That Monday Morning Brain Tease: Diving Into the NYT Mini Crossword

Ah, Monday. The start of another week, a fresh slate, and for many of us, a welcome little brain-teaser from the New York Times: the Mini Crossword. You know the drill, right? That tiny grid, deceptively simple, often packs a surprising punch, a real wake-up call for the old gray matter. And frankly, it's a ritual, isn't it? A quick coffee, a glance at the headlines, and then, inevitably, to the Mini. It’s a moment of quiet, a small victory before the day truly begins.

Today, November 10, 2025, presented a pretty classic Monday offering. Not too taxing, which is always a relief after, say, a particularly gnarly Saturday puzzle. But still, there were a couple of clues that might have made you pause, maybe scratch your head for a second or two. You know, those moments where the answer is right there on the tip of your tongue, just out of reach? It's all part of the fun, truly.

So, let's dive right into it, shall we? If you found yourself staring blankly at, oh, say, a clue like "Place for a massage," and "SPA" just wasn't clicking immediately—no judgment here! Happens to the best of us. Or perhaps "Group of eight" left you wondering if it was a band, a sports team, or something entirely different before "OCTET" finally dawned. These little detours, honestly, they’re what make the Mini so charmingly addictive.

Without further ado, here are the full answers for today’s delightful little mental workout. Consider this your friendly nudge, your gentle assist, so you can tick off that satisfying "solved" box and move on with your Monday, feeling just a tad smarter.

Across:
1A: Place for a massage: SPA
4A: Group of eight: OCTET
5A: Not out: IN
6A: Cereal grain: OAT
7A: Pig's home: STY

Down:
1D: Sharp-tasting: SOUR
2D: Not "them": US
3D: Short for "doctor": DR
4D: Octagonal road sign: STOP
5D: To the inside: INTO

There you have it. Another day, another Mini conquered. Whether you sailed through it effortlessly or needed a little hint (or a lot, hey, we don't judge!), the satisfaction of a completed grid is undeniable. Until tomorrow, keep those brain cells buzzing!