NYT Mini Crossword — August 11, 2026
Hints — one at a time
Hint 1 of 5
Today's five-by-five leans on a classic fairy tale for its opening clue and stays breezy the rest of the way.
Hint 2 of 5
Across, look for the countable items Jack traded a cow for in a bedtime story, the first half of a home-theater term, and a word for someone who profits from favoritism toward their friends.
Hint 3 of 5
The across side wraps up with a blunt way of saying 'no' and a playful suffix you'd tack onto 'best' to sound extra cute.
Hint 4 of 5
Down, you'll need a mashup word for the skin irritation caused by a tight strap or shirt, the shared currency across much of Europe, and the first word of a shelter slogan about choosing pets over stores.
Hint 5 of 5
Finish down with the top digit allowed in a completed number-grid puzzle and the plant-based protein many meatless burger patties are built around.
The answer — spoilers!
Reveal the full answer
- "Magic" items for Jack, in a classic fairy tale — BEANS
- What the "A" stands for in A/V — AUDIO
- Political ally who receives corrupt benefits — CRONY
- "Uh-uh" — NOPE
- Cutesy suffix with "best" — EST
- Portmanteau for a skin problem under a T-shirt or bra strap — BACNE
- Continental currency units — EUROS
- "___, don't shop" (pet shelter slogan) — ADOPT
- Highest number in sudoku — NINE
- Veggie burger ingredient — SOY
This puzzle by the numbers
- 5 across, 5 down
- BEANS (5)
Counted from our own archive of NYT Mini Crossword answers — not published anywhere else.
