A: Small amount, as of salt (3 letters)
  Answer: DAB
  Think of a 'dab' of paint on a brush, or a tiny 'dab' of sauce. Just a small, unassuming bit!

Down Clues & Answers:

Now for the vertical dives that often help confirm those tricky across answers:

• 1D: ___ & crafts (3 letters)
  Answer: ART
  A wonderfully common pairing, this one usually pops right into mind without much fuss. Art and crafts, a classic combo!

• 2D: Sound of a clock (4 letters)
  Answer: TICK
  It's not 'tock' mind you, just the singular sound that keeps time. A rhythmic little helper!

• 3D: French for "friend" (3 letters)
  Answer: AMI
  A little dash of foreign language flair, but 'ami' is a fairly common crossword entry, especially in these mini puzzles.

• 4D: Unit of electricity (3 letters)
  Answer: OHM
  Alright, science corner! Short and sweet, if you can recall your basic physics terms. Don't resist this answer!

• 5D: Something to row (3 letters)
  Answer: OAR
  Picture a boat gliding across the water, and you've got this one. Simple, nautical, and perfectly fitting.

So, how did you fare today? Hopefully, this little guide helped clear up any lingering mysteries or solidified your correct guesses. The true beauty of the Mini Crossword is that even when you get stumped, it's a quick fix, and there's always a brand new puzzle waiting for you tomorrow. Keep those brain cells buzzing, and happy puzzling!